To accommodate the New Year’s revelers,\u00a0SEPTA plans to operate additional late-night service<\/a> on its subway and Regional Rail lines.\u00a0But there’s no need to wait until midnight to celebrate. For people who prefer to be asleep when 2026 begins, there are plenty of afternoon and evening parties taking place.\u00a0<\/p>\n Here is a guide to the biggest celebrations this week, including the best viewing spots.\u00a0<\/p>\n New Year’s Eve Concert\u00a0 LL Cool J will play a free New Year’s Eve concert at Eakins Oval on Dec. 31.<\/p>\n Rapper LL Cool J<\/a>\u00a0is headlining a New Year’s Eve show on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway that also includes performances from DJ Jazzy Jeff, Adam Blackstone, Dorothy and Technician The DJ.\u00a0Eakins Oval opens at 6 p.m., with the concert starting at 8 p.m. A fireworks show follows the concert’s conclusion at midnight.\u00a0<\/p>\n The Parkway and nearby roads will be closed<\/a> before and during the event.\u00a0Concertgoers must pass through metal detectors. Sanitation trucks will block roads near the Parkway, and police will use drones, helicopters and a marine unit to ensure safety.<\/p>\n Looking to avoid the crowds on the Parkway? Here are some other recommended viewing spots to check out the fireworks.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u2022 Paine’s Park, along the Schuylkill River Trail Delaware Riverfront Events\u00a0 The Delaware Riverfront will expand its New Year’s Eve fireworks show to ring in 2026.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Two fireworks shows take place along the Delaware River on New Year’s Eve. The first begins at 6 p.m. and the latter rings in the new year at midnight.\u00a0<\/p>\n The fireworks will be shot off from three vessels positioned from\u00a0Port Richmond to Pennsport<\/a>,\u00a0and can be viewed from various spots along the Delaware Riverfront.\u00a0<\/p>\n The New Year’s Eve party at Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest offers the opportunity to see the fireworks while ice skating, dancing, riding the ferris wheel or enjoying festive food and drinks. Two ticketed time slots<\/a> are available. The first runs from 5-8 p.m. The latter goes from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.<\/p>\n At Cherry Street Pier, the National Liberty Museum will ring its replica Liberty Bell to mark the new year at a ticketed party<\/a> that includes music, food and drinks. The party is open to people 21 and older.\u00a0<\/p>\n NBC10 and Telemundo 62 will broadcast the 6 p.m. fireworks show. KYW Newsradio will simulcast the sounds from each show on 1060 AM and 103.9 FM.\u00a0<\/p>\n Afternoon New Year’s Celebrations<\/p>\n Several family-friendly celebrations taking place Wednesday afternoon are geared toward children who will be asleep when the clock strikes midnight and for adults who desire a well-rested New Year’s Day.\u00a0<\/p>\n Cherry Street Pier is hosting a Kids Countdown with PopUpPlay from 5-7 p.m. It includes views of the 6 p.m. fireworks show, crafts, music, activities and a balloon drop to conclude the party.\u00a0Tickets can be purchased\u00a0online<\/a>.<\/p>\n Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse is hosting a free\u00a0Noon Year’s Eve<\/a>\u00a0event from 10 a.m. until noon. It includes games, activities, snacks, giveaways, a kid-friendly D and a countdown to noon.\u00a0<\/p>\n Franklin Square Park<\/a>\u00a0has a free Kids New Year’s Eve celebration that includes a “square drop” countdown. There will be crafts from 5-6 p.m., in addition to mini golf, food and drinks. The Delaware Riverfront’s 6 p.m. fireworks show can be seen from the square. Franklin Square closes at 8 p.m.\u00a0Mummers Parade The 125th annual Mummers Parade will kick off New Year’s Day 2026 at City Hall starting at 9 a.m.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n![\"LL](\"https:\/\/media.phillyvoice.com\/media\/images\/LL_Cool_J_NYE_Concert_Philly.original.width-704.jpg\")
Peter Yang\/City of Philadelphia<\/p>\n
\u2022 Sister Cities Park, 210 N. 18th St.
\u2022 Belmont Plateau, 1800 Belmont Mansion Dr.
\u2022 Lemon Hill Mansion, 1 Lemon Hill Dr.
\u2022 Along the Schuylkill Banks\u00a0
\u2022 Girard Avenue Bridge, 123 W. Girard Ave.
\u2022 Drexel Park, 3100 Powelton Ave.\u00a0<\/p><\/blockquote>\n![\"Delaware](\"https:\/\/media.phillyvoice.com\/media\/images\/NewYearsEveFireworks_J.Fusco_12.original.width-704.png\")
J. Fusco\/Visit Philadelphia<\/p>\n![\"Mummers](\"https:\/\/media.phillyvoice.com\/media\/images\/1.1.23_MummersParade_ColleenClaggett-7898.orig.width-704.jpg\")
Colleen Claggett\/For PhillyVoice<\/p>\n