Say goodbye to 2025 and hello to 2026 in style with one of the many New Year’s Eve events in central Pennsylvania.
As is tradition, many of the towns and cities will be dropping something at midnight. And as Pennsylvanians love a theme, many cities will be holding their countdown with something that is thematically related to each city.
Here’s a look at some of the gatherings and events in our region on New Year’s Eve:
Harrisburg
The Strawberry Drop will be held at midnight outside of City Hall on Second Street, followed by a fireworks display.
Second Street will be closed from Chestnut to Walnut streets starting at 6 p.m.
A Kids Glow Party will be held inside City Hall with a 1,000 balloon drop, face painting, balloon animals, crafts and free snacks. Doors open at 8:30 p.m. and the balloon drop is at 9:30 p.m.
Info: Harrisburg New Year’s Eve
Earlier events in Harrisburg include the Gamut Theatre’s New Year’s Eve Party for Children, with performances of “The Ugly Duckling” by the Popcorn Hat Players.
Performances are held at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., with countdowns to noon and 6 p.m. Tickets include admission to the performance, noisemakers, party hats and a balloon drop following both shows.
Info: Gamut Theatre Countdown to Noon
Hershey
The Hershey Kiss Drop events will be held at ChocolateTown Square, located at Chocolate & Park avenues.
Live music begins at 9 p.m. with the bands Fully Stocked and Burn the Jukebox.Denny Logan from WNNK 104.1 will host the countdown with Hershey characters, followed by a laser light show and pyrotechnics.
Family events are held earlier in the day, including Bubble Wrap Stomps, music with Holly Serio at 7:30 p.m. and face painting from 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Info: Hershey New Year’s Eve Celebration
Hummelstown:
Hummelstown’s Lollipop Drop event begins at 4 p.m., and is organized by The 1762 At The Warwick Hotel at 12 West Main Street.
Info: Lollipop Drop
Carlisle
Carlisle’s Hotchee New Year event will be held at the Carlisle Theatre at 40 West High Street from 6-9 p.m. Activities include a hot dog eating contest at 8 p.m., carriage rides near the town square, concessions and a 50/50 raffle.
The Hotchee Dog Drop will take place at 9 p.m., and feature a giant replica of the Hotchee Dog (a hot dog topped with chili, American cheese and mustard) from Hamilton Restaurant.
Info: Hotchee New Year
Mechanicsburg
This year’s Wrench Drop in Mechanicsburg was almost canceled. But volunteers rallied to make sure the drop takes place once more in front of the Washington Fire Company on West Main Street.
Vendors will be joined by music from a live band and DJ. Festivities begin at 9 p.m.
Info: Wrench Drop
Lebanon
Lebanon’s Bologna Drop will feature a 250-pound bologna. The event starts at 10 p.m. along Eighth Street, from Cumberland to Chestnut streets, with music from DJ Jim Payne
Info: New Year’s Eve Bologna Drop
Gettysburg
Rather than a drop, Gettysburg will hold a raising of an Abraham Lincoln Stovepipe Hat replica at Lincoln Square. The event will include live music and fireworks, and a jumbo screen with a live broadcast of the Times Square countdown in New York City.
Guests can stop at food truck vendors and enjoy free hot chocolate.
Info: From Lincoln Square to Times Square
Lancaster
The Red Rose Drop in Lancaster will be held at Penn Medicine Park, 650 North Prince Street.
Activities begin at 8 p.m., with a Kids Party from 8-10 p.m., including face painting, balloon artists, scavenger hunts and other activities.
An 18+ DJ & Dance Party with photo booth, drinks and food vendors will be operating from 8 p.m. through midnight.
Info: Visit Lancaster City
Columbia
The National Watch & Clock Museum will hold a New Year’s at Noon event starting at 10 a.m., with a balloon drop at noon.
The event will also feature games, crafts, and face painting, with visits from Create Columbia and therapy dogs.
Info: New Years at Noon
York
The York White Rose Drop will be held at Continental Square, with events such as live music starting at 10 p.m.
Info: New Year’s Eve Celebration at Continental Square
Dillsburg
The Dillsburg Pickle Drop will be held at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Dillsburg with activities starting at 7 p.m.
A baby pickle drop will be held at 7 p.m., and live music with the band Six Whiskey Revival starts at 9 p.m.
Attractions include food vendors and games, and the drop will be followed by fireworks.
Info: Dillsburg Pickle Drop 2026
Hanover
Timeline Arcade in Hanover will hold their 11th annual Pac-Man Drop. Events include unlimited arcade and soda from 7-9 p.m. for $30.
Info: Timeline Arcade
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.pennlive.com ’
