10 North 2nd Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 255-3040
New Year's Eve
On Thursday, December 31, 2026 the City of Harrisburg will host the annual New Year’s Eve Celebration featuring the strawberry drop and fireworks at midnight along 2nd Street. There will also be a Kid’s Glow Party sponsored by Capital Blue Cross featuring a balloon drop, face painting, balloon animals, & crafts – all of which will glow under the blacklights! There will also be free snacks, a dance-off, and milk & cookie toast. Kids should wear their brightest neon and white to glow under the blacklights!
Starting in December, be sure to check explorehbg.com/NYE for a list of NYE dining specials, parties and more happening throughout the City. Details on all offerings will be added as they are confirmed with local businesses.
SPONSORS: Visit Hershey & Harrisburg, Explore HBG, Capital Blue Cross, Renewal By Andersen, Strawberry Square, Park Harrisburg
ROAD CLOSURES: 2nd Street will be closed from Chestnut to Walnut Street starting at 6pm.
PARKING: Downtown street parking is free after 5pm. The Market Square Garage is $10 from 7pm-8am courtesy of Park Harrisburg. You MUST ENTER the garage between 7pm-12am to receive this discounted rate.
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Strawberry Drop & Fireworks
Countdown to the New Year with the annual strawberry drop and midnight fireworks display! The giant strawberry will be lowered to countdown to midnight with the fireworks to follow. The fireworks will be launched from 2nd Street between Market & Blackberry.
There will be a DJ and free hot cocoa starting at 9pm in front of City Hall. There are also several restaurants along 2nd Street to get food and drinks at throughout the night.
Kid’s Glow Party
Wear your brightest neon and white to glow all night at the Kid’s Glow Party sponsored by Capital Blue Cross! We will have blacklights to illuminate all activities including a balloon drop with 1,000 balloons, face painting, balloon animals, crafts, and more! There will also be free snacks, a dance-off, and milk & cookies toast for the children.
The Kid’s Glow Party will take place inside City Hall located at 10 North 2nd Street, Harrisburg, PA. All activities are free. The event is open to children of all ages and their families, but is geared more towards children under age 13.
Doors Open: 8:30pm
Illuminated Balloon Drop: 9:30pm
Strawberry Drop & Fireworks: 12am – these activities happen outside City Hall along 2nd Street.
Dining Specials and Events
End the year by supporting local City businesses! Several businesses will be offering dining and takeout specials and other activities on New Year’s Eve. Starting in December, visit ExploreHBG.com/NYE for information on everything available (the site will be updated as details are received so check back frequently).
If you own a City business and are planning a NYE event or dining special, please use the submission form below to be included in Explore HBG’s NYE promotions.
Sponsors
The City of Harrisburg relies on community partners to produce the New Year’s Eve Celebration. Sponsors receive extensive media coverage, guest speaker opportunities, promotional listings on marketing materials, virtual offerings and more. Sponsorship opportunities offer exposure to a diverse crowd of local residents and regional visitors alike. Please contact Olivia Sorensen at [email protected] for more information about sponsorship opportunities.
Kid's Glow Party Sponsor: CAPITAL BLUE CROSS
Community Sponsor: METZGER WICKERSHAM
PARKING Sponsor: PARK HARRISBURG
Event Images