Four Reasons To Spend New Year's Eve & Day In Philly

Two Fireworks Shows, One Day-Long Parade & One Great Hotel Deal

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Dec 17, 2014, 10:30 ET

PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 17, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Those who want to start 2015 in a big way can do that easily and affordably in Philadelphia thanks to two fireworks shows on New Year's Eve, the day-long Mummers Parade on New Year's Day and a hotel package that includes free hotel parking.

A Philadelphia tradition as iconic as the cheesesteak, the Mummers Parade struts into town every New Year's Day. All year long, local clubs (split into five divisions: Comics, Wench Brigades, Fancies, String Bands and Fancy Brigades) prepare elaborate costumes, movable scenery and intricate musical and dance routines-all for this one spectacular day. Photo by R. Kennedy for VISIT PHILADELPHIA.

New Year's Eve:
Philadelphia hosts plenty of parties for New Year's Eve, but Penn's Landing is the place to be for those who want a prime view of the SugarHouse Casino's New Year's Eve Fireworks on the Waterfront. The shows light up the sky over the Delaware River two times—at 6:00 p.m. and again at midnight. Folks can lace up their ice skates for the Holiday Party on Ice at the Blue Cross RiverRink, featuring entertainment, party favors and great views. And the festivities inside the Winterfest Lodge—a pop-up sensation—add a cozy touch to the start of the New Year. Columbus Boulevard at Market Street, (215) 925-RINK, delawareriverevents.com

New Year's Day:
The Mummers Parade, the 115-year-old, only-in-Philly tradition featuring feathers, sequins, music and merriment, is making changes to the 2015 parade in order to ensure a more fan-friendly experience. That means a shorter route (City Hall to Washington Avenue); marching in a different direction (north to south); judging at the start of the parade, which begins at 10:00 a.m. with the Comics; performances that run the length of the route (not just in certain locations); and an enhanced viewing area at The Philadelphia High School for Creative & Performing Arts, featuring a DJ, food trucks and other amenities. More Mummers glitz awaits at the Fancy Brigade Finale at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, where clubs perform their Broadway-style routines at 12:00 and 5:00 p.m. Tickets for parade seating at City Hall and for the Fancy Brigades are available at the Independence Visitor Center, 6^th & Market Streets, (215) 965-7676, phlvisitorcenter.com.

Make It A Night—Or Two:
Revelers can easily and affordably make a night or two of it with the popular Visit Philly Overnight Hotel Package, including free hotel parking and a special gift upon check-in. Two dozen hotels offer the one- or two-night package, many of which are near the fireworks and parade. visitphilly.com/hotel-packages

Tweet It: Here's why you should spend the New Year in @VisitPhilly: http://vstphl.ly/1sACifk

VISIT PHILADELPHIA^®, formerly known as Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation, makes Philadelphia and The Countryside^® a premier destination through marketing and image building that increases the number of visitors, the number of nights they stay and the number of things they do in the five-county area. On Greater Philadelphia's official visitor website and blog, visitphilly.com and uwishunu.com, visitors can explore things to do, upcoming events, themed itineraries and hotel packages.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141216/164796

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SOURCE VISIT PHILADELPHIA