Wanderlust World Wanderlust World While most people associate New Year's Eve in the northeast United States with New York City and the ball drop in Times Square, Pennsylvania has its own take on the celebration. Whether you're looking to party all night in Philadelphia or searching for a quiet and romantic getaway, Pennsylvania offers a variety of ways for couples to ring in the New Year.
While New York City has the famous ball drop, the city of brotherly love has its own celebration with a huge fireworks display along the Delaware River waterfront. Due to the cold weather in January, it may be best to watch the fireworks display from inside a hotel. There are a variety of hotels with views of the waterfront offering New Year's Eve packages that may include extras like dinner, a bottle of champagne or upgrades to a room with a whirlpool. The Hyatt Regency Philadelphia and SugarHouse Casino are two of the most well-known hotels with excellent waterfront views but there are many more.
The Pocono Mountains offer a quiet, romantic getaway for couples looking to avoid loud bars and parties. In addition to being a popular skiing and snowboarding destination, several resorts, such as Paradise Stream, Cove Haven , and Pocono Palace, offer romantic getaway packages. These packages offer extras that couples will enjoy such as in-suite whirlpools, all-inclusive options and breakfast in bed.
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, referred to as "Amish Country" after the religious sect that originally settled in the area, offers many quaint locations for couples to ring in the New Year. The region is filled with cottages, inns and bed-and-breakfast establishments that are family owned and operated. They offer a quiet respite from the New Year's Eve hubbub and a plethora of romantic packages, including spa services and four-course dinners, are available.
Hershey, Pennsylvania, named after the famous chocolate company, offers varied entertainment for a couples getaway. Hershey Park is decorated for the holidays and Hershey's Chocolate World is open to visitors. Couples can stay at the Hershey Lodge or the Hotel Hershey, which offers a spa with chocolate-based treatments and a "Quiet Room." Starting around 9 p.m. on New Year's Eve, the park hosts live entertainment, including radio hosts, musicians and other artists. At the stroke of midnight, Hershey has its own version of the ball drop, when a large-scaled Hershey Kiss rises in the air, followed by a fireworks display.