Countdown to the New Year in Central Pennsylvania
As the year draws to a close, Central Pennsylvania gears up for a spectacular New Year's Eve celebration like no other. Forget the traditional ball drop in Times Square; here in the heart of the Keystone State, we do things a little differently. Where else can you ring in the new year with a bologna or pickle drop? Stay with us at the Londonderry Inn and Estate this new year and prepare yourself for an unforgettable experience filled with quirky traditions, lively festivities, and the charming allure of a bygone era, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Our historic bed-and-breakfast is located just outside of Hershey, the sweetest place on earth. For the final countdown to 2024, crowds will gather in ChocolateTown Square, situated at the intersection of Chocolate and Cocoa avenues, for Hershey New Year's Eve. The festivities include two live bands, an exhilarating laser and pyrotechnics show, and more. At the stroke of midnight, witness the majestic ascent of a giant Hershey Kiss. Admission is free, courtesy of generous sponsorship from local businesses and community partners—no tickets required.
While awaiting the countdown, indulge in delectable treats from various nearby vendors offering a diverse range of options, from empanadas and gyros to brisket and hand-rolled soft pretzels, and even lobster mac 'n' cheese. If you crave something warm, savor a comforting bowl of soup or chili alongside a steaming cup of hot chocolate.
In Harrisburg, it's a strawberry that takes center stage for the capital city's 2024 NYE Celebration. Imagine a massive, illuminated strawberry slowly descending from the sky as the clock ticks down to midnight. The scene at the MLK Jr. City Government Center is nothing short of magical, with crowds cheering and music filling the air. As the strawberry drops from Hilton Harrisburg, fireworks will light the sky at midnight on Second Street.
The city of Lebanon continues the food theme for its New Year's Eve Bologna Drop. This will be the 27th year Lebanon drops a real bologna during festivities on South Eighth Street. It's a fun celebration of more than 138 years of bologna making in Lebanon. The much-loved locally smoked meat is fastened to a giant disco ball that descends as midnight approaches. The street party includes a DJ playing lively music, a hot coffee truck, free glow sticks and free samples of beef jerky from Seltzer's Smokehouse Meats.
The borough of Dillsburg loves to make a big “dill” out of its New Year’s Eve celebration by dropping a pickle to ring in the new year. This quarter-century tradition happens in the town square and includes live ice sculpture carving, music by the Southern rock band Buckskin Whiskey, and a number of food vendors serving up a slew of tasty treats including, of course, fried pickles. When the clock strikes midnight, the pickle drop signals the start of an impressive fireworks show.
In York, the White Rose City, the countdown to midnight transforms the city's Continental Square into a vibrant celebration where revelers come together to bid farewell to the old year and welcome in the new. Live entertainment by RalphReal and the Family Jam, as well as two DJs, leads up to the annual dropping of the White Rose at midnight, followed by a sure-to-be spectacular fireworks display.
As we approach the end of the year, there's no better way to bid farewell to the old and welcome in the new than by experiencing the unique and lively New Year's Eve celebrations of Central Pennsylvania. Whether it's the giant Hershey Kiss in ChocolateTown Square, the illuminated strawberry in Harrisburg, the real bologna drop in Lebanon, or the quirky pickle drop in Dillsburg, each event is a testament to the region's rich traditions and the spirit of joy that defines our communities. Make this New Year's Eve an unforgettable experience with a stay at the Londonderry Inn and Estate and an invitation to immerse yourself in the unique traditions that make Central Pennsylvania's New Year's Eve celebrations truly special.
