11 ways to ring in the New Year in and around Lower Merion
There are concerts, dinners, midday countdowns, and a New Year's Day brunch to ring in 2026.
The countdown to 2026 is on, and there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate the end of one year and the start of another. From New Year’s Eve dinner specials to adults-only celebrations and family-friendly gatherings, here’s how to ring in the new year in and around Lower Merion.
New Year’s Eve Events for Adults
The local band is performing for two nights, including on New Year’s Eve. There are open bar and dinner options for both.
⏰ Tuesday, Dec. 30, 7:30 p.m. and Wednesday, Dec. 31, 8 p.m. 💵 $56.93, plus $112.82 to add on an open bar and food service 📍Ardmore Music Hall, 23 E. Lancaster Ave., Ardmore
Family-Friendly New Year’s Eve Events
Alex and the Kaleidoscope, an interactive band geared toward kids ages 4 to 8, will perform at Ardmore Music Hall. There will also be arts and crafts, brunch, and a countdown to noon.
⏰ Wednesday, Dec. 31, 11 a.m. 💵 $29.50 📍Ardmore Music Hall, 23 E. Lancaster Ave., Ardmore
This event geared toward children 3 and older includes a story time and a countdown to noon. Registration is required.
⏰ Wednesday, Dec. 31, 11:30 a.m.- noon 💵 Free 📍Bala Cynwyd Library, 131 Old Lancaster Rd., Bala Cynwyd
There will be crafts and festive activities ahead of a countdown to noon. Registration is required.
⏰ Wednesday, Dec. 31, 11:30 a.m.- noon 💵 Free 📍Gladwyne Library, 362 Righters Mill Rd., Gladwyne
There will be crafts, hats, and noisemakers to celebrate the new year at this drop-in event.
⏰ Wednesday, Dec. 31, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 💵 Free 📍Ludington Library, 5 S. Bryn Mawr Ave., Bryn Mawr
At this drop-in event, the Penn Wynne Fire Company will drop a ball as the clock strikes noon.
⏰ Wednesday, Dec. 31, 11:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. 💵 Free 📍Penn Wynne Library, 130 Overbrook Parkway, Wynnewood
Enjoy a buffet, cookies, hot chocolate, and a sparkling cider or champagne toast at this family-friendly afternoon event, where there will also be a DJ. Kids can decorate cookies and color their own New Year’s Eve hat and glasses, too.
⏰ Wednesday, Dec. 31, noon-2 p.m. 💵 $18 for kids, $39 for adults 📍Lola’s Garden, 51 Saint Georges Rd., Ardmore
Kids and families can enjoy games, snacks, crafts, and a glow dance party. Registration is required.
⏰ Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2-4 p.m. 💵 Free📍Kaiserman JCC, 45 Haverford Rd., Penn Wynne
New Year’s Dining
Ardmore cocktail bar Izzy’s is offering a seven-course meal featuring items like lobster, wagyu beef, and caviar for $165. Add a beverage pairing for another $60. Ripplewood will offer its regular menu alongside specials, and both will have champagne toasts at midnight.
⏰ Wednesday, Dec. 31, 4 p.m.-midnight 💵 Prices vary📍 Izzy’s, 35 E. Lancaster Ave., Ardmore, and Ripplewood Whiskey & Craft, 29 E. Lancaster Ave., Ardmore
The Main Line newcomer is offering two ways to dine New Year’s Eve. For $125, there will be a buffet in the Secretariat room, including charcuterie, salads, a carving station, sides, and a dessert table from 5 to 10 p.m. The Greg Farnese Trio will perform throughout the night. Or for à la carte options, the main dining room will be open, also from 5 to 10 p.m.
⏰ Wednesday, Dec. 31, 5-10 p.m. 💵 Prices vary📍 Triple Crown, 593 E. Lancaster Ave., St. Davids
On New Year’s Day, White Dog Cafe is again hosting its Pajama Brunch, which encourages attendees to wear their PJs to the restaurant, where an à la carte menu will be available. Reservations are encouraged.
⏰ Thursday, Jan. 1, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. 💵 Prices vary 📍White Dog Cafe, 379 Lancaster Ave., Haverford
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