1. DILLSBURG PICKLE DROP
When you hear the name Dillsburg, you may think they drop a pickle to honor the town’s roots relating to dill pickles. Dillsburg, however, is actually not named after pickles—it’s named after its founder, Matthew Dill (who has no association with pickles). The town embraces the “dill” in their name anyway, dropping a pickle every New Year’s Eve. Stop by 159 South Baltimore Street to catch some pickle fun, including the town’s famous pickle soup, fireworks, music, food trucks, bingo and more. There’s also a “baby pickle drop” at 7 p.m. for anyone who likes to be in bed before midnight. The eccentric Dillsburg Pickle Drop has even gained publicity around the country, so it’s kind of a big dill.
2. MECHANICSBURG WRENCH DROP
Yes, you read that right—Mechanicsburg really does drop a wrench on New Year’s Eve! For a fun switch from the usual ball drop, head to the Washington Fire Company located at 53 East Main Street in Mechanicsburg, to ring in the new year. The Wrench Drop started in 2004 as the result of an Eagle Scout project by Mechanicsburg Area School District graduate Sheldon Rodgers. The wrench honors the borough’s founders, mechanics who settled in the area to make wagons in the early 19th century. The event begins at 9 p.m. and in past years has included local live music, vendors and glassblowing classes. It’s an unforgettable event for the family, and where else can you say you watched a wrench drop?
3. SPECIAL NEW YEAR’S EVE SHOW WITH DAVID WAX MUSEUM
Going to a concert is certainly a fun and exciting way to celebrate the new year, especially when it’s a smaller band you probably haven’t heard of. Expand your music taste buds and check out David Wax Museum’s special New Year’s Eve show at the Lititz Shirt Factory in Lititz. The band David Wax Museum is based in Charlottesville, Virginia, but is no stranger to the Susquehanna Valley. They’ve performed at the Valencia Ballroom in York and as part of Long Park’s Summer Music Series in Lancaster in 2023. The New Year’s Eve show kicks off at 7:30 and ends before midnight, so there’s still time to catch a ball drop or party after. Tickets can be purchased online in advance.
4. RING IN THE NEW YEAR WITH SMALL TOWN CHEER
lititzpa.com/event/new-years-eve-gala
Elevate your evening plans this year by partying at Brownstone Manor in Lititz, gala style. Dress up, dance and drink with family and friends at this sparkling New Year’s Eve Gala put on by Venture Lititz. Each ticket includes two drinks, filling appetizers and a champagne toast at midnight. While you’re enjoying the evening, you can also feel good about supporting the work of Venture Lititz, an organization dedicated to enhancing the town’s community and mental and social well-being. Celebrate with elegance, and purchase your tickets online today to make sure you get to join in the fun.
5. NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY WITH LOW CUT CONNIE
Spend your New Year’s Eve at West Art, in Lancaster, partying with friends and Low Cut Connie. Bid adieu to 2024 and welcome 2025 moving and grooving to music from Low Cut Connie’s pianopounding songwriter and frontman, Adam Weiner, named “Pandemic Person of the Year” in 2020 by The New York Times. The party will feature a VIP Toast and pre-show acoustic performance, beer, cocktails and food, and a special performance from Mark DeRose Music. The VIP toast starts at 8:30 p.m., and the music officially kicks off at 9 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the door. Get ready to be singing and ringing in the new year all night long!
