New Year's Eve events in Central Pennsylvania

PENNSYLVANIA (WHTM) — Pickles, strawberries, and flowers are just some of the objects that will be dropped (or raised) in the Midstate to celebrate the end of 2022 and the start of the new year. Here are some ways to welcome 2023 in Central Pennsylvania:

Chambersburg potato roll drop

A Martin’s Famous Potato Roll will be dropped in Chambersburg to celebrate New Year’s Eve. The evening’s festivities will include community stands, DJ music, and a candy drop leading up to the potato roll drop at 9 p.m. in Chambers Fort Park. Learn more here.

Dillsburg pickle drop

A pickle drop and fireworks will welcome the new year in Dillsburg. There will be games from 4-7 p.m., a “baby pickle drop” at 7 p.m., and bingo at 8 p.m. at Dillsburg Elementary School. Then at midnight, there will be a pickle drop and fireworks in the parking lot by Ace Hardware. Learn more here.

Gettysburg Abraham Lincoln hat raise

Gettysburg is starting a new tradition with the raising of Abraham Lincoln’s stovepipe hat in Lincoln Square. The evening will also include music starting at 6 p.m., family activities, food trucks, vendors, and fireworks. Learn more here.

Harrisburg strawberry drop

Harrisburg will hold its annual New Year’s Eve celebration including fireworks and a strawberry drop at midnight. Family activities including a “Countdown to Kid-Night” with a balloon drop and milk-and-cookies toast will begin at 9 p.m. Learn more here.

Hershey Kiss raise

Hershey will count down to the new year with a Hershey’s Kiss raise, and an “immersive display” will kick off at midnight. The evening will also include earlier countdowns and bubble wrap stomps at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., and 8:30 p.m. as well as vendors and performances. Most events take place in ChocolateTown Square. Learn more here.

Lancaster red rose drop

Lancaster’s red rose drop returns to Binns Park this year to celebrate the new year. The city’s New Year’s Eve festivities begin at 9 p.m. and will also include live music. Learn more here.

Lebanon bologna drop

Lebanon will again be holding its New Year’s Eve Bologna Drop. The event will begin at 10 p.m. with DJ music, and it will occur between Chestnut and Cumberland streets. Learn more here.

Mechanicsburg wrench drop

Celebrate New Year’s in Mechanicsburg with the annual wrench drop, which commemorates the borough’s founders. New Year’s events in Mechanicsburg begin at 9 p.m. and the wrench drop happens around midnight at 53 E. Main St. Learn more here.

New Bloomfield huckleberry drop

The New Bloomfield Fire Company is holding its annual huckleberry drop festivities in the square. Music and snacks will be available, as well. Learn more here.

York white rose drop

York’s white rose drop in Continental Square returns to welcome 2023. Music will begin at 9:30 p.m. followed by the rose drop and fireworks display at midnight. Learn more here.

Other New Year’s Eve events for kids

Midnight can be a little later for kids — and, let’s be honest, some adults — to stay awake on New Year’s. Here are some earlier options for celebrating with young ones:

‘Duke’s Diamond Drop’ at Dutch Wonderland

Visit Dutch Wonderland for this family-friendly New Year’s Eve event that includes a bubble dance party and diamond drop. The event runs from 3:30 to 4 p.m. Learn more here.

Fountainblu New Year’s Party for Kids

Skate into the new year at Fountainblu Skating Arena in New Cumberland. The roller rink is dropping a disco ball for a New Year’s Eve countdown in the afternoon. The event, which includes DJ music, a pinata, flashlight skate, and games, runs from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Learn more here.

Gamut Theatre Group New Year’s Eve Party for Children

Enjoy “The Princess and the Pea” and count down to noon with the Popcorn Hat Players. Tickets include admission to the show, noisemakers, party hats, and a balloon drop. Doors open at 10:30 a.m., and the event takes place at the Sunoco Performance Theater at the Whitaker Center. Learn more here.