From the “Sweetest Place on Earth” to the “Midstate’s Capital,” Central Pennsylvania is gearing up for its world-famous tradition of dropping (and raising) quirky objects to welcome 2026. This year’s celebrations promise a mix of small-town charm and major spectacles, with events ranging from the classic Strawberry Drop to the uniquely local “Hotchee Dog” countdown.
Here’s your guide to how the Midstate will ring in the New Year.
The Big City Bashes
Harrisburg’s Strawberry Drop: The state capital will host its annual celebration outside City Hall along 2nd Street. The night kicks off with a Kid’s Glow Party at 9:00 PM inside City Hall, featuring neon face painting and a 1,000-balloon drop. At midnight, the giant strawberry will descend, followed by a massive fireworks display over the downtown skyline.
Hershey’s Kiss Raise: In Hershey, the town honors its chocolate roots by raising a giant Hershey’s Kiss. The main stage at Chocolate and Fairmont Avenues will feature TikTok sensation Burn the Jukebox and the cover band Fully Stocked. This year’s pyrotechnics will include Americana-themed lasers to kick off the countdown to the U.S. Semiquincentennial in 2026.
Lancaster: The city’s annual Red Rose Drop will be held at the home of the Lancaster Stormers, Penn Medicine Park (650 N. Prince St.) from 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
Quirky Traditions: Only in Central PA
Central Pennsylvania is famous for its “objects of the trade” drops. This year’s lineup includes:
Mechanicsburg’s Wrench Drop: After a brief scare that the event might be canceled due to volunteer shortages, the 22nd annual Wrench Drop is officially back on. A galvanized steel wrench will be lowered at the Washington Fire Company to honor the mechanics who founded the borough.
Carlisle’s “Hotchee” Drop: Moving away from the traditional midnight hour, Carlisle will drop its iconic replica of the Hamilton Restaurant Hotchee Dog at 9:00 PM. The early drop allows the restaurant’s staff to celebrate with the community, featuring a hot dog eating contest at 8:00 PM.
Lower Allen’s Yellow Breeches: In one of the state’s most literal traditions, Lower Allen Township will drop a giant pair of Yellow Breeches (trousers) at midnight at Lower Allen Community Park.
Shippensburg: Ring in 2026 in style as the borough of Shippensburg Drop hosts the Anchor at midnight on Dec. 31. The event will occur on King Street between Penn Street and Earl Street. Festivities will begin at 8 p.m.
Regional Round-up
| Location | The “Drop” | Midnight Highlight |
| York | White Rose | Live music at Continental Square and fireworks. |
| Gettysburg | Abraham Lincoln’s Hat | A “Lincoln Square to Times Square” themed party. |
| Shippensburg | Anchor | Anchor drop on King Street beginning at 8:00 PM. |
| Dillsburg | Pickle | Two drops: Baby Pickle (9:00 PM) and Big Pickle (Midnight). |
| Lebanon | Bologna | The famous Seltzer’s Bologna drop at 8th and Chestnut. |
