Welcome the New Year by Watching the Red Rose Drop
Not to be outdone by New York City's famous ball drop in Times Square, cities across Pennsylvania have earned a reputation for dropping all sorts of distinctive—and even quirky—items on New Year’s Eve. From Lebanon's bologna drop to the pickle drop in Dillsburg, the commonwealth reportedly has more New Year’s Eve drops than any other state. Guests at the Inn & Spa at Intercourse Village can join in the fun this year when the city of Lancaster rings in the new year with its annual Red Rose Drop.
Why does Lancaster drop a red rose to usher in the new year? Well, the city is known as the “Red Rose City” due to its link to Lancaster, England. The red rose is a symbol of the War of the Roses, a series of bloody civil wars for the throne of England between two competing royal families: the House of York and the House of Lancaster. Waged between 1455 and 1485, the War of the Roses earned its name because the white rose symbolized the Yorks, and the red rose symbolized the Lancastrians. Nearby York, Pennsylvania, drops a white rose on New Year’s Eve, so the competition continues, but on a much friendlier scale.
Over the years, various materials have been used to create the giant red rose that descends during the Dec. 31 festivities. The most recent version uses fabric woven around mesh wiring to give it flexibility and is built onto a welded metal spiral frame. The rose is about 4 feet in diameter and is estimated to weigh between 75 and 100 pounds. It is lit internally with dazzling LED lights.
After a two-year hiatus in 2020 and 2021, the Red Rose Drop returns to downtown Lancaster with much fanfare. Be part of a Lancaster tradition and ring in the new year at Binns Park to enjoy live music and see the dropping of the red rose at midnight. The celebration will include fireworks beginning at 9 p.m. Visit the City of Lancaster holiday events webpage for more details and get ready to countdown to 2023!
