Mummers Parade 2025: Road closures, times, tickets and more!
PHILADELPHIA - One of Philadelphia's most beloved and unique traditions is about to strut its way down Broad Street once again!
The 2025 Mummers Parade will help kick off the New Year for the 125th time as delighted spectators line the streets to take in the music and colorful sights.
Here's everything you need to know to get ready for the lavish festivities:
When and where
The outdoor parade begins at 9 a.m on January 1, marching from City Hall south on Broad Street to Washington Avenue.
The Fancy Brigade Finale shows will follow with two shows inside the Pennsylvania Convention Center at 11:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Tickets
You can watch the outdoor parade for free, but tickets for bleacher seating and the Fancy Brigade Finale shows are also available to purchase.
How to watch
This year's returning sponsor Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia is broadcasting the parade from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on WDPN-TV (MeTV2), 69 WFMZ, WFMZ.com, and the WFMZ+ app.
Road closures and parking restrictions
December 29
Parking is prohibited from 6 p.m. December 29 through 6 p.m. January 2, on the west side of 15th Street from Arch Street to Ranstead Street. Street/sidewalk vendors will not be permitted to park in this area during this timeframe.
December 30
15th Street will be closed to southbound traffic at John F. Kennedy Boulevard for equipment delivery and setup from 9 a.m. December 30 through 7 a.m. January 2.
December 31
Parking is prohibited on the following streets from 4 a.m. December 31 through 6 p.m. January 1:
- Market Street from 15th Street to 21st Street (both sides)
- John F. Kennedy Boulevard from Juniper Street to 20th Street (both sides)
15th Street will be closed to vehicular traffic from John F. Kennedy Boulevard to Market Street from 10 a.m. December 31 through 5 a.m. January 2.
Market Street will be closed to vehicular traffic from 15th Street to 21st Street from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. December 31. At 3 p.m., Market Street will re-open and traffic will be permitted to travel eastbound on Market Street to 15th Street and continue southbound on 15th Street.
January 1
The following streets will be closed to vehicular traffic beginning at 3 a.m. January 1 through the conclusion of the parade:
- 15th Street from Arch Street to Chestnut Street
- Market Street from 15th Street to 21st Street
- Benjamin Franklin Parkway from 16th Street to 20th Street
- North Broad Street from Cherry Street to John F. Kennedy Boulevard
- 16th Street from Chestnut Street to Race Street
- 17th Street from Ben Franklin Parkway to Ludlow Street
- 18th Street from Ludlow Street to Race Street
- 19th Street from Ben Franklin Parkway to Chestnut Street
- 1500 block of Ranstead Street
- 1300 block of Carpenter Street
- 1000 block of South 13th Street
- Chestnut Street from 15th Street to 18th Street (north side)
- Cherry Street from 15th Street to 17th Street
- Arch Street from 15th Street to 17th Street
- Washington Avenue from 12th Street to 18th Street
Broad Street will be closed to vehicular traffic from South Penn Square to Washington Avenue on January 1, beginning at 7 a.m. through the conclusion of the parade.
Vehicular traffic will not be permitted to cross Broad Street while the parade is in progress. Delays can be expected during the course of the event. Motorists are advised to avoid the area by using alternate routes and allow for extra driving time in areas near the event. Those driving should also refrain from double-parking, which creates congestion, limits traffic flow, and is illegal.
Temporary "No Parking" zones will be in effect from 2 a.m. to 6 p.m. January 1 on both sides of street unless otherwise noted:
- Broad Street from Arch Street to Ellsworth Street
- Juniper Street from John F. Kennedy Boulevard to East Penn Square
- South/East Penn Square from 15th Street to Juniper Street
- Benjamin Franklin Parkway from 16th Street to 20th Street
- Logan Circle (north side)
- North Broad Street from Cherry Street to John F. Kennedy Boulevard
- 16th Street from Chestnut Street to Race Street
- 17th Street from Ben Franklin Parkway to Ludlow Street
- 18th Street from Ludlow Street to Race Street
- 19th Street from Ben Franklin Parkway to Chestnut Street
- 19th Street from John F. Kennedy Boulevard to Market Street
- 1500 block of Ranstead Street
- 1300 block of Carpenter Street
- 1000 block of South 13th Street
- Chestnut Street from 15th Street to 18th Street (north side)
- Cherry Street from 15th Street to 17th Street
- Arch Street from 15th Street to 17th Street
- Washington Avenue from 12th Street to 18th Street
Public transportation
The public is urged to use SEPTA’s Broad Street and Market-Frankford Lines to travel to and from the parade. Bus detours and regional rail schedules are on SEPTA’s website.
History of the Mummers Parade
The Mummers Parade is believed to be the nation’s oldest folk festival. It stems from a mixture of immigrant traditions dating back to the 1640s, and is most likely dubbed "mummer" due to the German word for "mask."
The parade mixes the immigrant traditions of the Scandinavians who welcomed the new year with gunfire, the English and Welsh who entertained with masquerade plays, and the Germans credited with introducing Santa Claus to their new surroundings.
Black residents arriving after the Civil War added the signature strut, along with the parade's theme song "Oh! Dem Golden Slippers." It became an official city-sponsored event in 1901.