A guide to the 124th Philadelphia Mummers Parade
Parade route, road closures, parking restrictions, and SEPTA detours.
For over a century, Philadelphians have rung in the new year with the colorful, quirky, and uniquely local tradition of the Mummers Parade. On Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, more than 10,000 Mummers from the Fancy, Wench, Comic, Fancies, and String Band divisions will strut down Broad Street starting at 9 a.m.
Expect road closures, parking restrictions, and plenty of ways to watch — whether you’re heading downtown or tuning in from home.
How to watch the 2025 Mummers Parade
Watch the Mummers Parade in person
The parade begins at 17th and Market Streets near City Hall and proceeds down Broad Street, ending at Washington Avenue. Viewing bleachers will be set up at the main performance area, at 15th and Market Streets. AccuWeather forecasts a cloudy, windy day with a high of 49 degrees and a 35% chance of rain.
Watch the Mummers Parade from home
The parade will be broadcast from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on:
TV: On Channel 2 (MeTV2) or Channel 69 (WFMZ). Available on Xfinity, Fios, Service Electric Cable TV, Astound Broadband, Blue Ridge Cable TV, DirecTV Satellite, and DishNetwork Satellite.
Streaming: On the WFMZ+ app, which can be downloaded on your Firestick, Roku, or Apple TV.
Mobile: On the WFMZ+ app, which can be downloaded on your Apple or Android devices.
Parade route
The parade begins at 9 a.m. at 17th and Market Streets. From there, it turns right at City Hall and struts down Broad Street until it ends at Washington Avenue by 5 p.m.
What is the Mummers Parade?
The modern parade features more than 40 brigades grouped into five divisions: Fancy, Wench, Comic, Fancies, and String Band. Each has unique performances:
Comic and Wench brigades: Satirical costumes and pop-culture references.
Fancies: Elaborate floats and live music.
String Band division: Live, booming music.
Fancy Brigades: The largest crews and performances that head to the convention center for a ticketed show and contest.
Brigades compete for top honors at the 15th and Market Street performance area. The parade is a daylong party that often continues into the night in South Philly.
Road closures and parking restrictions
Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024
No parking on the west side of 15th Street from Arch Street to Ranstead Street from 6 p.m. on Dec. 29 through 6 p.m. on Jan. 2. Street/sidewalk vendors will not be allowed to park in this area either.
Monday, Dec. 30, 2024
15th Street will be closed to southbound traffic at JFK Boulevard for equipment delivery and setup. Closure begins at 9 a.m. on Dec. 30 through 7 a.m. on Jan. 2.
Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024
No parking on the following streets from 4 a.m. on Dec. 31 through 6 p.m. on Jan. 1:
Market Street from 15th Street to 21st Street (both sides)
JFK Boulevard from Juniper Street to 20th Street (both sides)
15th Street will be closed to vehicle traffic from JFK Boulevard to Market Street from 10 a.m. on Dec. 31 through 5 a.m. on Jan. 2.
Market Street will be closed to vehicle traffic from 15th Street to 21st Street from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Dec. 31. At 3 p.m., Market Street will reopen and traffic will be allowed to travel eastbound on Market Street to 15th Street and continue southbound on 15th Street.
Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025
These streets will be closed to vehicle traffic at 3 a.m. on Jan. 1 through the end 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 JFK 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 vehicle traffic from South Penn Square (City Hall) to Washington Avenue on Jan. 1 at 7 a.m. through the conclusion of the parade around 5 p.m.
Additional Parking Restrictions
No parking on the following streets from 2 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Jan. 1 on both sides of street:
Broad Street from Arch Street to Ellsworth Street
Juniper Street from JFK Boulevard to East Penn Square (City Hall)
South/East Penn Square (City Hall) 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 JFK 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 JFK 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
SEPTA detours
SEPTA recommends taking the subway, which won’t be affected by detours. Bus routes will be altered on Dec. 31 and Jan. 1. For details, visit SEPTA’s website or mobile app.
Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024
These SEPTA routes will be detoured from 8:15 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 31, to about 2 a.m. on Jan. 1:
4, 16, 17, 27, 31, 32, 33, 38, 44, 48, 62, 124, 125, BSO and MFO.
Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025
These SEPTA routes will be detoured from 2 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 1:
2, 4, 7, 9, 12, 16, 17, 21, 27, 31, 33, 38, 40, 42, 44, 45, 48, 49, 64, 124, 125, BSO, and MFO.
These SEPTA routes will be detoured from 6 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 1:
29, 57, and 79.
A brief history of the Mummers Parade
The Mummers Parade traces its origins to New Year’s traditions brought to Philadelphia by Swedish, Finnish, Irish, German, English, and African immigrants. Their folk parades, masquerades, and revelry (often involving alcohol) evolved into the event we know today, which has been a uniquely Philadelphian tradition for 124 years.
The parade has not been without controversy. Over the years, some performances and costumes have faced criticism for cultural insensitivity and offensive imagery. While efforts have been made to address these issues, debates over inclusivity and accountability remain part of the conversation surrounding this iconic event.