It might seem like a bizarre tradition to the rest of the world: take it easy on New Year’s Eve just so you’re fresh enough to party on the 1st. But that’s exactly how Philadelphia rolls. While the city certainly sparkles on the 31st, it now does so three separate times. Two massive fireworks shows light up the Delaware River, and this year, Philly adds a third—on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway—following a brand-new, free New Year’s Eve concert headlined by LL Cool J with DJ Jazzy Jeff and friends. The skies above the Philadelphia Art Museum erupt at midnight, officially ringing in the new year. And still, somehow, the real magic happens when the sun comes up on the Philadelphia Mummers Parade.
On New Year’s Day, Philadelphia transforms into the only place you want to be, thanks to the fanciful, fantastical, and completely unbelievable Philadelphia Mummers Parade.
Picture it: 10,000 people painting their faces and slipping into bedazzled costumes to march through the city, dancing and performing every step of the way. We’re talking men in dresses, women with beards, and enough feathers, sequins, and boas to make a drag queen blush. And no, it’s not even Pride.
What The?!
I know, if you’ve never been, it sounds like a fever dream. But let me break it down for you.
The Mummers are divided into five distinct divisions: Comics, Wench Brigades, Fancies, String Bands, and Fancy Brigades. Each group brings its own flavor of chaos—whether it’s live music, satire, theatrics, or just good old-fashioned revelry. These aren’t hired performers; they’re working-class folks from the neighborhood who consider it their civic duty (and ultimate pleasure) to ring in the New Year for thousands of adoring fans.
They spend the entire year fundraising, choreographing, and building massive sets just for this one day. And trust me, they deliver.
The Story Behind the Sequins
So, where did this wild spectacle come from? The name “Mummer” traces back to a German word for “masquerade,” but the roots go all the way back to ancient Roman Saturnalia, where laborers traded jokes and masks for a day.
In the 1600s, Swedish settlers on Philly’s fringes combined this with their own tradition of dressing up and firing off muskets (don’t try that part at home). Add in some Irish, Italian and Polish immigrants who threw their own style into the mix, and by 1901, the first official, judged Mummers Parade took over South Philly. Today, it’s a rite of passage, handed down through generations—a legacy stitched together by sweat and unbridled joy.
What to Expect
From morning until sunset, clubs strut down Broad Street, stopping at designated spots to perform routines based on specific themes. You read that right: it’s a day of theme parties.
Whether clever, goofy, or political, locals love dissecting these themes. You’ll hear people comparing this year’s routine to one from three years ago, or explaining deep-seated rivalries between clubs because a banjo player defected to the enemy. It’s not just an event; it’s a culture.
The Basics: Where to Watch
The parade steps off at 9:00 a.m. at 17th and Market, loops around City Hall, and marches south down Broad Street to Washington Avenue.
- For the Planners: If you want a guaranteed seat, grab a ticket for the bleachers near the City Hall judging stand ($25).
- For the Spontaneous: The parade is free to watch along the 1.5-mile route. Prime free viewing spots are at Broad & Sansom (near the Gayborhood!) and Broad & Carpenter. Bring a lawn chair and settle in.
- The Vibe: The Comics and Wench Brigades stroll through early and love snapping pics (and sometimes smooching) with fans.
Pro Tip: Bundle up. Then bundle up again. Standing outside in January is no joke, no matter how many Miller Lites you borrow from your neighbors.
A Show Within the Show: The Fancy Brigade Finale
If you prefer climate control with your pageantry, check out the Fancy Brigade Finale at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
These troupes leave the cold streets behind to stage Broadway-level spectacles indoors. With huge props and precision choreography, it’s a high-stakes competition for bragging rights. There are two ticketed shows on New Year’s Day:
- 11:30 a.m. ($28–$43)
- 5:00 p.m. ($28–$43)
Tickets are physical only, so pick them up in advance at the Independence Visitor Center.
Plan It, Book It, Watch It
Ready to witness the madness of the Philadelphia Mummers Parade? Plan your trip to Philly ahead of time. If you can’t make it to the City of Brotherly Love this year, you can get a primer by watching the live stream on New Year’s Day via MeTV.
Just remember: Mummery isn’t just for January 1st. These clubs perform year-round at festivals and events. But nothing beats the magic of New Year’s Day on Broad Street.