On New Year’s Day 2026, Philadelphia’s iconic Mummers Parade will once again fill Broad Street with more than 10,000 dancers, musicians, and revelers. The procession starts at City Hall at 9 a.m. and moves southbound to Washington Avenue, ending at 7 p.m. The event is free, but tickets for the Mummers Parade City Hall Viewing Areas can be purchased online or at Visitor’s Centers.
Parade Route and Viewing Spots
The parade’s path begins at City Hall, then travels south on Broad Street to Washington Avenue. Special viewing areas are located at 17th and Market Streets, and along Broad Street at Samson, Pine, and Carpenter Streets. Judges will be positioned on the west side of City Hall and Dilworth Plaza.
Road Closures and Parking Restrictions
City officials announced a comprehensive schedule of traffic and parking limitations that start on Sunday, December 28, 2025, and continue through the conclusion of the parade on January 2, 2026. The restrictions affect many streets along the parade route:
- December 26, 2025 – Parking is prohibited from 6 p.m. on December 26 through 6 p.m. on January 2 on the east curb lane of 15th Street from John F. Kennedy Boulevard to South Penn Square.
- December 27, 2025 – Parking is prohibited from 6 p.m. on December 27 through 7 a.m. on January 2 on the west side of 15th Street from Arch Street to Ranstead Street. Street and sidewalk vendors are also barred from parking in this area during the same timeframe.
- December 29, 2025 – 15th Street will be closed to southbound traffic at John F. Kennedy Boulevard for equipment delivery and setup from 8 a.m. on December 29 through 7 a.m. on January 2. Market Street eastbound will be closed to vehicular traffic at 16th Street from 8 a.m. on December 29 through 7 a.m. on January 2.
- December 30, 2025 – Parking is prohibited on Market Street from 15th Street to 21st Street (both sides) and on John F. Kennedy Boulevard from Juniper Street to 20th Street (both sides) from 4 a.m. on December 30 through 6 p.m. on January 1. 15th Street will also be closed to southbound traffic at John F. Kennedy Boulevard for equipment delivery and setup from 7 a.m. on December 30 through 7 a.m. on January 2.
- December 31, 2025 – Market Street will be closed to vehicular traffic from 15th Street to 21st Street from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. On 3 p.m., Market Street will reopen and traffic will be allowed eastbound to 15th Street and continue southbound on 15th Street.
- January 1, 2026 – A wide array of streets will be closed to vehicular traffic beginning at 3 a.m. through the conclusion of the parade, including 15th Street from Arch Street to Chestnut Street and Market Street from 15th Street to 21st Street. Additional closures begin at 6 a.m. and affect Benjamin Franklin Parkway, North Broad Street, several blocks of 16th to 19th Streets, Ranstead Street, Carpenter Street, South 13th Street, Chestnut Street, Cherry Street, Arch Street, Washington Avenue, and Broad Street from South Penn Square to Washington Avenue.
- January 1, 2026 (Temporary “No Parking” Zones) – From 2 a.m. to 6 p.m. both sides of the street are closed to parking on Broad Street from Cherry 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, and many of the same streets listed above.
Motorists are advised to avoid the area by using alternative routes and to allow extra driving time. Double-parking is prohibited as it causes congestion and is illegal.
Public Transportation
Because of the extensive street closures, officials recommend using SEPTA’s Broad Street and Market‑Frankford Lines to reach the parade area. Bus detours, alerts, and general information can be found on SEPTA’s website.
Public Safety and Accessibility
Attendees are urged not to leave unattended items during the event. If an emergency occurs or a suspicious item is found, contact a police officer or call 911. All locations listed above and the surrounding area are designated as a “No‑Drone Zone.”
Wheelchair‑accessible seating is available on 15th Street, on the north side of the performance area, with 20 seats offered on a first‑come, first‑served basis. Seating for companions is available behind those seats. Along the parade route, designated wheelchair‑accessible viewing areas are located at 701 Broad Street (in front of the Philadelphia Fire Department House) and 901 Broad Street (in front of the High School For Creative & Performing Arts).
Key Takeaways
- The 2026 Mummers Parade starts at 9 a.m. on New Year’s Day and ends at 7 p.m., featuring over 10,000 participants.
- Extensive road closures and parking restrictions begin on December 28, 2025, and continue through January 2, 2026.
- Public transport via SEPTA’s Broad Street and Market‑Frankford Lines is the recommended way to reach the parade area.
Philadelphia residents and visitors should plan ahead, use alternative routes, and consider public transportation to enjoy the parade without traffic hassles.
