TrekUnity
When
January
Attendance
~100,000+
Admission
Free
Setting
Outdoor
The Mummers Parade is one of the oldest folk festivals in the United States — a Philadelphia New Year's Day tradition dating to the 1700s, when thousands of elaborately costumed "Mummers" in feathers and sequins strut up Broad Street in comic brigades, fancy divisions, and famous string bands playing to the crowd.
A gloriously over-the-top, uniquely Philly spectacle, it turns a cold January 1 into a day-long celebration, best paired with a cheesesteak and the city's historic core.
Want to go? Turn Mummers Parade into a trip you plan with your group.
Creates an editable trip seeded with a starter itinerary, hotels & eats.
Event details
Typical dates
January 1 (New Year's Day)
Admission
Free to watch along Broad Street
Parking
Broad Street closes for the parade — take SEPTA and watch from Center City or South Philly.
Nearest airport
Philadelphia International (PHL) — ~20 min
Typical weather
Cold Philadelphia January — 30s–40s °F; bundle up for a long day curbside.
Official website
Location
Philadelphia, PA
Where to stay
The Notary Hotel
Historic hotel near City Hall and the route.
Kimpton Hotel Palomar
Stylish Center City base.
Center City hotels
Walkable to Broad Street.
Where to eat & drink
Pat's / Geno's
The classic South Philly cheesesteak rivalry, near the route.
Reading Terminal Market
Historic food hall to warm up in.
South Philly BYOBs
Neighborhood Italian near the Mummers' home turf.
Nearby attractions
Independence Hall & Liberty Bell
The birthplace of American democracy.
Philadelphia Museum of Art
The "Rocky steps" and a world-class collection.
South Philly (Mummers museum)
The neighborhood heart of the tradition.
A sample itinerary
1New Year's Eve arrival
- •Fly into PHL
- •Afternoon: Independence Hall
- •Evening: South Philly dinner
2Mummers Parade
- •Morning: stake out Broad Street
- •Afternoon: string bands + brigades
- •Evening: warm up at Reading Terminal
3Museum + depart
- •Morning: Philadelphia Museum of Art
- •Head to PHL
Make it yours — an editable trip you can share with your group.
Travel tips
- Take SEPTA — Broad Street closes for the parade.
- Dress very warm; it's a long day in the January cold.
- Grab a cheesesteak — you're in its birthplace.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Mummers Parade?
January 1 — New Year's Day — up Broad Street in Philadelphia.
What are Mummers?
Costumed performers in comic brigades, fancy divisions, and string bands, part of a Philly folk tradition dating to the 1700s.
How do you watch it?
It's free — take SEPTA and find a spot along Broad Street; dress warm for the January cold.
Going with friends?
TrekUnity keeps the whole group on the same page — vote on plans, split costs, and see who's arriving when.
Start planning freeTrekUnity is an independent travel guide and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Mummers Parade or its organizers. Dates, prices, and details are provided for informational purposes and can change — always confirm on the official event website before booking.