The Mummers Parade is back on New Year’s Day 2026, bringing extravagant costumes, music, and pure fun to the City of Philadelphia.

So if you fancy kicking off the year with dancing and singing with over 10,000 people as they march from City Hall south on Broad Street to Washington Avenue, all starting at 9 a.m., this parade is for you.

The family-friendly event is free, but if you want to buy tickets to watch from the Mummers Parade City Hall Viewing Areas, they are available online or at the Visitor’s Centers.

Here is your guide to road closures, parking restrictions, and getting around on parade day:

2026 Mummers Parade route

Starting at City Hall at 9 a.m., the parade will move southbound to Washington Avenue until 7 p.m.

Special viewing areas will be set up at 17th and Market streets, plus along Broad Street at Samson, Pine and Carpenter streets.

Judging is scheduled for the west side of City Hall and Dilworth Plaza.

Road closures and parking restrictions for 2026 Mummers Parade

City officials said Parking restrictions will begin in advance on Sunday, December 28, 2025, along portions of the parade route, which starts at City Hall and moves south to Washington Avenue via Broad Street.

Most parking and traffic restrictions will be lifted upon the conclusion of the event.

 Friday, 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. 

Saturday, 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/sidewalk vendors will not be permitted to park in this area during this timeframe.

Monday, December 29, 2025
15th Street will be closed to southbound traffic at John F. Kennedy Boulevard for equipment delivery and setup. Closure will begin 8 a.m. on December 29 through 7 a.m. 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.

Tuesday, December 30, 2025
Parking is prohibited on the following streets from 4 a.m. on December 30 through 6 p.m. on 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 southbound traffic at John F. Kennedy Boulevard for equipment delivery and setup. Closure will begin at 7 a.m. on December 30 and continue through 7 a.m. on January 2.

Wednesday, 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 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.

Thursday, January 1, 2026
The following streets will be closed to vehicular traffic beginning at 3 a.m. on January 1 through the conclusion of the parade:

• 15th Street from Arch Street to Chestnut Street
• Market Street from 15th Street to 21st Street

The following streets will be closed to vehicular traffic beginning at 6 a.m. on January 1 through the conclusion of the parade:

• 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 Thursday, 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 are expected during the event. Motorists are advised to avoid the area by using alternative routes and to allow extra driving time in areas near the event. Drivers should also refrain from double-parking, as it creates congestion, limits traffic flow, and is illegal.

Additional Parking Restrictions on January 1, 2026
Temporary “No Parking” zones will be in effect from 2 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, January 1, both sides of street unless otherwise noted:

• 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
• Benjamin Franklin Parkway from 16th Street to 20th Street
• Logan Circle (north side)
• 16th Street from Chestnut Street to Race Street
• 17th Street from Benjamin Franklin Parkway to Ludlow Street
• 18th Street from Ludlow Street to Race Street
• 19th Street from Benjamin 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

Public Transportation for the 2026 Mummers Parade

Due to event-related street closures, officials said attendees are encouraged to use the SEPTA Broad Street and Market-Frankford Lines to access the parade area.

Bus detours, alerts and general information can be found on SEPTA’s website.

Public safety for the 2026 Mummers Parade

Officials ask that attendees not leave anything unattended during the event.

If there is an emergency or you need to report a suspicious item, notify a police officer immediately or call 911.

Additionally, all locations listed above and the surrounding area are designated as “No-Drone Zone.”

For tips and general information on preparing for special events, such as the Mummers Parade, see the city’s Special Event Safety Guide. 

Wheelchair-accessible seating for the 2026 Mummers Parade

City officials said 20 wheelchair-accessible seats will be available on 15th Street, on the north side of the performance area. These seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Seating for attendees accompanying people using wheelchairs is available behind the wheelchair-accessible seats.

Additionally, along the parade route, there will be designated wheelchair-accessible viewing areas 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).

How else can I ring in the New Year in Philadelphia?

As Philadelphia is counting down to 2026. We have an additional guide to more festivities. Because when it comes to throwing a celebration, no one does it like the City of Brotherly Love. Click here for a full guide.