by Philadelphia, Pennsylvania — The Mummers Parade will return to the streets of Philadelphia on New Year’s Day 2026, bringing music, elaborate costumes, and thousands of performers to Broad Street. While the event is a cherished city tradition, officials are urging residents and visitors to plan ahead as extensive road closures and parking restrictions will be in effect days before and during the parade.
The parade steps off from City Hall at 9 a.m. and travels south along Broad Street to Washington Avenue, with performances continuing into the evening.
2026 Mummers Parade route and viewing areas
The parade will follow its traditional southbound route from City Hall to Washington Avenue, with Broad Street fully dedicated to performers for the duration of the event. City officials say the parade could last until approximately 7 p.m.
Designated viewing areas will be available at several locations, including:
- 17th and Market streets
- Broad Street at Samson Street
- Broad Street at Pine Street
- Broad Street at Carpenter Street
The event is free to attend, though ticketed viewing areas near City Hall will be available for those seeking reserved seating.
When parking restrictions begin
Parking restrictions will begin days before New Year’s Day, starting Sunday, December 28, 2025, along portions of the parade route. Most restrictions will be lifted once the parade concludes, but drivers are advised to check posted signage carefully.
City officials stress that vehicles parked in restricted zones may be ticketed or towed.
Early restrictions: December 26–27
Beginning Friday, December 26, parking will be prohibited from 6 p.m. through January 2 on the east curb lane of 15th Street from JFK Boulevard to South Penn Square.
On Saturday, December 27, additional parking restrictions will take effect on the west side of 15th Street between Arch Street and Ranstead Street, beginning at 6 p.m. Street and sidewalk vendors will not be permitted to park in this area during the restriction period.
Equipment setup closures: December 29–30
On Monday, December 29, 15th Street will close to southbound traffic at JFK Boulevard starting at 8 a.m. to allow for equipment delivery and setup. This closure will remain in place through 7 a.m. on January 2.
At the same time, Market Street eastbound will be closed to vehicles at 16th Street through January 2.
Additional parking bans will take effect Tuesday, December 30, from 4 a.m. through 6 p.m. on January 1 along:
- Market Street (15th to 21st streets)
- JFK Boulevard (Juniper Street to 20th Street)
New Year’s Eve traffic changes
On Wednesday, December 31, Market Street will be closed to vehicular traffic between 15th and 21st streets from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The street will reopen later in the afternoon with limited access allowing traffic to move eastbound and southbound toward 15th Street.
Parade Day closures: January 1, 2026
Major road closures begin early on Thursday, January 1. Starting at 3 a.m., several Center City streets near City Hall will close to traffic, followed by a wider shutdown beginning at 6 a.m.
Broad Street will be fully closed to vehicles from South Penn Square to Washington Avenue starting at 7 a.m., remaining closed until the parade ends.
Vehicular traffic will not be permitted to cross Broad Street while the parade is underway, and significant delays are expected throughout Center City and South Philadelphia.
Additional no-parking zones
Temporary “No Parking” zones will be enforced from 2 a.m. to 6 p.m. on January 1 along Broad Street, Benjamin Franklin Parkway, and multiple surrounding streets, including areas near Logan Circle, Chestnut Street, Arch Street, Cherry Street, and Washington Avenue.
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Officials urge drivers to avoid double-parking, noting that it is illegal and creates congestion that can delay emergency response.
Public transportation and safety guidance
Due to widespread closures, attendees are strongly encouraged to use public transportation, particularly the SEPTA Broad Street Line and Market-Frankford Line. Bus routes will operate on detours, with updates posted through SEPTA service alerts.
City officials also remind attendees that the parade area is designated a No-Drone Zone, and unattended items should never be left behind. Any suspicious activity should be reported immediately to police or by calling 911.
Accessibility accommodations
Wheelchair-accessible seating will be available along 15th Street on the north side of the performance area, with 20 designated spaces offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional accessible viewing areas will be located along Broad Street near the Philadelphia Fire Department and the High School for Creative & Performing Arts.
As Philadelphia prepares to ring in the new year, officials say early planning is the best way to enjoy the Mummers Parade while avoiding traffic headaches.
Will you be attending the 2026 Mummers Parade, or planning to avoid Center City that day? Share your thoughts in the comments.
