How Can I Watch The Philadelphia Mummers Parade
Hold onto your hats, buttercups, because we are diving deep into the dazzling, utterly bonkers, and just plain magnificent world of the Philadelphia Mummers Parade! This ain’t your grandma’s Sunday stroll; this is the oldest folk parade in the entire United States, a true blue, rhinestone-encrusted New Year’s Day spectacle that’ll make you shout, “Sweet liberty, what is even happening right now?!” We’re talking thousands of folks decked out in costumes that make a peacock look shy, strutting down the street with instruments that are absolutely jamming. Whether you’re planning a pilgrimage to the City of Brotherly Love or just wanna chill on your couch, we’ve got the full playbook. Get ready to watch the Mummers like a total Philly legend!
Step 1: 🗓️ Lock Down the Details: When and Where This Shenanigan Goes Down
You can’t catch a parade if you don’t know when the party starts, right? This is crucial, so listen up!
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| How Can I Watch The Philadelphia Mummers Parade |
1.1 The Golden Rule of Mummers
The parade is like that one friend who is super consistent: it happens every single New Year’s Day, January 1st. Mark it in your calendar, set 17 alarms, tattoo it on your arm—just don't forget it. If the weather is absolutely bonkers (think a full-on blizzard or a monsoon), they might postpone it, but that's rarer than a quiet Mummers clubhouse. The day usually kicks off around 9:00 a.m. EST and the strutting and stringing usually wrap up around 5:00 p.m.
1.2 The Route: The March of the Fabulous
The Mummers roll out from near City Hall and strut their stuff south on Broad Street all the way to Washington Avenue. Broad Street becomes the Avenue of the Arts—a fitting runway for these feathered fashion icons.
Starting Point: Near City Hall (around 17th and Market Streets).
The Main Runway: South down Broad Street.
Performance Zones: This is where the magic (and the judging) happens! Key viewing spots are typically designated along Broad Street at Sansom Street (often the most crowded, but with the iconic City Hall backdrop), Pine Street, and Carpenter Street. These are the spots where the divisions pause to give a full-blown, choreographed performance.
Pro-Tip: If you're going in person, remember the further south you venture on Broad Street, the thinner the crowds tend to be, giving you a little more elbow room to enjoy the show. But the energy near City Hall is off the charts!
Tip: Write down what you learned.
Step 2: 🚶 Catching the Action LIVE: Being a True Street Spectator
Nothing beats the rush of being there, breathing in the cold New Year’s air, and seeing those jaw-dropping costumes up close. It’s an immersive experience that television simply cannot replicate. You are essentially witnessing a living piece of Philly history!
2.1 The Free-to-Roam Zone
The parade, at its heart, is a free event! You can post up along most of the route on Broad Street for absolutely zero dollars. This is where you get that raw, authentic Mummers vibe. Bring a folding chair, some snacks (or hit up a local South Philly deli—do it!), and dress in all the layers, because New Year's Day in Philly can be brutally chilly.
Heads Up: Get there early! For a primo spot near City Hall or one of the performance zones, you'll need to stake your claim. The String Bands, the division with the banjos, saxophones, and the most elaborate, shimmering costumes, usually start strutting past the main performance areas after noon.
2.2 The VIP Treatment: Getting Those Bleacher Seats
If you’re not about that standing-around life, you can grab a ticket for bleacher seating at the official Performance Zone near City Hall. This is prime real estate—you get a great view of the full performances, and you don’t have to fight the crowds for a sightline.
Tip: Avoid distractions — stay in the post.
How to Score Tickets: Tickets are generally available for purchase through the Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation. You can usually snag them online or in person before the event.
What You Get: A reserved seat to watch the Comics, Wench Brigades, Fancies, and the legendary String Bands show off their elaborate themes and routines for the judges and the cameras. It’s a front-row seat to the history.
2.3 The After-Party: Two Street is Where It’s At
Once the official parade wraps up around Washington Avenue, the true, unleashed Mummers spirit heads to 2nd Street (or “Two Street”) in the Pennsport neighborhood. This is where the music keeps playing, the costumes are worn a little looser (or not at all!), and the whole street turns into a massive, celebratory block party. It’s loud, it’s crowded, and it’s the place to be if you want to hang with the Mummers themselves. Just be ready for a truly South Philly experience—it’s not for the faint of heart!
Step 3: 📺 Couch Surfing: Watching from the Cozy Comfort of Your Pad
Maybe you’re out of town, maybe you’re hungover (it is New Year’s Day, after all), or maybe you just can't deal with the cold. No sweat! You can absolutely catch the spectacular from the cozy confines of your living room.
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3.1 Television Broadcasts (The Local Hookup)
In the Philadelphia area, the parade is traditionally broadcast on local television stations. These broadcasts usually cover the main performance zone at City Hall and offer expert commentary.
Check Local Listings: Historically, the parade has been broadcast on WDPN-TV (MeTV2) and WFMZ-TV (Channel 69), or other local affiliates like 6ABC's sister station, The Localish Network. A quick Google search for the current year’s “Mummers Parade TV broadcast” is your best bet for the most accurate info.
Make sure you got your big screen ready and the snacks piled high!
QuickTip: Pause to connect ideas in your mind.
3.2 The Stream Team (Digital Viewing)
If you've cut the cord or live outside the local market, streaming is your best friend. Many of the local broadcasters who air the parade will also offer a free live stream on their websites or through dedicated apps.
Website Streaming: Check the websites of the broadcasting networks (like WFMZ.com or 6abc.com) on the morning of January 1st. They often have a big, obvious link to the live stream.
App Watching: The WFMZ+ app is one platform that has historically carried the parade, and it's usually available on popular streaming devices like Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Google TV. Download the app ahead of time and do a test run!
The Finale Stream: Remember the Fancy Brigades? They don’t march in the main street parade; they have a ticketed, theatrical performance later in the day, typically at the Convention Center. Parts of or the entire Fancy Brigade Finale show are often streamed live on a major local news site or app (like the 6abc app) later in the evening.
This option is seriously clutch for getting a close-up view of the costumes and the incredible, minute details of the choreography.
FAQ Questions and Answers
How do I buy tickets for the bleacher seating at City Hall?
You can usually purchase tickets for the bleacher seating at the City Hall performance area directly through the Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation. Check their website in advance of New Year’s Day, as they usually go on sale a few weeks or a month before the event.
What time does the Mummers Parade actually start and finish?
QuickTip: Pause at lists — they often summarize.
The parade officially kicks off around 9:00 a.m. EST near City Hall and generally runs until around 5:00 p.m. EST down to Washington Avenue. The String Band performances—the most famous part—start hitting the main performance zones after noon.
How can I get to the Mummers Parade without driving?
The best way to get to the parade route is by taking SEPTA, Philadelphia's public transit system. The Broad Street Line subway is your ace in the hole, with stops right at City Hall (City Hall Station) and along the route. Just be aware that many SEPTA bus routes will be detoured or disrupted on New Year’s Day due to the street closures.
What is the difference between the String Bands and the Fancy Brigades?
The String Bands (banjos, saxophones, elaborate costumes, strutting) march and perform in the outdoor street parade. The Fancy Brigades are a separate division that stages highly theatrical, indoor performances with massive sets and props later in the day at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, which requires a separate, indoor ticket.
Is the Mummers Parade kid-friendly?
Yes, the Mummers Parade is a family-friendly celebration! While the crowds can be large and the music loud, it's generally a safe and exciting event for kids. Pro-tip: The Kimmel Center on Broad Street often has special, kid-friendly viewing and activities indoors, plus easy bathroom access!
Would you like me to look up the official ticket information for the next Mummers Parade?
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