Philly residents and visitors, take note: the Mummers are coming, which means it's time to plan for road closures and parking changes. The city has announced an array of traffic adjustments ahead of the 2025 Mummers Parade, set for New Year's Day. If you're planning to drive through the city, you might want to reconsider—most restrictions start kicking in on December 29.
Mark your calendars if you plan to park: restrictions start Sunday, December 29, at 6 p.m., affecting 15th Street from Arch to Ranstead streets—and don't forget, these rules stick around until January 2. The following day will see 15th Street closed to southbound vehicles at John F. Kennedy Boulevard for essential parade setup, a closure which remains until January 2. As for public transport, SEPTA services will predictably twist and turn from their usual routes—with details available on SEPTA's website, affecting numerous buses from December 31 to January 1.
Now let's talk specifics. According to the City of Philadelphia, 15th Street, Market Street, Benjamin Franklin Parkway, and North Broad Street are just a few of the thoroughfares getting the roadblock treatment come January 1, starting in the wee hours of 3 a.m. until the parade's end. Broad Street gets the full closure treatment from South Penn Square to Washington Avenue, beginning 7 a.m. on parade day. Anticipate delays and a vehicular inability to cross Broad Street during the parade—expect it, in fact.
For those arriving on four wheels, note: temporary "No Parking" zones expand on January 1, from 2 a.m. to 6 p.m., spanning streets like Broad, Chestnut, and Washington Avenue. Essentially, if you're anywhere near the parade route, street parking is an ephemeral luxury at best. Public safety gets a spotlight, too: unattended bags are a definite no-no, and the whole parade area is a strict "No-Drone Zone." Unexpected items should get an immediate report to the police or via 9-1-1. Celebration doesn't eclipse vigilance, friends, it's crucial for everyone's safety.
What about getting there? The city waves the public transportation flag, particularly hailing the SEPTA Broad Street and Market-Frankford Lines as go-tos for parade access. As for the parade experience itself, those in need of wheelchair-accessible seating will find spots north of the performance area on 15th Street—for early birds, it’s a first come, first served deal, with companion seating close by. So whether you're a Mummers enthusiast or just looking to navigate through Philadelphia come New Year's, keep an eye on these details to keep your day parade-pleasant.
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