Philadelphia doesn’t just do traditions—we perfect them. And now, the rest of the country agrees. The Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia Mummers Parade has officially been named the Best Holiday Parade in the nation is USAToday’s 2025 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, earning the top spot among parades across the U.S.
The honor couldn’t come at a better time. On January 1, 2026, the Mummers Parade will celebrate its 125th anniversary, making more than a century of sequins, satire, saxophones, and unmistakable Philly pride.
🎉 Mummers Parade- A Philly tradition with national recognition
Voted on by readers nationwide and selected by a panel of experts, USAToday’s 10Best awards spotlight the country’s most beloved attractions. This marks the third time the Mummers Parade has taken home the #1 title, further cementing its status as one of America’s most iconic cultural events.
Each New Year’s Day, hundreds of thousands os spectators line Broad Street to watch the dazzling performances from the Fancy, Wench, Comic, and world-renowned String Band divisions.
It’s a spectacle that’s impossible to replicate anywhere else, a staple of Philadelphia culture.
🎉 What to expect New Year’s Day 2026
Here’s what parade-goers and viewers can look forward to:
- Start time: 9:00am at City Hall
- Route: Broad Street from City Hall to Washington Avenue
- End time: Approximately 7:00pm
- Judging locations: City Hall and Dilworth Plaza
- Viewing options:
- In-person along the route
- Ticketed seating near City Hall via the Philadelphia Independence Visitor Center
- Live broadcast on MeTV2, WFMZ, and multiple streaming platforms
- Divisions performing:
- Fancies
- Fancy Brigades
- Wench Brigades
- Comic Clubs
- 14 world-famous String Bands
Fans can also visit String Bands in their staging areas along Market Street and JFK Boulevard starting at 11:00am to see final rehearsals before performances.
🎉 A historic moment for a Philly tradition
As the parade celebrates 125 years, organizers continue to emphasize inclusion and evolution while honoring the creativity and community that have kept the Mummers marching for more than a century.
The milestone year comes as Philadelphia itself steps into the national spotlight. Indeed, this New Year’s Day celebration will feel even bigger.
Add in limited-edition 125th anniversary merchandise and a citywide buzz, and it’s clear: 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most memorable Mummers Parades yet.
Sequins up, Philly!
