PHILADELPHIA, PA – Get ready for the biggest strut yet! The legendary Philadelphia Mummers Parade is returning to Broad Street on New Year's Day, Thursday, January 1, 2026, for a monumental celebration of its 125th anniversary. This historic parade will also officially launch the city's spectacular lineup of events leading up to the America 250th commemoration in 2026.
Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia has once again been named the Title Sponsor for the event, ensuring the 2026 Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia Mummers Parade continues its long-standing tradition of pageantry and performance.
The 125th Anniversary Spectacle
The parade, which was recently named the #1 holiday parade in the nation by USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Award, will feature all four Mummers divisions: Fancy, Wench, Comic, and String Band, alongside Mummers personalities and sponsors.
The parade officially begins at 9:00 AM at City Hall and proceeds South down Broad Street to Washington Avenue, wrapping up around 7:00 PM.
- Judging Area: Main judging will take place on the West side of City Hall and in Dilworth Plaza.
- Seating: Reserved seating for the judging area can be purchased in person at the Philadelphia Independence Visitor Center (6th & Market) or online at www.phlvisitorcenter.com.
- Performance Zones: Special viewing areas featuring performances will be located at 17th & Market Streets, and along Broad Street at Samson, Pine, and Carpenter Streets.
Divisions on Display
This year's spectacular will include:
- 1 Fancy Club
- 10 Wench Brigades
- 3 Comic Clubs
- 14 String Bands
Each participating division will perform elaborate, Broadway-style routines for the crowds. The beloved String Bands will also be staging their routines along Market Street and JFK Boulevard starting at 11:00 AM as they prepare for their performance in front of City Hall.
Watching the Parade: Broadcast Details
For those who can't be on Broad Street, the parade will be broadcast live from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM across multiple platforms, thanks to Live! Support. Casino & Hotel Philadelphia.
The broadcast will air across the Delaware Valley and parts of the Poconos on WDPN-TV (MeTV2) and 69 WFMZ-TV. Viewers can also stream the event on WFMZ.com and the WFMZ+, ZEAM, FrndlyTV, NewsOn, and LocalNow apps on popular streaming devices.
The returning on-air hosts will be Larry Mendte and Dawn Stensland, joined by Megan McFarland (commentary for Comics, Wenches, and Fancy divisions) and Jim Donio (String Band division). Providing expert insight will be Mark Montanaro, Mummers Museum curator, and Sam Regalbuto, President of the String Band Association.
Kick-Off for a Historic Year
The 125th Mummers Parade serves as a celebratory prelude to Philadelphia's major commemorative events in 2026.
"The Mummers Parade ushers in a landmark year for the City of Philadelphia, and we're thrilled to return as its title sponsor,” said Jake Joyce, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia. "We're proud to support this beloved tradition for its 125th anniversary and kick off what is sure to be an exciting and vibrant year for Philadelphia.”
To honor the double milestone, Sam Regalbuto, President of the String Band Association, noted, "What an honor it is to be able to speak on behalf of the Mummers Parade at such a momentous, historic double milestone. The 250th anniversary of our beloved nation, and the celebration of 125 years of Mummery."
Mummers History and Merchandise
The Mummers' unique tradition dates back to the 17th century, evolving from rowdy working-class European customs into the organized, continuous folk parade that began officially in 1901. The parade will be recognized by the 52 Weeks of Firsts initiative as the first Folk Parade in America.
To celebrate the 125th anniversary, limited-edition commemorative merchandise—including a special holiday ornament, a Mummers plushie, and parade t-shirts—will be available for purchase online and at the Shop Live! in the Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia lobby.
For updates on the 2026 parade, visit the brand-new website at philadelphiamummersparade dot com. Fans are also encouraged to follow the new Mummers' account @mummersparade for the latest information.
The Philadelphia Mummers String Band Association is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Fans who wish to support the parade can make a tax-deductible donation at donatemummers.com.
