Family Guide to the Mummers Parade — Plus a Mummers Giveaway

A new Mummers parade route, plus info on MummersFest and a Mummers giveaway

The Mummers Parade is steeped in tradition, but in 2015, the much-loved parade will see some changes to its route and production schedule, ensuring that as many fans as possible will be able to enjoy the parade. Instead of starting in South Philly and heading north, the 2015 festivities will reverse direction, kicking off at City Hall, where parade-goers can watch 17 competition performances from all five of the Mummer divisions before the bands head south down Broad Street, ending their route at Washington Ave.

Despite the change in route, the Mummers remain all about family, tradition and fun. For example, James Bradley — now a member of the Shooting Stars division, the 2014 Fancy Brigade champion — began his adventure with the Mummers more than 40 years ago, as a 5-year-old legacy with the Comic division. This year, families can get the full Mummers experience as the Pennsylvania Convention Center hosts MummersFest, a four-day festival being held through Dec. 31.

At this so-called “Mummers Midway,” guests can enjoy arts and crafts; try on gorgeous, elaborate Mummers costumes; and watch rehearsals as the clubs prepare for the parade. Tickets are only $4 per person for anyone older than 3 (it's free for kids 3 and younger) and can be purchased here or on-site at the Pennsylvania Convention Center (1101 Arch St). The MummersFest continues Tues, Dec. 30, 5-10pm and Wed., Dec. 31, noon-6pm.  

If braving the elements isn't for you, you can enjoy indoor Mummery with the Fancy Brigade Show, also at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. The competitive indoor spectacular, Jan. 1 from 12noon-5pm, features 2,000-plus Mummers in their feathered, glittered finery, strutting their best in front of elaborate backdrops and amazing props.

If you missed the giveaway for the grand finale, tickets can be purchased here.