#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Moon over Philly
(Photo by @leonarde5)
What to know ahead of the Mummers Parade on New Year’s Day
The new year is almost here and you know what that brings — the best holiday parade in the country, the Mummers Parade.
Billy Penn spoke to organizers and participants for tips on how to best enjoy it, and outlines street closures, too. Continue reading …
‘Keep marching’: ‘Suffs’ lead finds hope, and hard truths, in Alice Paul’s story
Until she landed the lead role as Alice Paul in the “Suffs” touring company, actor Maya Keleher, like many people, knew about two paragraphs’ worth of history about the struggle of women suffragettes to gain the right to vote.
That changed quickly. “I learned so much about her tenacity and her fight,” Keleher said in studying for the show, which will run Jan. 6-18 at the Academy of Music. “She was so relentlessly committed to her causes.” Continue reading…
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• As many as 45,000 Philadelphians are at risk of losing their SNAP benefits. Here’s what you need to know. [WHYY]
• Construction of South Street pedestrian bridge is set to start in 2026, and finish up in 2027. [WHYY]
• What’s open and closed in Philly on New Year’s Day. [Inq$$]
• Philly preps for its first-ever New Year’s Eve concert on the Parkway. [WHYY]
• The late Thom Bell, record producer known for his work with The Stylistics and The Delfonics, has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. [6ABC]
• 2025 in photos: A year of change, celebration and resolve in the Philadelphia region. [WHYY]
MAYOR WATCH
The mayor has no public events scheduled for Tuesday.
ON THE CALENDAR
🎆 38 ways to ring in 2026
🛍️ Philly-themed gifts: Where to shop
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
Wednesday, Dec. 31: Kids’ New Year’s Eve Countdown at Franklin Square Park
Crafts, festivities, mini golf, street curling, snacks, and a 6 p.m. “Square Drop.” Free. (5 to 8 p.m.)
Wednesday, Dec. 31: Super Hero Spectacular: A New Year’s Family Party
Plan ahead for rain or shine at Cherry Street Pier, grab a $27 ticket (free for kids 2 and under) for views of the 6 p.m. fireworks on the waterfront, activities, crafts and music, giveaways, and a cash bar. (5 to 7 p.m.)
Wednesday, Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve with the Philadelphia Orchestra
“Hollywood’s go-to conductor” (Billboard) leads spectacular music from such iconic films as Sunset Boulevard, Psycho, Citizen Kane, The Wizard of Oz, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, and more. Enjoy a complimentary champagne toast and grab a selfie on the red carpet. $57 to $187 tickets. (7 p.m.)
Wednesday, Dec. 31: POP! An Art-Fueled New Year’s Eve Party
Art from local Philly artists, a dance party full of your favorite pop music, drink specials, DIY light show, and more. Free at Love City Brewing. (9 p.m.)
Thursday, Jan. 1: Wissahickon Walk with the Philly Goats
Join the 2026 goat takeover of the Wissahickon! Meet some new people and goats for a fun and healthy start to the New Year. They will start at the Northwestern Avenue entrance and walk to Bells Mills Road and back. (1 to 2 p.m.)
Thursday, Jan. 1: Break My Game Playtesting
Come play and test board games designed by local independent game designers. Give feedback on how the games could be better during the design process. Free to play. Donations welcome. At the Board and Brew in University City. (6 to 9 p.m.)
Saturday, Jan. 3: Saturday Firstival: The First Balloon Voyage in America
The Athenæum is on the site of the launch of the first successful, manned balloon flight in the U.S., which took place on January 9, 1793 by a French inventor and aeronaut. Celebrate the anniversary with stories, a pop-up exhibit, giveaways and more. Part of the citywide 52 Weeks of Philly Firsts celebration throughout 2026. Free. (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
