#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Fit check for a new year
(Photo by @jrwvk)
Mummers take the streets on a cold, windy 125th edition of parade
One of Philly’s great traditions continues Thursday, as the Mummers held their annual parade. It was cold, and a gusty wind forced the cancellation of the string band competition, but spectators lined the streets and enjoyed the spectacle. Billy Penn’s Nick Kariuki has a report on the event, and we also have an extensive gallery of photos. Enjoy! And we’ll let you know when the competition is rescheduled.) Look at the photos …
SEPTA’s year in review — from its doomsday budget and train fires to equipment failures and World Cup prep
It’s been a year for SEPTA. As a tumultuous year finally comes to a close, Billy Penn’s Meir Rinde reviews the major developments and offers a peek at what lies ahead for the transit agency in 2026. Continue reading …
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• A Scranton woman built a public map showing where data centers are planned in Pennsylvania — a tool for residents to learn more about the high-energy, AI-supporting buildings. [Spotlight PA]
• Pennsylvania Turnpike tolls went up for the 18th consecutive year — a 4% bump to help pay a debt to the state Transportation Dept. [PhillyVoice]
• Philly homicides dropped to a 60-year low. Why do experts think it’s happening now? [WHYY]
• New financing is available for Philly-area homeowners seeking to install rooftop solar. [WHYY]
• Philly Pops ticket holders may get their day in court over concerts that never happened. Here’s what to know. [WHYY]
• What do the Eagles eat when flying between games? Uncrustables, hoagies and a stunningly long list of snacks, according to a team menu reportedly left behind on their chartered plane. [Yahoo]
• Meet the first New Year’s babies of 2026 delivered at Philadelphia-area hospitals. [NBC10]
MAYOR WATCH
The mayor has no public events scheduled for Friday or Saturday.
ON THE CALENDAR
🛍️ Philly-themed gifts: Where to shop
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
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.)
Saturday, Jan. 3: 1st annual Philadelphia Paper Planners Commission meetup
New year, new bullet journals or any other paper planner you prefer! The Philly Pen Circle gathers at Fergie’s Pub for this social, BYO paper-based planner to ink in goals big and small for 2026. (1 to 3 p.m.)
Sunday, Jan. 4: Philly Arts and Vendor Market
One of the first markets of the new year. At the Rotunda. (1 to 5 p.m.)
Tuesday, Jan. 6: “All Creatures Great and Small” Preview Screening
Join WHYY for a preview screening of the first episode of “All Creatures Great and Small” Season 6! A relaxed and welcoming evening complete with movie snacks and festive beverages. Free with registration. (5:30 p.m.)
Wednesday, Jan. 7: Philly All-Pro Comedy Showcase
Get some laughs out in the new year at Punch Line Philly. $21-31 tickets. (7:30 p.m.)
Through Jan. 9: Nice Things Handmade – 15th annual Ornament Show
Shop local and festive at this annual show/shop featuring crafts by artists in and around East Passyunk.
