8. Mummers New Year's Parade

The Buzz -- Feathers and sequins are the decorations of choice for the thousands of people that take to the streets during this annual New Year's Day event. Costumed and masked string musicians, mostly banjo players, strut down Broad Street during a daylong parade. The gaiety and music that rings in the new year is something to see. String bands start at Oregon Street, the Fancies start at Snyder, and the Comics start at Washington. To see all three, you'll need to park yourself somewhere along Broad between Washington and City Hall (Market Street). The Fancy Brigades follow up with an indoor performance at the Philadelphia Convention Center.