St. John's 
The Mummers Parade, a vibrant celebration of Newfoundland and Labrador’s unique Christmas tradition, is scheduled for Saturday, December 13, in St. John’s.
Photo Credit: Mummers Festival
This event, deeply rooted in over 300 years of history, epitomizes the fun-loving spirit of the province. Mummering involves groups of friends visiting homes in the community while disguised in various costumes made from household items. The goal is to remain unrecognizable until the hosts can guess their identities, after which the mummers reveal themselves and join the social gathering.
The Mummers Festival 2025, which kicked off on Nov 29, includes a series of events such as workshops, public forums, and educational programs. These activities offered participants the opportunity to learn about the tradition, create hobby horses, and even make their own “ugly sticks.” Experts in ‘mummering’ share their knowledge, ensuring the preservation and understanding of this tradition.
The Mummers Parade is the festival’s highlight, where people of all ages and backgrounds come together, dressed in Mummer disguises, to parade through the streets. This event is not just a parade; it’s a celebration of social bonding, community spirit, and cultural identity.
Participants are encouraged to join the parade, with an emphasis on creativity and anonymity in their costumes. As the organizers say, “Put on Mother’s size 42 bra and get your pillow-stuffed backside ready to join us!”
The Mummers Festival’s slogan, “Where Underwear is Outerwear,” captures the event’s playful and unconventional nature.
Photo Credit: Mummers Festival
The parade, which starts at 1:00 pm in Bowring Park and lasts about 40 minutes, is a spectacle of surprises and joy. In the event of inclement weather, the event will be rescheduled to Sunday, December 14, at the same time and location.
Before the parade, participants can get “rigged up” from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Create your perfect disguise by mixing and matching clothing from the costume bins located inside the main gates of the park on Park Road, pick a tea cozy hat, add a lace veil, and draw inspiration from fellow mummers.
The Parade starts at the west end, follows the paved path, and returns southbound on the loop, ending outside the Pool House.
Post-parade festivities (Mummers Scuff ‘n Scoff) at Bowring Park Amphitheatre include a party with live music featuring musicians Wyatt Hirschfeld Shibley, Bud Davidge, Paul Hamilton, and Nate Hammond. Attendees can enjoy hot chocolate and cookies, embodying the warmth and communal joy of the season.
Stay until the night falls to see Bowring Park come alive with holiday lights – a perfect end to a perfect day!
Mummers Parade – 2025
When: Saturday, December 13 | 1:00 PM – 1:45 PM
In case of inclement weather, Parade Day events will move to Sunday, December 14th, at the same time and place. Check the website at 9 a.m. on December 13th for updates.
Where: Bowring Park, St. John’s
The parade starts and ends in Bowring Park at the West End of Gates Park Road
How much: Free. Donations for the Mummers Festival are always welcome!
