We are hoping to have a large party on New Years Day and wondered what the parking situation is like around Washington and Front? How early do the festivities begin?

Do any of the big box stores on Columbus allow parking w/out fear of being towed, any other helpful suggestions?

This is obviously our first NYD in the neighborhood and just trying to figure out our options.

We know we may have to ferry our guests in from other neighborhoods, so we don't mind doing a bit of work--but just want to see the big picture.

thanks for any help!

Your friends will not get parking in the neighborhood on NY's. Most locals just plant their car somewhere early on the day on NY's Eve or the day before that and don't move it. Many streets are blocked off and 2nd st has no parking allowed at all. Tell your friends to take public transportation and leave your car where it is;-) The party goes on pretty much all day..with the busiest time in the late afternoon..early evening.

I perused the blog's archives and read something about parking under 95? I was also thinking about the ferry? I'll look it up...Yep, I am not moving my car at all! It's mostly our friends from out of town, from NY, NJ, MD, non Philly PA, etc. I'll guess I'll see what happens.

yes, you can park under there, but get there the day before. All of the people who have to move their cars from 2nd st will fill that up quickly.

we moved our cars west for nye/nyd - parked around 4th or 5th. wasn't bad at all.

You parked your cars on 4th or 5th St?? You're lucky they weren't stolen or at least stripped. I know that area has improved some, but still isn't very good. The locals who grew up in the area won't even walk around there after dark.

If they can't get to your house on public, we get there on the bus that travels on Columbus Blvd..
I believe Staples will be closed. Some spots may be left under 95, but, I would think, not many.

Welcome to the party, Curly! - this could end up being an annual event for you (get a BJ's card, you are gonna need it)! If you are closer to Washington, have them go for a spot under 95 - the deeper south you get into Pennsport, you are in the home of the Clubhouses and much more populated streets. The first big day coming up is Soup Day (aka Kazoo Day and Hat Day) when you will see many local groups in their personalized sweats/jackets/hats just having fun along Two Street, and the first test of parking, since the street won't be closed but so many that do not live in Philly participate. This year it's on the 17th, I believe, since Christmas Eve falls on Sunday. After the actual Parade, is the 3rd event over this period, called Serenade Day. This is the day the groups celebrate the winning Fancy Brigage, in front of their Clubhouse (so many being on 2nd street, odds are the party is there each year even if a non Two Streeter wins- they always return for a post party). Serenade is announced shortly after the NY Parade and is usually within 2 weeks of the parade (check the S. Philly Review, they have a Mummers columnist). On all of these special occassions you will have a tougher time to park and even manuever around the streets in your area. As long as you are aware and willing to cope with a few changes to your normal routines, you will be fine.
p.s. Soup is a traditional item for a party menu and usually runs out.

Maybe the NY parking situation will improve once the casino opens!