FESTIBUS 2021
November 29, 2021
Since 2013, SEPTA’s frontline maintenance and transportation employees transformed public transportation vehicles into extraordinary works of art for everyone to see and enjoy during the holiday season. Each district works together to come up with a theme for their respective vehicle. Employees receive donations from co-workers and volunteer their personal time and resources to work on the buses. They begin developing themes in January and work on their vehicles during the month of November to complete their spectacular displays.
There are a total of 12 SEPTA decorated vehicles including nine (9) buses - aka FESTIBUSES - and three (3) trolleys that represent SEPTA’s many operating locations.
The Holiday Trolleys - aka Jolly Trolleys - operate on their respective routes and can be seen throughout the Southwest Philadelphia area.
This year - the nine (9) SEPTA FESTIBUSES are making an appearance at LOVE Park for the People's Choice Awards!
The People’s Choice Award offers the public the opportunity to view and vote for their favorite vehicle while admiring their impressive decorations.
The People’s Choice Award will take place at the LOVE Park on:
· Saturday, December 4 from 10am – 5pm
· There will be an encore presentation on Sunday, December 5 from 10am – 5pm.
· The rain date is the following weekend on Saturday and Sunday, December 11 & 12.
And - NEW THIS YEAR - a few of the FESTIBUSES will participate on Saturday, December 4 in the first VISIT PHILADELPHIA Holiday Parade celebrating all winter holidays – Christmas, Hannukah, Kwanzaa, and the Chinese New Year.
The parade, kicking off at 5pm at 2nd & Market Streets and ending at City Hall, will feature cold air balloons, marching bands, floats, dance groups, and more.
The parade will incorporate arts and culture organizations, reflecting the diversity of the city and all the different ways the holiday season is celebrated throughout Philadelphia.
The parade is a must-see event to experience excitement, entertainment, and get in the holiday spirit. Parade goers are encouraged to enjoy the parade all along the Market Street route - and to get there on SEPTA! Hop the Market-Frankford Line to 2nd, 5th, 8th, 11th, or 13th Street for optimal viewing or hop Bus Routes 23, 45, 47, or 57. Coming from the burbs - ride Regional Rail to Jefferson Station.
