The 2023 West Chester Holiday Event List

2023 West Chester Holiday Event List

The West Chester Christmas Parade and every other must-know event from Thanksgiving Eve to New Year’s Day!

Who’s feeling festive?

While there is plenty to do this weekend, including Cheers-giving and Shop Small Saturday, the West Chester holiday season officially starts with the Christmas Parade. The Christmas Parade is an event. It’s a tradition. Even last year’s scaled-back, community-oriented version lined the sides of Market and Gay Streets with nearly 20,000 people. And the expectation is that just as many will return this year.

“We felt the outpouring of affection from the West Chester community last year when the parade returned for the first time since the pandemic. This year promises to be even more heartwarming and exciting,” said long-time parade emcee 6ABC’s Adam Joseph. He will be joined at the mike this year by West Chester University grad and Preston and Steve Show member Kathy Romano.

The West Chester Christmas Parade is back – with more marching bands!

While the parade may not be the 3-hour production it was in the past, there will still be plenty to see. This year’s event features 70 separate entrants. There will be floats, dance and cheer performances, and by popular demand – more marching bands.

In addition to the parade, the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce also puts on the popular Chester County Hospital Lights Up West Chester. Starting before Thanksgiving more than 75,000 lights will be hung up all over downtown. This year the program is expanding to include Church and Walnut Streets from Gay to Market for a truly encompassing experience.

Speaking of encompassing experiences, this year the Chester County Art Association is moving its popular Christkrindlmarkt to Gay Street. The market will feature over 75 vendors offering individually handcrafted and locally designed products.

“We are thrilled to ring in the holiday season with our friends and neighbors with the return of our Christkindlmarkt, the largest one that we have ever hosted,” said Laurie Moran, Artist Liaison of CCAA.

Vendor booths will be set up on Gay Street between Matlack and Darlington Streets for two days over the Dec. 9th weekend.

Then there are also the carolers, the Nutcracker, the Christmas Home Tour, the 102nd WCU Holiday Concert, and Santa, Santa, everywhere. There is so much going on, that I had to give it its own list. I will update throughout the season but this should be enough to get you started.

Santa sightings (and family-tailored events):

There will be plenty of opportunities to see Santa this holiday season – including at Marshall Square Park’s annual Santa at the Square. Image courtesy: Cocoon Remodeling.

Nov. 24 – Dec. 17 – Santa Express, West Chester Railroad, 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., and 5 p.m. West Chester’s Santa Express takes off from the Market Street station every weekend until the weekend before Christmas. Tickets: $35/adults; $25/kids; $10/toddlers; 9 mo and under ride free. This tradition has gotten so popular this year the WC Railroad put out a Holiday Guide full of useful information like what to do if you have a ticket question. Hint – it is not, call the railroad!

Nov. 25, Dec. 2, Dec. 9, Dec. 16 – Santa on a fire truck, Downtown, 3 p.m. Stop and wave as Santa makes his way through downtown escorted by West Chester firefighters!

Dec. 1 – West Chester Christmas Parade, Downtown West Chester, 7 p.m. Parade goers can expect Chester County’s favorite performers and a variety of notable newcomers. Plus, back by popular demand – more marching bands! The parade starts at New and Market Streets and then heads down Market to Matlack and then over to Gay Street and back to New Street. See the full route detail here. (Yes, I know it’s last year’s map but the route doesn’t change. I’ll update when the new graphic is ready.)

Family tip – Set up at the west end of Market Street for the first views of Santa. Northside families, take a swing by Marshall Square Park first. Each year West Chester’s first park decks itself out with hundreds of luminaria.

New this year! If you are a resident of Thornbury Township, you can ride the train to the parade. How cool is that? You’ll meet at the Cheyney Train Station at 5 p.m. and be dropped off at the Market Street (West Chester) Station before the start of the parade. The return train leaves at 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $5/each. This is currently only open to Thornbury Township residents, but if there are still tickets available on Nov. 28 they are opening it up to everyone. What a great idea!

Dec. 2 – Breakfast with Santa, Chester County History Center, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. Each year Santa stops by for breakfast in the Borough. There are cups of cocoa, stacks of pancakes, and lists of wishes. Tickets are $16/each. This is a popular event that sells out quickly. (Like, it’s already sold out, but last I checked they were still accepting on the waitlist.)

Dec. 2 – Photos with Santa at the Hardware Store, Brandywine Ace and Pet, 1150 Pocopson Rd., 12 – 2 p.m. Stop by for free pictures with Santa and face painting by Birl Girl. Also, the Barkery Box cupcake truck and Artillery Brewing will be onsite.

Santa Claus is coming to town…

Dec. 2 – Santa in the Square, Marshall Square Park, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. Kids (and pets) can share their wishes with Santa while parents snap pics and enjoy the ambiance of West Chester’s oldest park. Now in its third year, Santa in the Square has grown from a pandemic-era drop-by to an evening event with kids’ crafts, carolers, and onsite food trucks.

Dec. 3 – Santa at the orchard, Highland Orchards, 1 to 3 p.m. This is a free event. Grab a picture with Santa and some holiday pies – they are excellent!

Dec. 9 – Ornament & Cookie Decorating, Lulu’s Casita, 9:30 a.m. Join Elmo and the Elf on the Shelf for some merry-making. Email [email protected] for more information.

Dec. 9 – SantaFest, American Helicopter Museum, 10 a.m. Santa and Mrs. Claus are coming to the museum. Bring your cameras to take pictures. There will also be crafts, pups, and other activities planned. Admission is $15/adults and $14/kids.

Dec. 9 – Santa at a bank, M&T Bank 10 N. High St. 2 – 4 p.m. Stop by for complimentary hot chocolate and a holiday photo with Santa (and West Chester’s 25’ tree in the background!)

Dec. 10 – Holiday Hoopla, Monkey Fish Toys, 1:00 -3:00 p.m. Enjoy a fun family day out at West Chester’s favorite toy store. Stop by for pictures with Santa and DIY holiday crafts. Plus, every kid gets a free toy!

Dec. 10 – Pasta with Santa, Bar Avalon, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Reservations start at 4:00 p.m. Santa arrives at 5 p.m. Dinner includes mozzarella sticks, penne with meatballs, and a Christmas cupcake. The cost is $24.95 for kids under 12. Reservations are required.

Dec. 16 – Christmas at Marshall Square Park, Marshall Square Park, 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Join Santa and friends for a morning of fun activities tailored to the younger set. Email [email protected] for more information.

Dec. 17 – Touch a Truck, 201 N. Church Street, 10 a.m. – noon. There will be ambulances, police cars, fire trucks, and construction vehicles. This popular event gives kids the opportunity to learn about dozens of vehicles.

Dec. 17 – The Nuttiest Nutcracker, Uptown Knaur Performing Arts Theater, 2 – 4 p.m. New this year – Uptown is hosting a drop-off event. Kids will enjoy a movie, craft, and snack at the theater while, parents shop or just lay low for a couple of hours. Tickets are $25.

Dec. 23 – Elmo & Bluey’s Ugly Sweater Party, Lulu’s Casita, 9:30 a.m. Elmo and Bluey are getting together for a very special holiday celebration. Email [email protected] for more information.

Dec. 23 – A Dream is a Wish, Uptown Knaur Performing Arts Theater, 1 p.m. The enchanting A Dream Is A Wish Princess Holiday Concert is returning with new adventures of Holiday and Disney Classics. Sing along to all your favorite songs such as Let It Go, Rudolph, Part of That World, Jingle Bells, and many more. Tickets: $30/adult; $25/kids 12 and under. $5 more at the door.

Dec. 30 – Have a Ball! Family Event, Chester County History Center, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Kids create their own New Year’s Eve party kit complete with hat, noisemakers, resolutions, and other fun crafts and games. They can also decorate a cookie to enjoy when the ball drops on December 31st (or right away.) Tickets are $12/person and include admission to the CCHC museum.

Dec. 31 – Countdown to Noon, Lulu’s Casita, 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. This will be Lulu’s fifth annual White Fiesta you will not want to miss it. Dancing, balloon drop, face painting, and an apple juice/champagne toast. Email [email protected] for more information.

Dec. 31 – Countdown to Noon, West Chester Area YMCA, 10:30 – 12 p.m. Family membership required.

Home tours and holiday markets:

West Chester Library’s self-guided Holiday Door Tour is back for its third year.

Dec. 2 – West Chester Library’s Holiday Home Tour, self-guided, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Ranging from petite to grand, this year’s tour showcases eight decked-out homes in the Northwest and Southwest quadrants of the Borough. Tickets are $40 in advance and can be purchased at the library or online; $50 day of booklets and wristbands can be picked up at the library.

Dec. 2 – Clover Market – Holiday Market, Westtown School, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. This Holiday Market will feature 100 carefully curated handmade and vintage vendors as well as eats and treats. Admission is free. VIP tickets for early admission are available.

Dec. 2 – 17, West Chester Library’s Holiday Door Tour is a self-guided tour of decorated West Chester stoops. Donate and receive a map of doors and a scavenger hunt item list. Otherwise, you are on your own.

Dec. 2 – 23, Holiday History Stroll, Chester County History Center. Tours occur each Saturday in Dec. at either 11 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. During this 90-minute stroll, guides in costume will describe to you the rituals of Christmas past. Visit the churches, stores, and cultural sites that mattered most to the early residents of West Chester. The tour includes a stop at Eclat Chocolate. (Yum.) Tickets – $20/each

Dec. 9, 10 – Christkindlmarkt, Downtown West Chester, Saturday 1 – 8 p.m.; Sunday – 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. This year the Chester County Art Association has partnered with Downtown West Chester to move the market to Gay St. The market will feature over 75 vendors all selling unique and hand-crafted gift items. There will also be live musical performances from some of West Chester’s favorite bands.

Jan. 6 – New Year Vendor Market, Melton Center, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. New this year, the Melton Center is hosting a post-holiday market. Something get missed on your wish list? This is your chance to grab it.

Christmas lights:

The annual West Chester Tree Lighting will take place on Dec. 1 before the start of the Christmas Parade.

Nov. 23 – Dec. 31 – West Chester Christmas Light Display, 895 Concord Rd, 5 p.m. -10:30 p.m. There are themed nights and various food truck vendors each weekend. Santa will be on hand on Sat. Nov. 25 from 4 – 8 p.m. for photos – all at a local home. Even more impressive? The display is the work of Rustin Senior Gavin Snyder – and he’s been doing it since he was 13! Admission: $5/person; $10/family. All proceeds go to the Brandywine SPCA.

Dec. 1 – West Chester Tree Lighting Ceremony, Old Courthouse, West Chester, 6:30 p.m. Tree lighting will take place before the Christmas parade. Also, don’t forget there will be thousands of lights strung up downtown. New this year, lights are being added to Church and Streets in addition to Gay, Market, and High Streets.

Dec. 2 – East Goshen Tree Lighting Ceremony, East Goshen Park, 6:30 p.m. This event is designed to put the entire family in the spirit of the season. Visit with Santa while enjoying caroling, a dance performance, and the announcement of winners of the house decorating contest. There will also be a canned food drive in support of the West Chester Food Cupboard.

Holiday plays, performances, and concerts:

Marshall Square Park basked in a holiday glow. Photo courtesy of Cocoon Remodeling

Nov. 25, Dec. 2, 9 and 16 – Making Spirits Bright Holiday Music Series, Historic Courthouse, 2 p.m. Each week a different local choir will sing holiday classics for passersby to enjoy.

Nov. 25 – St. Agnes Parish Combined Choirs
Dec. 2 – Uptown Singers
Dec. 9 – West Chester Music Academy
Dec. 16 – Bishop Shanahan Liturgical Choir

Dec. 1 – Holiday Cheer Concert, Uptown Knaur Performing Arts Center, 5 – 6 p.m. Enjoy old holiday favorites as well as more recent classics made famous by R&B and Pop Artists. Tickets are $18/adult; $12/children 12 and under. More at the door. So plan ahead. Concert runs just over 1 hour leaving plenty of time to get to the Christmas Parade.

Dec. 2 – Porchfest’s Bourbon Street Jam, Unitarian Congregation of West Chester, 7 p.m. Enjoy your favorite Porchfest bands along with a fashion show, a raffle, and Jambalaya, cake, beer, and spirits tastings. Admission is $20 and will get you 2 tickets to use at various stations. All proceeds go to support West Chester Porchfest.

Dec. 3 – Christmas by Candlelight, First Presbyterian Church of West Chester, 3 – 6 p.m. Column Classics Concert featuring First Presbyterian musical ensembles and special guest performers.

Dec. 6 – Accent – an A Cappella Holiday Show, Uptown Knaur Performing Arts Center, 7:30 p.m. The six singers of Accent are taking their love of close-harmony jazz singing as far as it can go. Tickets: $35 – $5 more at the door.

Dec. 8 – Chesco Pops Orchestra, First Presbyterian Church of West Chester, 7:30 p.m. ChesCo Pops Orchestra presents holiday pops featuring soprano Lyndsay Varsaci Spaziani, tenor Brenten Megee, alto Georgia La Rue, and bass Michael Spaziani. This is a free event although a $20 donation is suggested.

Dec. 9 – West Chester University’s 102nd Holiday Program, Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall, 3 – 4:30 p.m. The annual Holiday Program has been a staple of the WCU holiday season since its inception in 1921. This year’s performance will include the WCU symphony orchestra, combined choirs, Criterions and will feature Monteverdi’s “Beatus vir.” Tickets: $14/each.

Dec. 9 – The Joy of Christmas, West Chester United Methodist Church of West Chester, 2 – 3 p.m. West Chester Dance Works celebrates the “most wonderful time of the year” in this festive performance. Tickets – $12, Seniors and Children ( ages 4-10) – $10.

Dec. 14 – Nefesh Mountain Holiday Show – Uptown Knaur Performing Arts Center, 7:30 p.m. This New York-based progressive bluegrass band has been hailed as one of today’s formative boundary-pushing groups in American roots music. Tickets: $35 – $5 more at the door.

Dec. 15 – 17 – The Nutcracker, WCU Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall, Friday, 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., Saturday, 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. This holiday classic has been a West Chester tradition since 1985. Performances by the Brandywine Ballet. Running time is approximately 2 hours including a 15-minute intermission.

Dec. 15 – Holidays in Hollywood – Uptown Knaur Performing Arts Center, 7:30 p.m. From the sultry crooning of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” from Meet Me in St. Louis to the energetic “Jingle Bell Rock” from Mean Girls, this cabaret features a diverse array of musical genres sure to have you reliving your favorite holiday movie moments. Tickets: $25/adult; $17/kids 11 and under; $5 more at the door.

Ballets with a Twist is just one of many holiday performances happening at Uptown this year.

Dec. 19 – The Cartoon Christmas Trio, Uptown Knaur Performing Arts Center, 6:30 p.m. Since its inception in 1995, The Cartoon Christmas Trio has been the premier interpreter of the classic soundtracks of holiday cartoon music, especially “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” Joining the trio will be the combined children’s choirs of Pocopson, Unionville, and Hillendale Elementary Schools. Tickets are $25/adult; $18/kids – tickets are $5 more at the door.

Dec. 20 – The Last Big Band Holiday Show – Uptown Knaur Performing Arts Center, 7:30 p.m. Join jazz musicians Larry McKenna and Erich Cawalla as they perform a variety of holiday classics. Tickets $35 in advance; $40 at the door.

Dec. 22 – Twelve Twenty-Four: The Holiday Rock Orchestra – Uptown Knaur Performing Arts Center, 7:30 p.m. Twelve Twenty-Four presents a high energy, full-scale, holiday rock orchestra concert featuring everyone’s favorite rock-edge holiday music as well as their own holiday creations. Tickets: $50 or $55; $5 more at the door.

Dec. 29 – Ballets with a Twist – Uptown Knaur Performing Arts Center, 7:30 p.m. Cocktail Hour: The Show by New York City-based dance company, Ballets with a Twist, melds original choreography, music, and costume design in a series of sparkling vignettes. Watch as White Russian, Hot Toddy, and other spirits of the season spring off the menu and onto the stage in an evening of high-style merriment. Tickets: $35, 40, 45 in advance; $5 more at the door.

General merriment:

Each year West Chester hosts a window decorating contest.

Nov. 22 – Dec. 9 – Holiday Window Decorating Contest, Downtown West Chester. Each year dozens of businesses participate in this annual tradition. The best part is…you get a chance to decide who wins! To vote for your favorite look for the poster with a QR code or click here. Voting ends on Dec. 9. Winners will be announced on Dec. 11.

Nov. 24 and 25 and Dec. 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, and 16 – Caroling in West Chester, Downtown West Chester. Starting on Black Friday, West Chester Borough Balladeer Carolers dressed in Victorian attire will roam around and perform downtown. On Fridays, the carolers will perform from 5 to 7 p.m. on Saturdays from noon to 2 p.m.

Nov. 24 – Jan. 2 – Professional Gingerbread House Competition, Downtown West Chester. Five amazing professional bakers from the area are competing to create the Borough’s best Gingerbread House. Houses are scattered around downtown. Check out all the fabulous sugar and cookie creations, and then vote for your favorite here.

Nov. 26, Dec. 3, and 10 – Christmas Tree Train, West Chester Railroad, 8 a.m. Ride the train to Wiggins Tree Farm where you disembark and disperse through the evergreens in search of the perfect specimen. Once you find it, you will cut it and have it loaded on the train where you’ll claim it upon your return to the Market St. Station. Tickets are $30 for adults; $20, kids under 12.

Dec. 1 – Little Lincolns’ Gettysburg Address Competition, balcony of the Historic Lincoln Building, 5:45 – 6:45 p.m. Middle school students from across the county put on their best Lincoln attire and recite the Gettysburg Address. This year the event will take place right before the start of the Christmas parade.

Dec. 4 – Elf, $5 Movie Mondays, Uptown Knaur Performing Arts Center, 7 p.m. Tickets $5, free popcorn.

Dec. 11 – Surviving Christmas, $5 Movie Mondays, Uptown Knaur Performing Arts Center, 7 p.m. Tickets $5, free popcorn

Dec. 23, 24 – Christmas in West Chester, Uptown Knaur Performing Arts Center, 5 p.m. Celebrate the Holy Moment of Christmas with 938 Church. Invite your friends and neighbors and come early for coffee in the cafe. Stay for Christmas carols and a message of hope.

Dec. 24 – Feast of Seven Fishes, Bar Avalon, a Bar Avalon tradition for over 15 years.

Pay it forward:

Toys for Tots collections are happening through Dec. 5 at various locations around the borough.

Nov 22 – Dec. 11 – Monkey Fish Toy Drive, 662 Downingtown Pike. Let them know your purchase is for Toys for Tots and receive 10 percent off.

Nov. 22 – Cheers-Giving, Levante Brewing, 12 – 10 p.m. Bring a new, unwrapped toy for Tots for Tots, and receive a free draft pour of your choice. There will also be live music, food trucks, and specialty small-batch draft releases including Infinite Obsidian (Pumpkin Chiffon Pie.) Order a flight during the month of November and Levante will donate $2 of the proceeds to Hops & Vines for Hunger.

Nov. 22 – Dec. 2 – Green Team Annual Auction, this is a virtual event. Score some truly unique gift ideas at this one-of-a-kind auction. In the past, I have used it to secure some truly amazing vacation opportunities. Marbella, Spain, anyone? This year there are houses in Puerto Rico and Anna Maria Island, Florida, desserts by local chefs, home garden consultations, and more. Proceeds go to support the work of the West Chester Green Team.

Nov. 22 – Dec. 4 – YMCA Angel Tree, Oscar Lasko and Airport Road Locations. The YMCA is returning this year with its annual Angel Tree project. Select a name from the tree and receive a list of requested items from one of the areas deserving youngsters. Names are available now. If the tree is not up, just ask at the front desk. You have until Dec. 4 to shop.

Nov. 22 – Dec. 5 – Toys for Tots collections, various. New, unwrapped gifts can be dropped at collection boxes in the West Chester Police Department lobby on E. Gay St. or at the West Chester Public Library on N. Church St. Donations are being accepted through Dec. 5. Want to score a donation and a deal at the same time? Monkey Fish Toys in the Bradford Plaza is offering 10 percent off all Toys for Tots purchases.

Dec. 3 – Toys for Tots Drive-Thru Event, Goodwill Fire Co., 552 E. Union St. 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Join the Goodwill Fire Company for their 3rd annual Toys for Tots collection event. Drive your car around through the decorated fire engine bay, and deliver your new, unwrapped toy into the hands of the North Pole’s favorite elves.

Dec. 3 – Brian’s Run, Downtown West Chester, 1 p.m. After being moved out to Rustin High School last year, this West Chester tradition is back where it should be – the corner of Church and Market Streets. Also, back – the 5-mile option! Now you can choose between a 5K, 2-mile walk and for the dedicated, the full 5 miles. Once named one of the country’s “100 great races,” it’s good to see it back in its glory. Proceeds benefit the West Chester Food Cupboard.

Dec. 10 – Toys for Tots Toy Drive, Limoncello, 12 – 4 p.m. Bring five new and unwrapped toys and get a voucher for a free family-style dinner.

Dec. 15 – WSFS Bank Toy Drive & Breakfast, St. Agnes School – Thomas Patrick Hall, 7:30 a.m. – 9 a.m. Bring a new, unwrapped toy and stay for a complimentary breakfast. Registration is required.

Dec. 26 – Boxing Day Soccer Matches and Food Drive, Kildare’s Irish Pub, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. The tradition continues. For every two non-perishable food items or one new toy, you will get a free pint on the bar. All proceeds will be donated to those in need during the holidays.

Jan. 1 – 16th Annual Stanley’s Dream 5K, corner of Church and Market St., 12 p.m. Registration: $25. Funds raised support the Stanley’s Dream scholarship program, providing college scholarships to graduating seniors, and childhood brain cancer research grants.

For more holiday-giving ideas, check out our Donation Drive Roundup.

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, joyous Kwanzaa – however you celebrate, may your holidays be bright (and don’t forget to support downtown businesses!)

Know of an event I missed? Email me at [email protected] and I will add it. Also, as we do not have an extensive fact-checking department over here, I would suggest clicking on the links and double-checking dates and times to confirm nothing has changed.

A very special thank you to COCOON for their support of not only this guide but of events in West Chester. In addition to sponsoring the Music at Marshall series, they have donated to Porchfest, the Children’s Business Fair, the West Chester Christmas Parade, and many others. They are also the title sponsor of Santa at the Square. Stop by and say hi, to them at this year’s event!

Hello, West Chester! We are COCOON and we also call West Chester home. (You might have driven by our Design Studio on West Chester Pike.) If you didn’t know, we remodel homes – and we do our best to make remodeling as stress-free as possible. If you’re thinking about remodeling, reach out to us! We’d love to help you explore your options!