The 2024 West Chester Holiday Event Guide

Lights, garland, action. With more than 80,000 twinkle lights strewn about, Downtown is decked and ready to glow this holiday season. Now it’s time to grab the nog and get into the holiday spirit. Ready? Good. Here’s your guide - the West Chester Christmas Parade and every other must-know event from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day! 

Santa sightings (and kid-focused events):

While the holiday shopping season may kick off with Black Friday, the Santa season starts with the West Chester Christmas parade. “This is a big year for us, with an all-star lineup of performers joining our area’s top marching bands along the eight-block parade route of our historic streets,” said Katie Walker, President of the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce who hosts the annual event.

Although, much like everything tied to this time of year, you can find him earlier if you want.

Nov. 23 – Dec. 22 – 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 Christmas. Tickets: $40/adults; $30/kids; $15/toddlers; 9 mo and under ride free. 

New this year, a VIP viewing experience. Reserve a ride in the “Table Car” and you’ll get a private show with a live musician. It will cost you though. Tickets in the table car are $65/adults, $55/kids 2-12, $25/toddlers, and babies ride free.  

Nov. 30, Dec. 7, Dec. 21 – 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. 2 - $5 Movie Monday: Elf, Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center Theater, 7:00 p.m. Embrace the magic of Christmas with your kids with this Will Ferrell classic. Complimentary popcorn included.

Dec. 6 – West Chester Christmas Parade, Downtown West Chester, 7 p.m. The Santa sighting to issue in a season of Santa sightings (and there will be plenty of opportunities this year.) The parade starts at New and Market Streets and then heads down Market to Matlack, over to Gay Street, and back down to New Street. See the full route detail here. Also, new this year- ASL interpreting. If you are hearing impaired you can register here for access to a special viewing area. 

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. 

Dec. 7 - Craftapalooza, 100 N Bradford Ave, 11:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Give yourself the gift of peace this holiday season when you drop off your kids -- ages 5-17 -- at the Chester County Art Association. Let their creativity flourish while you shop stress-free. Kids will work with ceramics, paints, jewelry, and mixed mediums during the four-hour event. Cost: $40 for non-members, $30 for members.

Dec. 7 - Photos with Santa at the Hardware Store, Brandywine Ace and Pet, 1150 Pocopson Rd. Brandywine Ace will be hosting their annual photoshoot with Santa and Mrs. Claus on Dec. 7 from 12 to  2 p.m. Stop by for free pictures with Santa. Just don’t forget your camera!

Dec. 7 - SantaFest, American Helicopter Museum, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Rest up Rudolph. On Saturday, Dec. 7, Santa and Mrs. Claus are coming to West Chester via helicopter. They will then hang out to hear wish lists and take pictures. Just don’t forget to BYOC (bring your own camera). Admission is $15/general and $14 for kids 2 to 12. 

Dec. 7 – 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. Now in its fourth year, Santa in the Square has grown from a pandemic-era brainstorm to an evening event with make-it-take-it crafts, live music, and onsite food trucks. 

Dec. 14 – 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!) 

New! Dec. 14 - Kids’ Gingerbread House Painting, Nightingale Materials, 118 N. High St., 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.  Kids 5-10 will use provided acrylic paints to paint a holiday scene built entirely out of their imagination. Creativity fueled by cookies and hot chocolate. Tickets: $28.

Dec. 23 - $5 Movie Monday: Polar Express, Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center Theater, 7:00 p.m. Complimentary popcorn included.

Dec. 28 - Have a Ball! Family Event, Chester County History Center, 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.  Kids create a 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 $10/person and include admission to the CCHC museum. 

Dec. 30 - $5 Movie Monday: Frozen, Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center Theater, 7:00 p.m. Complimentary popcorn included.  

Dec. 31 – Countdown to Noon, Oscar Lasko YMCA, 1 E. Chestnut St., 10:30 – 12 p.m. Meet at the Y for a midday, New Year’s Eve Celebration. This free event is open to the community.

Home tours and holiday markets

Score any manner of unique, hand-crafted gifts or just get in the holiday spirit with a variety of craft markets and the Borough’s signature walking tours. 

Dec. 4 - WCU Holiday Makers Market, Sykes Union Ballrooms, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Make a midday popover to West Chester University for a very manageable holiday market. There will be over 30 vendors including local businesses and crafters of all kinds.

Dec. 7 – West Chester Library’s Holiday Home Tour, self-guided, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. The perennially popular Holiday Home Tour will showcase eight decked-out homes in the Northwest and Southwest quadrants of the Borough. The homes blend original details with modern updates and display the homeowners’ art, collectibles, and antiques. Tickets are $40/in advance or $50 on the day of. 

Dec. 7 - 22 - Holiday History Stroll, Chester County History Center. Immerse yourself in holidays past with this 90-minute walking tour. Costumed guides will take you back in time and show you what the winter holidays meant to the people of West Chester from the late 1700s to the early 1900s. The tour occurs most Saturdays and Sundays in Dec. at either 11 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. and includes a stop at Eclat Chocolate. (Yum.)  Tickets - $20/each

Dec. 14 - Christkindlmarkt, Downtown West Chester, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. After it stopped up downtown for over eight hours last year, it’s not terribly surprising downtown West Chester’s hit Christmas market is returning to Gay St. for a second year. Shop over 100 hand-selected vendors carrying a variety of handcrafted, locally designed goods. Booths will be set up on Gay St. from Darlington to Matlack with a little spillover on Church St. 

Christmas after dark

Just in case those 80,000 lights wrapped all over downtown weren’t enough for you - here are some more options to get your holiday glow on this year. 

Now - until it’s gone. Sleighbar West Chester, upstairs at Slow Hand, Wed. through Sunday. Go full Griswold this holiday season without ever having to step out into the cold. Slow Hand’s pop-up Sleighbar is back to make all your Christmas dreams come true. The decor is magical; the lines are not. Insider tip get there early and if you can order your drink downstairs at Slow Hand before heading upstairs.

Bar opens at 6 p.m. on Wed. and Thurs., and 4 p.m. on the weekend. 

Nov. 29 – Dec. 31 – West Chester Christmas Light Display, 895 Concord Rd, 5 p.m. -10:30 p.m. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on hand on Nov. 30, Dec. 7, and 14 at 5 p.m. for photos. The display is the work of recent Rustin graduate Gavin Snyder (He’s been doing it since he was 13, Maybe the later start is timed with a return from college?!) Admission: $5/person; $10/family. All proceeds go to the Brandywine SPCA. 

New! Dec. 1 - Season of Lights, Lights On! Celebration, Chester County History Center, 3:30- 7:30 p.m. This December, the Chester County History Center (CCHC) will display the rich culture of Chester County’s diverse population with the inaugural Season of Lights. Twinkling lights, festive displays, decorated trees, international cuisine, and multicultural activities will immerse visitors in a multi-sensory experience.

The exhibit extends through Jan. 5, but make it a point to join on Dec. 1 when you will also be treated to a diverse array of culinary delights, family programs, and entertainment. Tickets to the Lights On! Celebration are $25.  

Dec. 6 – West Chester Tree Lighting Ceremony, Old Courthouse, West Chester, 6:30 p.m. Tree lighting will take place before the Christmas parade. 

Dec. 6 – West Chester Christmas Parade, Downtown West Chester, 7 p.m. This year’s parade will feature the Incomparable Golden Rams Marching Band, local high school marching bands, the 2024 Mummers Champion String Band, local Olympians, and a 13-foot-tall float (no additional details given.)  The parade starts at New and Market Streets and then heads to Matlack, over to Gay Street, and back to New Street. See the full route detail (and street closures) here. Also, new this year- ASL interpreting. If you are hearing impaired you can register here for access to a special viewing area.

Dec. 7 – East Goshen Holiday Celebration and Tree Lighting, East Goshen Park, 6 - 7 p.m. This event is designed to put the entire family in the spirit of the season. Enjoy caroling, a dance performance, and, if there’s enough Christmas spirit, a surprise visit from a mystery bearded guest. 

Holiday plays, performances, and concerts: 

Nov. 29 - Christmas with Adele, Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center Theater, 7:30 p.m. Deck the halls and ring in the holiday season with the music of Adele featuring Jennifer Cella. Tickets: $40

Nov. 30, Dec. 7, 14, and 21, Making Spirits Bright Holiday Music Series, History Chester County Courthouse, 2 p.m. Sleighbells ring are you listening? Enjoy a free outdoor holiday concert on the courthouse steps (almost) every Saturday in December.  

Dec. 6 - The Holiday Cheer Concert, Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center Theater, 5 p.m. Kick off parade night with the Cheer Concert, an Uptown tradition. The concert is put on by local kids and includes all your holiday favorites.  

Dec. 7 - Dec. 29 - Beauty and the Beast, the musical, Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center Theater. Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature, the stage version includes all of the wonderful songs of the original, along with new songs by Mr. Menken and Tim Rice. Opening night is Dec. 7 and there will be a special “Community Day” matinee on Dec. 8 (with discounted prices and very limited seats.) General admission tickets range from $40-$45/each. Check the website for a complete list of days and times. 

Dec. 9 - A Celtic Christmas, Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center Theater, 7:30 p.m. Join the global sensation the Celtic Tenors for an Irish take on the winter holidays. Tickets: $45

Dec. 13, 14, 15 - The Nutcracker, WCU’s Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall. Every holiday season since 1985, the Brandywine Ballet has been staging the Tchaikovsky classic.  Join the tradition and immerse yourself in the timeless score surrounded by epic battles, dancing snowflakes, and sugar-coated Land of Sweets brought to you by a sweet cast of characters. Tickets: $30-50

New! Dec. 13 - Holiday Concert -Kennett Symphony Brass Quintet, Chester County History Center, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Get into the holiday spirit with festive music for brass while surrounded by CCHC’s historic halls decked out in their holiday best.

Dec. 13 - Rock this Town: Christmas Spectacular, Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center Theater, 7:30 p.m. Come celebrate the holiday season in a swinging style. This is a show everyone from Grandma to little Jimmy will enjoy. Tickets: $40 

Dec. 17 - Cartoon Christmas Trio, Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center Theater, 6:30 p.m. The nationally renown Cartoon Christmas Trio has been the premier interpreter of the classic soundtracks of holiday cartoon music since 1995. They will be joined this year by the children’s choirs of Pocopson, Unionville, and Hillendae Elementary Schools. Tickets: $25/adult; $18/child

Dec. 18 - Twelve Twenty Four, Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center Theater, 7:30 p.m. Looking for something different this holiday season? Twelve Twenty-Four presents a high-energy, full-scale, holiday rock orchestra concert featuring rock-edge favorites and their own holiday creations. Tickets: $55

Dec. 27 - Gillian Grassie, Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center Theater, 7:30 p.m. Her modern approach to the harp, expressive vocals, and sophisticated but relatable songwriting have earned her a slew of devoted fans. Check out her captivating cover of “What Are You Doing NYE?” here. Tickets: $35

General merriment

Some events defy easy classification but they are often those little surprises that make this time of year truly special.  

Nov. 29 - Dec. 21 - West Chester Borough Balladeer Carolers will be out singing through streets starting this Friday and running through the Saturday before Christmas. Donning full-period dress, the balladeer carolers are always a fun addition to the West Chester Christmas experience. Find them out and about Fridays from 5 to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from noon to 2 p.m. 

New! Nov. 30 - Dec. 1 - Holiday Model Trains, American Helicopter Museum, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday. Stop by the American Helicopter during normal business hours starting on Black Friday and check out some incredible model railroad displays (in addition to the usual helicopters.) There will also be speakers at 1 p.m if you really get into these things. 

Nov. 30 - Watercolor Pet Portrait Ornaments, Nightingale Materials, 118 N. High St., 2 p.m. Paint a custom portrait of your pet this holiday season with the help of local artist Laura Kinsella. Session cost: $63 Bring a photo of the pet you’d like to paint. Everything else will be provided. 

Dec. 2, 16, 23, 30 - $5 Movie Monday: Holiday Edition, Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center Theater, 7:00 p.m. Uptown’s $5 Movie Mondays take a magical turn in December with some of your favorite holiday classics including Elf, It’s a Wonderful Life, The Polar Express, and Frozen. Complimentary popcorn included. 

Dec. 1, 8, 15 - Christmas Tree Train, West Chester Railroad, 8 a.m. Take a train ride to Wiggins Tree Farm where you can cut your own Christmas tree and have it hauled back on the train. Ticket: $30/adult; $25/kids 2 -12 p.m. Trees: $80.

Dec. 4 – Jan. 5 – 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. Wind your way through the Borough’s bedecked street to find all the fabulous sugar and cookie creations, and then vote for your favorite. 

Dec. 6 – Little Lincolns Gettysburg Address Competition, balcony of the Historic Lincoln Building, 5:30 p.m.  Middle school students from across the county don their best Lincoln attire and recite the Gettysburg Address to the gathering parade crowd. This is the 25th anniversary of this unique West Chester event. 

Dec. 7 - Festive Tree Watercolor Greeting Card Class, Nightingale Materials, 118 N. High St., 12 p.m. Experiment with watercolors while creating multiple one-of-a-kind holiday cards. $75/includes materials.

Dec. 10 - Cocktails and Crafts: Wreath Building, Kildare’s, 7 p.m. $50 gets you two drinks, charcuterie, and all of the necessities to make an 18” holiday wreath.

Dec. 14 - Wintry Watercolor Sip and Paint, Nightingale Materials, 118 N. High St., 4 p.m. Local watercolor artist Laura Kinsella will guide participants through painting a snowy landscape and covering some watercolor basics. Bring a beverage to enjoy while you paint. $75/includes materials (but not wine).    

Dec. 15 - Create Oyster Ornaments over a Cup of Cheer, Nightingale Materials, 118 N. High St., 12 p.m. Decoupage ornaments while sipping spiked hot chocolate. $45/includes materials and Baileys-filled hot chocolate.

Dec. 21 - Holiday Floral Centerpiece Workshop, Nightingale Materials, 118 N. High St., 1 p.m. Set your reputation as the hostess with the mostess with a custom flower arrangement using the freshest flowers and greens available. Bring a container (5” or smaller) or purchase one for an additional $10. Class cost: $100/includes materials. 

Dec. 31 - The Laugh Lounge - NYE edition, Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center Theater, 7:30 p.m. This is a perfect option for those who want a night of celebration without the late-night hassle. The Uptown bar will stay open an hour past the show so you can toast the New Year. 

Jan. 11 or Feb. 8  - History Hikes, Harmony Hill Nature Area, 2 p.m. Get back to nature in the new year with a winter hike through the woods. Learn about the area’s stone ruins and track the West Chester trolley line. The hike is approximately 1.5 miles and will last about 2 hrs. 

Pay it forward

Tis the season to give back. We all know it but with everything else going on sometimes that’s easier when your options are placed clearly in front of you. So here you go. 

Nov. 27 - 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.  Plus, order a flight during the month of November and Levante will donate $2 of the proceeds to Hops & Vines for Hunger. 

Nov. 27 - Dec. 7 - Green Team Annual Auction, this is a virtual event. Score some truly unique gift ideas at this one-of-a-kind auction. There is a week stay in Puerto Rico, a day picnicking and swimming at the Quarry, artwork by local artists, home garden consultations, and more. Proceeds go to support the work of the West Chester Green Team. 

New! Nov. 28 - Turkey Trot, corner of Market and Church Sts., bib pick-up begins at 7 a.m. race starts at 8 a.m. Lace-up for a new Borough holiday tradition. This 5K race course loops two times around and will have you ready for an afternoon of noshing. Proceeds support Downtown West Chester and the Downtown West Chester Foundation.

Nov 27 – Dec. 11 – Monkey Fish Toy Drive, 662 Downingtown Pike. Let them know your purchase is for Toys for Tots and receive 10 percent off.

Due Dec. 6 - Gifts of Joy, YMCA of Greater Brandywine- Oscar Lasko and Airport Road Locations. Previously known as the Angel Tree, the YMCA is back with its goal to make sure every child in the West Chester area has an amazing holiday. This year they are taking on the gargantuan task of helping 733 households representing 1,834 children. Right now 165 families lay unclaimed.  Select a name from the tree and receive a list of requested items from one of the areas deserving families. Names are available now. If the tree is not up, just ask at the front desk. You have until Dec. 6 to shop. If you don’t want the full shopping experience, new this year is the “Gift of Cheer” option. These gift packages will go to families on the waitlist and include A $25 gift card, board game, craft kit, and cozy throw blanket. 

Dec. 8 – Toys for Tots Toy Drive, Limoncello, 12 - 3 p.m.  Bring five or more new and unwrapped toys and get a voucher for a free family-style dinner. 

Dec. 12 - 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.  

Jan. 1 – 17th Annual Stanley’s Dream 5K, corner of Church and Market St., 12 p.m. Registration: $30. Funds raised support the Stanley’s Dream scholarship program, providing college scholarships to graduating seniors, and childhood brain cancer research grants.

I don’t know about you but I got a few ideas (and a few tickets.) Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, joyous Kwanzaa – however you celebrate, may your holidays be bright (and your holiday budgets go to helping support the local community.)

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!