The 2025 West Chester Holiday Event Guide

Editor’s note: There’s a lot here and seasonal surprises are bound to come up - so, please double check dates and times on all events before bundling up and heading out the door. 

With more than 80,000 twinkle lights strewn about, West Chester is decked and ready to glow this holiday season. Now that Thanksgiving is done and Black Friday is in the books, it’s time to break out that Santa sweater and get in the (next) holiday spirit. Ready? Good. 

Here’s your comprehensive guide to holidays in the Borough and beyond.

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. 

“I co-hosted this parade when I was a single guy and now, experiencing it through the eyes of my two kids, who are already 9 and 11, the magic of the West Chester Christmas Parade is magnified!” said 6abc meteorologist and longtime parade emcee Adam Joseph. “The spirit of the holiday comes alive not only this one night, but for the whole season in the borough. I promise it will warm your heart and leave you feeling festive.”

Santa arrives by parade float on Friday evening, although much like everything tied to this time of year, you can find him earlier if you want.

Nov. 22 – Dec. 21 – Santa Express, West Chester Railroad, 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., and 5 p.m.
West Chester’s Santa Express train takes off from the Market Street station every Saturday and Sunday leading up to the Christmas holiday. Join Santa for a 75-minute ride through the Chester Creek Valley while he visits with every child on board. There are also live musicians to keep things festive

NEW! Nov. 28 - Dec. 8 - Bring Your Letter to Santa to Borough Hall. This Christmas, West Chester children can bring their letters to Santa to Borough Hall (401 E. Gay St.) for an express ride to the North Pole and a written response back (assuming Santa can decipher that handwriting.) Return letters will need to be picked up at Borough Hall. 

Nov. 29 – Dec. 20 – Santa on the Fire Truck, Downtown West Chester. Stop and wave as Santa makes his way through downtown aboard a West Chester fire truck. Look for the big man around 3 p.m. on Nov. 29, Dec. 6, and Dec. 20.

Dec. 5 – West Chester Christmas Parade, Downtown West Chester, 7 p.m. As soon as the West Chester Christmas tree is lit, the West Chester Hometown Christmas Parade starts to roll, bringing marching bands, sparkling floats, local performers, and, of course, Santa. The parade is expected to draw more than 25,000 spectators this year and remains one of the region’s favorite family traditions. 

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. 6 - Breakfast with Santa, Chester County History Center, 9:30 a.m. Join West Chester Borough for a magical morning filled with holiday cheer, delicious food, and a visit from Santa himself. Kids can sip cocoa, share their wish lists, and take photos. Registration required. 

Dec. 6 - Craftapalooza, 100 N Bradford Ave, 9 a.m. to noon or 1 to 4 p.m., Give yourself the gift of peace this holiday season when you drop off your kids -- ages 5-14 -- at the Chester County Art Association. Let their creativity flourish while you shop stress-free. Each kid will have the opportunity to make three age-appropriate crafts. Cost: $60 for non-members, $50 for members.

Dec. 6 - Santa at the Firehouse, Goodwill Fire Company, E. Union St, 10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. There will be photos with Santa, crafts, and snacks. The event is free. Donations are appreciated.

Dec. 6 - SantaFest, American Helicopter Museum, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Rest up, Rudolph. On Saturday, Dec. 6, 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). There will also be holiday crafts and hands-on STEM activities. Admission is $15/general and $14 for kids 2 to 12. Museum members get in free.

Dec. 6 - Village of Marshallton Tree Lighting Ceremony, 4 - 6 p.m. There will be Colonial carolers, festive treats, and instead of a parade float, Santa arrives by sled.

Dec. 6 – 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 fifth 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. 7 - Santa at the Toy Store, Monkey Fish Toys. Stop by West Chester’s favorite toy store for a chat and photos with the big man. Plus, a candy station (and a preview of some of the season’s top toys.) 

Dec. 13 – 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 new 28’ Christmas tree in the background!) 

Dec. 13 - The Grinch, Fugett Middle School, 3 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. Now in its second year, West Chester Dance Works’ production of Dr. Seuss' The Grinch Who Stole Christmas includes both original favorites and updated selections.

Dec. 14 - Breakfast with Santa, Chesterbook Academy, 1190 McDermott Dr. Enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet, holiday crafts, and the opportunity to take pictures with Santa. There are two seatings available, the first at 9 and the other at 10:30 a.m. Tickets required. 

Dec. 14 - Make Your Own Ornament Craft, Monkey Fish Toys, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Stop by MFT to make a very special ornament for your tree. 

Dec. 20 - Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus, Knights of Columbus, 110 Market St, two seatings 9 and 10:30 a.m. Pancake breakfast provided.  Cost $8 - all proceeds go to support the Care Center Foundation.

Dec. 27 - 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 31 (or right away.) Tickets are $10/person and include admission to the CCHC museum. 

Dec. 31 – Countdown to Noon, Oscar Lasko and West Chester YMCA, 10 – 12 p.m. Meet at the Y for a midday New Year’s Eve Celebration. This free event used to be open to the community. Now you need to have a family membership.

Holiday tours and Christmas 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. 2 - WCU Holiday Makers Market, Sykes Union Ballrooms, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Make a midday popover to West Chester University for this very manageable holiday market. There will be over 30 vendors, including local businesses and crafters of all kinds. Parking is available at the New Street Garage.

Dec. 6 – West Chester Library’s Holiday Home Tour, self-guided, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. This year, this perennially popular Holiday Home Tour showcases eight stunning Borough homes. Peak inside to find collections of unique art, cherished collectibles, and timeless antiques. Tickets are $45 in advance or $55 on the day of. 

NEW! Dec. 6-7 - East Side Christmas Market, 501 E. Miner St, Saturday, 9 a.m.- 3 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m. -1 p.m. Breakfast with Santa, crafts, games and a holiday market. Some events require separate tickets.

NEW! Dec. 6 - Yuletide Market, Nightingale Materials, 118 N. High St. Locally made goods, all under $50. 

Dec. 6 - 21 - Holiday History Stroll, Chester County History Center. Immerse yourself in holidays past with this 90-minute walking tour. Guides in period costume 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. Tour includes a stop at Eclat Chocolate and occurs most Saturdays and Sundays in December. Visit the CCHC website for a complete list of events. 

Dec. 13 - Christkindlmarkt, Downtown West Chester, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. 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. In addition to local vendors, there will be musical performances at the Jack Loew Plaza at 44 West and the Chester County Historic Courthouse, and photo ops with Santa and the Grinch.  You can find a complete list of planned activities here. 

Christmas lights

Just in case those 80,000 lights strung all over downtown weren’t enough for you – here are some more options that optimize merry and bright.

NEW! Nov. 21 - Jan. 5 - West Goshen’s Winter Wonderlights, sunset to 9 p.m. New this year, West Goshen has decorated West Goshen Community Park with lights, including a glowing archway at the children’s playground entrance and colorful strands strung around the amphitheater and gazebo. 

Nov. 28 – Jan. 4 – Chester County Hospital Lights Up Holiday Weekends in West Chester, Downtown West Chester. Historic downtown West Chester glows with hundreds of strands of holiday lights, wreaths, and greenery as the annual light display returns bigger and better for 2025. The festive fun runs Black Friday through Jan. 4 with special events planned for Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, throughout the season, including free photos with Santa, live music, and plenty of shop-small opportunities. 

Most activities are free; check the Greater West Chester Chamber’s site for weekly schedules. 

Nov. 30 – Jan. 3 – Season of Lights, Chester County History Center. Twinkling lights, festive displays, and decorated trees adorn the galleries of the Chester County History Center for the second year of Season of Lights, a multicultural celebration of the holidays. Stroll through 300 years of Chester County history while enjoying holiday installations celebrating the county’s diverse communities. The exhibit access is included with regular museum admission.

Dec. 1 - Holiday Celebration and Christmas Tree Lighting, East Goshen Township Park, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. The event will include caroling from the Uptown Theatre Teen Ensemble, a Time to Leap Dance performance, and a visit from Santa. Plus, May Day Coffee will be on-site, serving hot cocoa to keep you warm!

Dec. 5 - Light Up the Night, Marshall Square Park. Bundle up, grab a hot chocolate, and take a stroll through West Chester’s first park as it sparkles with the soft glow of hundreds of luminaria. This beloved tradition is part of West Chester’s Old Fashioned Christmas and a beautiful way to slow down, celebrate, and soak in the season.  

Dec. 5 – West Chester Tree Lighting Ceremony, Historic Courthouse, 6:30 p.m. Join the community on the steps of the Historic Chester County Courthouse for the official lighting of the West Chester Christmas tree. Rising 28 feet tall and featuring 20,000 lights, the tree on the lawn of the Historic Chester County Courthouse has been a West Chester tradition for decades. Enjoy live performances and remarks before the big countdown.

Dec. 6 - Village of Marshallton Tree Lighting Ceremony, 4 - 6 p.m. There will be Colonial carolers, festive treats, and instead of a parade float, Santa arrives by sled.

Holiday plays, performances, and concerts

Holiday plays, performances, and concerts are where West Chester shows off. From big-stage musicals and classical ballets to cozy cabarets, jazz nights, and movie throwbacks, there’s something for every taste (and bedtime).

Dec. 5 – Holiday Cheer Concert, Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center, 5 p.m. Kick off parade night with Uptown’s beloved Holiday Cheer Concert, a family-friendly performance packed with seasonal favorites from local young performers.

NEW! Dec. 6–28 – Cinderella, Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center. This year, Uptown is staging the classic story of Cinderella. This family-friendly production brings the classic fairy tale to life with songs, dancing, and plenty of happily-ever-after. Check Uptown’s website for specific performance dates, times, and ticket options.

Dec. 6 - 104th Annual WCU Holiday Program, Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall, 3 p.m. The program showcases hundreds of student musicians, including members of the WCU Symphony Orchestra, Mastersingers, Criterions Jazz Ensemble, Concert Choir, Oriana, and the Grand Chorus. Winter-themed songs like Winter Wonderland, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, and Let It Snow will fill the hall with festive tunes. Advance ticket purchase is strongly encouraged. 

Dec. 6 – Season of Lights Holiday Concert with Brandywine Valley Symphony, Chester County History Center, 6:30–7:30 p.m. As part of Season of Lights, the Chester County History Center teams up with the Brandywine Valley Symphony for a special one-hour holiday concert. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., giving you time to wander the Season of Lights displays before settling in for festive orchestral favorites. A great option if you like your holiday spirit with a side of strings and brass.

Dec. 6 - A Very Westminster Worship Christmas Concert, Westminster Presbyterian Church, 4 p.m. Join the Westminster Worship Collective for a festive Christmas music concert exploring the theme Home. Selections will include both popular and sacred favorites as well as new songs for the season. Stick around afterwards for a reception with light holiday refreshments. Click here to get your free tickets.

NEW! Dec. 9 – EleMenTrio Holiday Concert, Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center, 7:30 p.m. Vocal group EleMenTrio brings rich harmonies and holiday charm to Uptown for a one-night-only performance. Expect seasonal standards with soulful arrangements.

Dec. 10 – Bright Lights: West Chester Jazz Orchestra Holiday Concert, Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center, 7:30 p.m. The West Chester Jazz Orchestra returns with a high-energy holiday jazz concert. Big band fans, this one’s for you.

Dec. 11 – Top of the World: A Carpenters Christmas Tribute, Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center, 8 p.m. Celebrate the season with all the nostalgic holiday (and Carpenters) hits, performed live.

Dec. 12-14 - And on Earth, Peace: Westminster’s Annual Christmas Concerts, Westminster Presbyterian Church. Enjoy your holiday favorites as performed by Westminster Presbyterian’s 95-member choir. This is their 35th annual Christmas performance. Tickets are free, but are required to avoid overcrowding. Childcare is available at the afternoon concerts by reservation. Get your tickets and find a complete list of performance times here.

Dec. 13 – A Not So Silent Night! A Christmas Cabaret, Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center, 7:30 p.m. Looking for something a little more grown-up and glitzy? A Not So Silent Night! is a festive Christmas cabaret, mixing humor, sparkle, and plenty of music.

Dec. 16 - Cartoon Christmas Trio, Uptown Knaur Performing Arts Center Theater, 6:30 p.m. The nationally renowned Cartoon Christmas Trio has been the premier interpreter of holiday cartoon soundtracks since 1995. They will be joined this year by students from the Unionville Chadds Ford School District.

Dec. 19–21 – The Nutcracker, Brandywine Ballet at WCU’s Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall. Every holiday season since 1985, the Brandywine Ballet has staged Tchaikovsky’s classic “The Nutcracker.” For 2025, performances return to Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall the weekend of Dec. 19. Expect epic battles, dancing snowflakes, and a sugar-coated Land of Sweets brought to life by a cast of local dancers. Visit the Brandywine Ballet website for a complete list of performance dates and times. 

NEW! Dec. 23 - Nefesh Mountain, Uptown Knaur Performing Arts Center Theater, 7:30 p.m. Nefesh Mountain celebrates identity while challenging injustice through heartfelt lyrics and soaring melodies. Join them for an unforgettable evening of musical transcendence that’s as spirited as it is soulful.

General merriment

Not every occassion must include a choir, lights, or a Santa, to make it holiday-worthy. Here is a selection of random ways to experience joy this holiday season. 

Nov. 30, Dec. 7 & Dec. 14 – 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. Train departs Market Street Station at 8 a.m. The round-trip ride is about two hours, including a stop at the farm. 

Nov. 28 – Dec. 20 – West Chester Borough Balladeer Carolers, Downtown West Chester. Dressed in Victorian attire, the West Chester Borough Balladeer Carolers will be singing through the streets starting Black Friday and running most weekends until Christmas. The Balladeers are always a fun addition to the West Chester Christmas experience. Look for them, Friday evenings and weekend afternoons as part of the Holiday Weekends programming. Find the complete list of performance times here. 

NEW! Nov. 28 – Jan. 3 – Community Gingerbread House Competition. Chester County’s Brandywine Welcome Center is hosting its first-ever Gingerbread House Competition at its new Historic West Chester Courthouse location. Come and check out the mad confectionery skills of your friends and neighbors, then vote for your favorites. There are prizes for best teen, youth, adult, and community business submissions. Winners will be announced on Dec. 19

Dec. 5 – Little Lincoln Gettysburg Address Competition, balcony of the Historic Lincoln Building, 5:30 p.m.  Four score, and seven years ago… Middle school students from across the county don their best Lincoln attire and channel the 16th president as they recite his famous address to the gathering parade crowd. This is the 26th anniversary of this unique West Chester event. 

Dec. 6-7 - Eastside Gingerbread House Contest, 501 E. Miner St. Stop by the West Chester Community Center (formerly the Melton Center) to view unique candy and cookie creations and vote for your favorite. 

Dec. 8 – White Christmas (Film), Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center, 7 p.m. Dreaming of a classic holiday movie night? Uptown is screening White Christmas on the big screen for just $5. Snag some popcorn and sing along (quietly) to “Sisters,” “Snow,” and the title tune.

Dec. 12 - Holiday Trivia Night, West Chester Public Library, 6 p.m. Questions begin at 6:45 p.m. Join your friends and neighbors for appetizers and a holiday toast ($5 beer & wine) before settling in for a little friendly competition. Admission is $5 per person. Space is limited, so pre-registration is recommended.

Dec. 15 – Holiday Inn (Film), Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center, 7 p.m. A song-filled love triangle unfolds at a charming inn that opens only on holidays in this Irving Berlin musical. Tickets $5, includes complimentary popcorn. 

Dec. 19 - Lighted Labyrinth Walk, Everhart Park. Celebrate the Winter Solstice with a reflective walk through the luminary-lit Everhart Park labyrinth. Event begins at 5:30 p.m. Labyrinth is located at the southwest corner of the park. 

Dec. 22 – The Man Who Invented Christmas (Film), Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center, 7 p.m. The film shows how Charles Dickens used real-life inspiration to create the unforgettable characters in his timeless holiday tale. Tickets $5, includes complimentary popcorn.  

Dec. 28 – Cool Runnings (Film), Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center, 7 p.m. Four Jamaican bobsledders dream of competing in the Winter Olympics, despite never having seen snow in this uplifting tale about what is possible if you set your mind to it. Tickets $5, includes complimentary popcorn

Pay it forward

Spread a little holiday cheer of your own this season by making sure everyone has something to celebrate this year. 

Nov. 28 - Jan 1 - Holiday Season Food Drive, West Chester Borough Hall, 401 E. Gay St., Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.  West Chester Borough is collecting unexpired non-perishable food and personal care items for West Chester Food Cupboard.

Nov. 26 - Dec. 6 - West Chester 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 vacation home in France, a bike ride with Chester County Commissioner Josh Maxwell, dinner for two at Andiarios, and a bunny rabbit hopping adventure. Proceeds go to support the work of the West Chester Green Team. 

Dec. 5 - Hope for the Holidays, Safe Harbor, 8 -11 a.m. Join Safe Harbor for a festive morning of holiday cheer. Enjoy delicious hot beverages and holiday treats while making an impact in the community. 

Dec. 6 -Friends Association Charity Ball, West Chester Golf and Country Club, 6:30 p.m.  This year’s theme is holiday in the tropics. Proceeds go to support the Friends Association. Tickets required.

Dec. 10 - 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. Most needed gifts include teething toys, games, puzzles, sports balls, craft kits, and books. Find a complete list of gift ideas here. Registration is required. 

Dec. 23 & Dec. 24 - Santa Band Stroll Fundraiser. The legendary Santa Band is returning to West Chester—bringing festive cheer, joyful music, and meaningful impact this holiday season. Catch them Dec. 23 at 6 p.m. outside Bar Avalon or Dec. 24 at 8:30 a.m. outside the DK Diner. Donations are appreciated and go to support Safe Harbor. 

Jan. 1 – 18th 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 have a few ideas (and a few tickets.) Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, joyous Kwanzaa – however you celebrate, may your holidays be bright!

Visit our running Event List or a complete list of all West Chester events.

A very special thank you to COCOON for their support of not only this guide but of events in West Chester. Their growing list of events includes the Music at Marshall series, Chester County Restaurant Festival, the West Chester Christmas Parade, and Santa at the Square.