After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the West Chester Christmas Parade will return as part of Chester County Hospital Lights Up Holiday Weekends in West Chester. 

“The West Chester Christmas Parade is back, and it’s definitely by popular demand,” said Katie Walker, President of the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce. “The feedback we have received from residents and businesses is a resounding yes — we want our parade back, but let’s return to our roots with a more traditional hometown feel.” 

Walker said the parade will be held in early December, and thousands of holiday lights will once again decorate the central streets of the borough from Thanksgiving to Christmas.

Parade planning is still in the early stages, but initial considerations include beginning the parade earlier in the evening, as well as shortening the length of the parade, to accommodate families with young children.  

Parade-goers can also expect a focus on all things local, from award-winning floats with local flare by some of Chester County’s most creative designers to sparkling performances by hometown favorites, including nationally recognized marching bands. Santa has agreed to make his much-anticipated appearance. 

“The West Chester Christmas Parade has been a community tradition for more than 40 years, and we are so pleased to welcome it back to historic West Chester in 2022,” said West Chester Borough Council President Michael Stefano. 

Earlier this month, West Chester Borough Council agreed to cover half the cost of police and public works for the parade. The remainder of the fees could be offset by municipal parking revenue. Also, the chamber is offering sponsorship opportunities to local businesses to assist with the cost of the parade. 

“The West Chester Christmas Parade has been a staple of the West Chester community for decades, and we are thrilled to see it come back,” said John O’Brien, Executive Director of the West Chester Business Improvement District. “This is an event that brings in thousands of dollars of commerce to our small businesses and is vital for their success, especially in light of the pandemic.” 

The West Chester Christmas Parade began in 1979 as a classic hometown parade, with exponential growth in recent years when it was nationally televised on QVC. 

“While West Chester has appreciated the national recognition it deserves, the pandemic has made us all remember what is truly important,” said Walker. “People are telling us they would prefer to honor all things local this holiday season, including the local residents, schools, businesses and organizations that make Chester County so special. We can’t wait to fulfill that wish.”

Sponsorships are available for the parade as well as to light up borough blocks and lamp posts during Chester County Hospital Lights Up Holiday Weekends in West Chester.  

For more information, contact the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce at 610-696-4046 or info@gwcc.org. Applications for parade participants will soon be available.