The Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce is opening applications for participants in the West Chester Christmas Parade, which will be held on Friday, Dec. 2. This marks the parade’s long-awaited return since the beginning of the pandemic.

“Our hometown Christmas parade is back, and while we all know that Santa is the star of the show, he needs many helpers from across our Chester County community to make the parade truly sparkle,” said Katie Walker, President of the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce. “We have already received high interest and urge those individuals, groups, or organizations that would like to participate to apply as soon as possible.”

Applicants for the parade are invited to visit the website to fill out the 2022 parade application form. Applications will be reviewed by the parade committee on a rolling basis, and the maximum number of units allowed in the parade may be reached prior to the application deadline of Aug. 1. Local entries will be prioritized during the review process.

To support the cost of presenting the parade, nonprofit entries are available to 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(6) organizations for $300. Commercial entries that are directly related to a for-profit entity are available for $1,000. Businesses and organizations may sponsor a professional performer or group for $2,500, so they can support the parade magic that helps draw visitors to West Chester’s shops, restaurants, and businesses.

The West Chester Christmas Parade is a major highlight of festivities that last from Thanksgiving weekend through New Year’s weekend during Chester County Lights Up Holiday Weekends in West Chester.

Among this year’s most exciting parade participants and sponsors are Lamb McErlane PC and Treehouse World Adventure Park, who are partnering as the exclusive creator of the float that Santa Claus will arrive on.

“Let’s just say it’s sure to be the most adventurous float that Santa Claus has ever enjoyed. More details to come!” said Kerri Kita, Operations Manager for Treehouse World Adventure Park.

Parade-goers can expect a focus on all things local, from floats with local flare by some of Chester County’s most creative designers, to sparkling performances by hometown favorites, including nationally recognized marching bands that are exclusively local.

“We are thrilled to be sponsoring Chester County Hospital Lights Up Holiday Weekends in West Chester for the second year in a row. As title sponsor, we are excited to draw visitors from throughout the region to enjoy our businesses, culture, and people in downtown West Chester,” said Michael J. Duncan, President & CEO, Chester County Hospital.

Sponsorships are also available to professionally light up borough blocks and lamp posts during Chester County Hospital Lights Up Holiday Weekends in West Chester. For more information, visit Greater West Chester or contact the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce at 610-696-4046, info@gwcc.org.