Calling all parade marshals! The Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce is opening up applications for volunteer parade marshals for the 2023 West Chester Christmas Parade. It’s an opportunity to get inside access as well as the closest front-row seats available along the eight-block parade route on Friday, Dec. 1.

“Our volunteers for the West Chester Christmas Parade are vital to the success of the region’s most popular hometown Christmas parade. It’s also a great opportunity to get to know your neighbors and build team camaraderie within your business or organization, as we present an unforgettable experience to the entire community and draw thousands of visitors to our local businesses,” said Katie Walker, President of the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce.

Wearing an official West Chester Christmas Parade fuzzy winter hat, donated by West Pharmaceuticals, parade marshals ensure spectators are safely on sidewalks, move the parade along, and assist with some clean-up. Additional volunteers are needed for parade set-up, parade elements staging, and parade tear-down. Sign-ups are here or GWCC.org.

Registered volunteers will receive emails in mid- to late-November providing instructions on where and when to report on the day of the parade. Following the magnificent tree lighting at 6:30 PM, the West Chester Christmas Parade starts at 7 PM on Dec. 1.

More than 70 elements that include hundreds of performers and dazzling floats will be showcased, including marching bands, cheer squads, and dance teams. It all culminates with the much-anticipated arrival of Santa, as 6ABC Meteorologist Adam Joseph returns as emcee and is joined for the first time by WMMR radio host Kathy Romano of The Preston & Steve Show.

The West Chester Christmas Parade is a highlight of holiday festivities that extend from Thanksgiving weekend through New Year’s weekend during Chester County Hospital Lights Up Holiday Weekends in West Chester. Thousands of lights and sparkling decorations illuminate the heart of historic West Chester with new programming each weekend including the Making Spirits Bright Holiday Music Series, Professional Gingerbread House Competition, Christkindlmarkt, free photos with Santa, and more events.

Premium sponsors of the parade and Chester County Hospital Lights Up Holiday Weekends in West Chester include Aqua America, Benchmark Federal Credit Union, Oakbourne Advisors, Treehouse World, West Chester Business Improvement District, West Chester University, and West Pharmaceuticals.

To see a full list of those sponsoring Lights Up and for more information, visit Greater West Chester or contact the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce at 610-696-4046, info@gwcc.org.

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