Ranked by USA Today as one of the best places “to experience the arrival of Santa,” and voted “Best Local Parade” and “Best Family-Friendly Event” by readers of Main Line Today, the West Chester Christmas Parade returns this Friday, Dec. 1 at 7 PM, preceded by the annual tree lighting at 6:30 PM on the lawn of the Historic Chester County Courthouse.

“This is one of the only holiday events of this caliber that you’ll enjoy for free with your family this holiday season, and believe me, we put on a first-class show for our visitors to West Chester,” said Katie Walker, President of the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce, which organizes the parade as the marquee event of Chester County Hospital Lights Up Holiday Weekends in West Chester.

This year is all about “more” even before Santa arrives, with nearly 3,000 participants and 70 parade elements including the region’s top marching bands, dance teams, cheer squads, and choirs. An additional emcee joins 16-year parade veteran and 6ABC meteorologist Adam Joseph when WMMR’s Kathy Romano of The Preston and Steve Show makes her debut appearance as co-host. And it’s your last chance to see the West Chester University Incomparable Golden Rams Marching Band locally before they head off to march in the iconic Rose Parade.

“This is our third year as title sponsor, and members of the Philadelphia 76ers Squad 76 will be joining us as we team up with more than 120 local businesses and nonprofits to bring you this hometown parade like no other,” said Michael J. Duncan, President & CEO, Chester County Hospital.

The Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce has been proud to present the #WCChristmasParade since 1979, recently extending the festivities in 2020 to six weekends of fabulous lights and free holiday activities, from Thanksgiving through New Year’s, during Chester County Hospital Lights Up Holiday Weekends in West Chester in the heart of historic West Chester.

Massive Dynamic Sound will provide production as the West Chester Christmas Parade begins Friday on Market Street at New Street, where it heads east toward Matlack Street and completes its one-mile loop heading west on Gay Street through the heart of West Chester’s historic district. Five parking garages/lots are available to parade goers, including:

• FREE PARKING available at 5 PM: Justice Center Garage at 220 West Market Street (access via Wollerton Street)
• $20 flat rate from 5 PM to 8 PM at Chestnut Street Garage at 14 East Chestnut Street; Bicentennial Garage at 20 South High Street; Public Lot 07 at 100 West Chestnut Street; Public Lot 10 at 50 West Chestnut Street

Road closures begin at approximately 4:30 PM on Friday opening back up around 10 PM From 4:30 PM to 10 PM, the following roads will be closed: West Market Street between New Street and Bradford Avenue (staging area), Gay Street between Matlack Street & New Street, Market Street between Matlack Street & Bradford Avenue, Walnut Street between Chestnut Street & Miner Street, High Street between Chestnut Street & Miner Street, Church Street between Chestnut Street & Market Street, Darlington Street between Chestnut Street & Wollerton Alley, New Street between Chestnut Street & Market Street.

For more information on weekend activities and to see a full list of sponsors, visit gwcc.org or contact the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce at 610-696-4046, info@gwcc.org.