The Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce is reviewing applications for participants in the 2024 West Chester Christmas Parade, as it announces new competitive elements for the parade to be held Friday, Dec. 6 with 6abc’s Adam Joseph and WMMR’s Kathy Romano returning as emcees.

The region’s popular hometown Christmas parade is the highlight of a month full of holiday festivities and thousands of lights during “Chester County Hospital Lights Up Holiday Weekends in West Chester.”

“This year promises to be more exciting than ever, as our community caps off a year of celebrations marking the 225th anniversary of the Borough of West Chester and we announce an all-new competition for Best Commercial Parade Float and Best Nonprofit Parade Entry,” said Katie Walker, President of the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce.

Voted “Best Local Parade” and “Best Family-Friendly Event” by readers of Main Line Today, the West Chester Christmas Parade attracts approximately 20,000 attendees of all ages.

Parade night kicks off Dec. 6 at 6:30 PM with the official lighting of West Chester’s stunning 25-foot-tall Christmas tree on the lawn of the Historic Chester County Courthouse with live musical performances. The holiday parade begins at 7 PM with the indomitable energy of the marching bands and dance troops, holiday surprises from exciting newcomers, and the most popular parade participant of them all: Santa!

“Downtown West Chester is the place to be,” said West Chester Borough Council President Patrick McCoy. “Nothing kicks off the holiday season and inspires hometown spirit like the defining tradition of the West Chester Christmas Parade with family and friends. We can’t wait to welcome everyone to the 2024 parade, as we continue to celebrate the community’s 225th anniversary year.”

In addition to the parade, visitors return each weekend, Nov. 29 through New Year’s, to enjoy an array of festivities and holiday lights spanning Gay, Market, and High streets amidst more than 75 restaurants and 65 boutiques during “Chester County Hospital Lights Up Holiday Weekends in West Chester.”

“This is the fourth year in a row that we have been the title sponsor, and every year gets even better,” said Michael J. Duncan, President and CEO of Chester County Hospital. “We’re excited to see which performers and sponsors will join us in 2024 to support our community and local businesses as we celebrate the holiday season together.”

Applicants for the West Chester Christmas Parade were invited to fill out applications by Aug. 2. Applications will be reviewed by the parade committee, and local performer entries will be prioritized during the review process.

New this year: The 2024 West Chester Christmas Parade will hold a competition for “Best Commercial Parade Float” and “Best Nonprofit Parade Entry.” Winners in both categories will receive a trophy, bragging rights, and a cash prize.

Businesses and organizations can also sponsor a professional parade performance for $2,500 to help support the chamber’s goal to draw visitors to West Chester’s shops, restaurants, and businesses throughout the holiday season. The parade will provide a sponsor banner that will lead the performers, as well as four tickets for the VIP location for parade viewing. Two to four business employees may walk in the parade, leading the professional performers. The sponsor will also be recognized in media appearances and on parade night.

This year’s Christmas tree is sponsored by Lasko Products. Santa’s float is sponsored by Lamb McErlane and Treehouse World, and the VIP area is sponsored by COCOON. Sponsorships are also available to professionally light up borough blocks and lamp posts during “Chester County Hospital Lights Up Holiday Weekends in West Chester.”

Premium block sponsors include Aqua Pennsylvania, Del Vacchio Landscapes & Christmas Decor, Downtown West Chester, First Bank, Oakbourne Advisors, Treehouse World and West Pharmaceuticals. Half-block sponsors include CTDI, Fred Beans Automotive Group, Media One Products, My Benefit Advisor, Rudloff Custom Builders, and S&T Bank. Quarter-block sponsors include Arthur Hall Insurance, BeautyMark West Chester, BUSH Infiniti of West Chester, Dave’s Automotive Repair Enterprises, First Resource Bank, Gawthrop Greenwood, MacElree Harvey, La Difference Salon & Day Spa, Pegasus Technologies, Penn Oaks Golf Club, Golf Zone, and WSFS Bank.

During “Chester County Hospital Lights Up Holiday Weekends in West Chester,” the Gingerbread House Competition is sponsored by Delphi Wealth Management, and appearances by Santa on a fire truck are sponsored by Tolsdorf Oil Lube Express.

Learn more about the 2024 West Chester Christmas Parade from the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce.