The Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce has announced the competitive element winners from the West Chester Christmas Parade as the borough prepares for more weekends of free, family fun amidst 100,000 sparkling lights during Chester County Hospital Lights Up Holiday Weekends in West Chester.

In the 2025 High School Marching Band Competition held at Friday’s parade, West Chester Area School District Combined Marching Band won 1st place. Easton Red Rovers Marching Band placed 2nd and Downingtown Blue & Gold Marching Band placed 3rd. Participating bands were scored on overall performance, holiday spirit and best performance throughout the parade route. This year’s top 3 scored very closely, with West Chester Area School District Combined Marching Band pulling ahead by dominating the “Holiday Spirit” category.

In the competition for “Best Commercial Parade Float,” Lasko Products won, with honorable mention to Rotelle Custom Builders. In the competition for “Best Nonprofit Parade Entry,” Westminster Presbyterian Church won, with honorable mention to Glen Acres Elementary School.

This year, the chamber also polled on the overall favorites, and the top two responses were the West Chester University Incomparable Golden Rams and the Santa Claus float sponsored by Lamb McErlane PC and Treehouse Group. The Brian Boru Pipes and Drums were an additional favorite.

“The pure magic of the West Chester Christmas Parade is just the start of the free, family fun we’re offering every holiday weekend, all month long, here in West Chester as we look forward to this weekend’s Christkindlmarkt, free photos with Santa and so much more,” said Laurie Ryan, President of the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce. “Our heartfelt thanks go to our dedicated volunteers and the 90 local businesses who are making it all possible with their ongoing support.”

“Each year, the West Chester Christmas Parade kicks off the holiday celebrations and captures the spirit of togetherness that defines our community,” said Dr. Karen Pinsky, CEO of Penn Medicine Chester County Hospital. “We’re honored to help bring these celebrations to life and to cheer on the students, volunteers, and local businesses who make them so memorable. As the festivities continue throughout the month, we hope families find joy in every light, every performance, and every moment shared in our beautiful town.”

This weekend, holiday festivities continue:

Free Photos with Santa, Hot Chocolate, and Holiday Concert: Saturday 12/13 from 2 PM – 4 PM

• Overlooking historic West Chester’s spectacular, new 28-foot-tall Christmas tree. Sponsored by M&T Bank with Hot Chocolate donated by LAVAZZA and a concert presented by West Chester Music Academy.

6th Annual Christkindlmarkt: Saturday 12/13 from 11 AM – 6 PM

• 100+ vendors line West Chester’s historic streets with individually handcrafted and locally-designed products. Presented by the West Chester Downtown Foundation and hosted by the Chester County Art Association and Downtown West Chester.

West Chester Borough Balladeer Carolers: Friday 12/12 from 5:30 PM -7:30 PM and Saturday 12/13 from 12 PM – 2 PM

• Dressed in Victorian attire, they’ll stroll the streets to perform for you!

Full details about the Chester County Hospital Lights Up Holiday Weekends at Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce.