The West Chester Hometown Christmas Parade, a hallmark of holiday celebrations in Chester County, is scheduled for Friday, December 6, 2024, in downtown West Chester.
This year’s event holds special significance as it coincides with the borough’s 225th anniversary, promising an evening filled with festive activities and community spirit.
Event Schedule:
- 6:30 PM – Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
- Location: Steps of the Historic Chester County Courthouse, facing High Street.
- Details: The ceremony will feature dance and musical performances, messages from sponsors, and the illumination of a 25-foot Christmas tree. The event will be led by emcees Adam Joseph, 6abc meteorologist, and Kathy Romano, radio host from WMMR’s Preston & Steve Show.
- 7:00 PM – Hometown Christmas Parade
- Route: The parade will traverse downtown West Chester, starting and ending at the same point. A detailed map of the parade route is available here.
- Highlights: Attendees can expect performances from local Olympians, the 2024 Mummers Champion String Band, 13-foot-tall balloon floats, and a marching band competition featuring 12 award-winning bands. The evening will culminate with Santa Claus’s much-anticipated appearance.
New Features for 2024:
- Float Competitions: This year introduces competitions for “Best Commercial Parade Float” and “Best Nonprofit Parade Entry,” with winners receiving trophies, cash prizes, and bragging rights.
- ASL Interpretation: An American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation area will be available. Reservations are required due to limited space.
Parade Night Information:
- Parking: Several parking garages will be available, including the Chestnut Street Garage and the Bicentennial Garage, both offering flat-rate pricing from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The Justice Center Garage will be free to the public after 5:00 PM. Street parking is also available, but attendees should be mindful of no-parking zones and residential permit areas.
- Street Closures: Select streets will be closed from 4:30 PM to 10:00 PM to accommodate the parade. Streets affected include portions of High Street, Gay Street, Market Street, Walnut Street, Church Street, Darlington Street, and New Street. A comprehensive list of closures and a parade map can be found.
Additional Festivities:
The parade is part of the Chester County Hospital Lights Up Holiday Weekends in West Chester, a series of events running from November 29 through New Year’s. These weekends feature holiday lights along Gay, Market, and High Streets, amidst more than 75 restaurants and 65 boutiques, offering a festive atmosphere for residents and visitors alike.
Organized by the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce, the parade is expected to draw over 20,000 spectators, providing a significant boost to local businesses and fostering community engagement. The event is made possible through the support of more than 150 local businesses and nonprofits, reflecting the collaborative spirit of West Chester.
For more information, please visit the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce’s official parade page.
Resources:
- Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce Parade Information: https://www.greaterwestchester.com/paradenight.html
- Parade Route Map: https://www.greaterwestchester.com/uploads/1/3/9/3/139354680/2024_hometown_christmas_parade_map.pdf