West Chester Christmas Parade Returns

WEST CHESTER — After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce today approved the return of the borough's annual Christmas Parade as part of Chester County Hospital Lights Up Holiday Weekends.

“The West Chester Christmas Parade is back, and it’s definitely by popular demand,” said Katie Walker, chamber president.

“The feedback we have received from residents and businesses is a resounding yes – we want our parade back, but let’s return to our roots with a more traditional hometown feel.”

Several borough residents spoke at borough council meetings last week requesting the return of the parade and holiday light display.

“The West Chester Christmas Parade has been a community tradition for more than 40 years, and we are so pleased to welcome it back to historic West Chester in 2022,” Michael Stefano, council president, said.

Council agreed to cover half the cost of police and public works employees for the parade.

The remainder of the fees could be offset by municipal parking revenue.

In addition, the chamber is offering sponsorship opportunities to local businesses to assist with the cost.

John O’Brien, executive director of the West Chester Business Improvement District, said the parade has been a staple of the community for decades.

"We are thrilled to see it come back," O'Brien said. “This is an event that brings in thousands of dollars of commerce to our small businesses and is vital for their success, especially in light of the pandemic.”

Preliminary plans

The parade will be scheduled in early December.

The holiday lights will light up the central streets of the borough from Thanksgiving to Christmas.

Preliminary plans call for beginning the parade earlier in the evening and shortening the parade route to accommodate families with young children.

Parade-goers can also expect a focus on all things local, from award-winning floats with local flare by some of Chester County’s most creative designers, to sparkling performances by hometown favorites, including nationally recognized marching bands.

Santa has agreed to make an appearance.

Parade history

The parade began in 1979 as a classic hometown parade, with exponential growth in recent years when it was nationally televised on QVC.

“While West Chester has appreciated the national recognition it deserves, the pandemic has made us all remember what is truly important," Walker said.

"People are telling us they would prefer to honor all things local this holiday season including the local residents, schools, businesses and organizations that make Chester County so special," Walker continued. "We can’t wait to fulfill that wish.”

Sponsorships are available for the parade as well as to light up borough blocks and lamp posts during Chester County Hospital Lights Up Holiday Weekends in West Chester.

For more information, visit https://www.greaterwestchester.com/lights-upparade.html or contact the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce at 610-696-4046, info@gwcc.org. App