'Real Life Dickens Village': 80K Holiday Lights Go Up In West Chester

WEST CHESTER, PA — As November advances and the holiday season draws nearer, a spectacular display of more than 80,000 lights have been strung up in West Chester.

The downtown is now adorned with a wide spread of lights, wreaths, and greenery a week out from Thanksgiving and ahead of Chester County Hospital's "Lights Up Holiday Weekends."

“Each year people tell us it looks like a real-life Dickens Village or a holiday movie," Laurie Ryan, president of the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce, said in a statement. "It truly is an unforgettable hometown holiday experience."

Weekends feature an array of free events and holiday family activities, as well as special deals from West Chester's nearly 150 unique shops and eateries.

Organizers hope the decorations and lively atmosphere draw residents to shop local on Black Friday. West Chester Borough Balladeer Carolers will perform from 5:40 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., followed by a Santa tour on Small Business Saturday from noon to 2 p.m.

The West Chester Christmas Parade is set for a week later, at 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 5, followed by the Christmas Parad eat 7 p.m. and the tree lighting.

Some 40,000 visitors are expected during the holiday season, with some 25,000 for the Christmas Parade alone, the Chamber of Commerce said.