West Chester's Annual Christmas Parade Is Friday, Dec. 1

WEST CHESTER, PA —-West Chester’s annual Christmas parade, featuring West Chester University’s Golden Rams Marching band, and a visit by Santa begins at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1.

Thousands are expected to arrive in the borough for the parade, which is ranked by USA Today as one of the best places “to experience the arrival of Santa.”

The Golden Rams will be performing in the 2024 Rose Bowl Parade on Monday, Jan 1 in Pasadena, Calif.

The annual tree lighting center is at 6:30 p.m. on the lawn of the historic Chester County Courthouse.

The parade begins on Market Street at New Street, heads east toward Matlack Street, and completes its one-mile loop heading west on Gay Street through the heart of West Chester’s historic district.

There are road closures from 4:30 to 10 p.m. for the parade:

• West Market Street between New Street and Bradford Avenue (staging area),
• Gay Street between Matlack Street & New Street,
• Market Street between Matlack Street & Bradford Avenue,
• Walnut Street between Chestnut Street & Miner Street,
• High Street between Chestnut Street & Miner Street,
• Church Street between Chestnut Street & Market Street,
• Darlington Street between Chestnut Street & Wollerton Alley,
• New Street between Chestnut Street & Market Street.

These parking garages are available for a flat rate of $20:

• Chestnut Street Garage: 14 E. Chestnut St.
• Bicentennial Garage: 20 S. High St.
• Justice Center Garage: 220 W. Market St.