West Chester Christmas Parade 2025: Dates, Details & Your Complete Guide
WixenCo – Celebrating West Chester & Chester County
Experience the magic of West Chester's beloved holiday tradition
A Holiday Tradition Returns to Downtown West Chester
The holiday season in Chester County officially begins with one of our community's most beloved traditions — the West Chester Christmas Parade. With thousands of families gathering downtown for lights, music, and Santa's grand arrival, this event is one of the biggest celebrations of the year.
Whether you're attending for the first time or returning as part of your holiday tradition, here's everything you need to know to make the most of this magical evening.
When Is the 2025 West Chester Christmas Parade?
Friday, December 5, 2025
Tree Lighting: 6:30 PM
Parade Start: 7:00 PM
Location: Downtown West Chester
Gay Street, High Street, and the Historic Courthouse Lawn
💡 Pro Tip: Families typically begin gathering around 5:30 PM to secure good viewing spots, especially near the tree lighting ceremony at the courthouse.
What to Expect at the Parade
The West Chester Christmas Parade features a festive mix of holiday entertainment for all ages, including:
🎺 Local Marching Bands
Talented musicians from Chester County schools
🚒 Decorated Fire Trucks
First responder units decked out for the holidays
🎠 Holiday Floats
Creative displays from schools, nonprofits & local businesses
🎅 Santa's Grand Arrival
The big moment everyone's waiting for!
The parade showcases the best of Chester County—community pride, creativity, and plenty of holiday spirit. There's even a Best Parade Entry competition that brings out incredible creativity from participants.
Parking, Street Closures & Travel Tips
Since the parade draws large crowds, plan ahead:
Parking Garages
Most downtown garages offer flat-rate parking (~$20) beginning early in the day:
Chestnut Street Garage
Bicentennial Garage
Justice Center Garage
Most metered street parking is unavailable after 4:30 PM
Street Closures
Expect major streets — including Gay Street, Market Street, and High Street — to be closed between 4:30 PM and 10:00 PM.
💡 Pro tip: If you're bringing kids, park closer to the south side for easier post-parade exit.
Best Viewing Spots for Families
If you want the best visibility and the most festive atmosphere, here are the top locations:
Courthouse Lawn
Best view of the tree lighting ceremony
Gay Street near Iron Hill
Wide sidewalks with great visibility
High Street near Wells Fargo
Great for photos with holiday decorations
Near the Historic Bank Building
Classic holiday backdrop for memorable photos
For younger children, spots away from the speaker towers may be more comfortable.
Holiday Food & Local Shopping
Downtown West Chester restaurants and bakeries always extend holiday hours during parade night. You'll find:
Warm drinks & treats from local cafés
Seasonal menus from downtown restaurants
Great holiday shopping at West Chester boutiques
Extended hours at many local businesses
Supporting local businesses is part of what makes this event special.
Why WixenCo Loves Featuring Local Events
At WixenCo, we're proud to call West Chester home. Our mission is to support local businesses — not just through web design, SEO, and AI-powered marketing, but by highlighting the moments that make our community exceptional.
Celebrating events like the West Chester Christmas Parade helps strengthen local visibility and reminds us why Chester County is such an incredible place to live, work, and grow.
Final Thoughts
The West Chester Christmas Parade is more than an event — it's a celebration of community, tradition, and holiday magic. Bring your family, bundle up, and enjoy everything downtown West Chester has to offer.
From visiting the holiday shops to enjoying local cuisine, parade night is the perfect opportunity to experience the charm and warmth of West Chester's historic downtown district.
From our team at WixenCo — we wish you a joyful and festive holiday season! 🎄
Need help promoting your local business for the holiday season? Contact WixenCo for expert web design, SEO, and digital marketing services tailored to Chester County businesses.
