WEST CHESTER, PA — After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce is announcing the return of the West Chester Christmas Parade as part of Chester County Hospital Lights Up Holiday Weekends in West Chester. The Chamber Board unanimously approved the planning of the parade on Tuesday.
“The West Chester Christmas Parade is back, and it’s definitely by popular demand,” said Katie Walker, President of the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce. “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.”
Walker says the West Chester Christmas Parade will be held in early December, and thousands of holiday lights will once again decorate the central streets of the borough from Thanksgiving to Christmas amidst additional festivities during Chester County Hospital Lights Up Holiday Weekends in West Chester.
Parade planning is still in the beginning stages, but initial considerations include beginning the parade earlier in the evening as well as shortening the length of the parade, 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 that are exclusively local. Santa has agreed to make his much-anticipated appearance.
“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!” said West Chester Borough Council President Michael Stefano.
Earlier this month, West Chester Borough Council agreed to cover half the cost of police and public works 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 of the parade.
“The West Chester Christmas Parade has been a staple of the West Chester community for decades, and we are thrilled to see it come back,” said John O’Brien, Executive Director of the West Chester Business Improvement District. “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.”
The West Chester Christmas 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. 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. We can’t wait to fulfill that wish!” said Walker.
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. Applications for parade participants will soon be available.
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