COATESVILLE, PA — Marching bands, colorful floats, festive mascots and Santa Claus will fill downtown Coatesville with holiday cheer as the annual Coatesville Christmas Parade returns Saturday, Dec. 5, bringing together families, schools and community organizations for one of the region’s seasonal traditions.
The free parade begins at 10 a.m. along Lincoln Highway, featuring musical performances, decorated vehicles, student groups and friendly competitions that celebrate the holiday season and the communities of western Chester County.
For generations of Coatesville-area families, the parade has been a holiday tradition, bringing neighbors together along the city’s main thoroughfare. The celebration also reaches former residents and distant supporters through a livestream available at CoatesvilleChristmasParade.com, where the event can be viewed afterward.
This year’s entertainment lineup includes the Duffy and Quaker City string bands, the Sixers Stixers from the Philadelphia 76ers, the Chester County Emerald Society Pipes and Drums Band, and The Lukens Band.
Local elementary, middle and high school groups will participate alongside Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and Brownies, giving young people throughout the area an opportunity to take part in the festivities.
A collection of familiar mascots and special guests will add to the celebration.
Mac from Immaculata University and Rammy from West Chester University are scheduled to appear, along with Miss Pennsylvania Victoria Vespico, Andy the Armadillo and the Texas Roadhouse Dance Team.
Collegiate mascots will join the procession, bringing additional entertainment for families lining the parade route.
Beyond the music and performances, the parade will feature several competitions highlighting the creativity and community spirit of participating organizations.
An automotive competition will showcase antique, classic and modified vehicles, with awards presented to standout entries.
Fire companies from across western Chester County are expected to participate in the Best Appearing Fire Apparatus competition, while Chester County police departments will compete for Best Appearing Police Vehicle.
The parade will also recognize the creativity of local businesses and nonprofit organizations through its float competitions.
Nonprofit-sponsored floats will compete for cash prizes of $500 for first place, $300 for second place and $200 for third place.
Floats sponsored by for-profit organizations will compete for recognition and bragging rights, while participating groups will have an opportunity to earn honors in the Best Appearing Group competition.
All competitions will recognize first-, second- and third-place finishers.
And, as families eagerly await the parade’s grand finale, Santa Claus will make his traditional appearance aboard a Coatesville Fire Department truck, bringing the procession to a festive close.
Event Details
- What: Coatesville Christmas Parade, featuring marching bands, holiday floats, community groups, mascots, decorated vehicles and Santa Claus.
- When: Saturday, Dec. 5, 2026, beginning at 10 a.m.
- Where: Lincoln Highway, downtown Coatesville, PA 19320.
- Cost/Tickets: Free admission.
- More Info: https://coatesvillechristmasparade.com/index.cfm. The parade will also be livestreamed and available for later viewing at www.CoatesvilleChristmasParade.com.
The parade offers an opportunity for residents to celebrate the holidays while supporting the schools, volunteer organizations, emergency responders and local groups that contribute to the Coatesville community throughout the year.
For families with young children, the combination of marching bands, colorful characters and Santa’s arrival makes the event a seasonal outing. For longtime residents, it is also a chance to reconnect with neighbors and enjoy a tradition that remains closely tied to the city’s identity.
Those unable to attend in person can watch the livestream or revisit the celebration afterward, allowing the festivities to reach Coatesville families wherever they may be.
With free admission and a lineup of local performers, community organizations and holiday entertainment, the Coatesville Christmas Parade invites residents from across Chester County to gather downtown and welcome the season together.
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