KENNETT SQUARE, PA — Downtown Kennett Square will come alive with glowing floats, decorated vehicles, and holiday festivities when the annual Kennett Square Holiday Light Parade returns Saturday, November 21, bringing thousands of families and visitors together to celebrate the start of the holiday season.
Organized by Kennett Collaborative, the free community celebration begins at 6 p.m. and has become one of the borough’s largest annual gatherings. More than 20,000 people visited downtown Kennett Square on the day of the 2025 parade, according to the organization.
The evening will feature illuminated floats and festively decorated vehicles as local businesses, community organizations, families, and friends gather for a tradition that continues to grow in popularity.
“The Kennett Square Holiday Light Parade has become a beloved tradition and the unofficial kickoff to the holiday season in Kennett Square,” said Mary Lou Baily, development manager at Kennett Collaborative. “Each year, thousands of families, friends, and neighbors come together to celebrate, and it’s incredible to see how this tradition continues to grow.”
A Holiday Tradition That Needs Community Support
While the parade remains free for spectators, its growing attendance has brought increased operating and public safety expenses.
Kennett Collaborative, an independent nonprofit organization, covers the costs of producing the parade, including payments to the Borough of Kennett Square for road closures, police services, and public works support.
“In 2026, we will spend twice as much on Kennett Square’s two parades as we spent in 2022,” noted Daniel Embree, executive director of Kennett Collaborative.
Embree identified borough police and public works services as the largest and fastest-growing parade expense, emphasizing their importance in managing crowds and maintaining a safe environment.
To help sustain the celebration, Kennett Collaborative is seeking additional sponsorships, donations, and volunteers from local businesses, organizations, and residents.
Financial contributions support event operations and safety services, allowing the parade to remain free and accessible to the community.
Residents and businesses interested in sponsoring or donating can visit kennettcollaborative.org/support.
Volunteers are also needed to serve as parade marshals and assist with event operations. Those interested can register at kennettcollaborative.org/volunteer.
Event Details
- What: Kennett Square Holiday Light Parade
- When: Saturday, November 21, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
- Where: Downtown Kennett Square, PA (specific parade route and street addresses were not provided)
- Host: Kennett Collaborative
- More Info: kennettcollaborative.org/support
- Volunteer Registration: kennettcollaborative.org/volunteer
For families who make the parade an annual tradition and newcomers experiencing it for the first time, the November celebration offers an opportunity to gather with neighbors, enjoy the holiday displays, and support the community organizations that bring the event to life.
Kennett Collaborative hopes continued local involvement will help preserve the Holiday Light Parade as a free community tradition for years to come.
Support the local news that supports Chester County. MyChesCo delivers reliable, fact-based reporting and essential community resources—free for everyone. If you value that, click here to become a patron today.