The Greater West Chester Chamber invites artists and sponsors to apply for the West Chester Christmas Parade

Image via Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce.

The West Chester Christmas Parade is the culmination of a month of holiday events and thousands of lights during Chester County Hospital Lights Up Holiday Weekends in West Chester.

The Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce is accepting applications from participants and sponsors earlier than usual as it announces new competition elements for the 2024 West Chester Christmas Parade, which will be held Friday, December 6 and will once again feature Adam Joseph of 6abc and Kathy Romano of WMMR as emcees.

The region's popular hometown Christmas parade is the culmination of a month of holiday events and thousands of lights during the Chester County Hospital Lights Up Holiday Weekends in West Chester program.

“This year promises to be more exciting than ever as our community caps off a year of celebrations for the Borough of West Chester’s 225th anniversary and we are announcing a brand new competition for Best Commercial Parade Float and Best Nonprofit Parade Entry,” said Katie Walker, President of the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce.

Voted by readers of “Best Local Parade” and “Best Family Friendly Event” Main line todayThe West Chester Christmas Parade attracts approximately 20,000 visitors of all ages.

Parade night begins at 6:30 p.m. on December 6th with the official lighting of West Chester's impressive 25-foot-tall Christmas tree on the lawn of the historic Chester County Courthouse, featuring live musical performances. The Christmas Parade begins at 7:00 p.m. with the indomitable energy of marching bands and dance groups, holiday surprises from exciting newcomers, and everyone's favorite parade participant: Santa Claus!

“Downtown West Chester is the place to be,” said Patrick McCoy, President of the West Chester Borough Council. “Nothing ushers in the holiday season and evokes feelings of home like the defining tradition of the West Chester Christmas Parade with family and friends. We can't wait to welcome everyone to the 2024 parade as we continue to celebrate the community's 225th anniversary.”

In addition to the parade, visitors return each weekend from November 29 through New Year's Day to enjoy a series of festivities and holiday lights on Gay Street, Market Street and High Street among over 75 restaurants and 65 boutiques as part of the Chester County Hospital Lights Up Holiday Weekends in West Chester program.

“This is our fourth consecutive year as the title sponsor, and each year it gets better,” said Michael J. Duncan, president and CEO of Chester County Hospital. “We are excited to see which artists and sponsors will join us in 2024 to support our community and local businesses as we celebrate the holiday season together.”

Applicants for the West Chester Christmas Parade are asked to complete the 2024 Parade Application Form. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis by the Parade Committee, and submissions from local artists will be prioritized during the review process.

New this year: The 2024 West Chester Christmas Parade will feature a competition for “Best Commercial Parade Float” and “Best Nonprofit Parade Entry.” Winners in both categories will receive a trophy, bragging rights, and a cash prize.

Businesses and organizations can also sponsor a professional parade appearance for $2,500, supporting the Chamber of Commerce's goal of attracting visitors to West Chester's shops, restaurants and businesses throughout the holiday season. The parade will feature a sponsor banner to lead the performers and four VIP tickets to view the parade. Two to four company employees can walk in the parade and lead the professional performers. The sponsor will also be mentioned during media appearances and on parade night.

This year's Christmas tree is sponsored by Lasko Products. The Christmas float is sponsored by Lamb McErlane and Treehouse World, and the VIP area is sponsored by COCOON. Sponsors are also available to professionally light neighborhood blocks and lamp posts during Chester County Hospital Lights Up Holiday Weekends in West Chester.

Premium block sponsors include Aqua Pennsylvania, Del Vacchio Landscapes & Christmas Decor, Downtown West Chester, First Bank, Oakbourne Advisors, Treehouse World and West Pharmaceuticals. Half block sponsors include CTDI, Fred Beans Automotive Group, Media One Products, My Benefit Advisor, Rudloff Custom Builders and S&T Bank. Quarter block sponsors include Arthur Hall Insurance, BeautyMark West Chester, BUSH Infiniti of West Chester, Dave's Automotive Repair Enterprises, First Resource Bank, Gawthrop Greenwood, MacElree Harvey, La Difference Salon & Day Spa, Pegasus Technologies, Penn Oaks Golf Club, Golf Zone and WSFS Bank.

During Chester County Hospital Lights Up Holiday Weekends in West Chester, the gingerbread house contest is sponsored by Delphi Wealth Management and Santa Claus' firetruck appearances are sponsored by Tolsdorf Oil Lube Express.

Learn more about the 2024 West Chester Christmas Parade from the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce.