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News

ARTICLE

Date ArticleType
11/16/2025 5:00:00 AM Press Release

More Than 40,000 People Expected in West Chester this Holiday Season as Region’s Most Picturesque “Shop Small” Experience Starts Black Friday

WEST CHESTER, PA – November 17, 2025 – Historic downtown West Chester now glows with more than 80,000 holiday lights, wreaths and greenery lining the historic streets of the 226-year-old borough as Chester County Hospital Lights Up Holiday Weekends in West Chester welcomes visitors to one of the region’s top “shop small” experiences starting this Black Friday. More than 40,000 people are expected to enjoy the sparkling spectacle this holiday season, presented by the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce.

“Each year people tell us it looks like a real-life Dickens Village or holiday movie as they make picture-perfect memories with their families while enjoying free festivities and West Chester’s nearly 150 unique shops and restaurants. It truly is an unforgettable hometown holiday experience,” said Laurie Ryan, President of the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce.

The sparkling wonderland and FREE festivities run Black Friday through New Year’s Day during Chester County Hospital Lights Up Holiday Weekends in West Chester, with a complete list of events at www.GreaterWestChester.com. This Black Friday, shop small during the 1st weekend of festivities as the West Chester Borough Balladeer Carolers serenade you in Victorian attire from 5:30pm to 7:30pm while shoppers enjoy West Chester’s hundreds of one-of-a-kind shops and restaurants. Then on Small Business Saturday, the West Chester Borough Balladeer Carolers return from 12pm to 2pm, followed by Santa touring on a fire truck at 3pm. The following weekend, on Friday, December 5th, more than 25,000 people will attend the West Chester Christmas Parade at 7pm, preceded by the Tree Lighting – and a brand-new Christmas tree that’s taller than ever.

“Chester County Hospital is once again proud to support Lights Up Holiday Weekends in West Chester, an event that not only lights up our historic town with holiday cheer but also shines a spotlight on the incredible small businesses that make West Chester so special. We’re honored to help create a festive, welcoming atmosphere that encourages families to shop local, support their neighbors, and make lasting memories,” said Karen Pinsky, MD, CEO of Penn Medicine Chester County Hospital.

This community event would not be possible without unwavering support from businesses big and small throughout Chester County. Premium sponsors of the parade and Chester County Hospital Lights Up Holiday Weekends in West Chester include Del Vacchio Landscapes & Christmas Décor, Essential Utilities, First Bank, Oakbourne Advisors and West Pharmaceutical Services. Half-block sponsors include CTDI, Fred Beans Automotive Group, Rudloff Custom Builders, Scott Auto Group and West Chester Dental Arts, with PECO as a Special Sponsor. Quarter-block sponsors include Arthur Hall Insurance, BeautyMark West Chester, BUSH Infiniti of West Chester, Dave’s Automotive Repair Enterprises, First Resource Bank, FPA Wealth Management, Gawthrop Greenwood - Attorneys at Law, Guided Wealth Management, Hazley Builders, John Serock Catering, LINKBANK, MacElree Harvey, Millers Insurance Agency, The Golf Zone Family Fun Center, True by Kristy, Pennsylvania American Water, Pegasus Technologies, Penn Oaks Golf Club, Rothwell Document Solutions, Station 142 x Saloon 151 and WSFS Bank.

Lasko Products LLC will return again this year as the sponsor of the tree and lighting ceremony, with a new tree made possible through the generosity of donors West Pharmaceutical Services, the Barry Family, Adam Loew and Eli Kahn. This year Santa’s float is once again sponsored by Lamb McErlane PC and Treehouse Group, and the VIP area is sponsored by COCOON Remodeling, Alexander Catering, Café Gourmino and The Master’s Baker. Parade special element sponsors include D.E. Duffey & Sons, Inc. and Sheller Energy. Parade support sponsors are A.J. Blosenski and JDog Junk Removal. Blue Dog Printing & Design is the print sponsor.

As Chester County Hospital Lights Up Holiday Weekends in West Chester unfolds throughout the holiday season, photos with Santa are sponsored by M&T Bank with the Free Holiday Concert sponsored by West Chester Music Academy, the Toy Drive Breakfast is sponsored by WSFS, Santa on a Fire Truck is sponsored by Tolsdorf Oil Lube Express and professional caroling is sponsored by the West Chester Downtown Foundation.

To see a full list of those sponsoring Lights Up and for more information, visit https://www.greaterwestchester.com/lightsupchristmasparade.html or contact the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce at 610-696-4046, info@gwcc.org.

 

About the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce:

The Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce, located in the heart of Chester County, PA, is a membership based not-for-profit organization providing resources, advocacy and educational opportunities to help local businesses and entrepreneurs build relationships, promote their business, grow their network, address their most serious business challenges and become an integral part of the community. www.GreaterWestChester.com    

 

Media Contact:

Kristen Stewart, BTC Marketing, kstewart@btcmarketing.com, 215-508-3004

 

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