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. Starting Nov. 28, shop small during the first weekend of festivities as the West Chester Borough Balladeer Carolers serenade you in Victorian attire from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM while shoppers enjoy hundreds of one-of-a-kind shops and restaurants.
Then on Small Business Saturday, the West Chester Borough Balladeer Carolers return from 12 PM to 2 PM, followed by Santa touring on a fire truck at 3 PM. The following weekend, on Friday, Dec. 5, more than 25,000 people will attend the West Chester Christmas Parade at 7 PM, 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 Dr. Karen Pinsky, CEO of Penn Medicine Chester County Hospital.
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 Greater West Chester or contact the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce at 610-696-4046, [email protected].
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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on VISTA.Today in November 2025.
