Friday, December 2
The Mars Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade Presented by The Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce
3rd Annual Jingle Elf Run: 6:30 p.m.
Tree Lighting: 7 p.m.
Parade starts: 7:15 p.m.
All weekend long, downtown West Chester will be transformed into a Christmas Wonderland with over 40 events including holiday concerts, plays, walking tours, story times, craft making, caroling and much more. Before the parade kicks off, warm up with a Soup and Sandwich Parlour at the Knights of the Columbus, 110 Market Street. The West Chester Recreation Department will be serving hot and cold sandwiches, soups, snacks and desserts at family prices.
The Parade is in its 33rd year and USA Today named it one of the top ten places to experience the arrival of Santa Claus during the holiday season. The Masters of Ceremony will be “6abc Action News’s” Adam Joseph and 6abc reporter Cathy Gandolfo. Retailers will be hosting open houses with one-night-only savings, refreshments and goodies and restaurants are offering delicious dinner options.
Phoenixville Christmas Parade Presented by The Kiwanis Club
Santa will be escorted through Phoenixville with a parade of floats, festive bands, cartoon characters and fire trucks. The parade starts at Borough Hall (140 Church Street) and ends at the 300 Block of Bridge Street. At 8 p.m., Santa will light the tree at the corner Bridge Street and Main Street. Don’t forget to bring your camera for pictures with the kids and their favorite cartoon characters!
Saturday, December 3rd
Annual Cereal with Santa
Phoenix Hook & Ladder No. 1 Firehouse, Church Street, Phoenixville
8 a.m. – noon
The Kiwanis Club of Phoenixville will host their yearly “Cereal with Santa” celebration on Saturday morning. Children and their parents can join Saint Nick for a fun-filled breakfast featuring a variety of cereals and toppings. In addition to Santa Claus, tons of additional “special guests” will be in attendance. Plus, don’t miss other kid-friendly activities like face-painting and much more! Admission is $5.
Breakfast with Santa
Chester County Historical Society, 225 North High Street, West Chester
8:30 a.m., 10 a.m. seatings
The West Chester Recreation Department will host their annual holiday breakfast with Mr. Claus at the Chester County Historical Society (225 North High Street). But, do note: If you want to rub elbows over your morning meal with Saint Nick, it is suggested that you make reservations early as spaces will up fast! Cost is $12 per person.
Annual Holiday Gift Shoppe & Santa Claus Visit
Bistro at Our Town Restaurant & Market, 282 Main Street, Exton
9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
For Sale, Free, or Trade in Chester County will host their first-ever Annual Holiday Gift Shoppe at the Main Street at Exton restaurant. Pop by to browse local crafters, vendors, and best of all, enjoy lots of complimentary food and hot beverages provided by Bistro. Santa Claus will be coming to town to read stories to the little ones, from 10 a.m. until noon, as well as posing for photographs – so be sure to bring your camera.There will also be a raffle to raise money for For Pete’s Sake Cancer respite Foundation.
Visit Santa at the Log House
15 East Lancaster Avenue, Downingtown
1 to 4 p.m.
The Log House was erected in 1701 and is the oldest structure in Downingtown and Chester County. Families can take pictures with Santa at their own pace in this quaint dwelling. Families have the option of having their photo taken for a donation of $5, which includes a holiday card. Proceeds benefits the Log House Foundation and this relaxing afternoon is provided by the Downingtown Historical and Parks Commission.
Phoenixville Federal Bank and Trust Annual Christmas Party
The Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge Street, Phoenixville
2 p.m.
Don’t be a grinch by missing out on a free showing of the holiday classic “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”. Children even have a chance to meet Santa during this annual community party. Tickets are free and must be picked up in advance at any PFB &T branch.
Waterloo Garden’s Photos with Santa
136 Lancaster Avenue, Devon and 200 North Whitford Road, Exton
December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 & 18; 1 to 3 p.m.
Grab your whole family, your camera and some nice warm sweaters for one last photo op with Santa before his sleigh takes flight.
West Chester Railroad’s Santa Express
230 E. Market St, West Chester 610-430-2233
December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18; 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will be greeting passengers at the Market Street Station before the train rolls out to Glen Mills. This 90-minute excursion will include lots of photo opportunities with Santa, live music by Greg Wright and friends singing holiday favorites and treats from Santa upon return to West Chester. Tickets are $20 for adults, $12.50 for children 2-12 and $5 for toddlers (9 mo-23 mo). Reservations are highly recommended and tickets can be purchased by clicking here.
Sunday, December 4
Brickside Grille’s Sunday With Santa
540 Wellington Square, Exton
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Beyond your typical breakfast fare, Brickside’s buffet includes prime rib, salmon and ham carving stations, Italian style frittatas straight form their wood-burning oven, salads, peel and eat shrimp, fresh shucked oysters and endless desserts. There will be lots of entertainment for your little ones, Santa will be coming to town and Kevin, the in-house magician, will be performing his usual tableside tricks. Cost for adults is $18.95 and $7.95 for children between the ages of 5 and 12. Reservations can be made by calling 610-321-1600.
The Desmond’s Santa Brunch
Saturday, December 4 and Sunday, December 18
8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Find all of your favorite breakfast fixin’s at their breakfast buffet plus luncheon selections of pasta, seafood and vegetables, a carving station, made-to-order Belgian Waffles, pancakes, Eggs Benedict, smoked salmon plate and more! Tickets are $22 for adults, $14 for children 6-12 and free for kids under 5. Complimentary photos with Santa included! You will be quite jolly after a meal at the restaurant that was voted “Best Sunday Brunch” by Main Line Today and see why spots fill up so quickly! Reservations can be made by 610-249-2180.
Waterloo Gardens Exton Reindeer Sighting
200 North Whitford Road, Exton
10 a.m. to noon
Spot Donner or Rudolph before he has to go back to the North Pole. Don’t forget your camera for this live reindeer spotting!
Gingerbread House Making
West Chester Municipal Building, 401 East Gay Street, West Chester
2 to 4 p.m.
The West Chester Parks and Recreation Department continues their weekend-long lineup of Christmas events, this time with a Gingerbread House sculpting course. Pre-registration is required for this event and space is limited to 30 children. For more information, call 610-436-9010. Cost is $9 per child.
Saturday, December 10
Downingtown Good Neighbor Christmas Parade
Kick off the day’s festivities with a visit to the Minquas Fire House at 202 E. Lancaster Avenue for some free refreshments of cookies, hot chocolate and more, live music by The Brother Bob and Friends and a visit from Santa from 1 to 3 p.m.
From 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., The Bridge Community Church is sponsoring a winter wonderland of free games, a North Pole Post Office, family photo spot, free treat and a showing of the “The Polar Express” at 11:30 a.m., at Four J’s Mini Mall, 123 E. Lancaster Avenue. The Lord’s Pantry will be accepting non-perishable food donations in the front room of Four J’s Mini Mall from 1:30 to 3 p.m.
The parade of Christmas floats, and local dancers and performers cheer will kick off at 3 p.m. and travel from Beaver Creek Elementary School, 601 W. Pennsylvania Avenue and head south on Gable Ave to Business Rt. 30. Click here for a full schedule of the day’s events.
Pictures with Santa at Cakes and Candies By Maryellen
1332 West Chester Pike, West Chester
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
When Santa found out that Cakes and Candies by Maryellen was giving out free holiday cake pops, he traded in a plate of cookies for a day of taking pictures with the boys and girls from West Chester. After getting their complimentary pictures taken with Santa, children will receive additional treats from Santa.
Columbia Bar and Grille Brunch with Santa
148 Bridge Street Phoenixville
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
After a visit to the breakfast buffet, each child gets to visit Mrs. Claus’ Gift Shoppe to pick out a present for their parents. The special guest of the afternoon, Mr. Claus, will be joining brunch-goers at 1 p.m. Cost is $17.95 for adults, $10.95 for children between the ages of 5 to 12 and free for kids under 5. Reservations are requested and can be made online or by calling 610-983-0300.
West Chester Railroad’s Christmas Story Trains
230 E. Market St, West Chester
December 10, 17; 6 to 8 p.m.
Local storytellers Ruthanne Emiline Ankney and friends will be sharing their favorite holiday tales during these special evening trains. To go along with their stories, passengers will get hot cocoa or sparkling cider with cookies and baked goods. The train will be making a special stop along the way at the magical “Pine Tree Station.” Kids are encouraged to wear their PJ’s and can expect some treats and surprises along the journey. Tickets are $25 for adults, $16 for children (2-12) and $8 for toddlers (9mo-23mo). Reservations are highly recommended and tickets can be purchased by clicking here.
Whole Foods Devon Secret Holiday Shoppe
821 W. Lancaster Ave., Wayne
Saturday December 10, 17 and Sunday, December 18 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Children can cross off all of the adults on their list with Whole Foods “secret” shopping days. While the adults getting their food shopping out of the way, children can shop in secret with gifts that are pre-wrapped and ready for purchase.
Sunday, December 11
Victory Brewing Company’s Brunch with Santa
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
This brunch buffet will be filled with holiday cheer, a bountiful breakfast buffet, live music and of course special microbrews crafted by the hardworking elves in Victory’s workshop. Kids even get a commemorative picture with Old St. Nick. Adult prices are $20 (plus tax and gratuity, beers are P.A.Y.G.) and kids prices are $10 (plus tax and gratuity). Reservations are not required, but they are taking them for parties of six or more. Make yours today by calling 610-873-0881.
West Chester Railroad’s Christmas Tree Train
230 E. Market St., West Chester 610-430-2233
8 to 10 a.m.
En route to Wiggins Tree Farm in West Chester, passengers can warm up with coffee, hot chocolate and donuts. The train will arrive at Wiggins around 8:30 a.m. where families will pick and cut their own Christmas tree. Wiggins Tree Farm will assist you in cutting and loading the tree onto the train’s flat car and West Chester Railroad will help you load the tree onto your car back at West Chester. Please note: trees are sold separately and Wiggins only accepts cash or check for tree purchases. Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for children (2-12) and be purchased by clicking here.
Wednesday, December 14
Iron Hill Brewery’s Men’s Night Out
5 p.m.
Before hitting the town for an evening of hometown shopping for everyone your list, start your men’s night out with a happy hour of one-of-a-kind brews and appetizers at Iron Hill Brewery with their CEO, Kevin Finn. After a seasonal beer or two, head out with fellow male shoppers for a fun evening of holiday shopping. Boutiques will be offering one-night-only special sales, refreshments and complimentary gift wrapping. Retailers include Kaly Clothing, Gifts and Accessories, Jane Chalfant, Sunset Hill Jewelers & Fine Arts Gallery, and Feminique Boutique.
Sunday, December 18
Downingtown Country Club’s Brunch with Santa
93 Country Club Drive, Downingtown
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Celebrate this special time of your by bringing your loved ones to see Santa before his big day. Their beautiful buffet will leave you merry and jolly. Price for adults is $19.95 and children ages 6-12 is $9.95. Make your reservations soon by calling 610-873-0800 and don’t forget your camera!
Side Bar’s Third Annual Brunch with Santa
10 E. Gay St., West Chester
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Back by popular demand, Side Bar’s decked out halls invites diners to spend their Sunday afternoon with Santa. Santa’s fire truck filled with elves will be arriving at 11 a.m. and children get complimentary pictures taken with him. As always, Chef Blaise and Side Bar’s bartenders will be creating amazing brunch specials. Reservations can be made by calling 610-429-8297 or by e-mailing [email protected]. Spots are limited, so secure yours today!
