The Annual QVC West Chester Christmas Parade Is Here

WEST CHESTER, PA — Holiday season is in full swing, and the hotly anticipated QVC West Chester Christmas Parade is finally here.

Here's a rundown of the highlights for the event, put on by hardworking folks over at the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce.

First Friday will take place all day throughout West Chester on Friday, Dec. 6. Numerous local businesses are celebrating with special sales, free snacks and drinks, and more.

Also happening all day long is the 2nd Annual Holiday Decorating Contest. Homes and establishments around the downtown area are lit up with all sorts of holiday displays. Winners of the contest will be announced the week of Dec. 9

You can get your picture taken with Santa from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at 123 N. High Street.

The annual Holiday Bazaar will be held at The Hickman on 400 N. Walnut Street from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Chester County Historical Society has free hot cider and free admission to their exhibit, "Lighting the Season."

From 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., a Holiday Village with an inflated snow globe, Berstein Bears, pedal-karts, a giant trampoline, and Christmas music is set up on High Street between Gay and Market streets.

The US Air Force Jingle Elf Run begins at 6:30 p.m. There is a children's race, a two-mile run, and a one mile walk, with a start and finish line on E. Market Street between High and Walnut streets. For details, see here.

The centerpiece of the evening is the West Chester Christmas Parade itself. The 40th annual event begins at 7:15 .m. at Gay and Market Streets with floats, live performances, music, dancers, and more.

A map, with road closures and more information, is included here:

Parking will be a bit tricky, and police have provided detailed information on where you may and may not park. No parking signs are posted everywhere, and attendees are urged to take careful note of the area before they decide to leave their car. Don't block alleys, driveways, streets, as you will be ticketed.

All garages will charge a flat $10 event fee for parking beginning at noon.