In case of inclement weather, please call the individual event for information. For parade information, call 610-696-4046, or visit our website at www.greaterwestchester.com for up-to-date information.
*Advance tickets recommended or required. Limited capacity for many events - see event description for details.
Event times are approximate, based on conclusion of Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony

Event Descriptions

A Charlie Brown Christmas: The Journey Church invites you to Movie Night featuring "A Charlie Brown Christmas" on a 9 ft. x 13 ft. screen. Hot chocolate and apple cider provided. Friday 8:30pm at the Journey Church, 200 South Church St. 610-344-9332

A Chester County Christmas Book Signing: Photographer Red Hamer signs copies of his new book, A Chester County Christmas. Books for sale, open house & refreshments. Friday, 3:00 to 5:00pm at the Chester County Community Foundation, (Lincoln Bldg.) 28 West Market St. 610-696-8211

A Concert of Bach: The Brandywine Singers, West Chester's premier choral chamber ensemble, present Bach's Cantata 140, Wachet auf, and Magnificat with orchestra. Sunday, 4:00pm at the Church of the Holy Trinity, High & Union Sts. No ticket or reservation required; free will offering. 610-470-0870

Advent Celebration - Crafts & Dinner: Come make a craft, enjoy a delicious dinner, and celebrate the season! Hot chocolate and cookies after the parade. Friday, 5:00 - 6:30pm at First Presbyterian Church, 130 West Miner St. Admission $5/person. 610-696-0554

Barbershop Quartet: Center Ring Barbershop Quartet will sing Christmas carols with their distinctive style and flair. Friday, 8:00 - 9:00pm at Beadniks, 119 West Market St.

Breakfast & Photo with Santa: Santa will host a pancake and sausage breakfast for children and adults, plus have a free photo with Santa! Saturday, 7:30 - 11:00am at the West Chester Area Senior Center, 530 East Union St. $6 adults, $3 children 12 & under ($1 less w/coupon passed out at parade). 610-431-4242

*Breakfast with Santa: Full hot breakfast and treats for the children - two seatings. Saturday, 8:30am and 10:00am at the Chester County Historical Society, 225 North High St. Reservations required, $12/person - call 610-436-9010

Cartoon Christmas Trio: Performing music from classic Christmas cartoons, including "Peanuts' Christmas," "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas," and "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer." Friday, 5:00 - 7:00pm at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant, 3 West Gay St. 610-738-9600

Chamber Choir Holiday Program: The PAPA Chamber Choir will be performing traditional Christmas carols of American, German, French, English, Ukrainian, and Russian origin. Friday, 8:00 - 9:00pm at the Chester County Historical Society, 225 North High St. 610-692-4800

Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol: A dramatic version of Dickens' famous Christmas story joyfully presented by the teachers of Great Valley Middle School. Friday, 8:15pm at the Courthouse, Courtroom 2, entrance on West Market St.

Chester County Youth Orchestra Pops Concert: Seventy-five talented musicians (ages 12-18) perform popular classical music including Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite, hits from Wicked, plus a medley of Christmas carols. Saturday, 7:30pm at the Church of the Holy Trinity, High and Union Sts. Free; please bring non-perishable food items. 610-524-0943

The Christmas Story told with Rod Puppets: The Biblical narrative of Christ's birth, illustrated with large rod puppets. A wonderful family tradition to keep Christ in Christmas. Saturday, 7:00pm, and Sunday, 7:00pm at the Reformed Presbyterian Church, corner of Union and New Sts. Free admission. 610-696-3482 or email pastor@rpcwc.org

Family Night Open House: Fun for the family at the YWCA before the Christmas Parade. Jody Weaver from Makin' Music (6pm), treats, and hands-on activities for young children. Friday, 5:30 - 7:00pm at the YWCA of Chester County, 123 North Church St. 610-692-3737

The First National Bank Singers: Start the holiday season by listening to the talented First National Bank Singers perform your favorite holiday carols and songs. Friday, 6:15 - 6:45pm at First National Bank of Chester County, 9 North High St.

*Gingerbread House Making: Create a child-size real gingerbread house. All materials will be supplied. Saturday, 2:00pm and 4:00pm at the West Chester Municipal Building, 401 East Adams St. 610-436-9010 -SOLD OUT!

Golden Knights Quartet: Features Joshua Hunt on Violin I, Michael Chang on Violin II, Nicholas Michaels on Viola, and Sarah Kwak on Cello. Friday, 8:00 - 9:00pm at Fox Chase Bank, 137 North High St.

Gracenotes Harmony: Stop by for cider, hot chocolate and "old-fashioned" carol sing. Joining us from WCU, come hear how their unique blend of four-part harmony provides a new twist to holiday classics. Friday, 8:00 - 9:00pm at Wilmington Trust of PA, 2 West Market St. (F&M Bldg.).

Greystone Ramblers: Join us for cookies and hot chocolate, in A Winter Night's Ramble; a celebration of our 15th year performing eclectic holiday tunes. Friday, 7:00 - 9:00pm at Susquehanna Patriot Bank, 15 East Gay St.

*Guitar Christmas featuring Malcolm Johnstone: The show begins with a special dessert and tea followed by the classical showcase performance of holiday favorites that recall the parlor concerts of Europe. Thursday, 7:00pm and Sunday, 2:00pm at The Lincoln Room, 28 West Market St. Reservations required, $35 per couple. 610-696-2102

Holiday at the Halladays: Enjoy the true holiday spirit. Our artists are Amedeo Salamoni and Garo Yepremian. Music by Lenape Grass. A West Chester MUST! Friday, 6:00 - 9:00pm at Halladay Florist, 29 South Church St. 610-696-5200

Holiday Favorites: Sounds of the season, old and new, will be presented by a brass quintet from the Chester County Pops Orchestra. Friday, 8:00 - 9:00pm at State Senator Andrew Dinniman's office, corner of Church and Market Sts.

Henderson Chamber Orchestra: Under the direction of Mrs. Cynthia Ann Cox, the orchestra will present timely holiday and light classics for you. Friday, 8:00 - 9:00pm at Wachovia Bank, 17 North High St.

Historic Walking Tours 1 & 2: Tour 1 covers portions of Church, Gay, Walnut, and Market Streets. Tour 2 covers portions of Church, Barnard and High Streets. Tours will leave alternately at 5:00, 5:15, 5:30, and 5:45pm on Friday from Senator Dinniman's office, 1 North Church St. $2 per person

*Holiday Breakfast & Bazaar: Enjoy a hearty buffet breakfast, door prizes & surprises. Bazaar - something for everyone; crafts, art, jewelry, gift baskets and hats. Also storytelling and ornaments workshop. Saturday, Breakfast - 9:00 - 10:30am; Bazaar - 11:00am - 3:00pm. at the Charles A. Melton Arts & Education Center, 501 East Miner St. Breakfast tickets are $10/person in advance. Presented by the NAACP 610-696-3231.

Jazz Guitar by Sean Townsend: Enjoy local award winning wines while listening to soothing jazz. Don't forget to BYOF (Bring Your Own Food)! Friday, 6:00 - 9:00pm at Kreutz Creek Winery WC Store, 44 East Gay St.

Jazz Up Your Holiday: Sounds of the holiday season with Big G and his five-piece jazz quintet, featuring Barbara Kovacs and guitarist Mark Oppenlander. Friday, 8:30pm at Taylor's Music Recital Hall (3rd Floor), 116 West Gay St. 610-696-1812

Jingle Juggling: Right after the parade, stop to enjoy a half hour of juggling, music and general tomfoolery with "Randini the Remarkable." Friday, approx. 7:45 p.m. at Citizens Bank, 33 West Gay St.

John Scardina & Friends: Join us for an evening of music that celebrates peace, hope and love for all beings. Friday, 8:00 - 10:00pm at Penwick Design, 132 North High St.

Little Lincolns - Gettysburg Address Contest: School students from West Chester area schools will recite President Lincoln's famous Gettysburg Address in this tenth annual competition sponsored by West Chester Borough HARB. Friday, 6:00 - 6:30pm - Finalists will speak from the Lincoln Building Balcony at 28 West Market St.

Luminaria Around the Park: See and enjoy the magic of the candlelight glow of 200 luminaria lining the perimeter of historic Marshall Square Park. Friday, 6:00pm until midnight on East Marshall St. between Matlack and Franklin Sts.

Makin' Music: Join Jody Weaver from the award winning program Makin' Music to sing fun, interactive holiday songs Makin' Music style! Friday, 6:00 to 6:30pm at YWCA of Chester County, 123 North Church St. 610-692-3737

The Many Moods of Christmas VII: Sacred and secular music with Chancel Choir, orchestra, handbells, piano and organ. Nursery available, reception follows. Sunday, 4:00pm at Calvary Lutheran Church, Rosedale Ave. & South New St. Free will offering. 610-696-2475

Messiah by Handel: Handel's Messiah will be performed by a community chorus with orchestra; the entire Christmas portion, plus selections from the Lenten & Easter portions will be included. Directed by Anita Greenlee. Sunday, 3:00pm at West Chester United Methodist Church, 129 South High St. Free will offering, 610-692-5190

Old Fashioned Christmas Soup & Sandwich Parlor: Serving assorted hot and cold sandwiches, soups, snacks and desserts at family prices while you enjoy music by West Chester Christmas Singers (6-7pm). Friday, 5:30 - 9:30pm at the Knights of Columbus, 110 West Market St.

PARADE: The 29th Anniversary of the Old Fashioned Christmas Parade ushers in the festive Christmas season; beginning at Market and New Sts. on Friday at 6:45pm ROUTE: opposite direction of traffic flow (from Market, up New to Gay, Gay to Matlack, Matlack to Market, up Market back to Darlington). Adam Joseph and Karen Rogers, meteorologists with the 6abc News Team, will be the commentators on the corner of Market & High Sts. at the Courthouse. Recording Artist, Bianca Ryan from America's Got Talent, will perform along the parade route. See map for parade route. 610-696-4046

Pietro's Prime Live Entertainment: Come enjoy the relaxing sounds of the season with Jeff Domenick. Enjoy great food and holiday libations in a casual atmosphere. Friday, 8:00pm to midnight at Pietro's Prime, 125 West Market St.

Praise Team of Calvary Lutheran Church: Our spirited ensemble is dressed the part to perform Victorian and Gospel Christmas carols. Come sing along or just enjoy! Friday, 8:00 - 9:00pm at Meridian Bank, 16 West Market St.

The QVC Singers perform Holiday Favorites: Enjoy the cheerful singing of the QVC Singers as they entertain with familiar holiday songs. Friday, 7:30 - 8:30pm at Sovereign Bank, 50 West Market St.

Ring and Sing: The four bell choirs of First Presbyterian play holiday favorites, along with an informal carol sing - over 100 bells! Friday, 8:30pm at First Presbyterian Church, 130 West Miner St. 610-696-0554

Saltmine Theatre Company: Join this exciting new theatre company for a funny, physical, joyful performance celebrating all that's great about Christmas. Friday, 8:15 & 8:45pm on the Courthouse Front Steps, 2 North High St.

Santa Arrives in a Whirlybird: Santa trades his sleigh for a helicopter. The jolly old elf arrives in a helicopter to greet children! Includes photo with Santa and holiday activities. Saturday, 2 sessions, 11:00am & 1:30pm at American Helicopter Museum & Education Center, 1220 American Blvd. (also on Dec. 13). Admission $10 children, $5 adults (weather permitting). 610-436-9600

Santa's Express: Ride with jolly old St. Nick aboard our heated, lighted, and decorated trains with treats and holiday entertainment for all the kids on board the West Chester Railroad. Train departs Market St. Station, 248 East Market St., Sat. & Sun., 11:00am, 1:00 & 3:00pm for a trip to Glen Mills and back. Can board at Glen Mills Station at 11:45am & 1:45pm. $15 for adults, $10 for children ages 2-12. Santa's Express runs every weekend beginning Nov. 29 through Dec. 21. Call 610-430-2233 or visit www.westchesterrr.net for more information.

Singing the Christ in Christmas: Members of the West Chester University Gospel Choir and Angels of Divinity sing your favorite Christmas carols with liturgical dancing. Fun for all! Friday, 8:00 - 9:00pm at First National Bank of Chester County, 9 North High St.

Songs of Christmas: West Chester Daybreak Lions Club invites you to enjoy seasonal music played by pianist Noel Bourgeois from the Royer-Greaves School for the Blind. Friday, 6:30 - 7:15pm at Sovereign Bank, 50 West Market St.

Sounds of the Holiday Season: Start the Christmas season with great music! This concert features arrangements of your favorite carols and holiday music. Thursday, 7:30 p.m. at United Methodist Church, 129 South High St. Adults $10; seniors and students under 16, $7.

Tours of the Historic Lincoln Building: Stop by to take a tour of the historic Lincoln Building (c. 1833) and enjoy refreshments. Friday, 3:00 - 6:00pm at the Chester County Community Foundation, 28 West Market St.

TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY: Come watch Santa as he lights the 23-foot community Christmas tree immediately following the parade! Friday, approximately 7:45pm on the corner of High & Market Sts. at the Courthouse.

*Trial By Jury and Carol Sing: Edwin jilted Angelina and now she's taking him to court for breach of promise. Musical comedy presented by the Gilbert and Sullivan Society of Chester County. Courthouse, Courtroom 1, entrance on West Market St. Thursday, 7:45pm, Friday, 7:45 & 9:00pm, and Saturday, 2:00 & 7:45pm. Advance tickets: $8 Adult, $6 Senior, $6 Student; Door tickets: $10 Adult, $8 Senior, $6 Student (children under 5 free). www.gsschesco.org or 610-269-5499

Uncle Scrooge's Party: Join us for a rollicking good time with the "reformed" Ebenezer Scrooge. Audience participation - Christmas carols, games, sing-a-long. Fun for all ages. Saturday, 3:00pm at The Hickman, 400 North Walnut St.

West Chester Area Community Chorus: Enjoy this group of talented singers as they perform traditional Christmas carols and holiday selections. Friday, 7:45 - 8:30pm at DNB First, 2 North Church St.

WCASD Select Strings Holiday Concert: The West Chester Area School District Select Strings, directed by Mrs. Katrina Kelly, will perform seasonal selections. Please join us. Friday, 8:00pm at the Church of the Holy Trinity, corner of High and Union Sts.

*West Chester 20th Annual Charity Ball: Event proceeds benefit Friends Association for Care and Protection of Children. Live entertainment, silent auction, dinner stations and open bar. Saturday, 7:00 - 11:30pm at the West Chester Golf & Country Club, 111 West Ashbridge St. Admission is $150 per ticket. 610-431-3598 x219.

The West Chester Christmas Singers: Christmas songs for young and old alike. We encourage folks to sing along! Friday, 6:00 - 7:00pm at the Knights of Columbus, 110 West Market St.

*WCU 87th Annual Holiday Program: A holiday festival of choral music in a traditional program. Saturday, 3:00 and 7:00pm at the Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall, corner of South High St. & University Ave. Tickets are free, but required (2pp). Send a SASE to Attn: Ticket Office, WCU Holiday Program, Sykes Student Union Service Center, West Chester, PA 19383

Yuletide Harper: Come and celebrate the season's spirit with song, as acclaimed harpist Emma Peabody performs holiday fare both Celtic and traditional. Friday, 8:00 - 9:00pm at Simple Pleasures, 22 South High St.

SATURDAY, Dec. 13th *YWCA 38th Annual Holiday House Tour: A self-guided tour of West Chester area homes decorated for the holidays. Saturday, Dec. 13th, 10:00am - 4:00pm. Tickets are $35 per person (includes discount coupons for lunch at area restaurants). Ticket also admits you to the Craft Exhibit at the YWCA. Tickets may be purchased at the YWCA by calling 610-692-3737. For info, email ywcacc@comcast.net

PUBLIC RESTROOMS are located at the COURTHOUSE

Map of the Parade Route (PDF)

The following streets will start closing between 4:30 pm- 9:00 pm on Friday, Dec. 5th:
Gay St. between Matlack & New
Market St. between Matlack & Wayne
Walnut St. between Chestnut & Miner
High St. between Chestnut & Miner
Church St. between Chestnut & Miner
Darlington St. between Chestnut & Miner
Church St. between Market & Miner will close at 4:00 pm
New St. between Gay & Market will close at 6:45 pm till 8:00 pm

Old Fashioned Christmas in Historic West Chester is brought to you by the Chamber of Commerce of Greater West Chester, with wishes for a warm and wonderful holiday season! 119 North High Street, West Chester, PA 19380
610-696-4046
www.greaterwestchester.com

Sponsored by Faulkner of West Chester