Holiday Local Happenings

Here is your list of Holiday Festivals, Bazaars, Parades, and other Events to help you and yours get ready for the season!

“Sleigh bells ring, are you listening? In the lane, snow is glistening, A beautiful sight We're happy tonight, Walking in a winter wonderland”


CHESTER COUNTY Holiday Events:

  • The Nutcracker by Brandywine Ballet:
    December 13th - 22nd:
    Various Show Times

    This performance is one of Chester County’s signature holiday events, and features original, traditional choreography by David Kloss and Donna L. Muzio, integrated with new choreographic elements by Nancy Page. Buy your tickets or donate to the ballet here!

  • HYS Holiday Stroll:
    December 13th:
    4:30-8:00 pm

    The Historic Yellow Springs Holiday Stroll is a FREE event with fun activities, holiday stories, tasty snacks, holiday music, and more as you stroll the village guided by the glowing luminaries. See HYS’ website for more information, including additional events for the month.

  • Holiday Pops Concert with Chesco Pops Orchestra and Brandywine Singers:
    December 13th-14th:
    7:00 pm

    This joyful holiday series will be presented at Unionville High School on Friday and at the Church of the Good Samaritain in Paoli on Saturday. Children are FREE. Purchase tickets here.

  • A Sugartown Christmas 2019:
    December 14th:
    11:00 am - 4:00 pm

    Explore the historic village festively decorated for the season. Meet Santa, decorate your own cookies/gingerbread houses, and try your hand at making Victorian styled ornaments and cards. Admission: $8 Per Person, children ages 2 and younger are admitted free. Click here for more details.

  • Downingtown Christmas Parade:
    December 14th:
    3:00-5:00 pm

    Bring in the holiday season with floats, antique cars, firetrucks, and so much more. This annual parade has a new route this year; the parade starts at the top of Gable Avenue in the west end of town and will travel to Green Street. Get additional information about the parade, and how to participate in the Storefront Display Contest on their website.

  • Chestnut Hill Community Holiday Parade:
    December 14th:
    9:00-10:30 am

    Come to this small-town parade with the Phillie Phanatic, cool antique cars, and Santa Clause on a firetruck! The parade ends at the Market at the Fareway (8221 Germantown Avenue) with musical performances, caroling, and hymns around their outdoor fireplace. There will be treats, and Santa will pose for photos with the children. See the parade route and free parking options on their website.

  • 8th Annual Arts Festival Reading and Holiday Market:
    December 14th-15th:
    10:00 am - 5:00 pm

    Explore GoggleWorks historic campus and shop handmade items from over 75 regional artists, artisans, and craft-people. Watch live demonstrations, enjoy make-and-take workshops, live music, food, and fun. Admission: $10 per person, and anyone under 12 is FREE. For more information, check out their website.

  • Chinese New Year Celebration:
    December 28th:
    1:00 pm

    Chester County Historical Society’s Lighting the Season: Winter Holidays Exhibit invites you to celebrate the Chinese New Year with them! A traditional dragon dance, tea ceremony, and paper lantern making are only some of the family-friendly activities to participate in. See the full list and ticket pricing here.


DELAWARE COUNTY Charity Events:

  • Brunch with Santa:
    Every Sunday Before Christmas:
    10:00 am - 2:00 pm

    Springfield Country Club and Tavola Restaurant + Bar invite you to their Annual Brunch with Santa! Call 610-543-2100 for reservations and see their full menu on their Facebook Event Page.

  • The Nutcracker 2019:
    December 14th-15th:
    2:00 pm shows

    In the upcoming 2019 Holiday Season IBC will bring to Delaware County a lavish original production showcasing an international cast of talented Guest Artists, as well as a group of award-winning local ballet students. Find the full details here.

  • Linvilla Orchards: Christmas Around the Farm:
    December 15th:
    9:00 am - 6:00 pm

    Linvilla Orchards transforms into a Winter Wonderland! Hop on a caroling hayride, cut your own tree, visit with Santa, and more! Learn more on their website.

  • Fonthill Castle Holiday Lights Meander:
    December 21st:
    12:00-9:00 pm

    Wander at your own pace through Fonthill Castle’s many decorated rooms and enjoy a special holiday experience complete with seasonal refreshments. Advanced tickets are highly recommended as these events sell out every year. Purchase your tickets here.

  • Holidays at the Grange Estate:
    December 28th:
    1:00 - 4:00 pm

    There is a different rhythm at the Historic Grange Estate during the holiday season. When you come to the Grange, you’ll leave the modern pace behind and experience memories of Christmas with a pronounced Victorian sensibility. Find more details on their event and venue here.


We would love to see where you are celebrating the holiday season! When you share on social media add our hashtags #thesteveritterteam and #ritterhomesonline !