Ho, Ho, Ho — Who Wouldn’t Go?
Eight towns celebrate the holiday season
Is Jack Frost nipping at your nose? Well, don’t let that cotton-headed ninny muggins (Elf fans understand) keep you bundled up inside this December. Instead of binge-watching A Christmas Story or It’s a Wonderful Life from the comfort of your couch, brave the winter weather and find warmth in all the holiday cheer that County Lines country has to offer.
From tree lightings to train rides, we’ve got you covered with fun that’ll last through the 12 days of Christmas and beyond. Like Rudolph at the front of Santa’s sleigh, let us be your guide. We triple-dog-dare ya!
Carol of the Bells in Coatesville
Santa’s elves are hard at work preparing a holly jolly Christmas in Coatesville. First, snatch a seat for the Coatesville Christmas Parade on December 2 at 10 a.m. Then on December 9, visit Gateway Park for the 5th Annual Pavilion of Trees. Stroll through a winter wonderland of trees decorated by local organizations and vote for your favorite! Enjoy cocoa, cookies, activities, live music, local vendors, food trucks, beer garden and a visit from good old Saint Nick. ChristmasInCoatesville.com.
Right Down Downingtown Lane
There’s nothing like the feeling of community at Christmastime. So, grab your hot cocoa and sit like an Elf on the Shelf on December 9 at 3 p.m. for the Downingtown Good Neighbor Christmas Parade, a hometown tradition. Featuring local bands, dancers, scouts and festive floats, the 1.7-mile journey along Lancaster Avenue begins at Beaver Creek Elementary School and ends at East Ward Elementary. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for an appearance from the man in red himself! DTownChristmas.com.
Silver Bells in Kennett Square
Holiday shop the right way with a trip to this twinkly town for Kennett Square’s Holiday Village Market. On two December weekends (2 & 3 and 9 & 10), explore the artisan and vintage vendors at The Creamery (401 Birch St.) as you enjoy live music, festive cocktails, food trucks and more. Then, on December Saturdays (2, 9, 16 & 23) rock around Longwood Gardens. Just park in Kennett Square for strolling, shopping and dining before catching a shuttle to Longwood Gardens to enjoy a very retro Christmas with dazzling light displays, childhood-toy tinseled trees and more mid-century magic. If you missed the Holiday Light Parade and Tree Lighting on November 25, be sure to catch the annual Mushroom Drop on New Year’s Eve. KennettHolidayMarket.com; LongwoodGardens.org.
Holiday Magic in Malvern
Looking for last-minute stocking stuffers? We’ve all been there. On Thursday, December 21, jingle all the way down King Street for the Malvern Stroll. Enjoy extended shop hours and special one-night-only sales. Make a night of holiday shopping as you support small businesses and enjoy food, drinks and special guests! Check out MalvernBusiness.com for more.
Mistletoe in Media
Round up your reindeer and take a sleigh ride to lively Media for family fun and photo ops. At the Plum Street Mall on December 2, strike a pose atop a giant inflated snowman chair (perfect for a holiday greeting card!) and stop by for complimentary hot chocolate on December 16. Throughout the season, carolers spread holiday cheer by singing loud for all to hear as they stroll the State Street district. Not feeling a New Year’s trip to Times Square? Head to Everybody’s Hometown on December 31 to watch Media’s very own Ball Drop. Stay up to date at VisitMediaPA.com.
Frosty Fun in Phoenixville
Before Frosty melts away, run to have some fun in Phoenixville! Begin the merry month downtown at the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 1, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Then, kick off the Phoenixville Candlelight Holiday House Tour (see “Holiday House Tours” in this issue) on December 2, along with a holiday bazaar featuring over 30 vendors selling treats, ornaments, paintings and homemade goods waiting to be wrapped and put under the tree. Mark December 9 on your calendar for the 20th Firebird Festival, one of Phoenixville’s signature events. After the burning of the iconic 20-foot-tall Phoenix, take a clay bird workshop and check one more gift off your list. PhoenixvilleFirst.org; FirebirdFestival.com.
Walking in a Winter Wonder-Wayne
On the first weekend of December, wander through the wintry wonderland of Wayne. On Friday, December 1 (5:30 to 8 p.m.), enjoy crafts, ornaments and activities at the Fire House. Catch the tree lighting at the Wayne Train Station, emceed by Ducis Rogers from 6abc Action News. Then, have milk and cookies to fuel up for The Elves for the Shelves Run and 5K, December 2 at 8 a.m. Afterwards, treat yourself to hot cocoa and Santa’s parade, starting at 10 a.m. On Sunday at 4 p.m., top off the weekend at the holiday party. With singing, holiday treats and more, it’ll be far from a silent night. WayneBusiness.com.
White Christmas in Wilmington
All aboard the Holiday Lights Express at Wilmington & Western Railroad! Beginning December 6 and chugging through most of the month, climb aboard a festively decorated, 100-year-old heated coach covered in thousands of holiday lights. On your hour-long adventure, view beautifully decorated homes in the area from your window seat. On December 16 and 17, stop by Wilmington’s Chase Center on the Riverfront for the Brandywine Valley Holiday Festival of the Arts, featuring hundreds of artisans. Browse unique holiday gifts, decor, handmade jewelry and more. Then, on December 18, make the Ghost of Christmas Present proud with a trip to The Playhouse on Rodney Square for a production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. More at WWRR.com and VisitWilmingtonDE.com.
See West Chester feature in this issue for holiday fun in the Borough.