7 Can’t-Miss December Events Happening Around the Main Line

A Christmas parade in West Chester, a holiday market in Oaks and more make this December special.

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Check out our calendar for more events throughout December.

Christmas Parade
Photo by Erik Weber

Editor’s Pick

Dec. 6

West Chester Christmas Parade

West Chester

Local businesses, performers and high school bands converge in downtown West Chester for an annual parade that only seems to get bigger and more festive every year. Hosted by 6abc’s Adam Joseph and WMMR’s Kathy Romano, the festivities include live music, a gingerbread house competition, appearances from Santa, and more. It’s also the official kickoff for Chester County Hospital Lights Up Holiday Weekends, which run through Jan. 1.—Gina Lizzo

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Dec. 7-8

Oaks Christmas Market

Oaks

Finding that perfect gift should come easily at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, where more than 300 vendors will set up shop for this first-time event.

Dec. 7

Upper Merion Holiday Village

King of Prussia

Bundle up and get the kids outside for a holiday fest that typically draws a crowd of about 2,000. Get your shopping fix and check out some live music, then warm up by the campfire with a s’more or two.

Phoenixville Firebird Festival
Courtesy of Phoenixville Firebird Festival

Dec. 14

Phoenixville Firebird Festival

Phoenixville

A 20-foot Phoenix takes center stage for this annual event, which highlights regional arts and culture by bringing together performers, crafters, business owners and more. Once the sun goes down, thousands march to the Phoenix, where it’s set ablaze in Veteran’s Park.

Dec. 13-15

Holiday Artisan Shopping Weekend at Wayne Art Center

Wayne

Over 32 local artists will offer one-of-a-kind creations all weekend long—everything from leather handbags and jewelry to crafted wooden bowls, ceramics and even seasonal spirits.

Dec. 13-15

The Nutcracker

West Chester

Join the Brandywine Ballet on a timeless journey through the Land of the Sweets and forests of dancing snowflakes, all set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score.

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Courtesy of Teael Creative
Courtesy of Teael Creative

Through Jan. 5

Yuletide at Liberty Hill

Lafayette Hill

Yuletide is back for another year, but you won’t find it at the Devon Horse Show grounds. Union League Liberty Hill is the new home for this seasonal family experience. Highlights include light displays, carnival rides, photos with Santa, ice skating, vendors of all kinds, and hundreds of illuminated Christmas trees.

What We’re Reading

The Little Green Car by George H. Rothacker

In this offbeat octogenarian tale from local artist and author George H. Rothacker, an 82-year-old Radnor man goes to some length to clear his head after the death of his wife. The grieving widower heads south in his 1953 MG TD, saving a busload of children along the way.

Outskirts Press, 284 pages.
Find it on Barnes & Noble or Amazon

The Little Green Car
Courtesy of Outskirt Press

Related: Here’s What to Do Around the Main Line Area This Weekend

Main Line Today Restaurant Week runs October 13-26!