Last updated: November 11, 2024
Holiday cheer is here, Chester! Discover all the top festive happenings with our guide. From Chester locals to international travelers, our guide ensures a joyful and memorable season.
Among the highlights this year is the Christmas Village in Philadelphia, a charming open-air market that features unique gifts and seasonal treats. With festive lights and delightful aromas filling the air, it captures the essence of the holidays. Another attraction, A Very Retro Christmas, takes visitors on a nostalgic journey with vintage decorations and classic holiday themes. And you definitely won't want to miss GingerBread Lane at the Reading Terminal Market, where stunning gingerbread houses showcase the creativity of local bakers. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Chester Holiday Light Displays
A Very Retro Christmas
- What to Expect
- Vintage holiday decorations and lights in a mid-century setting.
- Description
- Longwood Gardens presents A Very Retro Christmas, featuring vintage holiday street scenes, classic ornaments, and mid-century decorations. Guests will marvel at holiday trees draped in shimmering tinsel and throwback baubles, while enjoying a sophisticated holiday party scene in the Music Room. The event includes a 24-foot grand fir, an 18-foot-tall rotating tree, and thousands of colorful poinsettias and other floral finery throughout the Conservatory. Outdoor highlights include over half a million twinkling lights, a restored 1969 Longwood Farms truck, and a holiday Garden Railway.
- Where
- Kennett Square | More Info : A Very Retro Christmas
Chester Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christmas Village in Philadelphia
- What to Expect
- Historic German Christmas market with European food and rides.
- Description
- Christmas Village in Philadelphia is an authentic German-style holiday market at LOVE Park and City Hall, featuring over 120 vendors offering unique gifts, European cuisine, and festive activities.
- Where
- Philadelphia | More Info : Christmas Village in Philadelphia
Delco Holiday Village
- What to Expect
- Local vendors and food trucks complement the annual Festival of Lights.
- Description
- Delco Holiday Village is a seasonal event in Rose Tree Park featuring local vendors, food trucks, and illuminated displays. Visitors can stroll through the park to enjoy the festive atmosphere and support local businesses.
- Where
- Media | More Info : Delco Holiday Village
Chester Other Holiday Activities
Gingerbread competition and display at Peddler's Village
- What to Expect
- Unique gingerbread creations competing for cash prizes in six categories.
- Description
- The Gingerbread Competition & Display at Peddler's Village features over 100 creative gingerbread creations crafted by the public, competing in six categories. The event is a holiday tradition since 1984, with free admission and display hours from November 15 through January 19, 2025.
- Where
- Lahaska | More Info : Gingerbread competition and display at Peddler's Village
GingerBread Lane - Reading Terminal Market
- What to Expect
- Miniature gingerbread houses and shops created by a Guinness Book World Record holder.
- Description
- Gingerbread Lane at Reading Terminal Market features a whimsical display of miniature gingerbread houses and shops, created by Chef Jon Lovitch, a Guinness Book World Record holder. This free exhibit is open daily from 8am to 6pm, transforming Arch Court into a delightful holiday attraction.
- Where
- Philadelphia | More Info : GingerBread Lane - Reading Terminal Market
Valley Forge Beer and Cider Festival
- What to Expect
- Unique blend of local and international brews.
- Description
- The Valley Forge Beer and Cider Festival is a celebration of local craft beers and ciders, featuring popular breweries and cideries from around the world. Enjoy a variety of beers and ciders, live music, and a fun-filled atmosphere.
- Where
- Oaks | More Info : Valley Forge Beer and Cider Festival
Firebird Festival
- What to Expect
- Community-built, 20-foot-tall Phoenix structure.
- Description
- The Firebird Festival is an annual celebration in Phoenixville, PA, honoring the Phoenix with a 20-foot-tall structure built by community members. The event features regional performers, craft vendors, and gourmet food trucks, fostering local artistic talent and cultural life.
- Where
- Phoenixville | More Info : Firebird Festival
Washington Crossing the Delaware Reenactment
- What to Expect
- Historic reenactment of a pivotal Revolutionary War event.
- Description
- Thousands gather to witness the reenactment of George Washington's daring 1776 Christmas night river crossing, featuring reenactors in Continental military dress and replica Durham boats.
- Where
- Washington Crossing | More Info : Washington Crossing the Delaware Reenactment