It’s the most wonderful time of the year! And the team at West Chester Parks and Recreation is bringing old traditions as well as a few new experiences that will have you sparkling with the season in no time. Revel in the spirit as you come together to celebrate family, friends and the unbridled anticipation of children.
West Chester Parks and Recreation’s assistant director, Richard Ashenfelder, chimes, “As quickly as this historic borough is growing, we pride ourselves on consistently maintaining that small-town feel. We truly enjoy providing these events for the community to have a great time, make memories and get in the spirit of the holiday season.”
Breakfast with Santa
Begin with a visit to the Chester County Historical Society as you look forward to a grin-busting appearance from the man in the red suit himself. Santa Claus is comin’ to town to host an incredibly hearty breakfast. Sit down and relax with a rave-worthy buffet spread that includes eggs, bacon, sausage and potatoes as well as fresh-baked pastries, donuts and a tantalizing fruit tray that even Rudolph would love, all provided by West Chester’s own Arianna’s Gourmet Café and Catering.
Festively decorated, this event will have you humming holiday carols as quickly as you can say “Ho, Ho, Ho!” Relax as your family gathers around the Christmas tree to chat with Santa one on one. Be sure to bring your camera phone to snap photos of the excitement ‘cause he’s checking that list. Twice! Jolly old Saint Nick has a special gift for everyone, so don’t be late!
This not-to-miss experience has been a part of local tradition for over 20 years and promises to be exciting and fun for all. But hurry because spots are filling fast with two seating times available. Pre-registration is required.
Date: Saturday, December 5
Time: first seating 8:30 a.m.; second seating 10 a.m.
Cost: $16 per person; free for children under 2
Location: Chester County Historical Society, 225 N. High St., West Chester
Drop. Shop. And Wrap.
New this year is a wonderful event for every parent who needs to catch up on some holiday shopping, enjoy a nice dinner that doesn’t involve a toy with the meal or just get some well-deserved “me time” on a Saturday afternoon.
Don’t let this opportunity pass you by during this hectic time of year. Have the kids joyously (and securely) entertained with hours of holiday merriment as they make crafts and cookies and enjoy holiday films. West Chester Parks and Recreation has secured a crew of Santa’s elves at the West Chester Municipal Building on Gay Street to entertain the troops. Just drop the kids off and go. It’s a win-win! Again, pre-registration is required.
Date: Saturday, December 5
Time: 2–5 p.m.
Cost: $12 per child (ages 4–12)
Location: West Chester Municipal Building, 401 E. Gay St., West Chester
Bus Trips
Topping off this gaggle of gifts in Santa’s bag are two fun-filled sightseeing bus expeditions that are always well attended and promise to put you in a holiday mood. Tickets for these extravaganzas are flying, so make sure to pre-register for these today.
The Radio City Excursion
In its classic tradition, The Radio City Christmas Spectacular in the heart of Manhattan melds the sounds of the season with a visual display of costuming, set design, music and of course the world-famous high-kicking Rockettes in a holiday show that simply matches no other production.
Orchestra seating will provide the ideal spot to sit back and enjoy this award-winning show, which will surely have you singing along!
Date: Friday, December 4
Cost: $145
Time: Bus departs 6:30 a.m.; returns at 8 p.m.
Location: Departs from West Chester Parks and Recreation department, located at the West Chester Municipal Building, 401 E. Gay St., West Chester
Washington D.C. Conservatories Excursion
The Parks and Recreation team has created the perfect holiday getaway where you can learn how to decorate with plants at the Merrifield Garden Center, enjoy miniature trains and the Garden of Lights display at Brookside Gardens and simply breathe in the holiday beauty of the internationally acclaimed U.S. Botanic Gardens Conservatory. Take advantage of some local shopping, a catered lunch and also a scrumptious dinner at the historic Mrs. K’s Restaurant & Barrel Bar.
Date: Saturday, December 12
Cost: $135 (includes transportation, admissions, lunch, dinner, taxes, meal and bus driver gratuities)
Time: Bus departs 8 a.m.; returns after 10 p.m.
Location: Departs from West Chester Parks and Recreation department, located at the West Chester Municipal Building, 401 E. Gay St., West Chester
Pre-register for any of the events listed here by completing the online form and mailing it or bringing it to the office with payment made out to the West Chester Parks and Recreation Department. The office is located at 401 E. Gay St. in West Chester. Any additional questions should be directed to (610) 436-9010.
- Photos: West Chester Parks and Recreation
