All around the Main Line, towns and communities turn on the holiday cheer with tree lighting ceremonies. Not only will there be oohs and ahhs as the tree sparkles for the first time, but Santa often shows up, too. Add carolers, hot chocolate, food trucks, and other family fun, and you’ve got the makings of a jolly holiday evening.

From Ardmore to West Chester, we’ve gathered all the festive details, including parades, the big guy in the red suit, live performances, and of course, the lighting of beautiful Christmas trees. For more holiday glow, check out Bucks County Parent’s Guide To Tree Lighting Ceremonies in Bucks County.

Holiday Cheer in Chester County

Embrace the magic of the season at these cherished tree-lighting celebrations throughout Chester County. Gather your loved ones and experience the festive joy at one of these heartwarming community traditions that capture the spirit of the holidays.

Downingtown Good Neighbor Tree Lighting and Christmas Parade

Tree Lighting: Saturday, November 29, at 6 pm, Kerr Park, Park Lane., Downingtown
Parade: Saturday, December 13, at 3 pm, Lancaster Ave. through the Borough of Downingtown

Downingtown’s Good Neighbor organization invites the community to its annual Christmas Tree Lighting. Join the festivities in the field between the Gazebo and the Log House in Kerr Park. Families can enjoy an evening of seasonal activities including games, crafts, live music, face painting, refreshments, and the opportunity to write letters to Santa. The highlight of the evening arrives when Santa makes his grand appearance to light the tree, though individual visits with Santa will not be available at this event.

On December 13, don’t miss Downingtown’s Christmas Parade. The parade will wind down a 1.7 mile path along Lancaster Avenue between Beaver Creek Elementary School and East Ward Elementary School. This quintessential hometown celebration showcases the best of the community with local marching bands, dance troupes, scout groups, festive floats, and the much-anticipated grand finale — the arrival of Santa Claus himself.

West Chester 2025 Hometown Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting

Tree Lighting: Friday, December 5, at 6:30 pm, Historic Courthouse, 2 N. High St., West Chester
Parade Route: begins at the Courthouse and continues through Downtown West Chester

Get merry at West Chester’s annual holiday celebration. The evening begins with the Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6:30 pm featuring dance and musical performances before the spectacular illumination of the 25-foot tree led by returning emcees, Adam Joseph and Kathy Romano.

Afterwards, the festivities continue with the beloved Christmas Parade through Downtown West Chester starting at 7 pm. This year’s parade features an expanded lineup of marching bands, floats, dazzling performances, and Santa’s arrival. Join the greater West Chester community for an unforgettable evening of holiday magic (rain or shine).

Annual Berwyn-Devon Tree Lighting Ceremony

Berwyn Train Station, 654 E. Lancaster Avenue, Berwyn
Sunday, December 7, from 5:30–8 pm

Bundle up for the magical Berwyn-Devon Tree Lighting ceremony at the Berwyn Train Station. In addition, this festive celebration features visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus and photo opportunities with Prancer the Reindeer. Enjoy complimentary food and hot chocolate from local partners, an Ugly Sweater Contest, caroling, and dancing, as well as exciting giveaways. Residents and friends are welcomed to celebrate the holiday season together at this free event.

Dazzling Displays in Delaware County

Delco also knows how to get the holidays started in a festive way, with tree lighting ceremonies from Radnor to Media to Havertown.

Delaware County’s 50th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony

Rose Tree Park, 1671 N. Providence Road, Media
Thursday, December 4, from 5–8 pm

Delaware County’s beloved Festival of Lights kicks off with a special Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 4th. The event features seasonal live music, local vendors, food trucks, and a special visit from Santa. Following the ceremony, visitors can stroll through Rose Tree Park’s enchanting walk-through holiday lights display. Admission and parking are free for all. Leashed dogs are welcome to join the festivities and accessible parking is available for guests’ convenience.

Christmas in Wayne and Tree Lighting Ceremony

Downtown Wayne, Lancaster and N. Wayne Avenues, Wayne
Friday, December 5, from 5:30–8 pm

Welcome the holiday season at Christmas in Wayne. Festive activities include the brand-new Wayne ice rink, trolley rides through decorated Wayne streets, and train rides for the youngest visitors. The Radnor Firehouse will offer arts and crafts with special appearances around town by Mrs. Claus, her elves, and even the Grinch. At approximately 7:30 pm, join Master of Ceremonies Ducis Rodgers of 6abc Action News for communal caroling before a magnificent tree lighting ceremony. Finally, watch as Santa Claus arrives in style, traveling down North Wayne Avenue on a decorated Radnor Fire Truck.

Havertown Holiday Festival

Brookline Blvd., Havertown
Saturday, December 6, noon–7 pm (rain date December 7th)

At the Havertown Holiday Festival, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and winter traditions come together in one joyful, family-friendly celebration. The festival features seasonal costumed characters, live holiday music, children’s story time and crafts, food trucks, vendors, a holiday marketplace, and festive beverages for adults. Highlights include an impressive ice sculpture demonstration, a beautifully lit menorah, and a magical tree lighting ceremony with community caroling at approximately 5:30 pm.

Admission is $5 per person, $20 per household, and children 3 and under are free. Parking options for this popular event include the Brookline Municipal Lot, two lots at the Municipal Complex near Darby and Manoa Roads, and at Chatham Park Elementary School at 400 Allston Road after 1:30 pm.

Lighting Up the Night in Montgomery County

Get into the ho-ho-holiday spirit at these beloved tree-lighting traditions in Montco. Gather the family and head to one of these spirited local events for all the festive feels.

Ardmore Annual Tree Lighting and Santa’s Arrival Celebration

Schauffele Plaza, 35 Cricket Terrace, Ardmore
Friday, November 28, at 6 pm

The Ardmore community will gather in Schauffele Plaza as Santa arrives in spectacular style on a fire truck, followed by the lighting of Ardmore’s holiday tree. Families are welcomed to enjoy complimentary cookies and hot chocolate while children take photos with Santa. The tree lighting ceremony transforms Ardmore into a winter wonderland and marks the joyful beginning of the holiday season. Sign up here to ensure they don’t run out of sweet treats.

Plymouth Township Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony

Community Center Park, 2903 Walton Road, Plymouth Meeting
Wednesday, December 3, at 6 pm

Things get festive in Plymouth Township when they light their holiday tree at a ceremony at the Service and Devotion Monument in Community Center Park. Join friends and neighbors and kick off the holiday season with the local community.

Lansdale Tree Lighting Ceremony

Railroad Plaza, Main Street, Lansdale
Friday, December 5, at 6 pm

Lansdale’s cherished Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony returns to bring the community together in a celebration of the season. Residents and visitors are invited to watch as the town’s holiday tree is illuminated at Railroad Plaza in a dazzling display of twinkling lights. This beloved annual tradition offers an evening filled with seasonal entertainment, warm community spirit, and joyful activities for all ages.

Have a Holly Jolly Time at a Main Line Tree Lighting

These beloved tree-lighting traditions bring Main Line families together to officially flip the switch on holiday magic! We hope they help you kick off the season with plenty of twinkle lights and warm fuzzies.

Did we miss your family’s favorite tree lighting event? Mention it in the comments below!

Lead photo of the West Chester Christmas Parade courtesy of the West Chester Chamber of Commerce, featuring dancers from Betsy Daily School of Performing Arts.

More Main Line Tree Lightings