KENNETT SQUARE, PA — This holiday season, don’t miss the magic in Kennett Square as it is transformed into a wonderland of sparkling lights and show-stopping storefront displays highlighted in the town’s first “Window Tour.”
“Every holiday season in Kennett Square is magical,” says Daniel Embree, Executive Director of Kennett Collaborative, “But this year is going to stand out with new spectacular decorations. Your visit to Kennett won’t be complete until you’ve seen our magnificent tree and all the enchanted storefronts downtown.”
Kennett Collaborative’s holiday decorations will include a 20’ tree draped in gold with red, silver, and celadon green accents; new string lights and lanterns in the parking garage walkway; a gorgeous photo backdrop created and sponsored by Zena Florist; streetlamp garlands and banners; and custom gold tinsel garlands stretching over State Street generously donated by Longwood Gardens. Locals may recognize the vintage tinsel garlands from Longwood Gardens’ 2023 Christmas display.
The flower planters uptown will be filled with greens by volunteers from the Four Seasons Garden Club and Spade and Trowel Garden Club.
NEW! Window Tour: November 22–December 31
Kennett Square’s shops and restaurants are decorating their storefronts to the theme “Experience the magic in Kennett Square” with a friendly competition for the best window display. More than 30 merchants and local organizations are participating with exciting installations throughout town. Visitors are encouraged to tour them all and then vote for their favorite. The winner will be announced at Tinsel on the Town on December 19.
“Creating window displays that capture ‘holiday magic’ has put the whole team into the Christmas spirit. We can’t wait to share them with the community,” said Deanna Johnson, owner of Shoppe Marché and co-owner of Lieu. “It’s always inspiring to see the creativity and dedication of all the businesses in town. With so many unique interpretations of the theme, Kennett Square is going to be unforgettable this season.”
Free Garage Parking: Weekends, November 30–December 22
The Borough of Kennett Square will waive parking at the garage on Linden Street on Saturdays and Sundays beginning November 30, which is Small Business Saturday. Kennett Square is home to a number of novel shops and restaurants, making it a perfect destination for holiday shopping.
Holiday Light Parade & Tree Lighting: November 30
The popular Holiday Light Parade kicks off at 7 pm. Entertainment will be provided before the parade by Calabrese Arts and the Longwood Dance Company.
The parade route has been significantly expanded, extending along State Street from Broad Street to Mill Road, to accommodate a growing number of spectators year after year. Parking restrictions will begin at 5 pm along the parade route and staging areas, with street closures beginning at 6 pm. Two announcers will narrate the parade, one in English near the intersection of State and Union Streets, and the other in Spanish in front of El Ranchero Mexican Restaurant.
The parade will feature more than 100 trucks, floats, cars, and walking groups decorated with twinkling lights—the biggest holiday parade yet in Kennett Square. Santa and Mrs. Claus will ride at the end of the parade and will magically light the town tree as they pass by.
For more parade details, visit holidaylightparade.org.
Holiday Village Market: December 7–8; 14–15
Holiday Village Market at the Creamery of Kennett Square is a curated shopping and dining experience in the heart of the Brandywine Valley. Each day boasts a rotating selection of more than 40 artisan vendors, exclusive beverages & hot drinks, food trucks, and family activities from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. The market is presented by Kennett Collaborative and Square Roots Collective, nonprofit organizations dedicated to helping Kennett Square thrive.
Free parking is provided at the garage on Linden Street and at 600 S. Broad with a complimentary shuttle to the market. The Creamery parking lot is reserved for accessible parking and drop-off only during the event.
Admission is free. Guests of all ages are welcome. For additional details, visit holidayvillagemarket.org.
Tinsel on the Town: December 19
Tinsel on the Town returns to Kennett Square with expanded programming, including extended shopping hours, exclusive discounts and promotions, and outdoor activities for the whole family.
As with Kennett Collaborative’s other Third Thursday events, State Street will be closed between Broad and Center Streets beginning at 5 pm to make space for the street fair. Families are invited to ride a holiday train up and down State Street, visit Santa Claus, play bingo, sing carols, and enjoy hot chocolate or mulled wine while finishing their holiday shopping.
Parking will be free at the garage on Linden Street during the event.
Holiday Sponsors
Kennett Collaborative thanks its many volunteers, donors, and sponsors who make this community programming possible. Our lead holiday sponsors are Longwood Gardens, Chatham Financial, Square Roots Collective, Square Pear Fine Art Gallery, MacElree Harvey, Zena Florist, and Brandywine Senior Living with many other local businesses and organizations contributing to our various programs.
About Kennett Collaborative
Kennett Collaborative is the nonprofit organization that brings Kennett to life through its popular events, programs, and beautification initiatives, promoting Kennett Square as a thriving place for everyone to live, work, and play.
