📅 Date: Saturday, November 22, 2025

⏰ Parade Start Time: 6:00 PM

📍 Location: State Street — from Broad Street to Mill Road

The 2025 Kennett Square Holiday Light Parade promises to be our most spectacular celebration yet — with more lights, more music, and more magic filling the streets!

Longwood Garden’s 1969 International Loadstar 1800 stake body dump truck on display in December 2023

Three things you won’t want to miss: 

1. Longwood Garden’s leading the parade with their restored 1969 International Loadstar 1800 stake body dump truck that has been featured in their Holiday Display since 2023.

2. The Woodland String Band — a beloved Philadelphia Mummers group known for their dazzling costumes, lively music, and high-energy performances that will bring their signature sparkle and festive spirit to Kennett Square for the very first time!

3.  The Papier-Mâché Mushroom on the Kennett Collaborative float — a whimsical creation that many community members helped craft during Third Thursday in August. It’s a beautiful symbol of the creativity and collaboration that makes Kennett Square shine year-round!

The fun kicks off at 6:00 PM with Longwood Performing Arts  holiday dance in front of Portabello’s and El Ranchero. Throughout the evening, enjoy live performances from local favorites including the Kennett High School Marching Band, the Dixie Demons High School Alumni Band, the Lenape Brass Ensemble, and—new this year—the Woodland String Band (Mummers Group) bringing their Philly-style flair!

The parade will be the largest yet, featuring over 100 illuminated floats, trucks, bands, dancers, and community groups. The grand finale will feature Santa and Mrs. Claus, who will light the town’s Christmas tree to officially kick off the holiday season.

Kennett Heritage Center in the 2024 Holiday Light Parade. Photo by Moonloop Photography.

Parking & Road Closures: Free parking is available at the Linden Street Garage. Please note that no parking is allowed along the parade route or staging areas (S. Broad & Birch Streets) starting at 5:00 PM. Carpooling is highly encouraged

Key Times to Remember:

  • 5:00 PM — Parking restrictions begin
  • 6:00 PM — Parade begins with Longwood Dance Company performance

Restrooms:

Port-o-potties are available at the Linden Street Garage, El Ranchero, and the American Legion Building has restrooms inside as well as a full bar.

Announcer Locations:

  • English: 100 Block of East State Street
  • Spanish: 305 West State Street (in front of El Ranchero)

Tips for the Best Parade Experience:

Find your perfect viewing spot along West State Street. Warm up with hot cocoa from The Garage Youth Center fundraiser, Mrs. Robinson’s Tea Shop, or grab coffee from Café Emis, Philter, or Mary Pat’s Provisions. Don’t forget to vote for your favorite holiday window display while you wait! Dress warmly, bring chairs or blankets, and stay on the sidewalks for safety.

After the parade, check out Grain’s Holiday Bar (upstairs), or stop by Wayvine Wine Bar or Victory Brewing for a festive nightcap.

And don’t miss the Holiday Village Market at The Creamery of Kennett Square, happening the first two weekends in December!

Let’s kick off the season with sparkle, music, and community spirit! Join us for a night of lights, laughter, and holiday magic as Kennett Square shines brighter than ever. For the latest updates and details, visit holidaylightparade.org.

Parade participant smiles as snow falls over State Street in the 2024 Holiday Light Parade. Photo by Moonloop Photography.