The Kennett Square Holiday Light Parade
“Whether you call Kennett Square home or visit during the season, there is no place like Kennett Square for the holidays,” says Daniel Embree, Kennett Collaborative’s Executive Director. “I love strolling through town with a warm drink in hand or marveling at the matchless light displays at Longwood Gardens. There are a ‘million ways’ to revel in the spirit of the holidays in Kennett, and we hope you’ll enjoy spending time here this year!”
The charm of this quaint town, recognized by VisitPA as a “Holiday Hallmark Movie-esque Locations in Pennsylvania,” is experienced in every friendly smile shared and every step taken around the square.
Take a moment to relax and explore all the festive activities, shopping, dining, and decor. You’ll find seasonal planters, cheerful street lighting, and perfect photo opportunities to capture memories with friends and family. Kennett Collaborative has invited Zena Florist to create a special photo moment along the walkway to the garage, widely known as the “Genesis walkway.” While any day is a great time to visit, numerous events enhance the effervescent holiday experience in Kennett.
New this year, Kennett Collaborative will present free parking at the Borough’s garage during the holiday weekends courtesy sponsor Longwood Gardens. Parking at the garage will be free on November 25 and December 2-3, 9-10, 16, and 23.
Kennett Square Holiday Light Parade & Small Business Saturday: November 25, 2023
A community highlight for over a decade, the Holiday Light Parade shifts to the Saturday after Thanksgiving, on Saturday, November 25, to coincide with Small Business Saturday, creating a merry and full day for all.
Park at the garage for free from 10 am until 11 pm compliments of Longwood Gardens & Kennett Collaborative, then support small businesses throughout Kennett Square, including delightful cafes, bakeries, and restaurants, as well as a diverse array of independently-owned shops, boutiques, and art galleries, which will be packed to the brim with the most beautiful and highest quality gifts for everyone on your list.
Stay for the Holiday Light Parade at 6pm, featuring music, dance, community groups, and, of course, an assortment of vehicles, including classic cars, tractors, wagons, fire engines, and school buses, all decked with lights. The parade starts at the intersection of Cypress and S. Broad Street, turning and continuing along State Street and concludes with the entrance of Santa and Mrs. Claus lighting the town tree. Right after the parade, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be ready for a meet & greet and photos at the Work2gether porch.
Kennett Collaborative’s Holiday Village Market at the Creamery: December 2-3 & 9-10, 2023
Of all the adjectives used to describe Holiday Village Market, “magical” seems the most apt. Join us at The Creamery from 11 am to 5 pm on December 2, 3, 9, and 10. Explore carefully curated artisan and vintage goods, while enveloped by holiday cheer resonating from live music, fire pits, ice sculpting, excellent food, and warming festive cocktails and drinks. Make your skating reservations through The Creamery to enjoy the Glice (Swiss-engineered, eco-friendly sustainable artificial ice) rink! It’s fun for all ages—kids, teenagers, and adults will all have a blast whirling around the rink. Jolly, red-nosed Kris Kringle is also scheduled to appear from 11:30 am until 1:00 pm each day, ready with a twinkle in his eye for children to wonder at as they also enjoy family-friendly activities such as face painting and balloon twisting.
Visit kennettholidaymarket.com for more information as well as schedules for each day. Park at 600 S. Broad or the Linden Street Garage and enjoy the complimentary shuttle to and from The Creamery and enjoy even more shopping and dining around Kennett Square!
Christmas in Kennett with Longwood Gardens: Saturdays, December 2-23, 2023
Enjoy a full Saturday in Kennett Square by beginning with festive shopping, dining, and strolling in town followed by an evening of A Longwood Christmas, celebrating with “A Very Retro Christmas” this year. “Christmas in Kennett” tickets purchased through Longwood Gardens include a complimentary shuttle, free parking at the parking garage in Kennett Square (intersection of E. Linden & N. Union Street), and admission to the Gardens. Be sure to order early as limited tickets are available!
Tinsel on the Town: December 8, 2023
A special holiday shopping evening from 4-8 pm with Kennett Square merchants, designed for snatching up those last-minute gifts, and a bit of fun too. Explore the different shops and restaurants along the State Street area and complete a BINGO card to be entered to win a basket chock-full of KSQ goods and gift cards!
Midnight on the Square: December 31, 2023
How does the Mushroom Capital of the World ring in the new year? With an enormous illuminated mushroom, of course! The legendary annual celebration, presented by the Mushroom Festival in tradition of the Times Square ball drop, begins at 7:30 pm with music, dancers, and a laser light show at the intersection of State & Union Streets. The raising of the mushroom is at 8:55 pm, followed by the “Mushroom Drop” at midnight to usher in 2024! Find more information at midnightinthesquare.com
