If the mall Santa is not your thing you will have plenty of opportunities to find the jolly old elf hanging out around town. Get your camera ready. Here is your day-by-day Santa guide.
Friday, November 30:
West Chester Christmas Parade. Kids will have their first opportunity to catch a glimpse of St. Nick this holiday season when he brings home the annual Christmas parade. Parade starts at 7:15 (rain or shine). Cost: Free
Saturday, December 1:
Santa at the Grower’s Market. Stop by Saturday morning at Church and Chestnut Streets to get your picture with Santa. Open to kids and pets. Cost: $10
Breakfast with Santa, 9:30 a.m. See Santa while enjoying a delicious catered breakfast. This event is hosted by the Park and Rec and preregistration is required. Cost: $16 for attendees over 2. Bring a camera!
Brandywine Ace Neighborhood Christmas Party, 1 p.m. Join the friendly staff at Brandywine Ace for their annual holiday party. Santa will be available for pictures just bring your camera. Cost: Free.
Hotel Warner Christmas Party, 3-5 p.m. After the festivities in the morning Santa will swing by the Hotel Warner Christmas party for their first ever holiday celebration. Pictures are free with a Toys for Tot donation.
Santa Express on the West Chester Railroad, trains leave at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Bring a camera there will be plenty of opportunities for a picture with Santa. Cost: Adults $25; kids $18; toddlers $8 Note: Online tickets are sold out; limited walk ups available the day of the ride.
Sunday, December 2:
Santa Express on the West Chester Railroad, trains leave at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Bring a camera there will be plenty of opportunities for a picture with Santa. Cost: Adults $25; kids $18; toddlers $8 Note: Online tickets are sold out; limited walk ups available the day of the ride.
Saturday, December 8:
Santa Fest, 11 a.m. The American Helicopter Museum is welcoming Santa via, you guessed, a helicopter. Watch his arrival then stay for refreshments, activities and quality Santa time, including gift. Bring a camera for pictures. Cost: $10 per person.
Santa at Dia Dolce, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Don’t miss out on complimentary mini-cupcakes and mimosas and of course the man in red. Cost: Free.
Santa at the Firehouse, 9 a.m. Join the First West Chester Fire Company for their holiday event and get your kid’s (or pet’s) photo taken with Santa and a fire engine. Cost: $20 donation recommended.
El Bruncho with Santa, 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. All you can eat food stations and complimentary Mimosas for adults. What more could little elves want? Letters and cameras both welcome. Cost: Adults $25, kids $15
Santa Express on the West Chester Railroad, trains leave at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Bring a camera there will be plenty of opportunities for a picture with Santa. Cost: Adults $25; kids $18; toddlers $8 Note: Online tickets are sold out; limited walk ups available the day of the ride.
Sunday, December 9:
Santa Sundays, 2-4 p.m. at Monkey Fish Toys in the Bradford Plaza. Stop by for ornament making, face painting and of course, photos with everyone’s favorite elf. Cost: Free. Plus, every child gets a free gift and you may get some ideas for that wish list!
Santa Express on the West Chester Railroad, trains leave at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Bring a camera there will be plenty of opportunities for a picture with Santa. Cost: Adults $25; kids $18; toddlers $8 Note: Online tickets are sold out; limited walk ups available the day of the ride.
Saturday, December 12:
The Miracle at Side Bar aka Happy Hour with Santa, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. A little something for everyone at this event sponsored by ReMax Realty. Free pics for all attendees. Cost: Free.
Santa Express on the West Chester Railroad, trains leave at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Bring a camera there will be plenty of opportunities for a picture with Santa. Cost: Adults $25; kids $18; toddlers $8 Note: Online tickets are sold out; limited walk ups available the day of the ride.
Sunday, December 13:
Santa Express on the West Chester Railroad, trains leave at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Bring a camera there will be plenty of opportunities for a picture with Santa. Cost: Adults $25; kids $18; toddlers $8 Note: Online tickets are sold out; limited walk ups available the day of the ride.
Saturday, December 15:
Santa Express on the West Chester Railroad, trains leave at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Bring a camera there will be plenty of opportunities for a picture with Santa. Cost: Adults $25; kids $18; toddlers $8 Note: Online tickets are sold out; limited walk ups available the day of the ride.
Sunday December 16:
Santa Claus is Coming to the Y, 1 p.m. Stop by the YMCA on Airport Road for one of your last chances to meet the big guy this holiday season. While there enjoy the moon bounce and light snacks. Pictures available for those with cameras. Free to members.
Santa Sundays, 2-4 p.m. at Monkey Fish Toys in the Bradford Plaza. Stop by for ornament making, face painting and of course, photos with everyone’s favorite elf. Cost: Free. Plus, every child gets a free gift and you may get some ideas for that wish list!
Santa Express on the West Chester Railroad, trains leave at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Bring a camera there will be plenty of opportunities for a picture with Santa. Cost: Adults $25; kids $18; toddlers $8 Note: Online tickets are sold out; limited walk ups available the day of the ride.
Last chance for Santa!
December 22, 23:
Santa Express on the West Chester Railroad, trains leave at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Bring a camera there will be plenty of opportunities for a picture with Santa. Cost: Adults $25; kids $18; toddlers $8 Note: Online tickets are sold out; limited walk ups available the day of the ride.
Did I miss any? Let me know.
Plus, 5 local groups looking for holiday volunteers.