Schedule of Events

Visit Santa at the Log House

The Downingtown Historic Commission will be hosting Santa, who will arrive at the Log House by Minquas fire truck.

He will be there from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1. Pictures can be taken with your own camera, or the historic commission will take a picture for $5 and give you the picture as it’s printed that day. The fee for pictures is a donation toward the placement of the Minquas Cannon (Civil War Cannon) in the Veterans Memorial this year in Kerr Park.

The commission will also have the “History of Downingtown” books by Jane Davidson on sale at a $30 event price — regular price is $35 — and Downingtown mugs on sale for $8. Also this year, T-shirts with the Log House on them will be $15 event price — regular price is $20.

This event will be hosted by the Downingtown Historic Commission.

Music Events

• Walt Kinsey and Co.: 1:30 to 3 p.m.

Walt Kinsey and Co. have played as part of the Christmas celebration for many years. They will be in front of Anthony’s Cucina Fresca Restaurant at 78 W. Lancaster Ave. Join them for some Christmas songs!

• Octorara Snowflake Symphony: 2:30 p.m.

The Octorara Intermediate School band is joining the festivities for a seventh year. It will be playing Christmas music in the Armour Alley Pocket Plaza next to Belle Vie Salon at 137 E. Lancaster Ave. The band is directed by Andrew Reynolds.

• Touch of Class Dance Studio: 2:30 pm

The Touch of Class Dancers will be performing part of their holiday repertoire at the corner of Wallace and Lancaster avenues. It’s sure to be a wonderful show!

Storefront Decorating Contest

New this year is a Storefront Decorating Contest presented by Downingtown Good Neighbor Christmas.

Many of the Downingtown Borough businesses will be all decked out for the holidays.

The community will be able to vote on its favorite display. All voting will be done online. Go to dtownchristmas.com to see the list of businesses that are participating and how to go about voting.

Voting takes place through Dec. 8, with the winner being announced on Downingtown Good Neighbor Christmas’ website and Facbook page by Monday, Dec. 10.

Downtington Good Neighbor Christmas Parade

This year’s parade will step off Saturday, Dec. 8, at 3 p.m.

This year’s parade will include the Downingtown Blue and Gold Marching Band, the Bishop Shanahan Marching Band and cheerleaders, the Duffy String Band, the Eagles Pep Band, the Penn Dixie Band, Galena Brass, the Chester County Emerald Society Pipe Band, lots of floats and walking units, dance and twirling units, fire trucks and antique cars and trucks.

And, of course, no Christmas parade is complete without Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Live Drive-Thru Nativity

The Youth of the Downingtown United Methodist Church, 751 E. Lancaster Ave., Downington, will present a drive-thru Live Nativity, featuring scenes depicting the events that surround the birth of Christ, as told by the apostles Matthew and Luke, Saturday, Dec. 15, from 6 to 8 p.m.

Stay in the comfort of your car as you journey with Mary and Joseph as they travel to Bethlehem. Bring your family and friends to start your holiday celebration and come see this truly inspiring event.

There will be a free-will offering with the proceeds benefiting families in need this holiday season.

Holiday Home Decorating Contest

Enjoy the twinkling lights and holiday magic of Downingtown Borough as the Downingtown Parks and Recreation Commission presents the third annual holiday home decorating competition.

Prizes are sponsored by Downingtown-Thorndale Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Go to the borough website at downingtown.org for more information about the contest.