☕️ ChesCo Buzz: 008

Christkindlmarkt & The Bird That Won't Burn

Author

Noah Scott
December 10, 2024

Good Morning Chester County,

Last week I received a handful of messages/emails from folks in our community sharing photos and fun stories from events that they learned about through this newsletter.

Maybe it’s the holiday cheer in the air, maybe it’s because I’m just sappy (my wife would agree), but those messages make my week.

It's easy to find negativity just about anywhere these days... but you know what I've noticed? You don't see many grumpy faces at holiday markets, ugly sweater contests, or cupcake workshops.

So, please keep sharing with me the good times y’all have while out and about at these events. I’m grateful for each and every message I get!

Alright, let me wipe this tear from my eye and get to typing…we’ve got a lot to cover in this one!

This is what we’ve got on tap:

  • The Bird Must Not Burn…Yet

  • Adopt Lydia

  • Christkindlmarkt in West Chester

  • 25+ events you won’t want to miss this week!

The Blend

A curated mix of local stories, updates, and announcements from our team.

🔥 The Bird Won’t Be Burning…Yet

Announced on Monday 12/9, Chester County officials have lifted the county wide burn ban. Emergency Services Director Bill Messerschmidt thanked those who abided by the ban stating, “We appreciate the support of the public during the burn ban, knowing that if it was not in place, the number of fires would have been much greater, placing a tremendous burden on our first responders.” (source)

A reminder: Even though the burn ban is lifted, the Phoenixville Firebird Festival is NOT happening this weekend.

The new date for the firebird festival is Saturday, February 1 (02/01/2024).

For the uninitiated the Phoenixville Firebird Festival is one of the region's most unique events. A 20-ft tall wooden phoenix sculpture is built over the course of months with the help of staff and community volunteers (you can sign up to help) and then it is burned to celebrate rebirth, art, and music.

Whether you were the type of person who always built the bonfire just a biiiiit too high (sorry Mom) as a kid & still like to see a large fire, or you just want to go to support the community & the arts the event does not disappoint.

I hope to see you all there in February!

 🐶 Adoptable Pet of the Week - Lydia

Meet Lydia, the ultimate sweetheart who’s ready to steal your heart and likely your snacks — she’s very food motivated (me too, Lydia). This loyal girl is currently in a foster home discovering her playful side, enjoying outdoor adventures, and perfecting her basic commands.

Lydia is calm, gentle, and happiest snuggled on the couch with her foster mom or trotting beside her on a walk. She’s housebroken, crate trained, dog-friendly (with a little warm-up time), and even cat-friendly—though she’d rather admire them from a safe distance.

Lydia is hoping to find the same thing that many people hope to find: love, commitment, and a place to call her home. If you’re looking for a loyal companion who’s equal parts snuggle bug and outdoor explorer, Lydia’s ready to be your forever best friend!

📸 Guess Where We Are

Here’s Your Hint: This was taken at one of the holiday events we posted last week!

A big shout out to John H., Colette K., Emily R., Dan W., Amy G., & Connie R. for correctly guessing last week’s photo at Longwood showing the new conservatory building. If you haven’t been yet, I’d highly recommend getting there before Jan. 12 so you can check out the Christmas light displays!

We did a bit more than 3 this time, but next week the first 3 people that correctly guess where we were by replying to us here, commenting on our Instagram post, or sending us a DM there will get a shout out on next week’s newsletter.

If you haven’t already, go to Instagram and give our growing page a follow. We post exclusive content there that you won’t find in the newsletter. You can click the link below to go directly to the page.

Tag @ChesCoBuzz to get your photos in the Buzz and a shout out here and on instagram!

A closer look at the standout events happening this week

When: Saturday, 12/14 from 11 AM - 7 PM

Where: On Gay Street in downtown Wet Chester

What to expect: Come downtown ready to shop on Saturday if you visit the Christkindlmarkt. With over 100 local vendors there will be something for everyone. Get your Christmas shopping done while supporting the local community…and make sure you treat yourself to something special, too. The event is an all-day affair, with live music happening throughout along with festive carolers. Need to make a pit stop? You’ll be in the center of town, so all of the great food + drink is right there for you. Refuel and get back to shopping. There’s no better way to spread holiday cheer than supporting the small businesses that make ChesCo great while finding the perfect gift for your loved ones. We’ll see you there!

What’s Brewing

Upcoming events you won’t want to miss this week.

If you see “$” in the event description, that means it is a paid event. Events without “$” are free to attend!

Wednesday ( 12/11/24 )

🥂 Christmas Cheer Sip & Shop | Parkesburg | 4 - 8 PM | Join Homestead Studios for a festive night of Christmas shopping, wines and tastings with Britain Hill and delicious charcuterie treats from Let It Brie. (details)

🛍️ Artisan Market Sip n Shop | Chester Springs | 4 - 8 PM | Artisans and local business owners will be lining the driveway at Birchrun Hills Farm welcoming you to enjoy some time down on the farm with wine, cheese, cows, and live music for a one-of-a-kind version of a shopping experience to remember! (details)

🎷 The Swingin Jazz Nutcracker | $ | Phoenixville | 7 PM | What do Peter Tchaikovsky, Shorty Rogers, and Duke Ellington have in common? Well, they are all innovators, composers, and arrangers. You will hear the incredible melodies of Tchaikovsky re-imagined by two great jazz master composers, arrangers Shorty Rogers and Duke Ellington. (details)

Thursday ( 12/12/24 )

🎶 Disney Descendants The Musical | $ | Kennett Square | 12/12 - 12/15 | Multiple Showing Times | Based on the popular Disney Channel Original Movies, Disney's Descendants: The Musical is a brand-new musical jam-packed with comedy, adventure, Disney characters, and hit songs from the films! (details)

🌵 Christmas Cactus Workshop at Paradocx Vineyard | $ | Landenberg | Starts 6 PM | When I say Christmas you say….cactus! Enjoy a great glass of wine and make your own Christmas planter filled with an assortment of succulents, cacti, Christmas cactus & more. (details)

🇺🇸 An Evening With Thomas Jefferson & John Adams | West Chester | 7 PM | This one is for the history buffs! Travel back in time for a live conversation between two of our country's most notable figures as they engage in a spirited and robust conversation highlighting their extraordinary friendship and political views in shaping the course of America’s future. (details)

Friday ( 12/13/24 )

🩰 The Nutcracker by Brandywine Ballet | $ | West Chester | 12/13 - 12/15 | Multiple Showing Times | Ring in the season with Tchaikovsky's timeless score, and join Clara and her Uncle Drosselmeyer through this classic holiday adventure. (details)

🍺 Very Merry Weekend at Levante | West Chester | 12/13 - 12/16 | Specials + Events All Weekend Long | Join the team at Levante for a very merry weekend packed with holiday events. Friday will have live music, Saturday they're throwing an ugly sweater party, Sunday it's time for holiday bingo and watch the birds at their Eagles watch party. They do have a Monday food & beer pairing event, but it is currently sold out! Check out details on everything going on —> (details)

🍦 Grinch Visits at Handel's | Downingtown | 5 - 6:30 PM | Get ready for some Ice cream so good, it’ll even make the Grinch grin at Handel's this weekend. Kids will have their chance to take photos with the Grinch and the whole family can enjoy some Grinch-themed ice cream. (details)

🌟 National Iron & Steel Heritage Museum Holiday Open House & Auction | Coatesville | 5 - 8 PM | Tour the mansions and executive office building of this impressive complex, all decorated in their holiday finest! There will be live music, an extensive model train set, carolers, Christmas crafts for the kids, and all the hot cocoa you can drink! (details)

🤘 Phoenixville Punk Rock Flea Market FRIDAY THE 13TH Holiday Night Market | Phoenixville | 5 - 10 PM | Come out to this special edition of the one-and-only Punk Rock Flea Market on Friday the 13th for a one stop shop for all of your holiday gift buying. Shop in heated indoor comfort with a packed house of amazing vendors offering: original art, vintage toys, vinyl records, CDs, horror related items, clothing, taxidermy, handmade jewelry, quirky housewares, comics, books, movies and much more! If you've never been to the PRFM, check it out, you'll have a blast! (details)

Saturday ( 12/14/24 )

🎥 Breakfast With Santa at the Movie Tavern | $ | Exton | 9 AM - 12 PM | Bring the kids for a special morning featuring a delicious breakfast, a visit with Santa, and a screening of Moana 2! Enjoy pancakes, bacon, hot coffee, and cocoa while creating holiday memories together. (details)

🧵 Chester County Library 2024 Holiday Craft Show | Exton | 9:30 AM - 3 PM | Join the Chester County library for their 13th annual holiday craft show. Fifty local crafters will be selling unique, one-of-a-kind holiday gifts for everyone on your list! (details)

🦆 Chester County Thrift: Christmas in Duck Farm | Oxford | 10 AM - 4 PM | Come out and support local artisans at this holiday market. Vintage items, artwork, home goods and beautiful crafts will be for sale, along with baked goods, coffee/cocoa, and other treats. Snag a photo with santa while you're there. Herr's factory light display is right down the road! Cash & Venmo only* (details)

📸 Pet Portraits @ Oxford Feed & Lumber | $ | Oxford | 10 AM - 12 PM | Bring your fur children and get a photo with Santa! The event will be first come first serve, so make sure you get there early to ensure you get a spot! Pet portraits are $25/ea. (details)

🎄 Kennett Square's Holiday Village Market (Weekend 2) | Kennett Square | 11 AM - 5 PM | Weekend 2 of KSQ's Holiday Market! The market is a curated shopping and dining experience in Kennett Square, with each day boasting a rotating selection of more than 40 artisan vendors, exclusive beverages & hot drinks, food trucks, and family activities. There are multiple free parking spots, with shuttle transport to the venue. (details)

🎅 Free Sensory Friendly Santa Visit | Malvern | 11 AM - 1 PM | This is a free sensory friendly Santa visit for families of children of special needs at the Malvern A Flick of the Wrist Location. Use the link to register for your own time slot! (details)

🎄 Holiday at the Barn + Craft Market + 3rd Annual Tree Lighting | Glenmoore | 12 - 5:30 PM | Enjoy a festive day at the Holiday Craft Market with kids’ activities, wagon rides, photos with Santa, and more, capped off by the 3rd Annual Tree Lighting at 5 PM. Don’t miss the BBQ food truck, fire rings, and plenty of family-friendly fun! (details)

🎅 Downingtown Good Neighbor Christmas Parade | Downingtown | 3 PM | The parade follows a 1.7-mile route along Lancaster Avenue, through the heart of the Borough of Downingtown. You'll see local bands, dance groups, scouts, and of course, the arrival of Santa Claus! (details)

🖼️ Wintry Watercolor Sip and Paint | $ | West Chester | 4 - 5:30 PM | Join local watercolor artist Laura Kinsella for a cozy and wintry watercolor workshop. Beginners welcome, no experience required. Artist Laura will guide participants through painting a snowy landscape, covering some watercolor basics and having a lot of fun along the way! Feel free to bring a bottle or Yeti, a friend or come solo, and enjoy an evening along the festive and cheery West Chester streets! (details)

🎼 Chester County Choral Society presents John Rutter's Gloria | $ | Downingtown | 7:30 - 9 PM | This holiday concert will feature a 90-voice choir accompanied by the Hickory Brass Ensemble and directed by Gary P. Garletts. Christmas and Hannukah favorites will follow the Gloria. Associate Director Patricia Pranzo and Accompanist Ann Marie Ellis also lead this excellent community choir in its 52nd year. (details)

Sunday ( 12/15/24 )

🎅 Brunch with Santa @ Estrella | Downingtown | 10 AM - 1 PM | Join the team at Estrella for their amazing Santa brunch. It's every parents' perfect holiday event...bring the family for brunch (and maybe a cocktail for mom and dad), and kids can meet Santa whenever they are comfortable. Email Ashlee@EstrellaTacoBar(dot)com to reserve your spot. (details)

🦪 Create Oyster Ornaments and a Cup of Cheer | $ | West Chester | 12 - 2 PM | Learn the paper craft of decoupage and create stunning gilded ornaments using recycled materials! You will create two ornaments from natural oysters and vintage papers while enjoying a Baileys spiked hot chocolate and gingerbread cookies. These ornaments will make the perfect addition to your tree, or a thoughtful handmade gift for a loved one! (details)

🧁 Christmas Cupcake Decorating @ Stolen Sun | $ | Exton | 5 PM | It's hard to say no to craft beer + cupcakes. Get in the holiday mood with your own custom Christmas cupcake and make sure you stay well hydrated with your favorite drink. (details)

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Talk next week!

With Gratitude,

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