By LEANN PETTIT

editor@phoenixvillenews.com

During December's First Friday in downtown Phoenixville, held on Dec. 4, will be the Phoenixville Holiday parade, hosted by the Phoenixville Area Kiwanis.

The Holiday Parade will begin at 7 p.m. and will start at Phoenixville's Borough Hall at 140 Church Street.

The Parade will turn left onto Starr Street and then make a left onto Bridge Street and end at the Family Dollar at the far end of Bridge Street in the downtown area.

The parade will feature local fire departments, local area politicians, The Phoenixville Area Marching Band and more. Cinderella, Kermit the Frog, the Grinch, Shrek and more will also be at the parade.

After the parade, the annual tree lighting will take place on the corner of Bridge and Main Streets in Phoenixville. The tree lighting is expected to take place around 8 p.m. The Phoenixville Area High School choir will be performing at the tree lighting.

After the tree lighting, Santa will walk down Bridge Street to the Kiwanis Children's Plaza to his Santa House and invite in children who wish to see and speak with him.

Santa will hold regular hours throughout the holiday season in the Santa House in the Kiwanis Children's Plaza.

Santa will be available on Fridays from 6 until 9 p.m., Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays from 12 to 6 p.m.

Many stores are holding receptions before and after the parade and tree lighting. The Phoenixville CDC will be holding a reception starting at 6 p.m. that will include drinks and a bead giveaway.

Bridge Street will be closed 15 minutes prior to the parade.

Stores are also encouraging visitors to come inside and get warm!

Other holiday events in Phoenixville include the Holiday House Tour on Dec. 5 from 4 to 8 p.m. and the Firebird Festival on Dec. 12. The festival begins at 4 p.m. and the bird with be lit at 8 p.m.