Downtown Appleton Christmas Parade

Experience the biggest and best nighttime Christmas parade in the Midwest.

Santa Claus is comin’ to town! Christmas season kicks off in the Fox Cities each year with the Downtown Appleton Christmas Parade.

In front of nearly 80,000 spectators (and a televised broadcast), Mr. and Mrs. Claus make the trip to Appleton for the biggest and best nighttime Christmas parade in the Midwest.

With over 100 decorated floats, marching bands, vehicles, and walking groups, there’s never a dull moment as the parade marches its way down College Avenue. A new theme is decided upon each year to guide the festivities and the prestigious honor of Parade Marshal is selected leading up to the event.

Looking to spend the day downtown before the Parade? Downtown Appleton is home to 60 plus stores and over 80 restaurants and pubs, making it the perfect one-stop-shop to grab some Christmas presents or a bite to eat before it’s time to save your seat.

For the best way to warm up on a cold night, sign up for the Santa Scamper, a one mile run or walk prior to the start of the parade. Holiday themed attire is encouraged, and you’ll see everything from jingling Santa hats to red and green tutus as people make their way down the Ave.

The parade occurs annually on the Tuesday night before Thanksgiving at 7 pm. The route moves east on College Avenue from State Street to Drew Street and all street closures and parking information can be found on the Parade Facebook page.