Downtown Appleton Christmas Parade
The 55th annual Downtown Appleton Christmas Parade lights up College Avenue on Tuesday, November 24, 2026. This beloved Midwest tradition kicks off the holiday season with a spectacular nighttime display featuring over 80 units, including vibrant floats, decorated vehicles, and marching bands filling the air with festive holiday music. Join the 80,000 spectators for a magical evening celebrating the spirit of Christmas.
What to Expect
Midwest's largest nighttime Christmas parade with 80,000 spectators.
Event Details
Duration
Starts at 7:00 PM
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Downtown Appleton
Timed Entry
No
Featured Performers
- High school marching bands
Organizer
City of Appleton Parade Committee
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families, community members, holiday enthusiasts
Vibe
Festive, cheerful, traditional
Energy Level
Low
Budget
FREE
Photo Friendly
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: FREE – Get tickets
- Accessibility: This website aims to conform to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 at Level AA. The RZ Assist accessibility widget is available to help users adjust site settings.
- Pets: No pets allowed (service animals welcome)
Tips & Advice
- Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot along College Avenue, as the parade attracts a large crowd.
- Check the parade's Facebook page for the most up-to-date information on entries and any last-minute changes.
- Consider using public transportation or carpooling, as parking in downtown Appleton can be challenging during the event.
- Dress warmly, as the parade takes place in late November and Wisconsin evenings can be quite cold.
- Be aware that no items can be thrown or handed to spectators for safety reasons, so plan accordingly if you're bringing children.
Special Events & Promotions
- Theme: 'Christmas Past, Present, and Future'
- Application window: September 1 - October 1, 2026
- Notification of acceptance: Week of October 12, 2026
- No items to be thrown or handed to spectators
- Strict enforcement of parade rules
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the theme of the 2026 parade?
The theme for the 55th Downtown Appleton Christmas Parade is 'Christmas Past, Present, and Future.' Participants are encouraged to decorate their floats and units to reflect this theme.
When is the application deadline for parade participants?
The application window for parade entries opens on September 1 and closes on October 1, 2026. Applications must be received by October 1st.
Can I bring my pet to the parade?
The parade guidelines state that animals must be kept away from spectators for safety purposes, and it is generally not recommended to bring pets.
What are the height restrictions for parade entries?
Due to overhead wires and crosswalks, parade entries must not exceed 13.5 feet in height.
Where can I find more information about participating in the parade?
Detailed information about participation, including guidelines and application forms, can be found on the Appleton Parades website or by contacting Meghan Warner at Appleton Downtown Inc.
More Christmas Events Near Appleton
More Christmas Events near Appleton
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.