The calendar has flipped to November, we’ve set our clocks back and the cool nights are getting colder, which all means the holiday season is approaching.
Several communities in the Fox Valley celebrate by hosting holiday-themed parades and other events.
Here’s some of the holiday happenings you and your family won’t want to miss.
54th Annual Downtown Appleton Christmas Parade
When: 7 p.m. Nov. 25
Where: Begins at State Street and College Avenue, travels east on College to Drew Street, Appleton.
About: This year’s theme is “Christmas in Toyland.” The parade will have about 80 units including floats, decorated vehicles, walking units, animals, and other entries. More than 20 marching bands from Northeastern Wisconsin/Upper Michigan high schools and local communities also will perform. The parade draws 80,000 spectators each year. The parade also can be viewed live, and rebroadcasts, on WFRV-TV and online at WeAreGreenBay.com. For more on the parade, visit appletonwi.gov/community/appleton_parades/christmas.php. Just before the parade, the 1-mile Santa Scamper is held. Registration information is available at runawayshoes.net/content/santascamper.
Rudolph Run/Walk
When: 5 p.m. Nov. 29
Where: Begins at the Neenah Public Library and travels along the downtown sidewalks to the Gateway Plaza.
About: Hosted by the Neenah-Menasha Firefighters Charitable Foundation, participants will be escorted by the Santa Float. Following the walk, participants can get an up-close look at the Santa Float, which will be parked at Gateway Plaza. Guests may also enjoy a cookie, hot chocolate, or toast s’mores. Proceeds from the event will benefit local athletic teams. Free event.
Little Chute Kiwanis Christmas Parade
When: 6:30 p.m. Dec. 1
Where: Main Street from Cypress to Monroe streets, Little Chute
About: Enjoy holiday themed parade units with the last float featuring Santa.
Waupaca’s Yuletide Celebration
When: Dec. 4-7
Where: Various locations in Waupaca
About: Event begins at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 4 with a holiday parade. Parade starts at Trinity Lutheran Church on Badger Street and ends at Danes Hall. Following, Santa will light the 18-foot Christmas tree next to Danes Hall plaza. There also will be holiday films shown, shopping, the Holly Jolly Trolley will run, a Children’s Christmas Party with a visit from Santa, and more. A full schedule can be found at waupacahistoricalsociety.org/yuletidecelebration or at facebook.com/pacaartsandculture.
Winter Wonderland Holiday Parade
When: 5:45 p.m. Dec. 5
Where: Starts along North Water Street at State Street, toward Pearl Street, exiting on Wolf River Avenue, New London.
About: Displays at Longevity Nutrition will be open 5 to 7:30 p.m. with a visit from Santa 6 to 7:30 p.m. Reindeer Boogie is set to begin at 6:30 p.m. The best parade entry will win $50 in Chamber Bucks. Spectators are invited to bring new, unwrapped toys or cash donations for the annual Fill the Truck Toy Drive.
A Very Neenah Christmas
When: 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 5
Where: Downtown Neenah
About: Live mannequin windows will be 6 to 8 p.m. There also will be a tree lighting ceremony, Santa and Mrs. Claus will visit, and there will be live reindeer and ice sculptures to visit. New this year is A Very Neenah Christmas Market, which will feature holiday shopping, seasonal food and beverages, carousel rides, live entertainment and more. Market hours are 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 5; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 6; and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 7.
31st Annual Freedom Christmas Parade
When: 6 p.m. Dec. 6
Where: Begins along County E at Highway 55 to Tralee Lane, to Killarney Lane to Garvey Avenue, to County S and returning to County E, Freedom.
About: The theme is “Deck the Halls.” Judges will recognize entries in the following categories: Best Theme Float, Best Float As Seen Through the Eyes of a Child and Best Overall Float.
Wrightstown 2025 Christmas parade
When: Dec. 6
Where: Starts at the Fair and School streets junction and ends at Main and 2nd streets.
About: This year’s theme is “Elves Gone Wild.”
Chilton Holiday Parade of Lights
When: 5:30 p.m. Dec. 6
Where: Begins at the Chilton Elementary School parking lot on Court Street, proceeds east to State Street, north to West Grand Street, east to Reed Street, south to Washington Street, then east to end near the Chilton Fire Department.
About: Parade goers will see floats, fire trucks, police vehicles, and marching band members all dressed in their holiday best.
36th annual Kaukauna Electric City Christmas Parade
When: 6 p.m. Dec. 6
Where: The parade starts on Wisconsin Avenue from Depot Street, travel down Highway 55/Crooks Avenue, then onto Second Street. The last stretch, along Second from Highway 55 to Reaume Avenue will be a quiet, sensory-sensitive area.
About: This year’s theme is “Santa’s Workshop.” Local schools, businesses and organizations will participate in the parade, and Santa and Mrs. Claus will make an appearance. Following the parade, the Community Room in the Streets, Parks and Recreation (SPaR) building, 207 Reaume Ave., will be open for cookies, hot chocolate, and a chance to meet Santa. For more information, visit kaukauna.gov/event/electric-city-christmas-parade-2.
Clintonville Christmas Parade
When: 4:30 p.m. Dec. 13
Where: Moves along 16th Street starting at Industrial Street.
About: This year’s theme is “An Old-Fashioned Christmas.” Santa will be at the Clintonville Community Center after the parade, from 5 to 7 p.m.
