54th Downtown Appleton Christmas Parade - Official Event

Schedule

Tue, 25 Nov, 2025 at 07:00 pm

UTC-06:00

Location

333 West College Avenue, Suite 100, Appleton, WI, United States, Wisconsin 54912 | Appleton, WI

Advertisement
The City of Appleton Parades Committee is now accepting applications to participate in the 54th Downtown Appleton Christmas Parade on Tuesday, November 25, 2025.
The Downtown Appleton Christmas Parade is the largest nighttime parade in the Midwest. The parade will begin at 7:00 p.m. and move east on College Avenue from State Street to Drew Street. The Downtown Appleton Christmas Parade annually draws 80,000 spectators to Downtown Appleton. Additionally, a television and online audience of more than 100,000 view the parade live and during rebroadcasts on WFRV-TV Local 5 (CBS affiliate).
All floats and walking units are encouraged to embrace and play with this year's theme: “Christmas in Toyland.” While the Downtown Appleton Christmas Parade signals the beginning of the holiday season, it’s also an opportunity for people of all ages to come together and celebrate. “This year’s theme, Christmas in Toyland, celebrates the charm, enchantment, and joy of the season,” said Corey Otis, City of Appleton Parades Committee Chairperson. “We encourage applicants to design festive decorations, imaginative floats, and spirited performances that amaze and captivate the crowds on College.”
Organizations interested in participating in the 54th Downtown Appleton Christmas Parade must complete and submit an official application by Friday, October 3, 2025. Groups may apply via the City of Appleton Parades website (appletonwi.gov/community/appleton_parades), Facebook page (facebook.com/appletonchristmasparade), U.S. Mail, or this direct link: https://tinyurl.com/XMASPARADE2025.
Follow the City of Appleton Parades page on Facebook for news and updates on this year’s event.
Advertisement

Where is it happening?

333 West College Avenue, Suite 100, Appleton, WI, United States, Wisconsin 54912

Event Location & Nearby Stays:

Downtown Appleton Christmas Parade

Host or Publisher Downtown Appleton Christmas Parade

It's more fun with friends. Share with friends

Discover More Events in Appleton

Thanksgiving Eve Specials
Wed, 26 Nov at 12:00 pm Thanksgiving Eve Specials

3916 W College Ave, Appleton, WI, United States, Wisconsin 54914

THANKSGIVING
Youth Weekly Activities
Wed, 26 Nov at 07:00 pm Youth Weekly Activities

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

RELIGIOUS
Thanksgiving with Doozey at 10th Frame! With INFER\/RED!
Wed, 26 Nov at 08:00 pm Thanksgiving with Doozey at 10th Frame! With INFER/RED!

The 10th Frame

THANKSGIVING
Dylan Carlino
Thu, 27 Nov at 06:00 pm Dylan Carlino

Skyline Comedy Cafe

COMEDY
Fox Cities Festival of Lights
Fri, 28 Nov at 05:00 pm Fox Cities Festival of Lights

N9334 Noe Rd, Appleton, WI 54915, United States

FESTIVALS TRIPS-ADVENTURES
Dylan Carlino at Skyline Comedy Club
Fri, 28 Nov Dylan Carlino at Skyline Comedy Club

Skyline Comedy Club

COMEDY
Gather for Giving
Thu, 02 Oct at 05:00 pm Gather for Giving

The Fox Club | Events & Weddings

NONPROFIT THANKSGIVING
Fall Vendor and Craft Fair
Sat, 04 Oct at 09:00 am Fall Vendor and Craft Fair

3009 N Meade St, Appleton, WI, United States, Wisconsin 54911

MUSIC CAR-SHOWS
Holiday on Pine Street
Sat, 04 Oct at 09:00 am Holiday on Pine Street

1617 W Pine St, Appleton, WI, United States, Wisconsin 54914

HOLIDAY ART
Family Fall Nature Triva
Wed, 15 Oct at 05:30 pm Family Fall Nature Triva

4815 N Lynndale Dr, Appleton, WI, United States, Wisconsin 54913

5th Annual Craft Masters Craft Sale (HANDMADE items only)
Sat, 18 Oct at 10:00 am 5th Annual Craft Masters Craft Sale (HANDMADE items only)

Capitol Centre Sports Bar and Grill

ART HOLIDAY
Beauty and the Beast - Appleton
Wed, 22 Oct at 12:30 am Beauty and the Beast - Appleton

Fox Cities Performing Arts Center

PERFORMANCES ENTERTAINMENT
Sat, 01 Nov at 11:00 am Annual Jimmy Buffett party

Appleton American Legion Post No. 38

PARTIES ENTERTAINMENT
Pie Dough Express
Wed, 05 Nov at 03:30 pm Pie Dough Express

1915 N Richmond St, Appleton, WI, United States, Wisconsin 54914

WORKSHOPS FOOD-DRINKS
Soweto Gospel Choir in Appleton
Thu, 06 Nov at 07:30 pm Soweto Gospel Choir in Appleton

Fox Cities PAC

MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT
Soweto Gospel Choir at Fox Cities Performing Arts Center
Thu, 06 Nov at 07:30 pm Soweto Gospel Choir at Fox Cities Performing Arts Center

Fox Cities Performing Arts Center

ENTERTAINMENT PERFORMANCES
Soweto Gospel Choir
Fri, 07 Nov at 01:30 am Soweto Gospel Choir

Fox Cities Performing Arts Center

ENTERTAINMENT MUSIC
Amanda Ellison in Concert - Appleton, WI
Fri, 07 Nov at 06:00 pm Amanda Ellison in Concert - Appleton, WI

Appleton Alliance Church

CONCERTS MUSIC
Knit Christmas Stockings
Sun, 09 Nov at 11:00 am Knit Christmas Stockings

305 E College Ave, Appleton, WI

WORKSHOPS ART
A Motown Christmas
Wed, 12 Nov at 06:00 pm A Motown Christmas

Thrivent Financial Hall At Fox Cities Performing Arts Center

PERFORMANCES ENTERTAINMENT

What's Happening Next in Appleton?

Discover Appleton Events