News - Appleton Christmas Parade

News Release

College Avenue Presents the Downtown Appleton Christmas Parade on Nov. 26

APPLETON, Wis. -- The City of Appleton Parade Committee is proud to present the 53rd Downtown Appleton Christmas Parade on Tuesday, November 26, 2024. "The parade is a celebration of family, friendship, tradition, and joy," said Corey Otis, City of Appleton Parade Committee Chairperson. "Each year, the Downtown Appleton Christmas Parade brings our community together to build good will and create lasting holiday memories."

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 this year's theme: “The Avenue of Christmas Spirits.” 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 highlights the holiday magic, joy, and wonder of College Avenue,” said Corey Otis, Appleton Parade Committee Chairperson. “We’ve invited parade participants to explore the festive enchantments, cherished traditions, and playful elements of the season.”

This year’s parade marshals are Mark Behnke and Bobbi Jo Paschke, the longtime owner and manager of Bazil’s Pub & Provisions, Olde Town Tavern, and Firefly Lounge. After more than three decades of running the establishments, Behnke and Paschke recently transferred control of the Appleton landmark institutions, but both will remain integral pillars of Appleton through Behnke Properties. “Not only do we honor Mark and Bobbi Jo’s legendary tenure in Downtown Appleton,” said Otis, “we also salute their generosity, dedication, and innovation in cultivating College Avenue.”

Other notable entries in the 53rd Downtown Appleton Christmas Parade include:

• Nearly two dozen marching bands, including the City of Appleton Band, local high schools, and Titan Thunder Marching Band from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
• New entries: Greystone Mining and Greystone Transport, August Winter & Sons, Eric’s Winter and Landscape, Henschel Milk Service, and many more!
• Several fan favorites, including MCC, Inc., Alliance Industries, Boys and Girls Clubs of the Fox Valley, Winnegamie Dog Club, Fox Valley Ballooning, and more!
• And two very special guests from the North Pole

Spectators are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to College Avenue; after the Santa Scamper, Lawrence University will collect cans, pasta, peanut butter and more for St. Joe’s Food Pantry before the parade officially begins. Note, the City of Appleton allows spectators to place chairs and blankets along the parade route any time after noon on Tuesday, November 26, but only if they remain with their possessions.

Follow the City of Appleton Parades on Facebook and/or visit the Appleton Parades page on the City of Appleton website for news and updates on this year’s event. The event is organized by the City of Appleton Parade Committee, a group of dedicated community volunteers.

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Media Contact
Meghan Warner
Appleton Downtown, Inc.
AppletonParades@gmail.com
920.954.9112