Christmas in Toyland is theme for 54th Annual Downtown Appleton Christmas Parade
It’s a tradition.
For generations, the young and the young at heart have spent the Tuesday before Thanksgiving bringing in the holiday season at the Appleton Christmas Parade.
The 54th Annual Downtown Appleton Christmas Parade, the largest nighttime parade in the Midwest, will kick off at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov 25. Two dozen bands, numerous floats, and various performances will parade down College Avenue from State Street to Drew Street. The Pfefferle family will serve as parade marshals this year and will be honored for their impact on downtown Appleton.
The theme for this year’s parade is Christmas in Toyland, announced Corey Otis, City of Appleton Parade Committee Chairperson.
“Christmas in Toyland celebrates the charm, enchantment and joy of the season,” Otis said. “The parade is a celebration of family, friendship, tradition, and joy.”
The tradition of the Appleton Christmas Parade is tied to the Avenue of Angels decorations that adorn College Avenue during the holiday season. The original 1960 angels were removed in 1978 after needing repairs, when candle decorations replaced them for 13 years. Thanks to ongoing community fundraising efforts, the original angels were brought back in 1990 and continue to be the parade's iconic focal point.
Before the parade, the Community First Credit Union Santa Scamper – a family-friendly one-mile walk/run – will be held. The Santa Scamper begins at College and State and finishes in Jones Park. To learn more and register check out runawayshoes.net/santascamper.
The Downtown Appleton Christmas Parade draws around 80,000 spectators each year. Additionally, a combined audience of more than 100,000 viewers watches the parade via the live television broadcast, rebroadcasts, the WFRV-TV Local 5 website, and social media channels.
