It’s almost that time of year for the spectacle of vehicle-hauled floats blasting holiday music, glittering lights and Christmas decorations, tasty treats, hot drinks and Jolly Old Saint Nick waving to a crowd. Grab your festive attire and warm outdoor gear because it’s winter holiday parade season in central Wisconsin.
Here’s where you can find holiday parades in the Stevens Point area. Please reach out to Erik Pfantz at epfantz@gannett.com with additional parade information you would like us to include in this list.
Stevens Point Holiday Parade, 6 p.m. Nov. 20
“Miracle on Main Street” is the theme of the city’s 2025 Holiday Parade. The parade will begin at the intersection of Main and Church streets and proceed west on Main Street to the Mathias Mitchell Public Square. The parade marshal will lead the first float and light the downtown holiday tree at the square to officially launch the evening’s events.
Many downtown shops will offer extended hours, and restaurants and pubs will be open before, during and after the event. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy a warm drink, grab a bite to eat and begin their holiday shopping in the festive atmosphere.
The event was rescheduled to an earlier date this year to “better accommodate community participation and seasonal planning,” according to an Oct. 16 news release from the city. More information can be found on the 2025 Holiday Parade “Miracle on Main Street” event listing on Facebook.
Tomorrow River Christmas Parade, 6:30 p.m. Dec. 5
The “biggest and best small-town Christmas Parade Central Wisconsin has to offer” will proceed along Main Street in Amherst, according to the Tomorrow River Business Association website. Local businesses are sponsoring the well-lit parade floats “that will (be) sure to keep your eyes all aglow.” Visitors are encouraged to “eat, drink, listen to music, and be merry at area restaurants,” according to the business association’s event listing. More information can be found on the Tomorrow River Business Association website.
Iola-Scandinavia Christmas Parade, 4:30 p.m. Dec. 6
“Lights, laughter, and Christmas cheer” will fill Main Street in Iola when a parade of floats, classic cars, tractors, teams of horses, UTVs and walking groups come together for Iola-Scandinavia’s 27th annual Christmas parade. Following the parade, the Chamber will host a visit from Santa at the Iola Historical Society’s Machine Shed on Depot Street. Kids of all ages may meet Santa, write him a letter, receive a treat bag and be able participate in other holiday activities. More information can be found on the Iola-Scandinavia Chamber Facebook page.
Polonia Christmas Parade, 6 p.m. Dec. 12
Downtown Polonia will host the Polonia Christmas Parade on Dec. 12. The parade will welcome all parade floats and proceed along Portage County Z through the center of the unincorporated community of over 550 residents in the Portage County town of Sharon. More information can be found on the Polonia Christmas Parade 2025 event listing on Facebook.
CANCELED: Rudolph Country Christmas Parade, 6 p.m. Dec. 13
EDITOR’S NOTE: Due to extreme cold temperatures expected for Saturday, Dec. 13, all outdoor activities planned to take place during Rudolph Country Christmas have been canceled. Read more here.
A parade along Main Street caps off a day of winter holiday-themed events beginning with the “Run Run Rudolph” 5K Run/Walk and Kids Fun Run at 10:30 a.m. and continuing with food and craft vendors, basket raffles, activities for kids, horse-drawn wagon rides, live music, a pop-up Christmas Bar and visits from Santa. More information can be found on the Rudolph Country Christmas Facebook page.
Rosholt Enchanted Forest, 5-8 p.m. Friday through Sunday, beginning Nov. 28
More of a tour than a parade, the Rosholt Enchanted Forest sponsored by the Rosholt School District features Christmas trees decorated by local businesses and organizations, other winter holiday-themed decorations, visits from Santa and other special events through December. The event is held at the Rosholt Fairgrounds from 5-8 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, from Nov. 28 through Dec. 21 plus special holiday hours from 3-6 p.m. Dec. 26 and 27. Other activities include Santa visits from 6-8 p.m. Saturdays, live nativity at 6 p.m. Dec. 6, Rosholt FFA petting zoo from 5-8 p.m. Dec. 13, and Rosholt American Legion Post #509 will serve hot chocolate from 5-8 p.m. Dec. 20.
More information can be found on the Rosholt School District website.
Erik Pfantz covers local government and education in central Wisconsin for USA TODAY NETWORK – Wisconsin and values his background as a rural Wisconsinite. Contact him at epfantz@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Stevens Point Journal: 5 holiday parades you don’t want to miss in the Stevens Point area
Reporting by Erik Pfantz, Stevens Point Journal / Stevens Point Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
