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 Wisconsin Rapids area. Please reach out to Erik Pfantz at epfantz@usatodayco.com with additional parade information you would like us to include in this list.
Wisconsin Rapids Rekindle the Spirit Holiday Parade, 5:30 p.m. Nov. 26
The Rekindle the Spirit Holiday Parade is a “cherished Wisconsin Rapids tradition,” according to organizer Heart of Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce. A lighting ceremony precedes the parade, which begins at City Hall and proceeds east on Grand Avenue to the East Jackson Street intersection. Floats check in at the YMCA parking lot by 5 p.m. After the parade, Mr. & Mrs. Claus will be available to meet young people at Hotel Mead with cookies and hot cocoa available to celebrate the season. More information can be found on the Heart of Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce website.
Nekoosa Holiday Parade and Fireworks, 5:15 p.m. Dec. 6
A “dazzling holiday parade,” is followed by “a spectacular fireworks display” in this annual holiday event hosted by Heart of Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce. Parade floats must be in place by 5 p.m. near the Charles & JoAnn Lester Library before proceeding east on Market Street and ending near Goodfellas Pizza on Patton Avenue. Following the parade, a fireworks display will be visible at Riverside Park. More information can be found on the Heart of Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce website.
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.
RESCHEDULED: Arpin Holiday Parade and Celebration, 7 p.m. Dec. 20
EDITOR’S NOTE: Due to extreme cold temperatures forecast for Saturday, Dec. 13, the Arpin Holiday Parade and Celebration have been moved to 7 p.m. Dec. 20. Read more here.
“Santa Claus is coming to Arpin!” proclaims an announcement of a holiday celebration in Arpin hosted by the Arpin Advancement Association. The event includes a parade at 7 p.m. in downtown Arpin (lineup begins at 5 p.m.), followed by a ceremonial lighting in Kandy Kane Park, a visit from Santa Claus, fireworks, hot dogs served in honor of Russell Zieher, cookies and hot chocolate. Donations to support the event are appreciated. More information can be found on the Arpin Advancement Association Facebook page.
South Wood County Historical Society Christmas Tree Walk, noon to 6 p.m. Dec. 6-14
More of a tour than a parade, the historical society’s Ninth Annual Christmas Tree Walk transforms the museum with an array of decorated trees, wreaths, tables, rooms and more. Scheduled “story times” take place at 2 p.m. Dec. 6, 7, 13 and 14. Admission is free and all ages are welcome. Donations are encouraged. More information can be found on the Facebook event listing for the event.
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 Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune: 4 holiday parades you don’t want to miss in the Wisconsin Rapids area
Reporting by Erik Pfantz, Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune / Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune
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