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 Marshfield area. Please reach out to Erik Pfantz at epfantz@gannett.com with additional parade information you would like us to include in this list.
Main Street Marshfield Holiday Parade, 6:30 p.m. Nov. 20
“Come see parade floats and downtown windows lit in holiday spirit!” reads Main Street Marshfield’s Facebook event listing for the annual holiday parade. The parade will begin on West Second Street before turning southwest onto South Central Avenue and continuing until Ninth Street. A dozen sponsors contributed to the “parade of light” aiming to “provide holiday cheer to Marshfield and its visitors,” according to Main Street Marshfield.
More information can be found on Main Street Marshfield’s website. The parade will also be presented via livestream by Marshfield Broadcasting for those unable to attend in person.
Abbotsford Christmas Parade, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6
The 54th annual Abbotsford Christmas parade will again bring creative costumed performers and festive floats, including the legendary Puff the Magic Dragon float, to the streets of Abbotsford. About 400 volunteers and donors came together last year to put the event together, according to the event’s Facebook page. Proceeds from an annual raffle drawing also contribute to the parade’s funding. More information can be found on the AbbyColby Crossings Chamber of Commerce website.
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.
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@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Marshfield News-Herald: 3 holiday parades you don’t want to miss in the Marshfield area
Reporting by Erik Pfantz, Marshfield News-Herald / Marshfield News-Herald
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
