The City of Appleton Parade Committee is proud to present the 54th Downtown Appleton Christmas Parade on Tuesday, November 25, 2025. "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).
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, Christmas in Toyland, celebrates the charm, enchantment, and joy of the season,” said Otis. “We encourage participants to design festive decorations, imaginative floats, and spirited performances that amaze and captivate the crowds on College.”
The Pfefferle family will be honored as this year’s parade marshals. John Pfefferle, CEO and Chairman of the Board, founded Pfefferle Companies with his wife, Lynn, in 1971. Under his leadership, Pfefferle Companies evolved into an industry leader in commercial real estate and property management. John’s commitment to Appleton transcends business. He has been actively engaged with various community organizations, including the Fox Cities Building for the Arts, Appleton Downtown Inc., and the Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce, which inducted John into its Business Hall of Fame in 2011. Mike Pfefferle, son of John, served as President of Pfefferle Companies from 2010 until his passing in 2021. Amy Pfefferle Oelhafen, daughter of John, was named President of Pfefferle Companies in 2021. “Not only do we celebrate the Pfefferle family’s transformative impact on Downtown Appleton,” said Otis, “we also pay tribute to their philanthropy, leadership, and innovation in the Fox Valley.”
Notable entries in the 54th Downtown Appleton Christmas Parade include:
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 25, 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.