Thrilled for the festive season in Appleton? Discover all the holiday events with our ultimate guide!
One highlight is the Appleton Christmas Parade, a dazzling procession of lights, floats, and holiday cheer. Experience the enchanting history and Christmas decor during Christmas at the Hearthstone, where Victorian charm fills the air. And the Nutcracker in the Castle is something you definitely don't want to miss, turning the Paine Art Center into a magical ballet wonderland. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Please contact us if you have suggestions or corrections!
Got questions? Like to help? Check out our Appleton Holiday discussion here!
The Top Christmas Events in Appleton
- Appleton Christmas Parade
- Christmas at the Hearthstone
- Mile of Music Holiday Show
- Christmas Stars
- Jingle Jog
Appleton Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Mile of Music Holiday Show
What to Expect:
Local musicians perform holiday favorites with a twist
Description:
Appleton's vibrant music scene takes center stage at this unique holiday concert. Local artists, known for their performances at the summer Mile of Music festival, put their own spin on classic holiday tunes. The show blends various genres, from folk and indie to rock and blues, creating a fresh and eclectic holiday soundtrack. You might hear a bluegrass rendition of "Jingle Bells" or a soulful take on "Silent Night." This event showcases the talent that has made Appleton a hub for original music in the Midwest. Tap your feet to the rhythm as you experience familiar songs reimagined by skilled local musicians.
Website:
Christmas Stars
What to Expect:
Large-scale holiday musical production featuring local talent
Description:
The Xavier Fine Arts Theatre comes alive with the sounds of the season during this grand holiday spectacular. Over 100 local performers, ranging from children to adults, take the stage in elaborate costumes and dazzling dance numbers. The show features a mix of sacred and secular holiday music, performed with professional-quality choreography and staging. You'll be impressed by the intricate set designs that transport the audience from scene to scene. This Appleton tradition, running for over 20 years, has become a launching pad for local talent, with some performers going on to professional careers in theater. Marvel at the precision of the kick-line routines, a highlight of the show.
Website:
Appleton Other Holiday Activities
Appleton Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Wisconsin's largest nighttime parade
Description:
Twinkling lights illuminate the streets of Appleton during Wisconsin's largest nighttime parade. Spectators line the sidewalks, bundled against the crisp winter air, as elaborately decorated floats glide by. You'll marvel at the intricate designs and creative themes showcased by local businesses and organizations. This beloved tradition dates back to 1950, growing from a small community gathering to a grand spectacle that draws visitors from across the state. Watch as marching bands fill the air with festive tunes, and keep an eye out for the grand finale featuring Santa Claus himself.
Website:
Christmas at the Hearthstone
What to Expect:
Victorian-era Christmas celebration in a historic mansion
Description:
Step back in time at the Hearthstone Historic House Museum, where Christmas is celebrated as it was in the late 19th century. The mansion, built in 1882, comes alive with period-appropriate decorations and costumed interpreters. Visitors can explore the beautifully adorned rooms, each telling a story of Victorian holiday traditions. The air is filled with the gentle scent of pine and spices. Participate in a guided tour to learn about the mansion's unique distinction as the first home in the world to be lit by a hydroelectric central station using the Edison system. This immersive experience offers a glimpse into Appleton's rich history and holiday customs of yesteryear.
Website:
Jingle Jog
What to Expect:
Nighttime holiday-themed fun run
Description:
Appleton's streets come alive with the patter of running feet during this spirited nighttime event. Participants don their most creative holiday attire, from Santa suits to elf costumes, as they dash through downtown. The 5K route is illuminated by holiday lights, creating a festive atmosphere for runners and spectators alike. You can join in the "Best Dressed" contest, showcasing your most outrageous holiday outfit. This run, which began as a small community event, now attracts hundreds of participants each year. Listen for the jingle of bells attached to runners' shoes as they make their way through the course, adding a merry soundtrack to the evening.
Website:
Nearby Events
Nutcracker in the Castle (Oshkosh)
What to Expect:
Interactive Nutcracker experience in a historic mansion
Description:
The Paine Art Center and Gardens transforms into a living storybook of The Nutcracker. This unique adaptation brings the classic tale to life throughout the historic mansion's elegantly decorated rooms. Visitors traverse through scenes from the beloved ballet, encountering costumed characters and elaborate set designs. You can participate in a scavenger hunt, searching for hidden nutcrackers throughout the estate. The Paine, built in the 1920s as a Tudor Revival-style mansion, provides a stunning backdrop for this immersive holiday experience. Witness the Land of Sweets come to life in the conservatory, where sugar plum fairies seem to dance among the twinkling lights.
Website:
Oshkosh Celebration of Lights (Oshkosh)
What to Expect:
Mile-long drive-through light display along Lake Winnebago
Description:
Menominee Park in Oshkosh sparkles with over a million lights during this annual celebration. The mile-long route along Lake Winnebago's shoreline features dazzling animated displays and themed areas. Visitors drive through a tunnel of lights, setting the stage for the illuminated wonderland ahead. You can tune your car radio to a special station broadcasting holiday music synchronized with certain light displays. This event, which began in 2001, has become a cherished tradition for many families in the Fox Valley area. Keep an eye out for the impressive 100-foot tree, a focal point of the display that towers over the park.
Website:
Luminaria Walk (Menasha)
What to Expect:
Candlelit nature trail walk
Description:
Hundreds of luminarias light the way through the Smith Park trails in Menasha, creating a serene winter atmosphere. This peaceful evening walk allows visitors to experience the quiet beauty of nature illuminated by the soft glow of candles. The crisp winter air carries the faint scent of pine as you stroll along the path. You can warm up with complimentary hot cocoa at various stations along the route. This event, organized by the Menasha Parks and Recreation Department, has become a beloved community tradition that brings neighbors together to celebrate the season. Enjoy the contrast of the flickering candlelight against the dark winter sky as you meander through the park.
Website:
Holiday Miniatures Show (Oshkosh)
What to Expect:
Exhibition of miniature holiday scenes and dollhouses
Description:
The Oshkosh Public Museum hosts an enchanting display of tiny treasures during its annual Holiday Miniatures Show. Skilled artisans showcase their craft through meticulously detailed miniature holiday scenes and dollhouses. Visitors can peer into tiny worlds, each telling its own holiday story in exquisite 1:12 scale. You'll be amazed by the level of detail in these miniature masterpieces, from tiny wrapped presents to minuscule holiday feasts. This unique exhibition celebrates the art of miniatures, a craft with roots dating back to ancient Egypt. Lean in close to spot the intricate details that bring these tiny holiday worlds to life.