Germantown Christmas Festival Parade & Christmas in the Park
The festival kicks off with a family-friendly Candy Cane 5K Run/Walk and Jingle Bell Dash, followed by an annual community parade featuring marching bands, dance troupes, and costumed characters. Festivities continue at Firemen's Park with a Candy Land Adventure, kids' activities, and photos with Santa. Guests can enjoy live music by the tree and watch the official lighting of the park's Christmas tree.
What to Expect
Community parade, 5K run, and festivities ending at Firemen's Park.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Germantown Area Chamber of Commerce
Food & Drink
Free hot chocolate, coffee and popcorn are offered, alongside Flip’s Mini Donuts and Wisconsin Fried Cheese Curds.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Festive and community-focused
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: No general admission price is stated. The bucket raffle is $5 for 5 tickets; hot chocolate, coffee, and popcorn are free.
- Hours: Parade: 1:30PM; activities in the park: 2:00 - 4:45PM; music at the Christmas tree: 2:30-4:45PM; tree lighting: 4:45PM.
Tips & Advice
- Register ahead for the Candy Cane 5K Run/Walk or the kids' Jingle Bell Dash, which kick off the festival day before the parade.
- Head to Firemen's Park once the parade passes, since the route ends there and Christmas in the Park activities start right after.
- Stick around for music at the Christmas tree and the lighting of the official Firemen's Park tree with Santa, which closes out the afternoon.
- Bring a canned good along, as Bank Five Nine is collecting canned goods as part of the parade lineup.
- Dress warmly for a mid-November afternoon outdoors in Germantown, with the parade on the streets and activities spread across Firemen's Park.
Special Events & Promotions
- This year's parade theme is A Hawaiian Christmas.
- The Candy Cane 5K Run/Walk and kids' Jingle Bell Dash start the festival day; separate registration is required.
- A bucket raffle runs in the park during Christmas in the Park.
- The official Firemen's Park Christmas tree is lit with Santa to close out the afternoon.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What's this year's parade theme?
The 2026 Christmas Festival Parade theme is A Hawaiian Christmas.
Who will be in the parade?
The lineup includes River City Christmas Brass, the Germantown HS Marching Band, the Wisconsin Diamond Dancers, Bernie Brewer and Barrelman, the Racing Sausages, and the Germantown fire and police departments. More acts are added as entries come in.
What is there for kids at Christmas in the Park?
Kids can have pictures with Santa, meet costumed characters and try the Candy Land Adventure, with an adventure at every stop. There are also photos in the Merry Christmas From Germantown frame and Kids IDs with the Germantown Police Department.
What food and drinks are there?
Hot chocolate, coffee and popcorn are free. Flip's Mini Donuts and Wisconsin Fried Cheese Curds are also in the park.
Can we run or walk as part of the festival?
Yes. The Candy Cane 5K Run/Walk and the kids' Jingle Bell Dash kick off the festival that same day. Both need separate registration through the Germantown Area Chamber of Commerce.
More Christmas Events Near Germantown
More Christmas Events near Menomonee Falls
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.