Christmas in the Fox Cities

The largest nighttime parade in the Midwest, last year's parade drew over 50,000 spectators. Appleton Downtown, Inc. joins with the Appleton Christmas Parade Committee this year to organize the parade and offers awards to the best parade entries which helps to ensure the quality of each entry in the parade. Geared specifically toward children, the parade features a "Best in the Eyes of a Child" Award handed out before the parade begins.

While the parade entrants are not allowed to throw candy or other goodies to the children, the lights and spectacle of this nighttime parade are always beloved by child and adult alike. Children especially love the creativity of the lit floats as well as the spectacle of multiple high school and college marching bands and military groups. Geared for the young at heart, the parade is held a few weeks before Christmas to help combat the Wisconsin cold. However, it's still a good idea to bundle up before heading to downtown - especially the little ones.

36th Annual Downtown Appleton Christmas Parade is featuring the theme A Holiday Tradition for 2006. The parade begins at 6:20 on Tuesday, November 21, 2006. The route begins at the corner of College Ave. and State St. and will move down College Ave to Drew St.

Christmas through the Ages

Another great Christmas activity in Appleton is found inside the Hearthstone Historic House Museum. The museum, the world's first home lit by a hydroelectric central power station, spends weeks preparing for it's Christmas exhibit. This year's spectacular display showcases Christmas decorations from 1880-1980. Enjoy Christmas trees decorated with ornaments crafted by area students as you marvel at the beauty of the stained glass windows, ornate woodwork and other decorations.

The exhibit is on display from November 14 through January 13. Admission is $6 for adults, $3 for children and kids 7 and under are free. During the first three Thursdays in December, visitors may tour the museum from 4:30-7p.m. and experience the warm glow of the original hydroelectric generators still in operation since 1882.

Fox Cities Performing Arts Center

The new PAC in downtown Appleton has a number of holiday spectacles to please the theatre lover this winter. The PAC has become known for it's varied selection of performances designed to meet every taste and budget.

A Christmas Carol - performed by the acclaimed Nebraska Theatre Caravan takes the stage November 30 and December 1. Through the power of this talented acting troupe, you'll live the legendary story of Ebenezer Scrooge and feel his triumph and joy when he learns the true meaning of Christmas and of life. The Performing Arts Center touts this event as "a must see family favorite!" Tickets range from $15 - $30.

The Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra is stopping in Appleton as a part of its holiday tour. Conductor Keith Lockhart will be leading the group in a celebration of the holidays on December 5. Tickets range from $50 - $95.

Life! Promotions is hosting a Christmas Benefit Concert with Dove Award winning artist, Chris Rice on Friday, December 8th at 7:00PM. Rice will be performing an evening of beloved Christmas songs and favorites. Proceeds benefit Life! Promotions, an Appleton non-profit organization whose mission is to impact youth with messages of self-esteem, making good choices, and more. Tickets range from $18.50 - $29.50.

Other Activities

The Appleton Boychoir will be performing A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols. From the elegant solo processional to grand hymns and songs of the season, this concert has been treasured for nearly three decades. It takes place at the Lawrence Memorial Chapel on December 10 from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Cost is $14 for adults and $12 for students.

The Fox Valley Youth Ballet Theatre will be performing Act 2 of The Nutcracker Ballet on December 9 at 7:00 PM. The performance is a great way for the entire family to usher in the holiday season and will take place at the Stansbury Theatre on Lawrence University campus. Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for students, and $12 for senior citizens.

The White Heron Chorale will present its annual Christmas Concert, Wondrous Love on December 16 at 7:30 PM. Enjoy the sounds of the true meaning of Christmas at the Lawrence Memorial Chapel this evening. Cost is $17 for reserved seats, $12 for general admission, and $10 for youth.

New Year's Eve, Noodles & Company is hosting Noodle Around the World on New Year's Eve. Family activities include crafts, music, and pasta foods to sample from around the world. The event runs from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM on December 31 at the Fox Cities Chidren's Museum. Cost is free with museum admission.