The Lakeshore Holiday Parade is an annual tradition in Downtown Manitowoc! Held the night before Thanksgiving at 6:30 p.m., the parade is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season with family and friends! The 35th Annual Lakeshore Holiday Parade is themed "Reindeer Games."
Floats, marching bands, trucks, and walkers will follow a route heading east at S 12th St and Washington St to S 8th St, then head north to Park St. The Sensory Sensitive Zone will be implemented again this year from S 12th St to S 10th St on Washington St. In these two blocks, there will be no lights, loud music, or sirens. The purpose of the Sensory Sensitive Zone is to create a more comfortable environment for those individuals who are sensitive to loud noise and flashes of light. The public is welcome to bundle up and watch from the sidewalks anywhere along the route. If you can’t make it, a live radio broadcast will be available on WOMT Radio 1240 AM / 107.9 FM.
The Santa Reception returns this year and will be held at the Rahr-West Art Museum from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., as well as after the parade. This is a free event and children can meet with Santa, enjoy some treats, and take in the beauty of Christmas in the Mansion at the Rahr-West Art Museum. This will also serve as the opening day for the new elevator at the Rahr-West.
Visit Manitowoc’s Visitor Information Center will be open the night of the parade. Stop inside at 824 S 8th Street before or during the parade to warm up and grab a hot chocolate and cookie.
Registration
This year, floats are encouraged to get creative and decorate according to the theme, “Reindeer Games.” Floats are judged, and the winners will be recognized with trophies at the next Common Council meeting after the parade. Space is limited. Register now at https://forms.gle/MZt7WP81JAKU9mRw8.
Sponsorship
To be a sponsor for this year, please click here or reach out to Visit Manitowoc Director of Tourism, Courtney Hansen by emailing chansen@manitowoc.org or calling 920-686-3505.