The 36th Annual Lakeshore Holiday Parade is a beloved family-friendly tradition held in downtown Manitowoc the night before Thanksgiving at 6:30 p.m. every year. This year’s parade is set for Wednesday, November 27th and entry registration is now open.
Creative, decorated floats, marching bands, trucks, and walkers will follow a route heading east at S 14th Street and Washington Street to S 8th Street, then head north to Park Street. Entries are judged, and winners are announced publicly and trophies presented at the December Common Council meeting. Space is limited to 80 entries. Register by completing the online form on the event webpage.
The Sensory Sensitive Zone will be implemented this year in a new location: from S 14th Street to S 12th Street on Washington Street. In these two blocks, there will be no flashing lights, loud music, or sirens. The Sensory Sensitive Zone creates a more comfortable environment so individuals who are sensitive to loud noise and flashes of light may enjoy the parade, too.
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, and a Facebook Live will be streaming from the City of Manitowoc’s Facebook page.
In addition, the Santa Reception will be held at the Rahr-West Art Museum from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., as well as after the parade. This is a free event, and children can meet with Santa Claus, enjoy sweet treats, and take in the beauty of the museum’s Christmas in the Mansion. Visit Manitowoc’s Visitor Information Center will also be open at 824 S 8th Street, serving hot chocolate and cookies before and during the parade.
This holiday tradition is made possible thanks to incredible community sponsors. To become a sponsor or volunteer for this year’s Lakeshore Holiday Parade, please reach out to Visit Manitowoc Director of Tourism, Courtney Hansen at chansen@manitowoc.org or (920) 686-3505.