Thanksgiving Week: Food, Fun & Holiday Parades!
Holiday Parades kick off Christmas in Calumet, Manitowoc & Sheboygan Counties
This week is all about the stuffing…and the gravy….and, of course, the Turkey. For many of us, it means short school weeks, vacation time, turkey crafts, and a Turkey Trot. For some of us, we’re gathering with family and friends to enjoy a scrumptious Thanksgiving Feast at one of the Tri-County area’s restaurants, and others are heading to the grocery store to stock up on those last minute ingredients.
Somehow, the few days leading up to Thanksgiving can feel like the busiest yet, with kids starting to get that itch of anticipation starting on dawn on Monday morning that add to the craziness of it all.
Let’s do our best to get through the beginning of this week, so when the time comes to banter back and forth with our grown siblings and maneuver the sometimes precarious balance of in-laws and parents, we can all take a breath and enjoy the holiday.
You’re going to want to catch your breath while you can, because Thanksgiving Weekend in the Tri-County area is the kick-off to an amazing holiday season! This is the weekend where we brave the brisk weather to see Santa in his sleigh at a local parade, join friends for city tree-lighting ceremonies, decorate cookies and stay warm sipping hot cocoa.
Read on for all the holiday fun, and view our Events Calendar for a full list of all family fun this weekend!
Holiday Gathering, Plymouth
November 25, All Day
Make your way to downtown Plymouth for the 21st Annual Holiday Gathering and enjoy all the sounds, sights and scents of Christmas. Downtown shops will have extended hours to start on Christmas shopping, and a Chili Cook-off between downtown shops will take place from 4-7 pm. Stick around for the highlight of night-The Christmas Parade, starting at 7:00 pm.
Holiday Gathering Christmas Parade, Plymouth
November 25, 7:00 - 9:00pm
What better way to kick-off the holiday season than a parade? The Plymouth Annual Christmas Parade begins at 7pm, winding down Mill Street in historic downtown Plymouth. Whimsical lighted floats, Snowmen and Gingerbread men to wave and even give a high-five, and horses pulling festive sleighs and carriages. Get in the spirit and don your own Santa or Elf hat, your favorite (hideous) Christmas sweater, and gather for hometown holiday fun!
Christmas Parade of Lights, Oostburg
November 26, 4:00 - 7:00 pm
Start your Holiday Season in Oostburg! A variety of vendors will be serving food downtown prior to the parade, which starts at 5:00pm. Parade route starts at the Village Park on 12th Street and goes downtown on Center Avenue to the Bank. Children can visit with Santa who will be in the Oostburg Bank basement (all decked out for the season!) following the parade.
Two River Fantasy Christmas Parade, Two Rivers
November 26, 5:30 pm
The fun starts even before the parade, with Christmas cookie decorating, storytime with Mrs. Claus, designing your own Christmas cards, kids games and more at the Washington House. The parade travels down Washington Street from 22nd Street to 16th Street. Make sure to bring your letters for Santa, as Santa’s elves will be collecting them during the parade – and don’t forget to include your return address so Santa can write you back!! Santa joins us in the last float of the parade, and afterwards he meets everyone at the J.E. Hamilton Community House.
November 26, 6:30pm
Kick off the Holidays with this festive parade! Lights, Floats, music & more make its way down main street. Santa’s elves will be handing out treats, and the vibrant, creative floats keep the smiles coming!
“Winter Musical” Holiday Parade Festival, Sheboygan
November 27, 5:00pm
The Sheboygan Jaycees present the 24th annual Holiday Parade. The theme for 2016 is “Winter Musical.” The entire downtown gets in the spirit, with the fun kicking off at a variety of activities before and after the parade.
Get started with the Frozen Sing-a-Long Movie at the Weill Center at 2pm. Disney Princesses will be out and about for photo opportunities and delighting your little ones with a greeting and a hug.
Above and Beyond Children’s Museum welcome everyone to their Holiday Open House starting at 4pm.
Letters for Santa! -The U.S. Postal Service will be walking in the parade to collect and deliver your letters to Santa. Be sure to include your name and address on the letter so Santa can give you a response.
Tree Lighting Ceremony - At Mead Public Library immediately following the parade. At this time we will also award prizes to the top three non-profit entries and the top three corporate entries.