Holiday Parade: December 4, 2026

THEME: 2026 Theme will be released in June!

WARMING PARTY: Join Santa & Mrs. Claus inside Washington Square for the Warming party from 5 PM to 7 PM on event night. FREE cookies will be available while supplies last!

PARADE ROUTE: The route starts at Marathon Park and ends at the 400 Block in Downtown Wausau. Attendees are encouraged to park anywhere along the route (using side streets) and view from the sidewalks. Items & candy will be handed out from floats.

TIMING: The parade starts at 6:30 PM, and floats usually reach the 400 Block by 7:15 PM. The parade concludes around 8:30 PM.

LINE UP: 5 PM on event day - spots are not reserved, but based on first come, first serve. When arriving to Marathon Park, you must check-in at the entry to receive your lineup instructions. No early lineup is permitted. 

*See the entire list of guidelines & participation rules on the 2026 Parade Float Application (released in late 2026*

There are no refunds for parade float entries.