Lakeshore Holiday Parade

This annual tradition in downtown Manitowoc attracts thousands of people to kick off the holiday season. Always the night before Thanksgiving, this parade is highly competitive and judged, making for some intricate and impressive floats. The night is complete with Santa and Mrs Clause on the last float. They also hang out at the Rahr-West Art Museum before and after the parade to hear the children's wish lists for Christmas. The Visit Manitowoc Visitor Center is open to hand out free cookies and hot chocolate. The first two blocks of the parade mark the Sensory Sensitive Zone, where there is no music, horns, or flashing lights.