The 2026 Lakeshore Holiday Parade is set to kick off the holiday season in downtown Manitowoc the night before Thanksgiving on Wednesday, November 25th at 6:00 pm. Entry registration is now open.
Festive, 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 the Monday following the parade. Space is limited to 80 entries and fills up quickly. Register by completing the online form at www.visitmanitowoc.com/lhp.
The Sensory Sensitive Zone will again be implemented 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.
To accommodate schedules of area Packers fans, the parade start time is a half hour earlier than previous years. Several establishments along the route will be showing the Packers vs. Rams game, which starts at 7 p.m. This list, as well as specials offered by downtown shops and eateries, will be available at www.visitmanitowoc.com/lhp closer to the event.
The public is welcome to bundle up and watch from the sidewalks. 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 Visit Manitowoc’s Facebook page.
In addition, the Santa Reception will be held at the Rahr-West Art Museum from 4 p.m. to 5:30 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, providing hot chocolate, cookies and festive giveaways before and during the parade.
The 2026 Honorary Parade Marshal is WOMT Radio to mark WOMT 100. This is a huge milestone, and the service from WOMT to the community in hosting emergency broadcasts, local talk radio, and access to free news and information has been invaluable to the Manitowoc area.
This holiday tradition is made possible thanks to many generous community sponsors, including our presenting sponsor, Novak’s Service Center. 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@manitowocwi.gov or (920) 686-3508.