Downtown Baraboo Christmas Light Parade

WRPQ AM & FM/TV43 Downtown Baraboo Christmas Light Parade

Be ready at 6:00 PM for the 12th annual WRPQ AM & FM/TV43 Downtown Baraboo Christmas Light Parade on Saturday, November 19th, 2011. See glittering lighted floats, live reindeer and equestrian units, marching bands, and novelty units. Get there early for a great seat as this year there is a special surprise in store.  Non-profit groups provide hot drinks and snacks along the parade route as well.

Cornerstone Gallery is sponsoring a coloring contest for kids in Kindergarten through Fifth grade -- winners get the opportunity to ride with Santa on his float in the parade! Gather at the historic Al. Ringling Theater to witness Santa as he lights the Official Downtown Baraboo Holiday Tree. After the parade children and families are invited to visit with Santa on the theatre stage and have their pictures taken.

Downtown Baraboo Christmas Light Parade Coloring Contest Winners
2010 Coloring Contest Winners

The parade route circles the downtown business district starting at the corner of Birch and Third Avenue and ending at the Al Ringling Theater.

Click here to download a parade route map.

Parade Tips

Here are some tips to make watching the Downtown Baraboo Christmas Parade a bit more enjoyable:

  1. Dress warmly. Temperatures can range from a mild 50 degrees F down to a chilly 20 degrees. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs and get cozy for a spectacular show!
  2. There will be food booths in the downtown business district offering hot drinks and snack items to help keep you warm!
  3. If you have small children you'll want to plan on being downtown about one hour before the parade starts for pre-parade entertainment.
  4. The parade lasts about 45 minutes and will not be canceled unless there are extreme weather conditions. Check this site for any cancellation notice.
  5. There are many free public parking lots within one block of the parade route. Check the map for locations.
  6. Make a Day of It! Come early and start your holiday gift shopping. Downtown retailers kick off the Christmas season with an open house starting at 10:00 a.m. serving free refreshments.

Be a Part of the Fun

Would you like to enter a float? Would you be willing to help as a sponsor? Here are the forms you need to get started!