Your ultimate resource for the holidays in Manitowoc is here! Our guide covers all the events and activities you need to enjoy a festive and fun-filled season. From Manitowoc locals to festive tourists, our guide highlights the season's top events and activities.
One not-to-miss highlight is the Lakeshore Holiday Parade, where festive floats and joyful performances bring the community together to celebrate the season. Lights in Lincoln Park offers a dazzling display of holiday lights that transform the park into a winter wonderland. And definitely don’t forget the Evergleams on Eighth, a charming event that features beautifully adorned storefronts and lively holiday spirit. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Please contact us if you have suggestions or corrections!
Join the Manitowoc Discussion!
Top Holiday Events In and Around Manitowoc
- Lakeshore Holiday Parade
- Lights in Lincoln Park
- Evergleams on Eighth
- Christmas in the Mansion
- Pinecrest Christmas
- Family Fun Walks at Holiday Light Show
- Holiday Wassail Walking Tour
- Christmas Tree Ship Day
- Visit Santa in Cabin 1
- Live Reindeer and Festive Breakfast
See these and even more events listed below!
Manitowoc Holiday Light Displays
Lights in Lincoln Park
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration in a zoo setting
Description:
Lights in Lincoln Park features over 70 wild animal light displays, drive-thru light tunnels, and other spectacular lighting effects. This event supports the Lincoln Park Zoological Society and offers special events like Santa visits and Family Fun Walks.
Where: Manitowoc | More Info: Lights in Lincoln Park
Evergleams on Eighth
What to Expect:
Seasonal display of vintage holiday items and Aluminum Specialty Evergleam trees.
Description:
Evergleams on Eighth features hundreds of Aluminum Specialty Evergleam trees and vintage holiday items created by Mirro Aluminum and National Tinsel Company, displayed throughout historic downtown Manitowoc, Wisconsin.
Where: Manitowoc | More Info: Evergleams on Eighth
Family Fun Walks at Holiday Light Show
What to Expect:
Unique walking experience through beautifully lit displays in a zoo setting.
Description:
Stroll through Lincoln Park to see over 70 wild animal light displays and drive-thru light tunnels at your own pace, enjoying the serene atmosphere of the park.
Where: Manitowoc | More Info: Family Fun Walks at Holiday Light Show
Visit Santa in Cabin 1
What to Expect:
Santa visits with free treats in a festive setting.
Description:
Visit Santa in Cabin 1 during the Lights in Lincoln Park event. Bring your little ones to share their holiday wishes and capture memorable photos. Enjoy free cookies and hot cocoa while you're there.
Where: Manitowoc | More Info: Visit Santa in Cabin 1
Christmas Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Honoring loved ones with symbolic lights.
Description:
Join us for the 38th annual Love Light Tree celebration at Froedtert Holy Family Memorial Hospital. The event features live Christmas music and refreshments as we light the tree in the hospital atrium. This tradition honors loved ones, both living and passed, and supports the Volunteer Services Fund for patient services.
Where: Manitowoc | More Info: Christmas Tree Lighting
Enchanted Evergleam Forest
What to Expect:
Custom-made 14-foot Evergleam marvel donated by Manitowoc Aluminum Kitsch-Mas Inc.
Description:
Over 100 glittering aluminum Evergleam trees in various styles, sizes, and colors will be displayed at the Manitowoc Public Library and participating downtown businesses, creating an impressive and historically resonant display.
Where: Manitowoc | More Info: Enchanted Evergleam Forest
Fox Cities Festival of Lights
What to Expect:
Handicap-accessible trails with custom-made light displays.
Description:
The Fox Cities Festival of Lights is a free family-friendly event featuring a half-mile walk through wooded trails at Darboy Community Park in Harrison, WI. The display includes over 50 custom-made light displays representing iconic Fox Valley landmarks, with Santa visiting every night except December 24 and 25.
Where: Appleton | More Info: Fox Cities Festival of Lights
Winter Jubilee: Light Show
What to Expect:
Dazzling holiday light show with animation, lasers, and fireworks.
Description:
The Winter Jubilee Light Show is a dazzling display of holiday-themed lights, music, and special effects including animation, lasers, and fireworks projected onto Lambeau Field's west façade. The best views are from Hy-Vee Plaza near Ridge Road or Lots 5 and 6 at Lambeau Field. If watching from a vehicle, tune into 87.9 FM to hear the full soundtrack.
Where: Green Bay | More Info: Winter Jubilee: Light Show
Manitowoc Holiday Markets and Shopping
Craft Fair at the Manitowoc –Two Rivers YMCA
What to Expect:
Local artisans and baked goods benefiting the YMCA.
Description:
The Craft Fair at the Manitowoc –Two Rivers YMCA features local vendors selling handmade items, a bake sale benefiting the Y, and a festive atmosphere in the Community Room and adjacent hallway.
Where: Manitowoc | More Info: Craft Fair at the Manitowoc –Two Rivers YMCA
Manitowoc Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Two Rivers High School Carolers
What to Expect:
Holiday music performance by local high school students.
Description:
Two Rivers High School Carolers will perform sweet holiday songs at Cool City Christmas, adding to the festive atmosphere with their harmonious voices.
Where: Manitowoc | More Info: Two Rivers High School Carolers
Manitowoc Other Holiday Activities
Lakeshore Holiday Parade
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday parade with sensory accommodations.
Description:
The Lakeshore Holiday Parade is a multi-community celebration in downtown Manitowoc, attracting over 5,000 people. It features decorated floats, a Sensory Sensitive Zone, and a Santa meet-and-greet at the Rahr-West Art Museum.
Where: Manitowoc | More Info: Lakeshore Holiday Parade
Christmas in the Mansion
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration in a historic mansion with unique Victorian-era decorations.
Description:
Christmas in the Mansion showcases the unique architectural style of the Victorian era at the historic Vilas-Rahr mansion, beautifully decorated by a fantastic group of volunteers each choosing their own theme.
Where: Manitowoc | More Info: Christmas in the Mansion
Pinecrest Christmas
What to Expect:
Historic village holiday celebration with guided wassail tours.
Description:
Explore the holiday traditions at Manitowoc County Historical Society's Pinecrest Village, featuring lantern-lit walks, visits to Santa, and historic home tours. Enjoy festive activities and seasonal entertainment.
Where: Manitowoc | More Info: Pinecrest Christmas
Holiday Wassail Walking Tour
What to Expect:
Guided holiday wassail tour through historic houses.
Description:
Join a guided 60-minute holiday wassail experience tour, knocking on historic doors and enjoying food and beverages along the way.
Where: Manitowoc | More Info: Holiday Wassail Walking Tour
Christmas Tree Ship Day
What to Expect:
Free admission to the museum and submarine with educational activities and Santa meet-and-greets.
Description:
Join us for our annual Christmas Tree Ship Day at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum on December 7 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Enjoy FREE admission to the museum and submarine, participate in educational activities, meet Santa, and shop for holiday gifts at the Museum Store and Tiny Art exhibit.
Where: Manitowoc | More Info: Christmas Tree Ship Day
Live Reindeer and Festive Breakfast
What to Expect:
Live reindeer and festive breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Description:
Join us at the Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center for a delightful breakfast with live reindeer, Christmas crafts, and visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Where: Manitowoc | More Info: Live Reindeer and Festive Breakfast
Rotary Tent Ornament Making
What to Expect:
Community-driven ornament-making activity.
Description:
Create your own ornaments at the Rotary Tent to adorn the community Christmas tree. Make a special keepsake to take home and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Where: Manitowoc | More Info: Rotary Tent Ornament Making
Ice Skating in Central Park West
What to Expect:
Public ice skating rink with scenic river views.
Description:
Burger Boat Company Park offers a 0.70-acre urban park along the south side of the Manitowoc River, providing passive recreation with benches, lighting, scenic vistas, and a fisherman's wharf. The park also features an ice rink open during the winter season, available for public ice skating with no cost but requiring participants to bring their own skates.