LIGHT UP APPLETON - Know Before You Go
Join us for a night full of holiday fun at Light Up Appleton in Downtown Appleton, Wisconsin. We’ll kick off the holiday season with live music and performances, a treat walk, window scavenger hunt, family friendly activities, and so much more all for FREE!
Where
Downtown Appleton in Houdini Plaza and all along College Avenue
When
Saturday, November 11th from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
Vendors
Visit a variety of local craft vendors in Houdini Plaza to find the perfect holiday gift you’ve been looking for!
- Made by MEE
- Bogie Designs
- 10 Lil Piggies
- Five Penny Piece
- Helen’s Handbags
- Nadine Janik
- Just the 3 of Us
- Wild Rose Art
- Mobile Mini Trucks featuring Bloom Bar
- Porkchop’s Fork Shop
- Marlene’s Crafts
- Mystic Attic, LLC
- Kate Cynthia Designs
Food & Drink
Purchase some delicious food, a hot cocoa or a special holiday drink while you enjoy the event!
- Mill City Brew Pub
- Los Tres
- Travelin’ Toms
- Your Favorite Concessions
- Cash bar in the Trout Museum of Art atrium
Music, Performers, Activities & Attractions
Music is always at the heart of our events Downtown. Find local musicians and entertainment on the stage in Houdini Plaza and roaming throughout the Downtown.
LIVE PERFORMANCES
Enjoy live performances by local artists and performers on the Houdini Plaza stage!
3:00pm: Appleton East – Brass Ensemble
3:30pm: Scarlet Guard American Legion Color Guard – Happy Veterans Day!
4:00pm: Lawrence University Mariachi Ensemble
5:00pm: Mischief & Magic
6:15pm: Lilie Fouts
ROAMING PERFORMERS & ENTERTAINMENT
Also enjoy roaming performances and entertainment up and down College Avenue!
3:00–5:00pm – NEWCA Dragon Dancers and Carolers from Appleton West
5:00–7:00pm – Carolers from Girl Scout Troop 2237
5:00pm – Magic Show with Rondini the Magician, 508 W. College Ave.
6:15pm – Bombastic Bubble Show, 508 W. College Ave.
Ice carving demonstrations, next to Copper Rock Coffee (210 W. College Ave.)
Navah Mirage Fairies
Makaroff Ballet Dancers
*Lineup is subject to change
ACTIVITIES & ATTRACTIONS
Enjoy these free activities and attractions in Houdini Plaza!
- Wagon and Train Rides
- Coloring and Letters to Santa with Mrs. Claus
- Visits with Santa Claus
- Snowman Carrot Toss Game
- Axe Throwing with Appleton Axe
- And more…!
TREAT WALK
Visit select Downtown businesses and sponsors for a free treat, while supplies last!
- The Vintage Garden, 119 E. College Ave.
- Olive & Rose Boutique, 121 E. College Ave.
- Eco Candle Co., 123 E. College Ave.
- Kush Kafe, 219 E. College Ave.
- Garden View, 216 E. College Ave.
- Beatnik Betty’s Resale Butik, 214 E. College Ave.
- Copper Rock Coffee, 210 W. College Ave. – Treats Sponsored by Air Wisconsin
- Festival Foods, Outside next to Copper Rock Coffee (210 W. College Ave.)
- Doughlicious, 322 W. College Ave.
- Crazy Sweet, 514 W. College Ave.
- Flanagan’s Stop & Shop, 528 W. College Ave.
- Float Light, 609 W. College Ave.
- Calavera’s Fine Fusions, 511 W. College Ave.
- D2 Sports Pub, 403 W. College Ave.
- Hilton Appleton Paper Valley Hotel, 333 W. College Ave.
- Tundraland, Houdini Plaza – Treats Sponsored by Oh Snap! Pickling Company
- Kiwanis, Houdini Plaza
WINDOW WALK SCAVENGER HUNT Sponsored by Fox Communities Credit Union
The hunt is on!
First, visit the Fox Communities Credit Union booth to pick up a brochure to participate.
Once you have your brochure, visit each business listed to find the gnome hidden in their window! Once you find it, locate the letter that is written on the gnome and write it next to the business name. Once you find them all, use the letters to unscramble the hidden holiday phrase and write it in the space provided. Tear off the panel and turn it in at the Fox Communities Credit Union booth in Houdini Plaza by 7 p.m. on Saturday to be entered for a chance to win a variety of prizes!
AVENUE OF TREES
New this year!
Enjoy a display of beautifully lit Christmas trees decorated by Downtown businesses displayed outside on the sidewalks of College Avenue during Light Up Appleton! VOTE for your favorite by scanning the QR Code on any of the trees and be entered for a chance to win Downtown Gift Certificates.
SPONSOR BOOTHS
Stop by our sponsors for fun activities, treats and more in Houdini Plaza!
- Fleet Farm
- Fox Communities Credit Union
- Festival Foods
- Renewal by Andersen
- Tundraland
- TDS Fiber
- City of Appleton – Appleton Public Library
- More coming soon!
Parking
Ramp and metered, street parking is available throughout Downtown Appleton. The ramps are located as follows:
- Yellow Ramp: Entrances located on East Washington Street and East Franklin Street
- Red Ramp: Entrances located on South Superior Street and North Appleton Street.
- Green Ramp: Entrance West Washington Street and North Division Street.
Meters accept coins or can be paid using the Passport Parking App. The app is completely free and very easy to use! For more information about parking rates, locations and procedures, visit the City of Appleton.
Restrooms
Portable toilets will be located in Houdini Plaza.
Payments
Forms of payment accepted may vary from vendor to vendor. It’s a good idea to have cash.
Pets
Sorry, but no pets are allowed at the market. Violators may be fined, so please plan accordingly.
Trash
There are trash receptacles located throughout the event. Please help us keep Downtown clean by throwing away your trash. The City of Appleton also has trash and recycling cans located on the College Avenue sidewalks.