Winter doesn’t mean you have to stay cooped up inside—Downtown Appleton is full of cozy, fun, and exciting ways to beat cabin fever! Whether you’re craving great food & drinks, unique shopping, live entertainment, or just a change of scenery, there are plenty of reasons to bundle up and make a day of it. Grab your mittens, gather your favorite people, and get ready to rediscover the magic of winter Downtown.

Cozy Morning

• Start your day with a warm and cozy beverage and breakfast at any of our coffee or tea shops. With 11 different shops to choose from, there are endless delicious options for anyone. Click here for the full list.
• Take a winter walk down College Avenue. Even in the colder months, it’s a beautiful, safe place to walk with your friends, children and pets and check out the storefront displays along the way.
• Pop into a few boutiques and shops to warm up while you’re out and browse through winter decor, clothing, accessories and more! Check out the list of shops here.

Afternoon Exploring

• Spend the afternoon exploring museums and art galleries throughout Downtown. We have five different museums within the district all with very affordable admission. The Trout Museum of Art is even offering FREE admission through 2026 courtesy of the Boldt Company. Find the full list of museums Downtown and check out their latest exhibits and programs.
• Tap into your creative side and visit one of our DIY workshops and studios. Studios great for kids like The Fire have pottery painting, glass fusing and mosaics. Or “Paint and Sip” at Pinot’s Palette for one of their guided classes or open studio times.
• If it’s a weekend be on the look out for events, live music and special activities and programming. Attend Death by Chocolate, Avenue of Ice and the Cafe Walk, all events presented by Appleton Downtown, Inc. But there’s even more to check out! Visit our events calendar for a list of what’s happening Downtown while you’re here.

Evening Adventures

• Start your evening with dinner & drinks – from bars & breweries to fine dining, there’s something for any occasion and palette. Find the full list of options for food & drinks.
• Catch a show, concert or performance – there’s always great entertainment Downtown! Visit the world-class Fox Cities Performing Arts Center in Downtown Appleton featuring Broadway shows, cultural performances and more. You can also find live music all around Downtown at bars, restaurants, cafes, music venues and more.
• End the night with a beverage at a craft cocktail bar such as Ambassador, Calaveras Fine Fusions, Cleo’s, Commodore Club or Déjà Vu Martini Lounge or a variety of other bars Downtown. Drinks not your thing? Many locations over mocktails, or visit Legendairy Cookies and Creamery or Crazy Sweet for a sweet treat.

Winter is full of surprises in Downtown Appleton. Whether you’re wandering the shops, savoring a warm meal and drink, or taking in local arts and entertainment, there’s plenty to enjoy, even during the chilly Wisconsin winter months.