Waupaca to celebrate Yuletide

The first weekend in December will feature a holiday parade, visits with Santa, storytelling, caroling, lighting the city’s Christmas tree, and family activities as part of Waupaca’s Yuletide Celebration on Main Street and in King.

Thursday, Dec. 5

The parade will be held on Thursday, Dec. 5. Beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church on Badger Street, the parade will travel along Main Street from Badger Street to Granite Street.

It will conclude at Danes Hall with Santa, carols performed by singers with the Waupaca Community Theatre, and the lighting of an 18-foot Christmas tree.

Businesses and organizations are encouraged to participate in the parade by filling out an entry form, which can be found at the Waupaca Chamber of Commerce website at https://visitwaupacachainolakes.com/event 

Also on Thursday, Java Jive, 120 W. Union St., will host Family Christmas Puzzle Night from 5-6 p.m. A make-and-take timed contest with prizes is also planned. Register by Wednesday, Dec. 4, at Java Jive

Friday, Dec, 6

A Window Walk with late-night shopping in downtown Waupaca. Shops open until 8 p.m.

The Children’s Department of the Waupaca Area Public Library will hold a Library Holiday Scavenger Hunt for children and adults from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

From 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Java Jive will host a White Elephant Ho-Ho Bingo. Guests should bring their own under-$5 White Elephant gift per person to share; earn an extra space with drink purchase.

The Waupaca Fine Arts Festival will present “12 Days of Christmas Cabaret,” at the Waupaca Country Club 7 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday, Dec. 6-7. Doors and bar open at 6 p.m.

The event features poetry, music, cash bar, dessert and coffee.

Tickets are $25 per person. All seats reserved.

Purchase tickets online at https://our.show/12days.

Saturday, Dec. 7

Waupaca’s annual Yuletide Trail features a Cookie Walk from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cookie tins are available beginning on Friday, Nov. 1, at the Holly History and Genealogy Center (321 S. Main St.), Waupaca Area Chamber of Commerce (315 S. Main St.), Community First Credit Union (1006 Royalton St., or Northern Home (119 N. Main St.).

Tins are $25 and all proceeds benefit the Waupaca Historical Society, thanks to Community First Credit Union.

Participants pick up cookies with their tin throughout the day at 20 participating businesses. Check the map inside the tin for the cookie stops.

Shopping in downtown Waupaca and King is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Trolley rides are available from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. between East Fulton Street in downtown Waupaca to County Trunk QQ near European Delights in King.

The Waupaca Area Public Library will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Activities include Storytime in the lower level at 10 a.m., Crafts in the exhibit room and a Library Holiday Scavenger Hunt for children and adults are also planned.

A Children’s Christmas Party at Danes Hall will be held from noon to 3 p.m. with Santa visiting from noon to 2 p.m.

Carolers will be in King from 10:30 to 11 a.m. and in downtown Waupaca from 11 a.m .to 1 pm. The Town Crier will also be announcing the day’s festivities.

A Children’s Craft Make and Take is scheduled from 9-10 a.m. at Java Jive. Make your own Christmas ornaments.

Christmas activities for children are slated from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. st at European Delights and Chaintiques, N2740 and N2744 County Trunk QQ in King.

European Hot Wine Stop is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Comma Café, N2729 County QQ, in King.

Sunday, Dec. 8

The Waupaca Rec Center will screen “The Santa Clause,” an interactive family movie at noon.

Children’s activities, bouncy houses, face painting and refreshments will be provided from 11 a.m. to noon. The program is free.

Downtown Waupaca businesses will be open for shopping

December

“We’re thrilled to bring our community together for this annual celebration,” said Tracy Behrendt, committee chair for Waupaca’s Yuletide Celebration. “With the parade, tree lighting, shopping, cookie walk and activities, there is truly something for everyone and for every age. It’s just a fantastic way to kick off the holiday season in Waupaca.”

Throughout the month of December, the downtown will be decorated for the holidays.

In front of the library and city hall, local businesses and organizations will decorate 12 Artful Trees, which will be on display through December. Pine boughs and lights will fill the downtown pots, and the city bandstand will be adorned with a 10-foot Christmas tree and garland.

For more details about Waupaca’s Yuletide Celebration, visit the Facebook event or www.waupacahistoricalsociety.org/yuletidecelebration