2023 Fort Atkinson Holiday Parade Date Change

The Fort Atkinson Annual Holiday Parade organized by the Fort Atkinson Area Chamber of Commerce evokes fond memories of candy, lights, warm blankets, and Santa. It’s truly a special way to kick off a special time of the year. This year, however, the Chamber needs to announce a permanent date change to the Holiday Parade. Starting in 2023, the Holiday Parade will be switching from the second Saturday in November to the first Sunday in December.

“The change became necessary after collaborative discussions between the Chamber, the Department of Public Works of the City of Fort Atkinson, and Fort Atkinson’s Police Department revealed that it was no longer feasible to hold the parade in November. When considering the engagements our law enforcement officers have, the commitments of the crew at the Public Works Department, and the fact that the Parade sometimes coincides with Veteran’s Day, it was determined that it was best to seek a date in December instead,” said Shauna Wessely, Executive Director of the Fort Atkinson Area Chamber of Commerce.

Thus, the new date of the 27^th Annual Lighted Holiday Parade is Sunday, December 3^rd at 4:30PM. This new date coincides with the Holiday Market weekend (also organized by the Fort Atkinson Area Chamber of Commerce).

“The exciting thing about the date change is that now we get to dedicate an entire weekend to celebrating the holidays in Fort Atkinson! We will kick off with Small Business Saturday, hold the Holiday Market with all of its usual festivities on Saturday, December 2^nd, and then enjoy the spectacle of the Lighted Holiday Parade the next evening. It’s a wonderful way to draw interest to Fort Atkinson and all that we offer,” suggested Wessely.

Those interested in registering to have a float or walking entry in the Parade can do so by submitting applications to the Fort Atkinson Area Chamber of Commerce. Applications will become available closer to the event date.

With the timing of the Parade being so close to Holiday Market, those wishing to attend are reminded to keep blankets, chairs, or other items off the sidewalks and streets until a few hours before the Parade on Sunday.

Any questions about the 27^th Annual Lighted Holiday Parade can be directed to Shauna Wessely at director@fortchamber.com.