By Janelle Fisher
City Pages Editor
GREEN BAY – Samantha Mirkes, marketing manager for Downtown Green Bay, gave an overview of the events planned for this winter season.
“Downtown Green Bay will become a winter wonderland this season,” she said. “We are kicking of the festivities on Saturday, Nov. 18, with the 39th Annual Prevea Green Bay Holiday Parade. With the theme “Let it Snow”, this year’s exciting lineup includes over 70 parade entries, marching bands, giant balloons, special guests, live music, post-parade meet and greets and Santa Clause! The parade will start at 10 a.m. On Small Business Saturday, November 25th, we invite the community to ride free trolleys and experience the unique charm of our downtown businesses while doing their holiday shopping. All are welcome to continue their holiday shopping on Saturday, December 9th at the Downtown Holiday Market located at the KI Convention Center. A curated collection of vendors will offer hand-crafted goods, delectable treats, and one-of-a-kind gifts. Lastly, from now until February 2024, the CityDeck will be vibrantly lit with twinkling lights and photo-ops, a perfect destination for an evening stroll.”
On the other side of the river, On Broadway, Inc. also has an exciting lineup of events planned.
“The Broadway District is going to be a magical place to spend time this winter,” Brooke Hafs, director of resource development and marketing for On Broadway, said. “We have expanded our Christkindlmarket this year to offer more programming, more vendors, and more dates! We also have our beloved Winter Wine and Beer Walk tickets that are selling out fast. Small Business Saturday is always a good excuse to get out and shop small and local. Looking ahead to the start of 2024, Winterfest on Broadway is also returning.”
In both districts, many events will be returning for another year, but with new expanded offerings.
“Our popular winter events are returning, with some exciting new features,” Mirkes said. “This year’s Holiday Parade includes three free post-parade character meet and greets at local businesses across the district. Also, for the first time ever, the parade will be recorded for later broadcasts on NBC26 (Thursday, Nov. 23, and Monday Dec. 25, from 5-7 a.m.) and TV32 (Friday Nov. 24, and Monday, Dec. 25, from 7-9 p.m.). This year’s Downtown Holiday Market will feature activities for the whole family like visiting Santa from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., watching holiday-themed cooking demonstrations, and of course, gift shopping from local vendors.”
“The Christkindlmarket is getting a boost this year,” Hafs said. “We have added 11 wooden chalets into the mix that will go on East Hubbard Street for the duration of the market season. Things get started on Friday, November 17 with a lighting ceremony, photos with Santa and more… We are offering 12 market dates this year more than doubling from last year. We added igloo rentals, workshops, and an ice rink into the mix as well this year.”
For those planning on attending an event this winter, there are some things Hafs and Mirkes said can optimize their experience.
“All of our events that take place in the winter have some element of spending time outside,” Hafs said. “Dress warm and enjoy all of the wonderful things that make winter in Wisconsin so special. If you are taking part in our Winter Wine and Beer Walks, plan a safe ride home or designate a sober driver.”
“To make the most of your downtown experience, visit our website, downtowngreenbay.com, for all event details and business listings,” Mirkes said.