APPLETON, Wis. (WBAY) - The downtown Appleton Christmas parade returned to College Avenue with this year’s theme of “Christmas in Toyland.”

The parade drew around 80,000 people and featured about 80 separate units, including floats, vehicles, walkers and animals.

More than 20 marching bands from schools in northeast Wisconsin and upper Michigan participated in the event.

The parade is regarded as the best and largest nighttime Christmas parade in the region and serves as a holiday season kickoff for families across the area.

“It’s a tradition for me but this year’s the first time bringing the kids, so yeah they’re excited,” said Alisa Christianson of Hortonville.

“This is the kickoff to the holiday season for my family and I know we’ve got a lot of runners that are excited to particip

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