Put these Oneida County events on your holiday calendar

Get ready to get festive in Oneida County in the heart of Wisconsin’s Northwoods this winter! Oneida County’s welcoming cities and towns are filled with holiday cheer, and you can get in on the action at light shows, craft fairs, and other community celebrations throughout the season. Here are a few to put on your list.

Downtown Holiday Open House, Rhinelander – November 20-22

Get a head start on holiday festivities the weekend before Thanksgiving. Downtown Rhinelander Inc. is holding its annual Holiday Open House from Friday, November 20, through Sunday, November 22, and visitors will find special deals at local shops and stores, as well as enticing holiday storefronts at local businesses.

Festival of Lights, Three Lakes – November 27

Head to Cy Williams Park in Three Lakes for this annual celebration that includes live holiday music, food and refreshments, a visit from Santa, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and the lighting of the town’s Christmas tree.

Christmas Gift and Craft Fair, Minocqua – November 28

Lakeland Union High School hosts this annual gift and craft fair that benefits the high school’s music boosters club. Head to Minocqua to enjoy holiday shopping, concessions, 50/50 raffles, and bake sales.

Lights of the Northwoods, Rhinelander – December 1-January 1

Rhinelander’s annual holiday light show runs throughout December at Hodag Park and ends with a fireworks show on New Year’s Day. The display is open from 5 to 9pm daily, and the show also features special activities like a visit from Santa. Admission is free, but donations are accepted (donations benefit local pantries and support the light show and annual maintenance at the park).

A Christmas Wonderland, Harshaw – throughout December

Rondele Ranch, an event venue with lodging options located a short drive from Minocqua and Rhinelander, also hosts a festive light show every holiday season. A Christmas Wonderland features more than a million lights across the 70-acre property, and it’s open to walking tours on Fridays and Saturdays and driving tours on Sundays and Tuesdays.