Downtown for the holidays

Downtown is a great place to be for the holidays. In the soft light of the Tiffany Dome of the Oneida County courthouse, whether driving or walking, the sights and sounds of the holidays are sure to cheer any soul. Enjoy the lights of Stevensport Square and stop to see the decorated windows of downtown businesses. There is plenty to do in downtown Rhinelander this holiday season.

Immanuel Lutheran Church bake sale

The bake sale kicks off a 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6. This is WELCA’s annual bake sale. Coffee and free samples will start at 9 a.m. 

Discount tree at the Re-Tale Shop

The Re-Tale Shop, located next to the Rhinelander District Library, is offering up some discounts that will make visitors say, “Ho-ho-holy cow!” Shoppers pick a bookmark off the Christmas tree to see what discount they will receive on their purchase. All holiday themes times are BOGO free. Shoppers can also opt to purchase their own Santa sack in the form of a Rhinelander District Library book bag for $10, and get a free one-time fill of that bag. 

The Nutcracker and Other Special Pieces

There is no better way to ring in the holidays than with The Nutcracker. The Northwoods School of Dans will be presenting The Nutcracker and Other Special Pieces Friday, December 6 at 5 p.m. and Saturday, December 6 at 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and are available at the door. The performance will take place at Rhinelander High School. 

Holiday Open House at the Rhinelander Historical Museum

Even Ebenezer Scrooge would find his joy stepping back in time at the Rhinelander Historical Museum for the holidays. The annual open house is free to attend and this year features the Northwoods Cholariers at noon, Marilyn Pekol playing piano and organ at 1 p.m., The Rhinelander Male Chorus at 2 p.m. and will wrap up with Mary Dahl on piano and Traci Hartzeim on flute. Guests can stop by any time and enjoy egg nog, cider, homemade cookies and other snacks.

Lights of the Northwoods

Head to Hodag Park after 5 p.m. through December to be submersed in a magical display of more than 1 million lights. Visitors can view the displays from their toasty warm vehicle by driving the path through the tunnel of lights, or, for an even better experience, park the sleigh and walk the lakeside path to enjoy holiday music and warming bonfires along the way.

The weekends at Lights of the Northwoods provide a special treat with activities at the indoor pavilion next to the boat landing, including a visit with Santa. Concessions are available for purchase inside the pavilion and are provided by the GFWC Rhinelander Woman’s Club.

Holiday cookie class

Everyone loves a great holiday cookie, but not everyone knows how to make those all-time favorites. Join Catalyst Wine Bar and Woodsy Cookies for a holiday cooking class on Dec 10 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. The class is $30, which is due at registration. To register, email [email protected].

Beckie Gaskill may be reached via email at [email protected].