Oneida County preps for season of festive, holiday fun

Head to Oneida County this holiday season for tons of festive family fun!

Here are some great celebrations you won’t want to miss:

• Three Lakes 30th Annual Festival of Lights: Nov. 28 from 4 to 7 p.m. head to Cy Williams Park in Three Lakes for their annual tree lighting, meet Santa and his elves, holiday music, hot chocolate and cookies, horse drawn sleigh rides and more. 

• Lights of the Northwoods in Hodag Park in Rhinelander: Runs Dec. 1 to Jan. 1, nightly from 5 to 9 p.m. Walk through twinkling lights, enjoy holiday music and warming bonfires, or drive through the displays in the comfort of your car. Admission is free, but donations of food and monetary donations to support local food pantries are appreciated. Santa will be on site on selected days and there will be New Year’s Day fireworks display at 7 p.m. on Jan. 1 to ring in the new year!

• Festival of Trees at The Bottled Bean in Minocqua: Happening Dec. 5 at 5 p.m. Features over 100 decorated trees, live music, food trucks, outdoor bars, Santa letter writing and so much more. Vote for your favorite tree! Well behaved pets welcome outside. Find out more here.

• New Year’s Eve Fireworks in Woodruff: Head to the Woodruff Town Hall on Dec. 31 for a New Year’s Eve celebration complete with a fantastic fireworks display.

Oneida County is also home to dozens of great shops and galleries perfect for checking off even the hardest person to shop for on your list, so plan a holiday shopping getaway and give yourself the gift of relaxation in the Northwoods at the same time!

“This is a really fun time of year to visit the Northwoods,” said Jacqui Sharpe, chair of the Oneida County Tourism Council (OCTC) and executive director of the Three Lakes Area Visitors Bureau. “Our communities are bustling with small town holiday charm, decked out in lights and holiday décor, and when you shop small, you’re guaranteed a unique gift that also helps boost the local economy. A win-win all around!”

Visitors can find more information about Oneida County at www.oneidacountywi.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube.