Festivities start this weekend to jump-start holiday season

Christmas preparation is well underway in the North Woods, and the holiday season festivities planned throughout the area will offer a multitude of events to celebrate. 

Beginning Thanksgiving weekend, and continuing through the start of the new year, there will be several opportunities for family and friends to gather together and enjoy unique experiences. 

Youngsters will have many opportunities to tell Santa if they’ve been naughty or nice while they visit with him and Mrs. Claus when they make appearances at many of these events. 

Exclusive holiday shopping opportunities, craft and vendor shows, music and caroling, festive food specials, and other seasonally focused happenings will provide an abundance of celebratory activities for participants in the coming weeks. Here are just some of the local activities that can be found throughout the North Woods.

Season’s greetings kick off Friday, Nov. 29, in Three Lakes when Santa attends the Festival of Lights at Cy Williams Park, featuring the lighting of the tree, treats and refreshments. 

Then on Saturday, Nov. 30, the ninth annual Jingle Mingle celebration in downtown Three Lakes will feature holiday deals, free snacks, and prizes. 

For more information, call the Three Lakes Chamber of Commerce at 715-546-3344. 

Boulder Junction has plans to start its holiday with the 37th annual Christmas Walk Nov. 29 from 3 to 8 p.m. The event will include the lighting of the town Christmas tree, a visit from Santa, and sleigh rides. For more information, call 715-385-2400. 

Christmas in downtown Sayner will commence Nov. 29 - Dec. 1, and feature shopping, refreshments and holiday spirit daily. For more information, visit sayner-starlake.org. 

St. Germain has also planned a series of events, starting Saturday with the fourth annual Holiday Marketplace celebration which will be held Nov. 30 at the St. Germain Community Center from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with craft vendors, children’s activities, food and more. Following the holiday marketplace, the Jingle Bell Fun Run 3K run/walk event will be held from 2:30 to 4 p.m. 

Then, Lighting Up St. Germain festivities will go from 4 to 6 p.m. A holiday parade will start at dusk and end at the community center and fire department for caroling, the lighting of the town Christmas tree, and a visit from Santa. Call 715-477-2205 for more information. 

Holiday cheer will continue with events the following weekend, including a live nativity at Christ Lutheran School in Eagle River Dec. 6-7; a Christmas Kickoff at Riverview Park Dec. 7; a Phelps Holiday tree-lighting ceremony in Phelps Dec. 7; Christmas for the Town in Manitowish Waters Dec. 6; and a visit with Mr. and Mrs. Claus in Land O’ Lakes Dec. 7.