STAR JOURNAL REPORT

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be welcomed to Rhinelander in style, Saturday, Dec. 2, to preside over the annual holiday tree lighting in Stevensport Square. Festivities begin at 5 p.m. with the Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce holiday parade, which begins at the police department, south on Brown Street, east on King St., and north on Stevens Street to the corner of Stevens and Davenport Streets to kick off the holiday season.

Children can visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and there will be caroling, cookies, candy and hot chocolate. Everyone is invited to stop by the Rhinelander Masonic Lodge to warm up and listen to the Rhinelander Area Community band.

The parade theme is “Celebrating Holiday Movies.” Entries are welcome. There is no entry fee and the best group/float in each of several categories could win a $100 prize. Entry forms are available at RhinelanderChamber.com or call 715-365-7464. The parade is sponsored by Culver’s, Hildebrand Funeral Home and Peoples State Bank.

Other holiday events:

• Rhinelander Historical Society open house Dec. 2, noon-4 p.m. Free admission to tour the museum, live holiday music, eggnog, apple cider and cookies. 9 S. Pelham St.
• Model Railroad Association holiday open house Dec. 1, 4 to 7:30 p.m., and Dec. 2, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. At the railroad depot at Pioneer Park. Includes model train displays, food, beverages, cookie sale.
• Christmas caroling with the Rhinelander Community Band, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Oneida County Department on Aging.
• Lights of the Northwoods preview event Dec. 14-17 at Hodag Park in Rhinelander. Free event; food and monetary donations collected on site. Visit LightsoftheNorthwoods.com for more information.