Lights of the Northwoods volunteers rack up thousands of volunteer hours turning Hodag Park into a winter wonderland. Star Journal photo

Free Northwoods lights event opens Dec. 1

By Eileen Persike
Editor

RHINELANDER – Lights of the Northwoods volunteers continue to put the finishing touches on its Holiday Lights Festival displays at Hodag Park, including the drive-through tunnel pictured here. Lights will be turned on Dec. 1 and will remain on through the month, 5-9 p.m. There is a one mile walking trail and a three-quarter mile driving path for viewing. The family and dog-friendly event is free. Food donations and cash are accepted at the entrance; proceeds will be divided among three Northwoods food pantries.

In this, the seventh annual light show, there are 15 new displays to view. It takes an estimated 1,000 volunteer hours to light up the park. The work begins in October. Last year more than 30,000 people viewed the displays.

Special events will take place three weekends, Dec. 1-2, 8-9 and 15-16, at the indoor pavilion near the Hodag Park boat landing. Photos with Santa, concessions provided by GFWC Rhinelander Woman’s Club will be available indoors and music and a bonfire outside. For the third year, Lights of the Northwoods will help start 2024 with a bang, as a fireworks display takes to the skies at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 1.

Check out the insert in in the Nov. 29 Northwoods Star Journal for more information about the 2023 Holiday Lights Festival.