Oneida County communities prepping for season of festive, holiday fun

Oneida County is particularly enchanting during the holiday season with plenty of options available for festive family fun. According to an Oneida County Tourism Council press release, several local communities are planning unique celebrations this holiday season.
• Three Lakes 30th Annual Festival of Lights: From 4 to 7 p.m. November 28 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. https://www.threelakes.com/event/festival-of-lights/506/
• A Christmas Wonderland at Rondele Ranch in Harshaw: Happening November 28 through December 30, this exciting holiday light show features over a million lights to enjoy either walking or driving, for $25 per car, or save $5 by pre-purchasing a ticket online. Meet and greet and take photos with Santa on Fridays and on Saturdays Mrs. Claus joins in on the fun. Proceeds benefit local non-profits. For more information, visit https://rondeleranch.com/christmas-wonderland/
• Lights of the Northwoods in Hodag Park in Rhinelander: Runs December 1-January 1, nightly from 5-9 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 January 1 to ring in the new year! For more information, visit https://lightsofthenorthwoods.org/schedule/
• Festival of Trees at The Bottled Bean in Minocqua: Happening December 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. For nmore information , v visit The Bottled Bean Facebook page.

• New Year’s Eve Fireworks in Woodruff: Head to the Woodruff Town Hall on December 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,” the release states.
“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.