Break out the mistletoe! You’re going to love the Northwoods this holiday season. Christmas parades and magical light displays and other jolly events will bring a warm glow to your family outings. COVID-19 has turned event planning upside down, but Northwoods communities have found innovative ways to bring happiness to revelers of all ages this Christmas season.

Langlade County’s Inverted Christmas Parade

The Antigo-Langlade County Chamber of Commerce has announced that on Wednesday, December 2, there will be an “inverted” Christmas parade to ensure social distancing. Floats and other units will be parked curbside on Fifth Avenue in downtown Antigo, with sightseers driving their vehicles along the parade route. To reach the “parked” parade, take the one-way off Hwy. 45 and head west on Fifth Avenue. This event will delight your spirits from 5 to 7 p.m. As is the tradition, Santa will be on the last float waving to all the good boys and girls.

Merrill Christmas Parade

Then on Saturday, December 5, Merrill’s spectacular Christmas parade will light the night with illuminated floats. The 5 p.m. parade starts at South Genesee Street and ends at the Historic Courthouse in downtown Merrill, where they will turn on the Christmas lights to officially ring in the holiday season.

Rhinelander Says, “Let It Glow!”

Although the Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce won’t hold a Christmas parade this year, it is organizing a “Let it Glow” decorating contest. This year, you can parade around Rhinelander and surrounding neighborhoods in your own vehicle to see the dazzling contest participants. The chamber and city are offering chamber bucks for the top two winners, so there’s an extra incentive to go all out decorating. A map of the contest entries will be available from the chamber. Visit rhinelanderchamber.com for more information.

Mercer’s Candy Cane Parade

Mercer’s Candy Cane Parade on Saturday, December 5, will be another reverse parade. Starting at 3:30 p.m., the floats and decorated cars will go to the designated location along U.S. Hwy 51. To see the floats, drive south on U.S. Hwy 51. Santa will be last in line with his sleigh and bags of goodies for all the kids. Roll down your window, get a photo, drop off your Christmas letters, and chat with Santa and Mrs. Claus! At 4 p.m., Claire D’ Loon will be dressed in her holiday best—a giant wreath!—and the town Christmas tree will be lit. As part of the Winter Wonderland celebration, there is also a town-wide Christmas decorating contest. The Mercer Area Chamber will compile a map listing the locations. For more information, check mercercc.com.