November Brings Long-Awaited Events:
Hunting Season, Thanksgiving, Holiday Shopping
Compiled by Northwoods News Staff
For many in the Northwoods, white-tailed deer gun hunting season is second only to Thanksgiving in November – and is far more important than Black Friday. In fact, some would rank the opener as number one, and consider Thanksgiving as an interruption to hallowed deer camp traditions handed down through the generations.
For decades, hunting season has been a special nine-day period in Wisconsin, starting the Saturday before Thanksgiving and ending the Sunday after Thanksgiving. In years past, schools and workplaces would empty as thousands made the trek Up North, returning to their favorite hunting grounds and renewing family ties and friendships. Local watering holes and retailers geared up for the week, offering special deals and events for hunters and their “widows”.
Whether you are a “buck” or a “doe”, or a hunter or a non-hunter, there are a number of seasonal events to enjoy during this prelude to the holidays.
The mood shifts after Thanksgiving and marks the traditional beginning of the Christmas holiday season. Many towns celebrate the weekend after Thanksgiving with community Christmas tree lightings and festivals. Saturday, November 26th, is Small Business Saturday, with many local businesses and downtown business districts offering special events and promotions.
This list will be updated as we learn of more events. Please email us to add your event to our list.
Quick Links:
November 17th / November 18th / Deer Season Opener, November 19th
Thanksgiving, November 24th / November 25th / November 26th / November 27th
Florence:
Hunter’s Supper
Florence Community Center
749 Central Avenue
Florence, WI 54121
4:00 to 7:00 pm
Cost: $12 for adults; $6 for children under 10
The Hiram D. Fisher Masonic Lodge of Florence is sponsoring an all-you-can-eat supper of Italian seasoned chicken, spaghetti, salad, coffee, milk, soda and homemade dessert. Proceeds will benefit the Dan McLean Memorial Charity Fund.
See s preview of the lights at Rodele Ranch for free on November 17th.
Harshaw:
Deer Hunters Open House
Rondele Ranch
8959 County Highway K
Harshaw, WI 54529
4:00 to 6:00 pm: Happy hour specials
6:00 to 10:00 pm: Live music and pizza
Enjoy a fun night of food, music, dancing and laughter to kick off deer hunting season at Raegan’s Hall, featuring live music by The Jerry Schmitt Band. No cover charge. Plus enjoy a free sneak peek of the upcoming Christmas Wonderland light display!
Ironwood:
Depot Park Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Ironwood Chamber Depot Office
150 North Lowell Street
Ironwood, MI 49938
6:00 pm
Enjoy the lighting and post-ceremony refreshments, special music by the Luther L. Wright High School Choir and a carol sing-along with a 1905 reed organ.
Friday, November 18th
Crandon:
Chili & Brats Fundraiser
Schaefers IGA
600 East Pioneer Street
Crandon, WI 54520
11:00 am to 6:00 pm (or until sold out)
Stop at Schaefers IGA Brat Stand to grab lunch before you head to deer camp! All Proceeds go to the Friends of Forest County K9 Unit.
Minocqua:
Ladies Night in Downtown Minocqua
Minocqua, WI 54548
4:00 to 8:00 pm
Enjoy a fun night out with your friends and start your holiday shopping at Minocqua’s unique shops. Participating businesses will serve beverages and snacks and have special sales for the night. Each business will also have a free drawing for gifts or gift certificates!
Pembine:
Widows Weekend
Four Seasons Resort
N16800 Shoreline Drive
Pembine, WI 54156
6:00 to 8:00 pm
When the boys go hunting, the girls go shopping! Enjoy a weekend of activities and events for the ladies at the historic resort on the Wisconsin/Michigan border near Iron Mountain. A luxurious stay includes a Mega Pampered Chef Party on Friday, discounted hotel stays and so much more on Saturday! Advance registration recommended.
Rhinelander:
Holiday Open House in Downtown Rhinelander
Rhinelander, WI 54501
9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Continuing a tradition to kick off the holiday season, stores will be filled with holiday gift ideas and will be offering special prices this weekend. Downtown Rhinelander will be in full holiday spirit as businesses will be competing to design the best holiday storefronts.
Arrive early to enjoy free venison burgers in Tomahawk.
Tomahawk:
56th Annual Venison Feed
Tomahawk Regional Chamber of Commerce
208 North 4th Street
Tomahawk, WI 54487
11:30 am to 1:30 pm (or until burgers run out)
Experience the longest-running public hunting-themed event in the Northwoods, now in its 56th year! Starting at 11:30 am, free venison burgers, chips and sodas are served up by volunteers the day before the opening of hunting season. Burgers are also delivered to area seniors so they don’t miss out. Raffle tickets and beer available for purchase are part of the festivities this year.
This event relies exclusively on donated venison—up to 1,600 burgers’ worth in years past. Contact Geiss Meat Service in Merrill for details on how to donate. This business is a registered Deer Donation Processor, one of a handful in the region, and what isn’t used for the Venison Feed is donated to local food pantries.
WJJQ Opening Weekend Shopping
Participating Businesses
Tomahawk, WI 54487
Shop Hunting Season opening weekend from Friday to Sunday with special deals from various local businesses!
Saturday, November 19th
Happy and Safe Hunting! Gun Deer Hunting Season Opens
Antigo / Crandon / Crystal Falls / Eagle River / Iron River / Merrill / Pembine / Rhinelander / Tomahawk
Antigo:
Antigo Holiday Craft Show
907 5th Avenue
Antigo, WI 54409
9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Buy your Christmas gifts locally. This event, with rotating crafters every week, will be held on Black Friday and every Saturday through December 17th.
Antigo United Methodist Christmas Bazaar
Antigo United Methodist Church
2034 Fifth Avenue
Antigo WI 54409
Shop for bakery, crafts, Christmas gifts and gourmet cooking products. There will be a luncheon with barbeque and baked potatoes with toppings.
AVA Holiday Gift Shop
Langlade County Historical Society Museum
404 Superior Street
Military Room, 2nd floor
Antigo WI 54409
10:00 am to 3:00 pm
The Antigo Visual Arts (AVA) gift collection features the work of artists of all ages for sale. Warm apple cider and cookies will be served.
WI Jaycees Craft Fair
Northstar Lanes
400 Prosser Place
Antigo, WI 54409
9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Enjoy shopping a variety of vendors and items for the upcoming holiday season. Free entry for patrons but donations accepted.
Crandon:
Holiday Vendor and Craft Show
Potawatomi Community Center
Turf Fieldhouse and Walking Track
5471 The Place Where Everyone Comes to Play Road
Crandon, WI 54520
9:00 am to 2:00 pm
Local vendors and crafters, baked goods, jewelry, home décor, holiday gifts, food, holiday kids craft corner and much more! Free with center membership or $7.00 for a one-day pass, available at the front desk, which enables full use of the pool and other facilities.
Holiday Craft Fair
Lake Avenue Restaurant and Lounge
200 South Lake Avenue
Crandon, WI 54520
10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Gather some early Christmas presents or decorations!
Christmas Craft Fair
Hiles Town Hall
9193 North Main Street
Argonne, WI 54511
10:00 am to 3:00 pm
The Hiles Service Club is hosting a craft fair to prepare for Christmas. The Forest County 4-H Klippety Klop group will be there as well with a bake sale!
Crystal Falls:
Buck Fest
City Parking Lot
401 Superior Avenue
Crystal Falls, MI 49920
Buck Fest and Contest: 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Other events starting at 10:00 am
Hang your buck or doe on the city-provided buck pole and be judged for prizes! Contests for points/spread, heaviest buck, and heaviest doe in two classes: Youth (age 16 and younger) and Adult (age 17 and older). Also enjoy the evening gun raffle, 50/50 drawing, food for purchase, bake sale and karaoke and perhaps get a glance at Bigfoot! Deer-themed story hour and crafts start at 10:00 am at the library followed by a bake sale from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Harbour House Museum.
Sample wine with friends in Eagle River.
Eagle River:
WI-Does Wine Walk
200 South Main Street
Eagle River, WI 54521
Noon to 5:00 pm
Cost: Sold out; Designated Driver ticket for $10 on day of the event only
Grab your friends and spend some time exploring Eagle River shops while enjoying a sampling of hand-picked red and white wines. Each participant will receive a wine tasting glass, the opportunity to sample up to 15 of more than 20 options and a map of participating businesses. Many businesses will be having special sales as well. Goodie Bag pick-up from 10:00 am to Noon at Mary Kate’s Wine Bar.
Iron River:
Pancake Breakfast
Iron River Senior Center
814 4th Avenue
Iron River, MI 49935
8:00 to 11:00 am
$7.00 per person
All-you-can-eat pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage links, strawberries with whipped cream, coffee and milk. Everyone is welcome!
Indoor Market at the Windsor Center
The Windsor Center
612 West Adams Street
Iron River, MI 49935
9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Just in time for Christmas shopping. There will be shirts, mugs, cards, wreaths, paintings, jewelry, beaded items, crystals, gnomes, woodwork, baked goods, resin art, alpaca fiber products and more!
Coffee and Craft
West Iron District Library
116 West Genesee Street
Iron River, MI 49935
10:00 am to Noon
Adults can enjoy a free cup of coffee and create a festive Thanksgiving place setting. Registration required: call 906-265-2831 or email esauter@westironlib.org.
Merrill:
Widows Weekend Craft and Vendor Event
Jefferson Elementary School
1914 Jackson Street
Merrill, WI 54452
9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Now in its eighth year! Lots of vendors and crafts for everyone.
The Crooked Queen Christmas Market
N1764 High Ridge Road
Merrill, WI 54452
10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Open Saturday and Sunday and at various other times during the holidays, this unique seasonal collection fills outbuildings and sheds on a farm a few miles east of Merrill, and draws shoppers from a wide area.
The Four Seasons Island Resort has a full day of events for Widows Weekend.
Pembine:
Deer Widow’s Weekend
Four Seasons Resort
N16800 Shoreline Drive
Pembine, WI 54156
9:00 am to 5:30 pm
Enjoy a weekend of activities and events for the ladies at the historic resort on the Wisconsin/Michigan border near Iron Mountain. A luxurious visit on Saturday includes a craft and vendor show; Sip and Dip painting class, mimosas, massages and makeovers plus hotel discounts! Advance registration recommended.
Rhinelander:
38th Show and Sell Craft Show
James Williams Middle School
915 Acacia Lane
Rhinelander, WI 54501
8:30 am to 3:00 pm
Over 100 craft vendors with quality handmade crafts only. The Rhinelander Lions Club will be there with food and the Oneida County Humane Society will be holding a bake sale. Free admission.
Holiday Open House in Downtown Rhinelander
Rhinelander, WI 54501
9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Continuing a tradition to kick off the holiday season, stores will be filled with holiday gift ideas and will be offering special prices this weekend. Downtown Rhinelander will be in full holiday spirit as businesses will be competing to design the best holiday storefronts.
Tomahawk:
WJJQ Opening Weekend Shopping
Participating Businesses
Tomahawk, WI 54487
Shop Hunting Season opening weekend from Friday to Sunday with special deals from various local businesses!
3rd Annual OH DEER Holiday Market
SARA Park
900 West Somo Avenue
Tomahawk, WI 54487
9:00 am to 4:00 pm
If you are not a hunter, OH DEER has vendors, crafters and direct sales to help start your holiday shopping. There is something for everyone on your list. OH DEER will also be helping the Lincoln County Humane Society with a huge bake sale and feel free to bring a monetary donation! Cash raffle drawings.
Christmas Bazaar
St. Mary’s Thrift Cellar
320 East Washington Avenue
Tomahawk, WI 54487
8:00 am to Noon
Come early for the best deals at the Thrift Cellar!
37th Annual Christmas Bazaar
St. Paul Lutheran Church
12 East Wisconsin Avenue
Tomahawk, WI 54487
8:30 am to 3:00 pm
Come join us for some Christmas fun! Children’s crafts, face painting, vendors, food, Christmas music, silent auction, bake sale and more!
Ladies Guild Bazaar
Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church
16 Theiler Drive
Tomahawk, WI 54487
8:30 to Noon
There will be a cookie walk, handmade crafts, holiday decorations, white elephant items and handmade quilts.
Annual Bazaar
Tomahawk United Methodist Church
1104 School Road
Tomahawk, WI 54487
9:00 am to 2:00 pm
This annual event has much to enjoy including crafts and a bake sale.
Farm and Flea Market Craft and Vendor Show
Super 8 Motel
108 West Mohawk Drive
Tomahawk, WI 54487
10:00 to 1:00 pm
Making a trip to Tomahawk this weekend for all the shopping opportunities? There is something for everyone here!
Thursday, November 24th
Eagle River:
2022 Turkey Trot
The Daily Grind
113 South Railroad Street
Eagle River, WI 54521
Race starts at 7:00 am
Walk, run, trot, bring the pups; it does not matter to us! This is a fun run and donations are accepted to support the Eagle River Youth Hockey Association. The map will be posted at The Daily Grind following the same route as last year. Coffee, juice, donuts, and fruit available after the race. Prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners! No age limit! T-shirts will be available for purchase for $20 at the trot as well as the week prior.
Laona:
3rd Annual Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot
Laona Town Hall
5146 Linden Street
Laona, WI 54541
Race starts at 9:00 am
This is a fun and free no-cost, not timed 5K run/walk on Thanksgiving morning.
Minocqua:
Minocqua Turkey Trot
Faith Evangelical Free Church
9035 Blumenstein Road
Woodruff, WI 54568
Race starts at 9:00 am
Cost: $30 before November 24th; $35 day of race
This 5K Run/Walk on Thanksgiving Day welcomes friends and families to trot through the streets and trails of Minocqua and Woodruff. The race begins and ends at the church. Packet pickup and race day registration: Wednesday: 5:30 to 7:00 pm or Thursday: 7:00 to 8:45 am. Or register online. Proceeds will be split between the Lakeland Food Pantry and support of the church’s mission in Guatemala.
Park Falls:
Turkey Trot 5K
City Hall – Chamber of Commerce Office
400 4th Avenue South
Park Falls, WI 54552
Race starts at 9:00 am
Cost: $25 with shirt, $15 without shirt
Work off holiday calories with this 12th annual 5K walk/run. Registration starts at 8:00 am on the day of the event or register online.
Friday, November 25th
Antigo:
Antigo Holiday Craft Show
907 5th Avenue
Antigo, WI 54409
9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Buy your Christmas gifts locally. This event, with rotating crafters every week, will be held on Black Friday and every Saturday through December 17th.
Boulder Junction:
34th Annual Christmas Walk
Downtown Boulder Junction
Main Street
Boulder Junction, WI 54512
3:00 to 8:00 pm
Welcome in the holiday season with the lighting of the town, a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, carolers, horse-drawn wagon rides and shops open until 8:00 pm.
Three Lakes:
Three Lakes 27th Festival of Lights
Cy Williams Park
1704 Superior Street
Three Lakes, WI 54562
4:00 to 7:00 pm
Enjoy holiday music, hot chocolate, and cookies. Snap a photo in Santa’s sleigh or stay warm by the fire pit. Homemade chili and all the fixings will be available. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive at 5:00 pm followed by a countdown to the lighting of the 95-foot tree and park decorations. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be in the park gazebo until 7:00 pm. Take a wagon ride around town or check out the Three Lakes Trails grooming equipment while you wait to see Santa.
Tomahawk:
Community Christmas Tree Lighting
15 East Wisconsin Avenue
Tomahawk, WI 54487
4:30 to 5:30 pm
Come help Santa light the community Christmas tree!
Manitowish Waters:
5th Annual Gobble Wobble
Manitowish Waters Athletic Club (MAC)
13870 Woodland Lane
Manitowish Waters, WI 54545
Registration at 8:30 am; Race starts at 9:00 am
Cost: $5 donation; $10 for families
The 5th Annual Gobble Wobble is a friendly 5K or 8K Run/Walk hosted by the Manitowish Waters Athletic Club to raise funds benefiting Camp Jorn Child Care. Race begins and ends at the MAC.
Minocqua:
Santa’s Village Model Train Display
The Clothes Connection
Train Station Shops
611 Oneida Street
Minocqua, WI 54548
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Santa’s Village, complete with the train display set up by the Northwoods Model Railroad Club, is on display at the Clothes Connection in the old railroad station complex adjacent to Veterans Park.
Saturday, November 26th
Happy Small Business Saturday in the Northwoods!
Visit your favorite downtown or local business.
Don’t forget to Shop Small on November 26th.
Antigo:
Antigo Holiday Craft Show
907 5th Avenue
Antigo, WI 54409
9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Buy your Christmas gifts locally. This event, with rotating crafters every week, will be held on Black Friday and every Saturday through December 17th.
Eagle River:
Free Sleigh Rides
Downtown Eagle River
123 East Wall Street
Eagle River, WI 54521
11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Take a break from your holiday shopping and enjoy a free horse-drawn sleigh ride from the Railroad Street Depot through Downtown Eagle River to Trig’s.
Glidden:
Hometown Holiday
Jacobs Town Hall
23 North Grant Street
Glidden, WI 54527
11:00 am to 6:00 pm
Come for a full day of activities! Craft Fair, Beary Crafty Kids Corner, and Santa Run start at 11:00 am. Visit Santa from 1;00 to 4:00 pm. The Santa Paws Parade on Grant Street starts at 5:15 pm and ends at Jacobs Town Hall for the Christmas tree lighting.
Lakewood:
Lakewood Christmas Tree Lighting
Coldwell Banker Building
15251 Highway 32
Lakewood, WI 54138
5:00 pm
Enjoy Christmas festivities at the annual Christmas Tree lighting.
Land O’ Lakes:
Breakfast with Santa
Gateway Lodge
4103 County Road B
Land O’ Lakes, WI 54540
8:00, 9:00 and 10:00 am sittings
Come for breakfast at the Gateway Lodge and enjoy a visit with Santa. There will be a gift for children. Bring your camera for a special picture of your child with Santa. There are three sittings. Reservations are required: 715-547-3321.
Merrill:
The Crooked Queen Christmas Market
N1764 High Ridge Road
Merrill, WI 54452
10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Open Saturday and Sunday and at various other times during the holidays, this unique seasonal collection fills outbuildings and sheds on a farm a few miles east of Merrill and draws shoppers from a wide area.
Minocqua:
33rd Annual Christmas Gift & Craft Fair
Lakeland Union High School (LUHS)
9573 Highway 70 West
Minocqua, WI 54548
9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Find quality hand-crafted gifts, decorations, treats and more at this community event held in the Commons area! The LUHS Model UN will hold its annual holiday bake sale and provide snacks and lunch.
Santa’s Village Model Train Display
The Clothes Connection
Train Station Shops
611 Oneida Street
Minocqua, WI 54548
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Santa’s Village, complete with the train display set up by the Northwoods Model Railroad Club, is on display at the Clothes Connection in the old railroad station complex adjacent to Veterans Park.
St. Germain:
Holiday Marketplace
Saint Germain Community Center
545 State Highway 155
St. Germain, WI 54558
9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Come check off items on your Christmas shopping list while supporting local craft vendors. Kids activities, food and more!
Jingle Bell Fun Run
St. Germain Chamber Office
473 Highway 70 East
St. Germain, WI 54558
4:00 to 5:00 pm
Cost: $30 per racer; $20 per youth racer under 14; $70 family pack (2 adults and 2 children)
Whatever the weather, warm, cold, snow or no snow, ”jingle” in the holiday season with this fun-filled run or walk. The Jingle Bell Run/Walk will start and finish at the Chamber office and finish in time to enjoy the holiday Christmas tree lighting. Race registration is online.
See Santa and friends in St. Germain and various other locations in the Northwoods.
Lighting Up St. Germain Holiday Celebration
St. Germain Chamber Office
473 Highway 70 East
St. Germain, WI 54558
5:00 to 7:00 pm
Ring in the holiday season at the “Lighting Up St. Germain” Holiday Celebration with a tree lighting and visit with Santa at the Chamber. Hot cocoa and cookies will be served.
Tomahawk:
Tomahawk Main Street Pictures with Santa
Tomahawk City Hall
23 N. 2nd Street
Tomahawk, WI 54487
Come to City Hall to visit Santa and get your free
picture from Vicky’s Photo Shop!
Sunday, November 27th
Gun Deer Hunting Season Ends
Happy Holidays!