The Lights of the Northwoods Festival in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, has been entertaining folks of all ages for nine holiday seasons. Located in Hodag Park, there are magical light displays throughout the park that can be accessed on foot or by vehicle. This is my second year attending this dazzling annual ritual, and I am amazed at how they continue to raise attendees’ expectations with their ever-expanding displays.

Lights Aren’t the Only Attraction

While the thrilling light displays are the hit of the festival, there are so many other ways for folks to celebrate the spirit of the season at Hodag Park. In the indoor pavilion on the first three weekends of the festival, you can visit with Santa and receive a gift and treats from his friendly elves. Also inside, enjoy tasty sandwiches, coffee, hot chocolate, and yummy treats prepared by the GFWC Rhinelander Woman’s Club (I recommend the Cheesy Chicken Sandwich).

And when you step back outside, before or after your journey to see the lights, local firefighters maintain an inviting and warming bonfire every night to warm you up. And to close out the festival every year, there’s a magnificent fireworks show at 7 pm on New Year’s Day. A massive crowd attends every year, so get there early to nab your preferred parking spot.

Details and Food Pantry Donations

And best of all, the event is free. The organizers do ask that you bring food or make a donation to support three area food pantries. Last year, the festival organizers collected 4,580 lbs of food and raised $11,250 in support of the food pantries. People who are interested in volunteering for the event, donating to the food pantries, and/or becoming a sponsor should visit the festival’s website at Lights of the Northwoods.

The festival runs yearly from December-January 1, from 5-9 pm at Hodag Park. Ample parking is available, and on-site restroom facilities are available. I had the opportunity to interview Mike Romportl, one of the festival’s founders and lead organizers, to learn more about this fantastic event.

Interview with Mike Romportl

New Leaf News: Mike, how many people are involved in setting up the light displays?

Mike Romportl: We usually get around 30 people who come regularly to set up the displays.

NLN: How long does it take to set up the lights and prepare the park for the festival?

MR: We start on October 1 and complete the installations and setup right before Thanksgiving.

NLN: How long does the festival last?

MR: It runs from December 1-January 1, from 5-9 each night, ending with a massive fireworks show at 7 pm on New Year’s Day.

NLN: How long does it take to remove all of the light displays?

MR: We’ll start on January 2, and the process takes about a month to complete.

NLN: How many total lights do you use for the displays?

MR: Well over a million lights.

NLN: Tell me about the additional displays that were installed in the upper portion of the park for this year’s festival?

MR: In the upper part of the park, we have nice gingerbread displays. This area features various combinations of what the gingerbreads are doing, such as climbing ladders, jumping ropes, and going up and down banisters.

NLN: Mike, how do you electrify all of these displays?

MR: We have seven power stations. And coming out of those stations, we have over three miles of cords throughout the park. The park’s about 20 acres. The drive-through is about three-quarters of a mile long, and the walking path is about a mile. So, there are electrical cords strung throughout the park.

NLN: Any idea how many people visit the festival every year?

MR: Last year, 31,000 people visited the light displays.

NLN: Thank you, Mike.