Get in the Holiday Spirit at Oscoda's Northern Lights Parade

There's something magical about the Sunrise Side of Michigan during the holidays. While Oscoda is usually a summertime vacation destination, our quaint beach town on the coast of Lake Huron comes alive in the Christmas season with twinkling lights, beautifully adorned evergreen trees, colorful holiday decor and festivities throughout the town. Top it all off with a little snow (or a lot) and it's a winter wonderland!

Oscoda kicks off the yuletide season with the Northern Lights Parade and Community Gathering on Saturday, December 3. The festivities start at 2 p.m. with the Reindeer Fun Run/Walk at Furtaw Field, home of the towering 13-foot Paul Bunyan statue. This self-timed event encourages folks to stay active during the holiday season amidst all of the indulgent celebrations.

Before the start of the grand parade, stroll through Oscoda's downtown district where community groups and businesses will be spreading holiday cheer. Grab a cup of hot chocolate on Dwight Street near Cathy's Hallmark, courtesy of the Oscoda Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. Or opt for something a little stronger like a hot toddy at the Office Lounge and Grill. In front of the Oscoda Township Fire Barn, you can partake in chili, popcorn, hot cider and donuts. Don't forget to do a little holiday shopping at Oscoda's eclectic shops and unique antique stores to find the perfect gifts for under the tree.

At 6 p.m., it's parade time! Find a spot on the parade route, stretching along US-23 through downtown Oscoda, to take in the holiday spectacle that is now in its 17th year. Bundle up and celebrate the season as a multitude of illuminated parade entries march by. The streets come alive with yuletide spirit with a marching band, dazzling floats, holiday characters, and a veterans honor guard. See which parade entries capture the prize for Best in Glow, Most Creative, and Best Overall. And it wouldn't be a holiday parade without a special appearance by Santa Claus on his sleigh, riding in to wish everyone a Merry Christmas.

After the parade, continue the Christmas celebrations. Warm up inside Huron Shores Artisan Hall with some hot chocolate and beautiful harp music and check out all of the vendors at the crafters fair in the balcony gallery. Enjoy a holiday favorite film, "The Grinch," showing at Lake Theater at 7 p.m. Grab dinner and a festive cocktail at one of Oscoda's downtown restaurants, such as Tait's Bill of Fare or Edelweiss Tavern.

When the festivities have concluded, return to your luxurious accommodations here at Huron House – your romantic lakeside retreat. You can warm up in your private hot tub under the stars or snuggle by the fireplace in your room. It's the perfect place to end a festive day of holiday merriment!