Oh Ole Night Parade & Fireworks
Oh Ole Night
A Grand Marais Tradition
It's a festive Scandinavian time of year! Head to downtown Grand Marais for the annual community holiday parade, treelighting, storefront decorating contest and fireworks. We are continuing our theme of “Oh Ole Night,” celebrating our Scandinavian heritage.
Join the excitement in downtown Grand Marais on the day after Thanksgiving for the beloved holiday celebration, Oh Ole Night! This annual festival embraces the area’s rich Scandinavian heritage. Featuring “Sven and Ole” humor and family-friendly festivities that have become a cherished tradition along Minnesota’s North Shore.
Kicking off the festive season, downtown Grand Marais transforms into a holiday wonderland. Drawing families and visitors alike to shop, celebrate, and make memories. The day begins with holiday sales at local shops, where you can pick up unique North Shore gifts and seasonal treasures.
As evening approaches, downtown comes alive with holiday cheer. The Oh Ole Night parade, the event’s highlight, starts at 5:30 pm, departing from the Co-Op/Stone Harbor parking lot. The parade route winds through Broadway, Wisconsin Street, and 1st Avenue. This offers plenty of opportunities for spectators to join in the excitement. With Santa himself leading the festivities, this parade is the perfect way to kick off the Christmas season.
The night is capped off with the lighting of the tree in the Grand Marais Harbor and fireworks over the lake. Enjoy a day of festive fun in downtown Grand Marais on Oh Ole Night. Always the day after Thanksgiving!
NEW Winter Window Wonderland Award: Downtown Grand Marais businesses, it's time to compete! Enter the Winter Window Wonderland Contest for the best holiday decorated storefront! Show your holiday spirit for a chance to win a prize! The winner will be announced following the parade.
The parade starts at 5:30 p.m., from the Senior Center parking lot on South Broadway, and will make two loops along Broadway, up Wisconsin Street, turning at 1st Ave and back around to Broadway. On the second loop we’ll end up at Harbor Park for the Tree Lighting ceremony!
Parade Categories:
Best Scandinavian Spirit (The Ole Award)
Most Holiday Spirit (The Holly Jolly Headliner Award)
Brightest Parade Entry (The Luminary Lighthouse Award)
Best Sounding Parade Entry (The Jingle Bell Rockstar)
Best Whimsical/Novelty Parade Entry (The Elves Choice Award)
To participate in the parade, just line up in the Senior Center parking lot on Broadway by 5 pm: walkers, jugglers, winter bikes, four legged furry animals, decorated vehicles and trailers are ALL welcomed and encouraged! After the tree lighting, there will be fireworks!
Following fireworks, Murray the Moose will be taking photos with attendees at the holiday tree.
At 7 p.m., tune in to WTIP's special one-hour program, Oh Ole Night: The Radio Special!