Kewaunee is ready to shine this weekend as the city kicks off its annual Kewaunee Christmas Stroll, an event that reliably draws neighbors from across Kewaunee and Door Counties for an early dose of holiday cheer.  With the season's first real snap of cold in the air and lights popping up from Luxemburg to Sister Bay, it’s beginning to look, and feel, a lot like Christmas.

Festivities begin Friday with Kewaunee's Holiday Parade of Lights at 6:30 p.m.  Downtown shops will be offering specials, treats, and warm drinks to help visitors ease into the festivities as Santa will make his traditional arrival at the Tug Ludington, a uniquely Kewaunee twist that never fails to draw a crowd and a few surprised first timers. From there, families can stroll toward Lakehaven Hall, where Santa will be meeting with children.  Santa will also be at the hall on Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Lakehaven Hall is also hosting the Christkindlemarkt Friday from 3 p.m. until 9 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  You can get a head start on your holiday shopping as you browse through over 30 unique vendors offering apparel, one-of-a-kind ceramic items, homemade food items and unique holiday specialties.  Wildflower Supper Club will also be serving German cuisine on both days at the hall.

The Kewaunee Parade of Lights will roll through downtown shortly after dusk, featuring tractors, fire trucks, and local businesses competing for bragging rights and the coveted title of most festive.  Door County families are expected to join the crowd, especially those looking to double up on holiday events before Door County’s own celebrations ramp up next week.

With laughter, music, and enough twinkling lights to be seen from the lakeshore, Kewaunee’s Christmas Stroll always delivers a warm welcome to the season, and a cheerful reminder that the holidays shine brightest when the whole community shows up.