Lights dazzle at the annual Oh Ole Night in downtown Grand Marais, winners for float and storefront awards announced

Dec 02, 2025 09:59AM ● By Content Editor

All photos and videos by Laura Durenberger-Grunow

By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - December 2, 2025

The annual Oh Ole Night Parade & Fireworks event, a Grand Marais tradition for many visitors and locals alike, celebrating the area's Scandinavian heritage, took place in downtown Grand Marais on the day after Thanksgiving. The event, sponsored by Visit Cook County, officially kicked off the holiday season with a series of community activities.

The Oh Ole Night parade began at 5:30 p.m., featuring decorated vehicles, floats, and walkers travelling through Broadway, Wisconsin Street, and 1st Avenue. The parade was followed by the tree lighting ceremony, which was led in part by Grand Marais Mayor Tracy Benson. The night ended with a display of fireworks over Lake Superior in the Harbor.

The event also featured the annual float contest and the Winter Window Wonderland storefront decorating contest. Here are the winners:

Oh Ole Award (Best Scandinavian Spirit): Fiberguild (Convertible)
The Holly Jolly Headliner (Most Holiday Spirit): Cook County (Plowtruck)
The Luminary Lighthouse & the Jingle Bell Rock Award (Brightest/Best Sounding Entry): Singing Santa & the North Pole Dancers
The Elve’s Choice (Best Whimsical/Novelty Entry): Crosby Bakery (Gingerbread People)
Winter Window Wonderland display Award (Storefront Contest): Java Moose

Video of the tree lighting ceremony is below, and a short clip of the parade is here.