There’s plenty happening around Price County this weekend, but Saturday in Ogema is shaping up to be something special.
The Ogema Christmas Tree Festival returns Saturday, September 26, bringing a full day of community traditions to town. This year’s celebration has even more meaning as Ogema marks 150 years in 2026.
150 Years of Ogema
Ogema’s story stretches back to the early days of the railroad and logging industry in northern Wisconsin.
The Wisconsin Central Railroad reached the area in the 1870s, and early settlers knew the community as Station 89. It was briefly called Dedham before the name Ogema was adopted in 1876. According to the Town of Ogema’s history, the name means “chief” in the Chippewa language and was reportedly inspired by two Chippewa chiefs who were frequently seen in the community.
That makes 2026 a milestone year for Ogema, marking 150 years since the community took the name generations of residents know today.
And there may be no better weekend to celebrate that history than Christmas Tree Festival weekend.
More Than 65 Years of Christmas Tree Festival Tradition
The Christmas Tree Festival has become part of Ogema’s history in its own right.
Historical records show the celebration grew out of Ogema Dairy Days, with newspaper records documenting the second annual Christmas Tree Festival in 1961. The early celebration included Christmas tree judging, crafts, food, entertainment and community activities.
More than six decades later, many of those same ideas remain at the heart of the festival: bringing people together, celebrating the community and recognizing an industry closely connected to this part of Wisconsin’s Northwoods.
This year marks the 66th annual Ogema Christmas Tree Festival.
Christmas Tree Festival Returns Saturday
The celebration gets underway Saturday with activities happening throughout Ogema.
One of the highlights is the Christmas Tree Festival Parade at 11:00 AM, but there’s plenty more to make a full day out of the trip, including food, vendors, chainsaw carving, an antique car and tractor show, kids activities, music, a horse pull and more.
And the fun doesn’t stop when the festival winds down.
The Ogema Co-Ed Kickball Tournament continues Saturday, Moose Lodge Bingo runs from 6:30–8:30 PM at the Ogema Fire Hall, and the Ogema Firemen’s Dance takes over Saturday night from 7:00–11:00 PM.
If you’re heading to Ogema Saturday, plan on staying awhile!
More Happening Around Price County
Ogema may be at the center of this weekend’s activities, but there’s more happening around the county.
The weekend gets started Friday in Phillips with the Lost Treasures of Wisconsin Book Signing from 5:00–7:00 PM at Rock Garden Tavern.
Over in Prentice, bargain hunters can check out the POPS Student Council Rummage Sale, running Friday from 8:00 AM–5:00 PM.
Then on Saturday, head to Timber Inn for Support Our Heroes: Phillips Fire & Rescue from 11:00 AM–3:00 PM, another opportunity to get out in the community while supporting local first responders.
Make a Day of the Fall Colors 🍂
There’s another good reason to get out this weekend: fall colors are starting to show across Price County.
If you’re traveling between events, give yourself a little extra time and enjoy the drive. Head toward Timm’s Hill, explore the backroads around Ogema, take a hike or simply see where the road takes you.
Check the latest conditions with the Travel Wisconsin Fall Color Report.
Heading to Ogema? A Quick Traffic Heads-Up
If you’re traveling to the Christmas Tree Festival Saturday morning, County Highway G North is expected to be closed from 9:00 AM to noon between Highway 13 and Highway 86.
Plan your route accordingly and give yourself a little extra travel time.
Come See What Price County Has to Offer
Looking for your next Northwoods adventure? Whether you’re hoping to catch the biggest fish in Price County, discover a new favorite restaurant, experience one of our local festivals or events, explore miles of trails, spend a day on the water or simply get away from it all, there’s always something waiting for you here.
Anglers can check the latest Wisconsin fishing regulations before hitting the water.
From Phillips and Park Falls to Prentice, Ogema, Fifield, Catawba, Kennan and beyond, every corner of Price County offers another reason to explore Wisconsin’s Northwoods.
Come see for yourself what Price County has to offer, make some memories and start planning your next adventure with Enjoy Price County.