HERE COMES ... THE PARADE OF LIGHTS. Back in action for a third year, the Parade of Lights will be on display for the whole month of December.

It’s that time of year when the Chippewa Valley's own Clark Griswolds of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation fame can channel their light-hanging skills and holiday spirits to create award-winning and public-pleasing holiday light displays!

Now in its third year, the Chippewa Valley Parade of Lights will occur from Dec. 1-31, 2022. While the Wednesday, Nov. 16, deadline for residents and commercial businesses to participate is coming up quick, those participating folks in the Eau Claire and Altoona School Districts will have the chance to win bragging rights. And everyone can get the map of the participating homes and businesses to tour the displays, signaling ooh's and aah's.

The contest is for exterior decoration only. A panel of community members will judge the displays from Dec. 8-11, with the winners being announced on Dec. 14. Judging categories in both residential and commercial entries include: Best Use of Lights, Most Entertaining, Most Creative Theme, and Judges Choice.

Winning entries will be posted on the Facebook page of the Eau Claire Parks, Recreation, and Forestry division, where members of the public will also be able to vote for the People’s Choice Award from Dec. 15-18 with that winner being announced on Dec. 21.

For more info, call the City of Eau Claire Recreation Administration office at (715) 839-5032. Visit the E.C. Parks, Rec, and Forestry division’s website to keep up with them.