Best of the Holidays

Places & Resources

Volunteer Opportunities & Charities 55

[PHOTOS] A Decades-Long Holiday Tradition With Mannheim Steamroller Christmas

the Dec. 12 event at the Pablo Center featured 15 musicians playing more than 20 instruments with a 'dazzling' backdrop of seasonal special effects

In case you missed it, Mannheim Steamroller Christmas – arranged by nationally acclaimed composer Chip Davis – performed live on Dec. 18 at the Pablo Center at the Confluence (128 Graham Ave., Eau Claire). For nearly 40 years, families have made Mannheim Steamroller Christmas their holiday...

[PHOTOS] Menomonie Theater Guild Presents Irving Berlin's 'White Christmas'

the holiday musical will open on Dec. 5 and run through Dec. 14, sharing timeless song and dance with whimsical costumes

The Menomonie Theater Guild (MTG) will bring our favorite holiday companions together: Bob Wallace, Phil Davis, Betty and Judy Haynes – among a full cast of characters – in this season's performance of Irving Berlin's "White Christmas." The musical will open on Friday, Dec. 5 and run...

[PHOTOS] Check Out The Annual Clearwater Jazz & Art Festival: Holiday Edition

the third iteration of this winter gathering at The Brewing Projekt welcomed fan favorites musicians and emerging creatives alike

On Saturday, Nov. 22, the third annual Clearwater Jazz and Art Festival: Holiday Edition offered a mix of seasonal jazz soundscapes and handcrafted goods at The Brewing Projekt. As the holiday season draws nearer, area musicians brought...

SWEET & SAFE: Get Baked Brings Celiac-Friendly Goods to the Chippewa Valley

after a life-changing diagnosis in her family, local Jordan Plehal has reimagined holiday classics with her cottage bakery

In 2024, Get Baked, LLC was born: Plehal’s cottage bakery specializes in gluten-free, celiac safe treats — all made with love in her kitchen. “I started Get Baked to offer more options to kids who may have dietary restrictions,” Plehal said. “Because I do have a family member with celiac, I am able to guarantee that I am baking out of a gluten free, celiac safe kitchen." ...

Santa’s on a Rampage AGAIN: Eau Claire Santa Cycle Rampage Returns

this year's Santa Cycle Rampage is officially part of DECI’s annual Haymarket Holiday event in downtown Eau Claire

Now back for its fourth year in a row, this jolly bike ride will flood downtown Eau Claire with hundreds of Santas and other seasonally-clad folks this December in conjunction with Downtown Eau Claire, Inc.'s Haymarket Holiday celebration ...

A HOLIDAY HARMONY: Jazz & Art Fest Returns With New Seasonal Surprises

Clearwater Jazz and Art Festival blends jazz, jingle bells and local visual artists with its third annual yuletide celebration

The third annual Clearwater Jazz and Art Festival: Holiday Edition will once again offer the perfect blend of seasonal tunes and thoughtful gifts — an ideal destination for your holiday season preparations. From 12pm-6pm on Saturday, Nov. 22, this holiday artist market and non-stop jazz...

Don't Forget To Visit The Newbies This Holiday Season

in the spirit of shopping local, make sure to check out these new retailers alongside your tried-and-true favorites

We’re fairly lucky in the Chippewa Valley to be home to a bustling community of small businesses that continue to cultivate unique spaces, experiences, and – around this time of year, especially – great gifts! We’ve all got our go-to favorites, but there are almost always some new retailers to add to your holiday shopping and must-stop list ...

The Best Things In Life Are Free – And In This Case, Includes Ornaments

Half Moon Clay center spreads holiday cheer, generates random acts of kindness by gifting ornaments throughout the community

Star shapes, snowflakes, holiday bulbs and more; Whitney Stuart, the owner of Half Moon Clay in Eau Claire, has brought a heartwarming initiative to her community as she freely distributes hand-crafted ornaments throughout the area ...

Places & Resources

Holiday Lighting 7

Holiday Party Places 42

Sledding Hills 9

Check out the Chippewa Valley's many frosty angles

Sweet Stuff 12

A list of the Chippewa Valley's holiday chocolatiers, bakeries and related businesses.

Tree Farms 6

Take the family out to a local farm and hunt for the perfect pine