Browse all Best of the Holidays content by date.

Here Are the 'Best Of' the Holidays in the Chippewa Valley

based on thousands of locals' votes, here are the best local holiday-related resources and things

Our annual Best Of The Chippewa Valley Readers Poll gets bigger and bigger every year – we had over 380 questions and 150,000 votes last year! – thanks to locals. Here are all the holiday-related 2024 Best Of winners to help make this season your very best yet ...

STAFF NOTE: It's Holidays In a Handbasket Here at The Local Store

charging into the holiday season in all-wheel drive

For those of you who don’t know me, I am one of the newest additions to the Volume One team, stepping into the role of The Local Store Director. (I have quite the shoes to fill.) The story behind the journey that led me here has many twists and turns, but I am so excited to be a part of this amazing team ...

HAPPY DRINKSGIVING: Phoenix Taproom & Kitchen to Host Inaugural ‘Drinksgiving’

fast-favorite taproom will platform local charities, offer exclusive beverages, and more on Nov. 27

Dreaming up a Thanksgiving get-together type of event, The Phoenix Taproom & Kitchen aimed to create a space for families and friends to get together and unwind while reflecting on the good in the community. Its inaugural “Drinksgiving: Pour, Sip, & Give Thanks" event ...

HARK! Historic Victorian-Themed Actors, ‘Letters to Santa’ Return to Irvine Park

Christmas Village, a longtime holiday favorite, returns Nov. 28-Jan. 1

What would the holiday season be without a visit to Chippewa Falls’ Irvine Park? Its magical transformation into the Irvine Park Christmas Village is marked by about 250,000 lights and 204 life-size holiday scenes from the Victorian era and the city’s early ...

GIVE THE NEWBIES SOME LOVE: New Spots to Shop This Holiday Season

we all have our tried-and-true favorites, but here's a list of the new local small businesses to shop

We’re pretty lucky to have a bustling small business community, and while they need our support year-round, the holiday season is time to kick that support up a notch if you’re able. Since the end of 2023, quite a few entrepreneurs have opened up shop in the Chippewa Valley. Here are some of those retailers to add to your holiday shopping must-stops ...

Massive New ‘Lights in the Valley’ Show Set to Dazzle Visitors

drive-through display at Expo Center will feature 180,000 programmable lights

Eau Claire is about to experience what is probably its biggest holiday light show ever – a drive-through extravaganza featuring music and animated illumination called Lights in the Valley. The huge show is being created by two longtime local Christmas light enthusiasts ...

Help a (Furry) Friend Out Through CVCC’s Pet Food Drive

community organizations, businesses, and individuals make all the difference for local pantry’s pet supply

The Chippewa Valley Cat Club, just half-a-dozen members strong, continues to put its best paw forward with its annual Pet Food Drive. Now in its 13th year, more than a dozen animal hospitals and businesses serve as drop-off sites ...

ONE-STOP PARTY SHOP: The Party Boutique Opens Ahead of Holiday Season

London Road store supplies party goods from piñatas to plateware and more

Eau Claire has a new reason to celebrate: The Party Boutique is now open! Since the closing of the 50-50 Factory Outlet store in Eau Claire, partygoers and throwers haven’t had a “one-stop shop” for party supplies in town. Local Tammy Linquist recognized this gap ...

SANTA ON WHEELS: Eau Claire Santa Cycle Rampage Returns

third annual seasonal ride is free to participate in and open to all ages

The Eau Claire Santa Cycle Rampage bike ride invites folks of all ages to dress in their holiday best for a casual ride, slated for Saturday, Dec. 7. Pre-ride festivities will begin at 12:30pm before festive awards are given out – Best Individual Costume, Best Duo Costume, Best Group Costume, and Best Bike Bling – at 1:05pm ...

Market On River to Host First Vendor Market With Live Demo by Inga Witscher-Orth

Winter Market to feature 30-plus vendors, live demo, in-house businesses

The Chippewa Valley has been excitedly awaiting the opening of Market On River, the Wisconsin Farmers Union’s new headquarters and Chippewa Falls’ newest multi-use building. Market On River will welcome the public to its very first vendor market, the Winter Market at Market On River, on Saturday, Nov. 16 ...