Browse all Best of the Holidays content by date.

STAFF NOTE: Make It Matter This Holiday Season

'We know it intuitively, but it’s always worth a reminder that every local purchase helps support a neighbor, sustain a job, and keep our community vibrant.'

But this year, we're also asking you to think a little more about where you spend your holiday dollars, and the difference those decisions can make. It's no secret that things are challenging for many local businesses right now. Rising costs, changing shopping habits, and economic uncertainty have created real pressures on the independent shops, restaurants, and venues that give our community its character. And we know many households are feeling those same pressures ...

A Q&A With Local Mail Carrier Kevin Massey

the pros of USPS's new delivery vehicles, delivering during blizzards and more thoughts from an Eau Claire mail carrier

Kevin Massey has been a United States Postal Service (USPS) City Letter Carrier for 19 years. He delivers the mail on the west side of Eau Claire, including the Shawtown neighborhood, where this writer lives. He follows in his father's footsteps – something he finds comfort in – as both a USPS carrier and as a military veteran. Both Massey men served in the United States Navy before their respective carrier careers. (Kevin has now surpassed his father's USPS career; he was a rural carrier ...

DING, DING! Three New Holiday Trolley Tours Join The Fray This Season

Chippewa River Trolley Co. launches a sweets and treats tour, cut-your-own-tree farm adventure and more alongside returning jolly favorites

If you haven’t already, this time of year is absolutely the moment to experience the magic of this vintage-inspired trolley. Here’s a peek at our fun and festive Chippewa River Trolley Co. holiday tours, including some brand-spankin’ NEW tours to boot. ALL ABOARD! ...

A Little ‘Eaufetti’ Goes A Long Way

your dream event or balloon masterpiece begins at Water Street’s newest brick-and-mortar space

Something shimmery and vibrant has arrived in downtown Eau Claire – and Eaufetti is ready to celebrate. We have local owner Heather Gullickson to thank for this party-planning, balloon-crafting and event curating shop. It all began with her efforts to plan celebrations for her own children; over the years she would assist friends and family with crafting their own...

Meet The Makers: Oak Wick Candle Co.

aromas for your home, hand-poured with love from Eau Claire

The flick of lighter or scratch of a match is all it takes to elicit the aromas of rosewood and amber, cedar and lavender, “flannel weather” and more from Oak Wick Candle Co.’s hand-poured candles and wax melts. What began as a creative outlet, born from a love for making with her own hands, has grown into something far more than she could have imagined, Oak Wick Candle Co. founder Shelby Keller shared ...

Sustain Eau Claire's 'Community Radio' This Holiday Season

Converge Media will host its annual open house on Nov. 27, accepting donations for programming

We owe downtown’s soundtrack to Converge Media, which now seeks community support to sustain its programming for local residents and those who stream around the world. Now through the new year – with special mention to “Giving Tuesday” on Dec. 1 – Converge Media and its board of directors will ask for funding. Converge Radio produces a handful of original shows including Farewell Transmission...

[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." ...