Best of the Holidays

Places & Resources

Volunteer Opportunities & Charities 52

Check Out the Amazing Outfits This E.C. Mailman Uses to Spread Holiday Cheer

mail carrier Jason Beran brings Christmas joy with wild sweaters, elf outfits, and more

Whether through countless Christmas cards or eagerly awaited presents, U.S. Postal Service carriers deliver plenty of joy this time of year. Carrier Jason Beran spreads joy in another way as well: By donning a rotating (and ever-growing) collection of colorful seasonal ...

HOLIDAY SPIRITS: Five Holiday-Themed Cocktails You Have to Try

sip these local holiday libations from around the Valley

’Tis the season for ice-kissed infusions and elf-made elixirs! Whether you put the tree up the day after Halloween, or you consider yourself more of a Scrooge, one thing that most of us agree on is that there’s no time like the present to indulge yourself ...

STOLEN FROM SANTA: Our Annual Peek at St. Nick’s Secret Mailbag

this year’s intercepted letters include a look into the Valley’s past

Every holiday season, Volume One sends an intern to break into the post office late one night to intercept a few pieces of correspondence between locals and Santa Claus, which we publish ...

WHERE ARE THE REINDEER?! Holiday Scavenger Hunt Kicks Off Dec. 1

traverse the parks throughout the City of Eau Claire Dec. 1-17 for the chance to win prizes

Christmas at the North Pole is fast approaching, and Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their nine reindeer are missing! A source has reported they were last seen in the parks of the City of Eau Claire. What’s to be done?! Search for and find them, of course ...

Get to Know the Man Behind the Parade of Lights

Andrew ‘Mitch’ Mitchell of Eau Claire really, really loves Christmas lights

For the past three years, the City of Eau Claire’s Recreation Division has coordinated the Chippewa Valley Parade of Lights. However, this year, a private citizen who is incredibly passionate about holiday lighting of homes has stepped up to run the Parade of Lights ...

CELEBRATING HO-CHUNK DAY: A Look Into Native American Celebrations in November

Ho-Chunk Nation President Jon Greendeer talks Ho-Chunk Day

The time between October and December is an important time for many indigenous people. For Ho-Chunk people, the month of November is busy but also a time to meet with family. Ho-Chunk Day (Black Friday) became a holiday unconventionally but is ...

4 Seasonal Plays and Musicals to Put on Your Calendar

add some magic to the holiday season with these local shows

The Chippewa Valley offers plays and musicals galore, many of which are fit for the whole family! Take a look at the shows happening from Chippewa Falls to Eau Claire this season ...

Mighty Maddy’s Mission to Host Fifth Annual ‘Tinsel & Tidings’ Event

you can help support Maddy’s Mission at the Pablo Center on Dec. 2

In 2014, Madelyn Odegard was diagnosed with cancer at only six years old. After a hard-fought battle, with numerous hospital stays and treatment plans, Maddy unfortunately passed away in August 2017 ...

Places & Resources

Holiday Lighting 6

Holiday Party Places 47

Sledding Hills 9

Check out the Chippewa Valley's many frosty angles

Sweet Stuff 15

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