MAKE THIS SEASON BRIGHT. Though this year has been a rollercoaster, downtown Eau Claire made everything a little lighter – literally – through their new lights strung around downtown.

Downtown Eau Claire’s Haymarket Plaza, Phoenix Park, and Barstow Street will be alive with seasonal energy from 1-6pm on Saturday, Dec. 5, for the first-ever Wintertime in the City celebration. The event’s organizers at Downtown Eau Claire Inc. promise “socially-distanced photos with Santa, a decked-out tree in Haymarket Plaza, holiday lights in Phoenix Park and along South Barstow Street, and a mile-long downtown winter loop featuring hot chocolate and cider stands, ice sculptures, holiday shopping at local businesses, and more.” A week earlier – on Saturday, Nov. 28 – the celebration begins with shopping deals and steals at downtown shops as part of the annual Small Business Saturday promotional event. Learn more at downtowneauclaire.org.