The Bridge to Wonderland Parade in Chippewa Falls.

If you’re of the holly-jolly persuasion, it’s a good time to be living in the Chippewa Valley – this weekend especially. Over in Chippewa Falls, Irvine Park’s massive Christmas Village light display (featuring over 60,000 lights, my little elves) is now open every day all month long (see times). And on Saturday (Dec. 6) the city’s fantastic 25th Annual Bridge to Wonderland Parade kicks off at 6pm on Bridge Street.

Meanwhile, here in Eau Claire, downtown’s Christmastime in the City celebration will be busting out the fa-la-la’s all day long on Saturday (again, Dec. 6) with a lunch with Santa Claus (noon–3pm, $5), their ever-popular horse-drawn wagon rides through downtown (2–3:30pm), Madrigal singers, live reindeer, and a cozy campfire/hot cocoa combo. And holiday carols. Don’t forget those. In the evening they’ll light up the big 25-foot-tall Christmas tree near the Children’s Museum (that’s at 4:30pm). And of course, downtown shops will be open with their own festivities. Details.

And don’t forget to check out the sweet new holiday lights in Phoenix Park. ‘Tis a Winter Wonderland up in there.

Christmastime in the City, downtown Eau Claire.

Looking ahead, Menomonie's Winter Daze festivities run 4–8pm on Thursday, Dec. 11, with a visit from Santa and his live reindeer, horse-drawn wagon rides, and hot cocoa and bonfires in the Clocktower Plaza. At 6:30pm the light parade starts down Main Street, followed by fireworks over Lake Menomin.

Looking further ahead, Eau Claire’s Clearwater Winter Parade is shaping up for Saturday, Dec. 20, running 5–6pm. This year’s parade will start near the County Courthouse on Grand Avenue, then proceed down First Avenue and past Owen Park. Following the parade, family games, ice skating, and a bonfire will be hosted from 6–8pm at Hobbs Ice Center (915 Menomonie St.). All proceeds from the parade benefit youth recreation scholarships through Eau Claire Parks and Recreation.

And there are of course many, many other yuletide activities popping up all over the area all month long. Check out Volume One's complete calendar of local holiday events from concerts to craft fairs, from parades to bake sales.