Best of the Holidays

Places & Resources

Volunteer Opportunities & Charities 52

4 Holiday Plays & Stage Shows for the Whole Family

from the Chippewa Valley’s local theater groups and more, take your pick from a plethora of shows this season

From classic tales like “A Christmas Story” to “Annie,” to national tours like the “Nutcracker!” ...

5 Seasonal Shows to Relish in Holiday Spirit

from orchestra groups to solo vocalists, local musicians and touring acts, these are five can’t-miss shows

What better way to get into the holiday spirit than live musical performances open to the whole family? The Chippewa Valley is home to incredible musicians and is often host to nationally touring acts, all of which are included in this five-show lineup ...

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 ...

Places & Resources

Holiday Lighting 6

Holiday Party Places 44

Sledding Hills 9

Check out the Chippewa Valley's many frosty angles

Sweet Stuff 12

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