While some people survive winter, others sleigh the season. If your cold-weather personality includes romanticizing string lights, jingling your way into local markets, sipping festive drinks, and planning your schedule around Santa sightings, welcome home. This one’s for the holiday maximalists, the tinsels & tidings crowd, the festive-at-all-costs folks. Here’s your guide to making this holiday season the merriest yet. Build your 48 hours of holiday cheer in Eau Claire!

Glow Up at Holiday Light Shows

The Eau Claire area knows how to turn parks into full-on holiday magic, starting with a drive through Lights in the Valley. This exhibit was added to the holiday light show mix last year and left guests dazzled by light tunnels, animated displays, and massive glowing scenes. The Lights in the Valley Show takes place at the Eau Claire County Expo Center from November 27, 2025 - January 2, 2026, and this year, the show is coming back bigger and brighter!

A short drive away in Chippewa Falls is the iconic Irvine Park Christmas Village, an annual transformation of a city park into a huge, festive wonderland. Drive through or walk the never-ending trail of bright, colorful displays, and see the 125,000 lights for yourself from November 27, 2025 - January 1, 2026. Pick up a warm drink for your journey through the lights, and make a trip to the Christmas Village your next holiday tradition!

For more holiday lights in Eau Claire, view our complete blog here.

Fresh-Cut Cheer at Christmas Tree Farms

Laughter, cheer, and tradition can be found at Christmas tree farms in the Chippewa Valley, and it's an essential part of the holiday season experience. While visiting Eau Claire this winter, make some memories picking out the perfect Christmas tree.

At Lowes Creek Tree Farm, wander through endless rows of evergreens and pick your perfect tree for your home this season. Afterwards, cozy up at the farm cabin and sip on toasty drinks to warm back up. Pleasant Valley Tree Farm brings classic family fun with wagon rides and plenty of perfectly shaped trees ready for decorating. And for more, Curvue Hideaway and Tree Farm offers countryside trees and the chance to snap that perfect holiday photo.

Check out our blog here for more tree farms in the area!

Holiday Gift Hunting & Market Browsing

Finding the perfect holiday gift in Eau Claire is half the fun, and the city delivers with charming shops and festive markets that make shopping feel like a classic winter village.

Boutiques like Hello Adorn, Token, and The Local Store are packed with unique, locally made treasures that feel thoughtful before you even wrap them. For music lovers and vinyl enthusiasts, Revival Records is a must-stop for records, quirky gifts, and one-of-a-kind finds. Cheese and foodie fans will swoon at House of Gouda, where specialty cheeses, charcuterie, and gourmet treats make giving extra delicious.

Don’t miss Eau Claire’s winter markets for seasonal magic in one stop. Down to Earth Garden Center hosts a festive market full of handmade gifts, local art, and holiday treats, while the Banbury Place Holiday Market brings together local vendors under sparkling lights for an all-in-one gift-shopping experience.

Whether you’re hunting for a tiny stocking stuffer or the ultimate holiday surprise, Eau Claire’s shops and markets make it easy to check everyone off your list. Check out our local shopping guide here to find more ideas for your gifts this holiday season!

Making Spirits Bright With Cocktails & Coffees

Nothing says festive like sipping on a craft coffee or cocktail that perfectly embodies the holiday festivities. Start your day (or fuel your holiday shopping spree) with a warm, spiced, or peppermint-laced drink at local favorites like Shift, Kahvi, and Phoenix Coffee. The drinks are just as bright and festive as the season and will keep you warm through all of your adventures this winter.

When it’s time to turn up the festive energy, head to Dive, 44 North, or Infinity Beverages for cocktails that sparkle as much as the holiday lights. Think cranberry mules, cinnamon-spiked classics, or inventive seasonal creations that look, feel, and taste just like the holiday season. And to really step up the experience a notch, enjoy your drinks in the igloos at Dive or Phoenix Taproom this season. The dreamy atmosphere is the perfect addition to your holiday getaway!

Click here to view our blog highlighting winter coffee drinks in Eau Claire, and click here to see more festive cocktail lounges.

Dazzling Holiday Shows at the Pablo Center

The Pablo Center is where Eau Claire’s holiday spirit really shines. From soaring choirs to dazzling orchestras and festive solo performances, these shows turn a night out into a full-on winter celebration.

This season, you can experience the UW‑Eau Claire Holiday Concert, featuring ensembles, choirs, and orchestras performing seasonal favorites. Christmas with Lorie Line brings piano melodies wrapped in warmth and holiday cheer, while Mannheim Steamroller Christmas lights up the stage with music, visuals, and classic tunes reimagined. The Chippewa Valley Symphony Orchestra: The Magic of Christmas blends timeless favorites like "Sleigh Ride" and "White Christmas" for a performance that’s both grand and cozy.

We've created an entire guide to all the holiday shows this season at the Pablo Center. Check it out here!

A drone shot of the Clearwater Winter Parade & Fireworks

Photo Credit: Downtown Eau Claire Inc.

Bonus! Santa Sightings & Holiday Parades

If you can’t get enough of holiday magic, Eau Claire and the surrounding area have events that bring the season to life, complete with lights, festive crowds, and yes… Santa sightings.

Kick off the celebration with the Clearwater Winter Parade on December 5, 2025, or the Osseo Holiday Parade on November 28, 2025. Both are full of floats, marching bands, and cheerful holiday energy, plus the big guy himself making an appearance. These parades are perfect for families, friends, or anyone who secretly wants to wave at Santa while sipping a hot cocoa.

For those who like a little holiday fitness with their festivities, the Ho H-Eau-Ho 5K on December 13, 2025, is a must. Dress in your holiday best, from elf hats to reindeer antlers, and enjoy a wintery run or walk through Eau Claire while soaking in the seasonal spirit. Or, see Santas all over the streets at the Santa Cycle Rampage on December 6, 2025. Come ready to bike while decked out in your most festive gear, and enjoy a holiday social ride in Eau Claire.

For more holiday events, check out our Christmas page to see what else is on the calendar this holiday season!

Plan Your Holiday Getaway to Eau Claire