Holiday fun does not need to come with a hefty price tag. Check out these five free winter events taking place in the Chippewa Valley this holiday season and make sure to mark your calendars so you don't miss out on all the fun!

1. Osseo's 34th Annual Lighted Christmas Parade

Friday, November 26, 2021, at 7 PM: Head to downtown Osseo this holiday season for their annual Christmas parade! Rumor has it that Santa will be taking visits with the kiddos at the Garber Bandshell in Central Park too. While you're in their neck of the woods, enjoy Osseo's dining and shopping scene by paying a visit to Norske Nook for a slice of pie, or Northwoods Brewpub for a glass of beer, or even Burly & Bucks for a plate of delicious wings! 

2. Wintertime in the City

Friday, December 3, 2021, & Saturday, December 4, 2021: Get ready for TWO days of pure holiday fun! Wintertime in the City includes the Clearwater Winter Parade, the Run, Santa, Run 5k, and Haymarket Holiday. All the activities in the schedule below are FREE to attend EXCEPT the Run, Santa, Run 5k. Here's the weekend lineup:

Friday, December 3, 2021

  • Clearwater Winter Parade @ 6 PM along West Grand Ave. & First Ave.

Saturday, December 4, 2021

  • Run, Santa, Run 5k @ 10:30 AM in Phoenix Park 
  • Music in the plaza @ 12-6 PM
  • Hot Chocolate, Cider & Smores @ 12-6 PM in Haymarket Plaza and the downtown loop

3. River Prairie's Holiday Glow Tree Lighting

Sunday, December 5, 2021, at 5:30 PM: Gather your family and friends and head over to River Prairie to watch the ceremonial lighting of the holiday tree! Along with the beautiful lights, River Prairie will have holiday treats, hot beverages, and Christmas carols for their visitors. 

4. Chippewa Valley Parade of Lights

December 1-31, 2021: The Chippewa Valley Parade of Lights is hands down the best way to see all the houses/businesses in Eau Claire decked out in lights during the holiday season. A map of the participating locations will be released on Wednesday, December 1, 2021. Start the car and turn up the holiday radio station because it's time to get merry & bright!

5. Christmas Village in Irvine Park

November 25, 2021-January 1, 2022: Located at Irvine Park in Chippewa Falls, the Christmas Village display of over 100,000 Christmas lights and over 100 life-size Christmas scenes is open to the public from Thanksgiving - January 1 every year. The park is open daily from 7 am-9:30 pm and is truly a magical experience. You can walk or drive through the park with your family, friends, and loved ones to admire this enchanting village. It is an absolute must-see; you will NOT be disappointed!

While you're out enjoying all of these events, make sure to take loads of pictures and share them with us using #CaptureEC!