Get out and about this winter with the fam! Here are some great upcoming winter events in Eau Claire that are perfect for all the members of your household no matter the age.
1. Wintertime in the City
Saturday, November 26, 2022: Kickstart the holiday season in Eau Claire with Wintertime in the City! We encourage you to visit downtown Eau Claire on Small Business Saturday (11/26/22) to do some holiday shopping and support our local economy. But, there's actually going to be a lot more going on downtown too. There will be photos with Santa at the Pablo Center, horse-drawn wagon rides, hot chocolate and cider, and more. Get all the information you'll need here.
2. Osseo's 35th Annual Lighted Christmas Parade
Friday, November 25, 2022: Osseo, WI is just a short 20-minute drive south of Eau Claire, and this sweet little town has a lot of charm, especially during the holidays. Come to downtown Osseo for their 35th annual lighted Christmas parade. The parade will begin at 7 PM, but Santa will be taking photos before/after the parade in the Garber Bandshell in Central Park too!
3. Chippewa Valley Museum Holiday-Theme Escape Room
November 25, 2022 - January 1, 2023: Kick off the holiday season with something a little quirky, fun, and definitely nontraditional when it comes to holiday activities. Grab your family and head out to the Holiday-Themed escape room hosted by the Chippewa Valley Museum at the Schlegelmilch House! Here's the game: you know by now that Santa makes a nice list every year, and although you think you've been good, you want to double-check that your name made it on that list. So, you snuck into Santa's house in hopes to find it! But maybe THIS is what's going to get you on the wrong list! Better get in there and make things right before Santa finds out! The escape room is $120 for 2-4 players and is $30 each for any additional players.
4. Clearwater Winter Parade & Fireworks
Friday, December 2, 2022: This is one holiday event that you and the kids will not want to miss! Once you've settled down from Thanksgiving festivities, come down to downtown Eau Claire for the Clearwater Winter Parade and fireworks! The parade is slated to start at 6:30 PM with fireworks and will travel along West Grand Ave. and First Ave.
5. Christkindlemarket at Lazy Monk Brewing
Saturday, December 3, 2022: If you are asking yourself, "How family-friendly can an event at a brewery be?" You clearly haven't been to Christkindlemarket at Lazy Monk. The already very family-friendly brewery sets up its German-style Christmas Market outside of the building and you can peruse handmade gifts and treats such as chocolate, soaps, wooden wares and much more. It's a great way to find gifts for the holiday! This year's market will be open from 12-4 PM.
6. Parents Night Out
Friday, December 9, 2022: Drop off your potty-trained children-11 years old for a supervised movie night at The Fish House in Altoona, WI from 6-8 PM! Bring them dressed in their PJs and ready to watch a kid-friendly film! Bringing a favorite stuffed animal, blanket and pillow are recommended. A snack and beverage will be served as well. Pre-registration is required and there is a $5 admission fee. To register, go to www.ci.altoona.wi.us or contact the Altoona Parks & Recreation Office at 715-839-5188.
7. Banbury Art Crawl
February 3-4, 2023: Calling all the art-loving families! The annual Banbury Art Crawl brings together artists, artisans, and makers of all kinds from both near and far! Visitors walk through the historical hallways of Banbury Place and browse through hundreds of booths that feature everything from ceramics, sculptures, stained glass, jewelry, woodwork, photography, and MUCH more.
While you're out and about at all of these events, make sure to snap a few photos and share them with us using #CaptureEC!