Good morning, Eau Claire.

Amundson’s Appliances is hosting a holiday toy drive that began Tuesday morning with drop-off points in Eau Claire, Chippewa Falls, Rice Lake, and Hayward where community members can donate new, unwrapped toys.

The store will match donations, and the gifts will go to Family Promise, the Boys and Girls Club of Lac Courte Oreilles, and Benjamin House until December 19 — a key effort to support kids in the Chippewa Valley.

Otto Family Law S.C. launched its 3rd Annual Mitten Tree to support Bolton Refuge House and Benjamin’s House by collecting new hats, mittens, gloves, scarves, and monetary donations.

The drive runs December 1 through January 16 — donations are accepted at offices in Eau Claire and Rice Lake — and the firm will match up to $500 in funds to help double last year’s contributions.

Curvue Tree Farm and Gardens owner Brittany Malone said the farm expects the weekend after Thanksgiving and the first weekend in December to be its busiest time as customers come for pre-cut trees Monday through Thursday and wagon rides Friday through Sunday—its season will end December 19.

Shoppers rushed to Woodman’s in Altoona on Wednesday for last-minute items for Thanksgiving—parking lots were packed as a Wisconsin Farm Bureau survey found traditional meal prices rose 6.7%—an increase of $3.88 from last year.

Friends of the L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library are now collecting donations for their annual ‘Give a Kid a Book’ program to promote reading among local children; new, unwrapped children’s books and monetary gifts can be dropped off at the library’s Bookstore or given online until December 15—this effort also includes a Holiday Book Drive for extra involvement.

Chippewa Valley Technical College and UW-Stout have signed new articulation agreements—creating transfer pathways that enable students to move credits more easily.

Officials say the new agreements will help students smoothly transition to four-year programs.

Them Coulee Boys Concert

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Pablo Center at the Confluence — Ticket Price TBA — Experience the Americana sound of Them Coulee Boys with special emphasis on their latest album and support for a local charity.

Live Music: October Tree

2-5 p.m. — River Bend Winery & Distillery — Free entry — Enjoy acoustic covers from popular artists with October Tree in a relaxing winery setting.

Opera & Musical Theatre Workshop Ensemble Performance

7:30 PM — Haas Fine Arts Center — $3-$9 — Experience a delightful evening of opera and musical theatre scenes by talented emerging voices.

Christmas Tea & Menomonie Mansions Tour

11:30 a.m. — Volume One & The Local Store — $55-$60 — Experience a magical afternoon of Victorian tea and historic trolley touring through Menomonie's charming past.

UW-Eau Claire GEEKcon 2025

10:00 AM to 4:00 PM — W.R. Davies Student Center — $3 entry or 2 non-perishable food donations; FREE for students/staff/alumni w/ID — A day of mystery for clue chasers and codebreakers in a family-friendly environment.

UW-Eau Claire Holiday Concert

2-3:30 p.m. — Pablo Center at the Confluence — $12-26 — Celebrate the holiday season with renowned performances from various UW-Eau Claire music ensembles.

Banff Mountain Film Festival - Monday Films

6-9 p.m. — Pablo Center at the Confluence — Tickets required — Experience stunning outdoor films showcasing adventure and exploration around the globe.

Christmas with Lorie Line

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Pablo Center at the Confluence — $87 — Celebrate the holiday season with Lorie Line's beautiful piano arrangements and heartwarming stories.

Blue Violin Candlelight Christmas Extravaganza

7-8:30 p.m. — Pablo Center at the Confluence — Price TBA — Experience the joy of the season with Blue Violin's spectacular Candlelight Christmas concert.

Ben Katzner Live Comedy Show

7-9 p.m. — The Plus — $15 adv, $20 door — Experience the unique humor and storytelling of comedian Ben Katzner.