Good morning, Eau Claire.

The Chippewa Valley Parade of Lights is now accepting holiday decorating contest entries from homeowners + businesses in Eau Claire, Chippewa Falls, and Altoona.

Participants must register by Dec. 15 and judging will take place from Dec. 19 to 21 based on curb appeal.

Eau Claire County DHS is launching its High Acuity Foster Home Initiative in 2026 to recruit specialized caregivers who receive extra training to help children return from out-of-state placements.

Interested families should visit the county website for more information + application details.

The Banff Mountain Film Festival, a conservation awareness event, will be held next week at the Pablo Center.

Tickets cost $20 for adults, $15 for youth under 17, and $5 (with ID for UWEC, UW-Stout, CVTC students).

At Chippewa Valley Montessori Charter School on Wednesday, students became teachers by showcasing their classroom projects and discussing their work.

This event provided a hands-on learning experience for young learners in the community.

The Wisconsin DNR warns that ice remains unsafe on many lakes after a person fell through the ice on Pokegama Lake Tuesday, urging residents to check local conditions with sports clubs or lake associations before venturing far from shore.

EDJ Rentals announced the Drummond House in the Third Ward will be torn down after a September fire caused major water damage, mold, and structural problems.

The historic Queen Anne home on State Street will have its final demolition decision made by the end of December.

The UW-Eau Claire volleyball team ended its season with a 3-1 loss to La Verne on Wednesday night in the NCAA Division III quarterfinals — marking their third quarterfinal appearance as they finished 30-5.

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.

Lindsey Stirling's Snow Waltz Tour

8-10 p.m. — Sonnentag Complex — $49.50+ — Experience a high-energy celebration with a blend of virtuosic violin, dance, and holiday favorites.

Sunday Funday – Late-Night Board Games

8:30-11 p.m. — The Plus — Free entry — Enjoy a relaxed evening with a vast library of board games and themed activities.