Good morning, Eau Claire.

The DHS hosted its annual Holiday Drive Thru event on Thursday afternoon outside its office, handing out gift baskets from 60 local businesses & taco meal kits for foster families to celebrate the season amid challenges.

The event, started during COVID, helped ease holiday stress.

Festival of Toys returns to Eau Claire this holiday season to help local families give their children a Christmas they might otherwise miss — the event will offer gift assistance for those in need.

Mocha, a 10-week-old Labradoodle, is training to be the UW-Eau Claire Police Department’s first therapy dog — she will be sworn in on Dec.

18 as part of a program to help officers connect with community members.

County officials will launch the High Acuity Foster Home Initiative in the new year to bring foster kids back into the community with trained caregivers plus save county funds.

DHS is recruiting foster parents who will receive TBRI training to better support children with emotional and behavioral needs.

Eau Claire officials continue work on plans to improve Plank Hill near downtown, gathering resident feedback on renovations (upgraded trails, a refreshed sledding hill, and a new overlook) as the master plan drafted in 2024 is revised for city council approval in early spring.

Thursday, Dec. 4 saw a busy Chippewa Valley sports night as the ECA Stars shut out the Wisconsin Valley Union Eagles, Eau Claire North defeated Rice Lake, and RAM Hockey won overtime against Ashland.

On the hardwood, Eau Claire Immanuel faced Augusta as UW-Eau Claire hosted UW-Whitewater wrestling.

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.