Eau Claire is set to be merry and bright this holiday season with a variety of light shows for the whole family. Experience the magic of the season at three places to see holiday lights in Eau Claire: the Chippewa Valley Parade of Lights, Lights in the Valley, and Irvine Park's Christmas Village. Load up the car, grab some holiday hot cocoa, and light up the season at these festive destinations this winter!
Chippewa Valley Parade of Lights
Eau Claire locals take holiday lights to a whole new level when decorating their homes and businesses for the Chippewa Valley Parade of Lights. During the holiday season, participants register to decorate their yards and houses with festive lights and decorations, and their addresses are featured on a map for everyone to explore! The registration deadline for homes and businesses to be featured is December 15, 2024, and judging will take place between December 20-22, 2024. Residential entries will compete for five category titles: "Best Use of Lights," "Most Entertaining Display," "Most Creative Display," "Judge's Choice," and "People's Choice." Visit our Chippewa Valley Parade of Lights page to learn more and view this year's parade map!
Lights in the Valley
Don't miss Eau Claire's brand-new holiday lights event—Lights in the Valley! This light show will run from November 29, 2024, to January 1, 2025, at the Eau Claire County Expo Grounds, with multiple time slots available each evening. This new tradition combines two of Eau Claire's favorite light shows, EC Lights and Christmas in the Valley, for a festive, seasonal experience for all.
The tour spans 1 mile and features 180,000 lights, a 250-foot light tunnel, and music synced to the show via Tune2 or FM radio. One ticket covers entrance for one vehicle (up to eight passengers) and must be reserved for a time slot between 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM. Get your tickets here, and experience the first-ever Lights in the Valley show this holiday season!
Irvine Park Christmas Village
Returning for another magical holiday season, the Irvine Park Christmas Village in Chippewa Falls will officially light up on Thanksgiving night (November 28, 2024) and run through January 1, 2025. This classic winter experience features over 100,000 lights and stunning Victorian-style decorations that will transport you to another era.
The village is open daily from 7:00 AM - 9:30 PM, with the lights turning on at 5:00 PM. Enjoy a drive-through experience every night, or visit during the special walking nights, which run from 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM on November 28-30, 2024. New this year, children can drop off "Letters to Santa" at the mailbox near the duck pond. Learn more about the enchanting Christmas Village at Irvine Park here.