For 2021 Events click HERE
So much fun to be had this season! North Idaho does the holidays right! Check out this list of local holiday events and let us know if we forgot anything. We’d love to see photos of your favorite events!
Journey to the North Pole Cruises 11/16/2018 – 01/01/2019 CDA Resort
Take an unforgettable holiday lake cruise across the sparkling waters to view more than 1.5 million twinkling holiday lights and visit Santa Claus and his elves at his waterfront toy workshop, where he magically speaks to each child by name! This 40-minute cruise departs daily from November 16 – January 1st. Cruises depart at: 5:30 pm, 6:30 pm and 7:30 pm. Tickets and boarding takes place at The Resort Plaza Shops.
TICKET PRICES: Adults: $22.25 | Seniors (55+): $21.25 | Children (6-12): $7.50 | Ages 5 & under: FREE!Enjoy 25% off ticket prices and a sneak peek of the Holiday Light Show Cruises from November 16 – 21, 5:30 pm, 6:30 pm & 7:30 pm.
Community Thanksgiving Dinner 11/23 12PM-4PM Post Falls Post 143 American Legion
FREE Thanksgiving dinner for all our neighbors, friends and members to thank everyone for the wonderful support we have been blessed to receive throughout the year. Come meet your neighbors and friends while you enjoy turkey and all the trimmings! Donations of food or assistance gladly accepted.
Link Properties Group Croissant and Coffee Giveaway!
Reserve your treats by completing the form here and then come by 11/26 from 3-6PM to pick up your treats to share with your family. Holiday Croissants made by local bakery Doughlicious and coffee is the locally roasted H&H Coffee Company. Email Elyse at Elyse@linkpropertiesgroup.com with any questions.
Lighting Ceremony Parade 11/29 @ 5-6:30 Sherman Ave, CDA
The Coeur d’Alene Downtown Association is pleased to present the 28th Annual Lighting Ceremony Parade Sponsored by Idaho Central Credit Union. Watch as the parade lights up Sherman Avenue as they bring the Holiday Spirit to Downtown CDA with marching bands, dancing, music and festive floats!Then gather on The Coeur d’Alene Resort Lawn for carols, and a countdown to a spectacular firework display complements of the Hagadone Corporation. At the end of the show, the switch is flipped and over 1.5 million lights brighten the downtown area!
Festival of Trees Friday d’Lights 11/29 @ 5-8 CDA Resort
Christmas officially arrives in Coeur d’Alene the day after Thanksgiving. Ring in the 2019 holiday season with the first opportunity to view the Festival of Trees displays. Bring your family and friends to enjoy entertainment by local artists while viewing the magnificent displays. Open to the public, donations accepted at the door, Food and beverages available for purchase.
Travolta Christmas Show: Christmas Miracles 11/29-12/1 The CDA Resort
The Coeur d’Alene Resort features a timeless original holiday theater production by Ellen Travolta, capturing the spirit of the Christmas season! This year’s production, titled ‘Christmas Miracles’, directed by Troy Nickerson, features the talents of Ellen and Margaret Travolta, Molly Allen, Abbey Crawford, Jennifer Twitchell & Eugene Jablonsky. Don’t miss a night filled with music, laughter and stories celebrating the holiday season!
Small Business Saturday 11/30 12:00AM-11:30 PM Downtown CDA
Be a part of Small Business Saturday by shopping local downtown businesses on November 30th! You’re shopping small businesses every time you pick up a coffee at the corner shop, grab lunch at a local spot,
or buy a new bag online from your neighborhood boutique.
Festival Gala 11/30 @ 5PM-12AM CDA Resort
An elegant evening at the community’s only black-tie, charitable celebration! Partake in Holiday spirits, and indulge in a delectable three-course meal while surrounded by the ornately decorated Christmas tree displays. The fundraising begins with the silent auction and buy it now trees, participate in the live tree sale then dance the night away with your friends. This year’s event is emceed by Robyn Nancy and Caiti Bobbitt.
Ugly Sweater Run 12/1 10:30AM-1:30PM St. Vincent Parking Lot (201 E Harrison Ave, CDA)
Trail Maniacs would like to combine time honored traditions AND throw in a little help for those less fortunate by hosting an Ugly Sweater run. This event is free, but they are accepting gently used jackets, coats, sweaters and blankets for those in need. Starting at the St. Vincent parking lot at 201 E Harrison Ave, Coeur d’Alene, We will run 3 to 4 mile (route will depend on weather conditions). Route will most likely include 2nd Street to Tubbs Hill and back, we will finish at Daft Badger. Daft Badger Brewing will have refreshments and a contest for best dressed runner! Voting will start at Daft Badger at 12:00 pm. Prizes for best ugly sweater and more! Daft Badger will be offering $1.00 off pints for anyone wearing an ulgy sweater!
Festival of Trees Family Day & Children’s Workshop 12/1 @ 11-4 CDA Resort
Enjoy viewing the tree displays, face-painting, crafts, photos with Santa, and holiday performances by local school groups. Open to the public, donations accepted at the door. Food and beverages available, Visit with Santa, $1 per craft, $1 face painting
Festival of Trees Holiday Luncheon 12/2 @ 11-2 CDA Resort
Socialize with family and friends while enjoying a delightful lunch. A chance to view the trees, purchase $5 raffle tickets, enjoy holiday entertainment by Laura Little Productions and emceed by Eve Knudtsen and Kerri Thoreson. We expect another sell-out extravaganza with enthusiastic and generous supporters of Kootenai Health. If you are ready to contribute your support, commit now so that you are guaranteed a spot! This year promises to be our grandest event ever, filled with talent, excitement and inspiration
Winterfest Community Celebration 12/6 4PM-8PM Post Falls City Hall
Kick-off the holiday season with family and friends at the winter festival of fun. The City Hall will be bustling with holiday festivities for all. Start the evening with the NEW market on 4th; follow the magic to light-up the community tree. Enjoy the carolers, warm-up by outdoor campfires with a warm cup of cider while roasting marshmallows or enjoy a treat from Mrs. Claus’ kitchen, there will be crafts for all the little elves. Santa will be in his workshop throughout the evening excited for a visit with all of his friends. The Post Falls Historical Society will be open and offering tours with sing along Christmas caroling accompanied by their 100 year old organ during the last hour of the festival. Help the less fortunate by bringing non-perishable food items, unwrapped new toys, blankets and gently used coats as a donation for the food bank’s holiday needs.
Live Nativity 12/6-7 6-9PM New Life Church (6068 W Hayden Ave, Rathdrum)
This drive through live expression of the Nativity story complete with live animals, is beautiful and life changing. We are excited to offer this free event to the community again this year. We will be accepting unwrapped toy donations for Head Start if you would like to donate.
Free Santa Photos, Hot Cocoa, and Bonfire 12/7 11AM-4PM (SW corner of Prairie & Greensferry, Post Falls)
Bring your camera or phone and get your visit with Santa at the Christmas Tree Trading Company! We have free hot cocoa and a bonfire for roasting S’mores! S’mores packs are just $1! There will be a small variety of gifts for sale and beautiful, locally grown Christmas trees! Make memories and establish new traditions with your family this Christmas season!
Post Fallidays Tiny Tree Festival 12/7 10AM-12PM Red Lion Templins
Join the 4th annual Post Fallidays Tiny Tree Festival & Brunch at Red Lion Templin’s on the River. Brunch, mimosa bar, tiny tree auction and entertainment. All proceeds benefit educational programs and opportunities through the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce.
Hayden Lights 12/7 @ 5-8pm McIntire Family Park
Join in at the annual Hayden Lights Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade. The parade will begin at 5:00 p.m. at Hayden Avenue and runs south along Government Way. Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony immediately follows the parade at McIntire Family Park. Free coffee, hot chocolate and cookies available. Visit Santa in the Council Chambers following the Lighting Ceremony. P1FCU will provide games and crafts for the kids as well!
Holly Jolly Craft Market 12/7 9AM-3PM Rathdrum Senior Center
The 1st Annual Holly Jolly Craft Market.This is a family friendly and FREE event loaded with talented and “local” crafters, artisans and a few direct sales. There will be a DJ playing Christmas carols while you shop and house-made chili available to warm you up. Free Coffee and a Bake sale to not only help your sweet tooth but to also help a local student raise money for her Washington D.C. Field Trip. They will be collecting non-perishable items for the Rathdrum food bank. Food Bank Request- Hygiene items, Peanut Butter, Fruit, Cereal, pasta, rice, beans etc
December D’Lights & Tree Lighting Ceremony 12/7 5PM-7PM Downtown Main Street, Rathdrum
Activities on Main between Mill & McCartney Streets: Horse drawn wagon rides, Kid’s Crafts & Face painting, Hot Cocoa PLUS Santa & Mrs. Clause, S’Mores Fixings to roast over fire pits on Main Street in front of City Hall, Award ceremony for Best Lit Business, Annual Tree and City Lighting 5:30 PM, Annual Holiday Parade (immediately following Tree lighting ceremony). Parade will start at Mt View School have two routes: the Short Route will conclude at the end of Main St, while the Long Route will go through town and conclude at Majestic Park.
Downtown Live Neigh-tivity & Santa Visits 12/7 @ 12-5 Sherman Square Park (316 Sherman Avenue)
The Coeur d’Alene Downtown Association partners with First Presbyterian & Trinity Lutheran to bring a Live Neigh-tivity! There will be a live animal petting stable, manger scene photo booth, carolers, hot chocolate, coffee, and gifts. All for FREE at Sherman Square Park from 12 pm – 4 pm. The petting stable will feature a camel, donkey, cow, goats, sheep and handlers dressed in Nativity attire!
Fun doesn’t stop there! Santa will be riding in on The Coeur d’Alene Fire Department’s vintage fire truck, with millions of lights and parked at the corner of 2nd and Sherman Ave to hear what’s on your Christmas list. Santa will be available for photos with and visits from children of all ages from 4 pm – 6 pm. Canned food donations to the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department are appreciated.
12 Ales of Christmas 12/7 6PM-11:30PM Capones Pub & Grill (751 N 4th St, CDA)
Ticket’s for the 23rd Annual 12 Ales are on sale! Tickets include 12 winter beers, all you can eat buffet, custom 12 ales shirt, goodie bag and a cab ride home! Festivities include an ugly sweater contest, DJ and prizes!
Breakfast with Santa 12/7 @ 9-11 Boys & Girls Club CDA
The 3rd annual Breakfast with Santa! Everyone is welcome to the 3rd annual Breakfast with Santa! Enjoy breakfast, raffles, Santa pictures and letters writing! Santa is known to write you back! $3 Kids, $5 Adults, $5 Santa picture magnet; Cash and debit/credit accepted. 100% of proceeds will go to our Christmas For Kids program.
Holiday Market 12/8 10AM-4PM The Coeur d’Alene Resort
FREE event With local makers and handmade products. Food, decor, jewelry, soaps, and all the locally made gifts! Also, Christmas music all day long.
Christmas Open House 12/8 12-5 Roosevelt Inn (105 E Wallace Ave)
Throughout the month of November, the staff works hard to get the Inn decorated for Christmas! They take decking our halls very seriously! Once it’s all set up, they open the doors for you to come and see! Tour the Inn, see their many trees, enjoy beautiful Christmas music, and more! Free to the public!
Cabela’s Santa’s Wonderland 12/9-12/23 10AM-8:00PM Cabela’s
Santa’s Wonderland will be open for Photos Monday – Friday, 10:00am-8:00pm with Crafts 5:00pm-7:00pm. NOTE on BASS PASSES – this system provides each family with a half hour increment of time to line up for pictures. Cabela’s suggests getting pictures during the week nights (Monday-Thursday), faster lines and children receive a gift.
Kids’ Class: Ornament Making and Hot Cocoa! 12/14 11AM-4PM Pilgrim’s Market
Free class! Bring your kids to decorate an ornament that will adorn many trees for years to come! Hot cocoa will be served as we craft the perfect decorative ornament. All ages are welcome. Reserve early as space is limited. All supplies provides. RSVP to Jessica, demo@pilgrimsmarket.com
Winter Market 12/14 10AM-3PM Kootenai County Fairgrounds (4056 N Government Way)
FREE ADMISSION & PARKING! Don’t miss this amazing winter version of our market! Over 60 vendors selling produce, honey, breads, jams and jellies, meat, eggs, milk and cheese! Plus loads of gift items from our artisans and crafters, and even plants and Christmas decorations! We pack the Jacklin Building, and offer free parking and admission, plus free homemade cookies and beverages. Live music, too!
Emerge Holiday Market 12/15 11AM-5PM (208 N 4th St)
Find the perfect gift for your loved ones while supporting the arts community!
Head down to Emerge on Sunday, December 15 to shop from a dozen local artists all in one location selling amazing handcrafted items. Jewelry, ceramics, felt hats & scarves, kitchen accessories, and more will be featured!
A Christmas Carol: A Live Radio Play 12/19-22 7:30PM-10:00PM The Innovation Den (418 East Lakeside Ave, CDA)
The Charles Dickens holiday classic comes to life as a live 1940s radio broadcast, complete with vintage commercials for fruitcake (extra-fancy), and the magic of live sound effects and musical underscoring. A handful of actors bring dozens of characters to the stage, as the familiar story unfolds: Three ghosts take Ebenezer Scrooge on a thrilling journey to teach him the true meaning of Christmas. A charming take on a family favorite that will leave no one saying “Bah Humbug!”
Some Like It Hot! Holiday Party 12/21 7:30PM-11:00PM Lake Coeur d’Alene
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND: It’s THE Holiday Party! SThe 5th Holiday Party on Lake Coeur d’ Alene. If you’ve attended this party before, you know it’s a can’t be missed kind of event! Celebrations will be on the Mish n’ Nock boat – recently remodeled and fab! Cocktail attire required. Old Hollywood Glam theme! Must be 18. ID Required to drink.
Children’s Christmas Party 12/22 @ 12-4 Post Falls Post 143 American Legion
Post 143’s annual Children’s Christmas Party will be on Dec 16 from 12-4 pm. Open to the public: There will be lots of games, painting and hot cocoa with cookies. Santa will be there!! All the children of our neighbors, friends and members are welcome. Come start off the holiday week at Post 143
Noon Years’ Eve Party 12/30 11AM-12PM Silver Lake Mall
Join the Community Library Network and ring in the ‘Noon” Year! Come dressed in your fanciest, silliest party attire! Dance, snack, and craft the old year away. Then, we will ring in 2020 with a countdown to noon and balloon drop! Geared to ages 2-8.
NYE Party: A Diamond Soiree 12/31 6PM-12:30AM The Coeur d’Alene Resort
Ring in the New Year in style on shimmering Lake Coeur d’Alene! Join us on Tuesday, December 31st for our New Year’s Party: A Diamond Soirée!
Featuring a gourmet dinner buffet with a live pianist, aerial performers, live music from MOJO The Party Band, a best-dressed contest, DJ Epic Vibe, dancing, TWO fireworks shows and a hosted champagne toast at midnight with fireworks, this is truly an event not to miss! Be sure to come outfitted in your finest formal/cocktail attire – exclusive prize for the best dressed! Tickets ($79): http://bit.ly/2CH5IRc
Mac & Cheese Festival 1/18/2020 @ 12-6 210 E Sherman Ave
Mac & Cheese Festival celebrates your favorite childhood dish by featuring variations carefully prepared by local Coeur d’Alene Chefs who will be competing for the Golden Noodle Award! Attendees will enjoy a comfort-food-filled day tasting different cheesy dishes with perfect craft beer pairings and get to vote for their favorite dish to help award the People’s Choice Trophy! Children and VIP Packages available.