Get into the holiday spirit during Small Business Saturday in Coeur d’Alene
Coeur d’Alene is the place to be for Small Business Saturday, Nov. 30, which kicks off the holiday season with more than 120 places to shop, eat and explore — all within a few block radius.
“Downtown Coeur d’Alene is absolutely magical during the holidays,” explains Emily Boyd with the Downtown Association. “Between the world-class holiday lights display, roaming carolers, Elf on the Shelf spottings and more, it’s such a festive and charming shopping experience.”
Plus shoppers will find treasures at locally owned shops you simply can’t find in big box stores. For instance, the team at FIGPICKELS TOY EMPORIUM scours the globe for toys and games you won’t find at Target or Walmart, while at the same time offering comparable prices to Amazon. This Christmas season, Figpickels will once again present its Gifting Tree, which provides supplies for local teachers. “There’s a place for online shopping, but know that the money spent in our community goes back to our community. The more that we make, the more we give,” explains Devin Sommer, director of operations with Figpickels.
Some shops regularly schedule events for this busy shopping day. Stop by COEUR D’ALENE GALLERIES, for example, and view art-in-the-making by a bevy of talented artists from 1-4 pm.
There’s plenty happening past Small Business Saturday, too. Look for Elf on the Shelf figurines hiding in participating businesses every Saturday and Sunday through Dec 22nd. Find the merry little doll first thing each day to win a gift card to the business where that day’s prize was hidden. You’ll also get a raffle ticket for a drawing on Dec 23rd where you could win Seahawk tickets, overnight stay at the CDA Resort, or Mac & Cheese Festival tickets.
Many businesses offer complimentary treats through December. MIX IT UP, for example, has hot cider and cookies and will gift wrap that special something you found at no charge.
Have hot cider while you shop at ALL THINGS IRISH and get in the mood for the holidays instantly at CHRISTMAS AT THE LAKE, which features ornaments and decorations to fit any theme.
Coeur d’Alene makes it easy to spend the day downtown. Park free at more than half of the 2,268 available spots downtown, including up to two hours from 9 am-6 pm Monday through Friday, all day Saturday and Sundays right now, and after 6 pm daily.
That means you have plenty of time to shop, eat and then stay until dark when the HOLIDAY LIGHT DISPLAY transforms your favorite lake city into a winter wonderland.
Special Events
Holiday Lighting Ceremony and Parade
NOVEMBER 29
There’s no better place to welcome in the most wonderful time of year than Coeur d’Alene. Experience the annual Lighting Ceremony Parade on picturesque downtown Sherman Avenue starting at 5 pm, then watch as the switch is flipped on one of the most magical lighting displays in the country at 6 pm.
Opening Day at Silver Mountain Resort
NOVEMBER 29
Wax those skis and tune those boards, Silver Mountain opens for business the day after Thanksgiving! Make sure you check out the new sports shop in the village, as well as the fresh glades off of Bootlegger, Lower Paymaster and Terrible Edith.
Christmas Miracles
NOVEMBER 29-DECEMBER 22
Each season, 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, “Christmas Miracles,” directed by Troy Nickerson, features Ellen and Margaret Travolta, Molly Allen, Abbey Crawford, Jennifer Twitchell and Eugene Jablonsky
