On the trail of Saint Nick in North Idaho
Santa isn’t the only one to make lists. We’ve made our own this year. But don’t look to our list for an accounting of who’s been naughty or nice. Instead, our list consists of all the places you can spot the jolly ol’ fellow in North Idaho this holiday season. And guess what: They’re all nice!
On Dec. 7, look for Santa to arrive in style to downtown Coeur d’Alene, where the DOWNTOWN LIVE NEIGH-TIVITY and SANTA VISITS take place. Santa’s ride is none other than the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department’s vintage fire truck, which they’ve decked out with hundreds of twinkling lights. Have your photo taken with Santa from 4-6 pm at Second and Sherman and drop off your canned food donations, too.
Everyone knows Santa lives at the North Pole, which makes the Coeur d’Alene Resort’s annual JOURNEY TO THE NORTH POLE CRUISE a natural way to keep the kids believing in the magic of the holidays. The 40-minute cruise gives you plenty of time to have some hot chocolate, enjoy the holiday light show and sing a few carols while the elves zip on ahead and ensure that Santa knows exactly what your kiddos have on their gift list. Won’t they be surprised when he calls them out by name? Tickets through Jan. 1 range from $7.50-$23.25, depending on the day of the week and the age of ticket-holder (children 5 and under are free).
Head to the SILVER LAKE MALL for professional kid photos with Santa, through Dec. 24 and starting at $35. Don’t forget the fur-babies (dogs or cats only, please). Their day for pet pictures with Santa at the mall is Dec. 9 (starting at $35).
You can also bring your four-legged friends for photos with Santa at the COUNTRY STORE (6265 N. Government Way) from 1-4 pm on Dec. 7 and again at PETCO (420 W. Wilbur Ave.) from 1-4 pm on Dec. 14. The suggested donation of $10 benefits the Kootenai Humane Society.
What to do after opening presents and downing all that eggnog? Why, ski SILVER MOUNTAIN, of course. Rumor has it that when Santa is done delivering presents on Christmas Day, he trades his sled for skis and shreds it old school down the slopes.
Special Events
Christmas Miracles
THROUGH DECEMBER 22
The Travolta Christmas show at the Coeur d’Alene Resort is a beloved holiday tradition starring Ellen, sister Margaret Travolta, daughter Molly Allen and featuring Abbey Crawford, and directed by Troy Nickerson. It’s a show filled with music, laughter, memories and of course, miracles. $27.50; Thursday-Saturday at 7:30 pm, Sundays at 5 pm; the Coeur d’Alene Resort. Not recommended for ages 8 and under.
Sounds of Christmas
DECEMBER 7
Celebrate the sounds of Christmas at this festive concert featuring the North Idaho College Wind Symphony, the Cardinal Choral and NIC Chamber Singers. Saturday at 7:30 pm, Sunday at 2 pm; 208-769-3300.
Downtown Live Neigh-tivity
DECEMBER 7
The Coeur d’Alene Downtown Association is partnering with First Presbyterian and Trinity Lutheran to host a free live animal petting zoo, manger scene photo booth, carolers, hot chocolate, coffee and more. 1-4 pm; Sherman Square Park, 316 Sherman Ave.; 208-415-0116.
