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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

You Really Have Nothing To Do This Weekend? Here Are Some Ideas

Anne Windishar

Oh, right. Like you’re going to have any time to do anything but shop, wrap, bake, clean and decorate this weekend.

But just so you don’t feel as if you’re missing out on tons of fun stuff, the people who plan things didn’t plan any distractions over the next few days. There’s little to do other than a concert here, a wine-tasting there. But industrious people can always find something to do. Here are a few suggestions:

Trip the light

There are only eight days left to view the stunning light display called “Spokane Winter Lights” at The Creek at Qualchan golf course southwest of downtown Spokane. Almost 10,000 lights make up the animated display (which amounts to 132 illuminated scenes).

New this year is ski-jump Santa, with the Fat One skiing down a 25-foot high jump and flying 60 feet through the air, landing and tipping his hat to visitors. You’ll also see leaping reindeer, frolicking elves, a magic dragon and more.

The display is open daily from 6 to 10 p.m., including Christmas night. Admission is $5 per car (more for larger vehicles); proceeds go to the Spokane Parks and Recreation Department. To get there, take U.S. Highway 195 south and follow the signs.

If you’d rather see your lights for free, there are hundreds of homes and neighborhoods in Spokane County and North Idaho that have gotten into the holiday spirit. If you’ve got the Dec. 15 edition of The Spokesman-Review hanging around, there’s an extensive list in the IN Life section.

Traditional tunes

Don’t miss “Christmas in Old Spokane,” a performance by the Spokane Falls Brass Band, with Ann Fennessy, tonight and Saturday at The Met.

The band will play a vast selection of holiday favorites, plus the return by popular demand of special accompaniment for the film “The Snowman.”

Performances are tonight and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $14, $12 and $9. They’re available at all G&B SelectA-Seat outlets and at The Met.

Home for the holidays

It would be nice if the Campbell House were home, but we can dream, can’t we?

The historic Browne’s Addition mansion, its 10-year restoration project complete, is open for holiday tours through most of the weekend. The house is decorated in period furnishings as well as holiday finery.

The Campbells’ cook will be busy in the kitchen and the upstairs maid will be setting out dinner dresses. In the den, the coachman will offer comments on Mr. Campbell’s silver mining ventures and more.

The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and Saturday. Admission is the regular museum price of $2 for students and seniors, $3 for adults or $7.50 for families.

, DataTimes