Events

Today

“Caroling of the Belles” in Victorian Style - Featuring Sorenson Magnet School of the Arts Choir, presented by Coeur d’Alene Chorus of Sweet Adelines International. 7 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, 521 E. Lakeside, Coeur d’Alene. $5/admission, reception to follow. (208) 773-5830 or (509 664-3468.

Tuesday

Teddy Bear Teas (Downtown) - Join in celebrating the teddy bear and bring your favorite bear along. Toddler Storytime at 10 a.m. and Preschool Storytime at 10:30 a.m. Downtown Spokane Public Library), 906 W. Main Ave. Free. (509) 444-5331.

“A Thrill of Hope” - Presented by Northwoods Performing Arts Christmas Chorale. Tickets available at Seeber’s Drugstore in Newport, Wash. or by calling (208) 448-1294. Show at 7:30 p.m., the Circle Moon Theater, Highway 211 off of Highway 2, Newport, Wash. $12/adults, $10/children and seniors.

Wednesday

“Lunch at the Beach”- Special luncheon hosted by The Beach House to benefit Children’s Village. Reservations requested. 11 a.m.-1 p.m., 3204 Coeur d’Alene Lake Drive, Coeur d’Alene. $14. (208) 667-1189.

Annual Community Christmas Carol Sing-Along - Refreshments and a visit from Santa. 6:30 p.m., St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 5720 S. Perry St. Free. (509) 868-6980.

Thursday

“Little Mermaid” - Presented by Theater Arts for Children. Shows are Thursdays-Saturdays at 7 p.m. with matinees on Saturdays at 4 p.m. Runs through Dec. 18. Spokane Valley Partners, 10814 E. Broadway Ave., Spokane Valley. $10/general, $5/age 12 and younger. (509) 768-3235.

Teddy Bear Teas (Shadle) - Join in celebrating the teddy bear and bring your favorite bear along. Toddler Storytime at 10 a.m. and Preschool Storytime at 10:30 a.m. Shadle Library, 2111 E. Wellesley Ave. Free. (509) 444-5331.

Friday

“Annie”- Tony Award-winning musical set in the 1930s presented by Pend Oreille Players Association. Directed by Marty Gifford. Shows Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. Runs today-Sunday and Dec. 17-19. Pend Oreille Playhouse, 240 N. Union Ave., Newport, Wash. $10 in advance, $12 at the door. (509) 671-3389.

Teddy Bear Teas - Join in celebrating the teddy bear and bring your favorite bear along. Toddler Storytime at 10 a.m. and Preschool Storytime at 10:30 a.m. Library locations include: Downtown, 906 W. Main Ave.; East Side, 524 S. Stone St. Free. (509) 444-5331.

“ Polar Express” After-Hours Drop ’n Shop - Get your holiday shopping done while the little ones enjoy a special Polar Express evening. The children will enjoy the treasured book and movie, after-hours playtime in the museum, hot cocoa, snacks and holiday crafts. 5:30-8 p.m., Mobius, River Park Square, 808 W. Main Ave., Lower Level. $15/child. (509) 624-KIDS.

CASA/GAL Fundraising Night - Pend Oreille Players Association will host this event featuring a silent auction before the opening night performance of “Annie.” Proceeds support CASA/GAL, a program that pairs volunteers with dependent youth. Volunteers serve as court-appointed special advocates and/or guardians ad litem, to represent abused or neglected children when they enter the legal system. 6 p.m., Pend Oreille Playhouse, 240 N. Union Ave., Newport, Wash. (509) 671-3389.

“Polar Express” Storytime - Listen to a reading of Chris Van Allsburg’s “Polar Express” and other holiday favorites. All ages welcome. 7 p.m., Barnes & Noble, 15310 E. Indiana Ave., Spokane Valley. (509) 922-4104.

UI Holiday Concert - Will feature 500 elementary, junior high and high school choir members, and about 300 university musicians, including 100 accompanists. 8 p.m., University of Idaho, ASUI-Kibbie Activity Center, 1000 Stadium Way, Moscow, Idaho. Free. (208) 640-1609.

Saturday

Christmas Lights Walk - 5K and 10K walks. Start from 5-6:30 p.m. and finish by 9:30 p.m. Walk on sidewalks and edge of streets in quiet residential neighborhoods. Flashlights required. Dress appropriately for the weather. Strollers at user’s discretion. Not suitable for wheelchairs. Water and restrooms at start/finish and also on route at McDonald’s. Pets are permitted but not in building(s). Owners are responsible for leash and cleanup. After the walk, stay and enjoy a bowl of hot soup, dessert and conversation. Sponsored by Lilac City Volkssport Club. Spokane Friends Church, 1612 W. Dalke Ave. (509) 326-3575.

Santa Claus at the Harvest House - Meet Santa from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Bring your camera; pictures with Santa are free. Also sled on the sledding hill. 9919 E. Greenbluff Road, Colbert. Free. (509) 238-6970.

Santa Paws Photos - Receive a holiday framed 4x6 digital photo of your adorable pet(s) with proceeds to benefit the animals at the Spokane Humane Society. Locations are: Petco, 6302 N. Division St. from noon-4 p.m.; and Northwest Seed and Pet, 7302 N. Division St. from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Spokane Valley. $5. (509) 467-5235.

Santa Claus at Appleway Florist - Santa Claus will make an appearance for pictures. Portraits available for $6 or bring your own camera. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Appleway Florist and Greenhouse, 11006 E. Sprague. (509) 924-5050.

Author Trina Lorraine - Book signing from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. of “Mr. Jingles.” Storytime at 11 a.m., and angel craft at 11:15 a.m., Auntie’s Bookstore auditorium, 402 W. Main Ave. (509) 838-0206.

Winter Wonderland Family Music - For ages 1-9 and their parents. Enjoy various activities encouraging musical expression. Pre-registration is required. 12:30-1:30 p.m., Kids Make Music Studio, 904 W. Comstock Court. $15. (509) 625-6200.

Author Aunt Kimmie - Book signing of “Magic Sprinkles” and a visit from Santa. 3-7 p.m., Paulsen Building main lobby, 421 W. Riverside Ave. Free admission.

Sunday

“A Christmas Story!” - Presented by Spokane Children’s Theatre. Shows today at 1 p.m., Spokane Community College, Lair Auditorium, 1810 N. Greene St. $12/adults, $10/children. (800) 325-SEAT.

Christ Kitchen Gingerbread Build-off - Sixth annual gingerbread house build-off from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Hall of the Dodges. Theme this year is “Magic Kingdom.” From 10 a.m.-4 p.m. in the Grand Pennington Ballroom, children can make their own mini-gingerbread house for $7, with proceeds benefitting Christ Kitchen. The Davenport Hotel, 10 S. Post St. Viewing is free. (509) 954-0554.

Meet St. Nicholas - Special treat for children and live music. Buffet breakfast. Madeleine’s Cafe, 707 W. Main Ave. Breakfast: $15.50/general, $8.50/ages 3-12. (509) 624-2253.

Jazz Northwest Concert - A holiday concert to benefit the youth at Children’s Village. 2-4 p.m., Kroc Center, 2765 W. Golf Course Road, Coeur d’Alene. $10/adults, $5/children and seniors. (208) 667-1189.

Ongoing

Santa Express - With the help of Santa’s elves (volunteers), young shoppers ages 4-12 choose inexpensive gifts priced from 50 cents to $8 for everyone on their list and wrap each gift so it’s ready to go under the tree. Fundraiser for Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery, a safe shelter for kids who are at risk of neglect or abuse. Open Mondays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sundays, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. through Dec. 23. Downtown on the skywalk level of Crescent building, 707 W. Main Ave. (509) 448-2900.