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

Things to do

First Night Spokane - The 2012 theme is “Across the Universe: Year of the U.F.O.” Celebrate the new year with a family-friendly festival of arts and entertainment. More than 150 performances at 45 venues. Entertainment begins at 7 p.m. and ends with fireworks at midnight. Buttons available at Cenex Zip Trip Stores, River Park Square concierge, Aunties Bookstore, and Mountain West Bank locations. Dec. 31, downtown Spokane. $12/advance; $15/on Dec. 31; children 10 and younger free with button-wearing adult. (509) 456-0580, ext. 101.

“Journey to the North Pole” Cruises - The 40-minute cruise departs nightly through Jan. 1 at 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. from the Boardwalk Marina with boarding 15-30 minutes prior to cruise. Includes a visit to the North Pole, greetings from Santa and Mrs. Claus and tree lighting. Reservations required. Boardwalk Marina on Lake Coeur d’Alene, 115 S. Second St., Coeur d’Alene. $18.75/adults, $17.75/seniors age 55 and older, free/children age 12 and younger. (208) 664-7628 or (800) 688-5253.

Cool Yule - An all ages, musical holiday show presented by Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre. Shows today, Saturday and Monday at 7:30 p.m. There will also be an 11 p.m. performance on Monday. For tickets or more information, visit www.cdasummertheatre.com. Coeur d’Alene Resort, The Shore Room, 115 S. Second St., Coeur d’Alene. $25 plus tax. (208) 769-7780.

Traditions of Christmas at the Kroc Center - Musical journey of various Christmas traditions presented by Laura Little Theatrical Productions. For show times, visit www.traditionsofchristmasnw.com. Today and Saturday, Salvation Army Kroc Center, 1756 Golf Course Road, Coeur d’Alene. $32/adults, $26/seniors ages 62 and older, $15/children ages 12 and younger. No babes in arms, please. (208) 391-2867.

“It’s a Wonderful Life” - Interplayers presents this family classic as a live radio play, written by Joe Landry and directed by Jeffrey Sanders. Shows today and Saturday at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday at 2 p.m. Interplayers Theatre, 174 S. Howard St. $28/adult, $22/senior and military, $15/student. (509) 455-7529 or (800) 325-SEAT.

Ballet and Bubbly - Presented by Ballet Arts Academy of Spokane and First Night Spokane. Two performances, 7:45 and 9:30 p.m. Visit www.firstnightspokane.org. Monday, Bing Crosby Theater, 901 W. Sprague Ave. $12/advance, $15/door, children 10 and younger free with adult wearing a First Night button. (800) 325-SEAT.

Celebrate New Year’s Eve with Beethoven’s Ninth - Back by popular demand, the Spokane Symphony and Chorale will join for a performance Ludwig van Beethoven’s famous symphony. Part of the Spotlight Series. Dec. 31, 7:30 p.m., Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox, 1001 W. Sprague Ave. $22-$27/adults, $16/children. (509) 624-1200

Bret Michaels – ’80s glam metal superstar. Age 18 and older. Today, 7:30 p.m., Northern Quest Resort & Casino, Pend Oreille Pavilion, 100 N. Hayford Road, Airway Heights. $55-$100. (509) 481-6700.