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

Holiday events around the region

Today and continuing events

Santa Express – Through Tuesday. Join the 21st annual event of the holiday store where kids can experience the joy of giving. Children ages 4-12 can find affordable gifts for everyone on their shopping list. Volunteer elves are on hand to help the children select and wrap their gifts, with the net proceeds going to benefit the Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery. Adults can shop while they wait at Vanessa’s Village, a boutique of reasonably priced specialty items, that are perfect for stocking stuffers, gifts for family and friends or secret Santas. Hours are Mondays-Fridays, 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Saturdays, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sundays, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Crescent Building, Skywalk level, 707 W. Main Ave. (509) 535-3155.

Spokane Symphony SuperPops 3: Holiday Pops – Today. Resident conductor Morihiko Nakahara and the Spokane Symphony will treat you to all the traditions of Holiday Pops – a heartwarming selection of festive music (old and new), the popular audience Sing-Along and a visit from Santa. Show is at 2 p.m. Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox, 1001 W. Sprague Ave. $26-$62; family pricing available. (509) 624-1200.

“Traditions of Christmas” – Through Monday. A musical journey of all the greatest Christmas songs and traditions from around the world. Santa’s Workshop comes alive with dancing elves, gingerbread dolls, toy soldiers and magical toys. The high-kicking Rockette-style tap dancers are sure to amaze, and the USO scene will bring tears to your eyes as we honor our military. Feel free to sing along to holiday favorites. The production ends with a fully staged Living Nativity. It has a cast of 80 people and over 400 costumes. Shows are today at 3 p.m. and Monday at 3 p.m. Salvation Army Kroc Center, 1765 W. Golf Course Road, Coeur d’Alene. $33/adults; $26/seniors and military; $20/children. (208) 391-2867.

“I Remember Christmas” – Today. Ellen Travolta and friends present a new holiday musical revue. Directed by Troy Nickerson, the show stars Jack Bannon, Patrick Treadway, Margaret Travolta, Katherine Strohmaier and Ellen Travolta. 5 p.m. Reserved cabaret-style seating. Purchase tickets at www.cdachristmas.com or toll-free at (844) 257-9047. Coeur d’Alene Resort, 115 S. Second St., Coeur d’Alene. $25. (844) 257-9047.

Journey to the North Pole Cruise –Through Jan. 4. The 40-minute cruise departs nightly from the North Pole Cruise Terminal at 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30. Purchase tickets at cdacruises.com or by phone. Buy one, get one half-price adult cruise ticket by dining at Beverly’s, Dockside, Bonsai Bistro, Cedar’s Floating Restaurant, Tito’s Italian Grill or Mulligan’s. Coeur d’Alene Plaza Shops, 210 Sherman Ave., Coeur d’Alene. $19.75/adults, $18.75/seniors, $5/ages 6-12, free/age 5 and younger. (855) 956-1977.

Spokane Winter Glow Spectacular – “All Dressed Up in Lights,” the park is getting dressed up for the holidays with more than 25 lighted displays. Featuring an Animal Light Zoo, and wagon and carriage rides are available. Held through Dec. 31 and begins nightly at 5 p.m., Riverfront Park, 507 N. Howard St. Free.

The Coeur d’Alene Resort Holiday Light Show – Through Jan. 4, with 1.5 million lights illuminating Coeur d’Alene. A new attraction this year is an animated Floating Christmas Tree on Lake Coeur d’Alene that rises 60 feet out of the water, with lights dancing in time to “Carol of the Bells” and a surprise burst of fireworks. Coeur d’Alene Resort, 115 S. Second St., Coeur d’Alene. Free. (208) 765-4000.

Holiday Lights at Gaiser Conservatory – Today, 8 a.m.-7:30 p.m. The conservatory is decorated with thousands of lights along with poinsettias, mums and a warm climate. Best viewing is after 4 p.m. Manito Park, Gaiser Conservatory, 1702 S. Grand Blvd. Free.

“It’s A Wonderful Life” – Today. Shows at 7 p.m. Kenworthy Performing Arts Centre, 508 S. Main St., Moscow, Idaho. $6/Adults, $3/Kids 12 and under. Bring a canned food donation and receive $1 off your admission. (208) 882-4127.

Campbell House Holidays – Campbell House comes alive for the holiday season with living history demonstrations, festive decorations and music box tunes. Open Wednesdays through Sundays, 12-4 p.m. Closed Christmas Day. Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture, 2316 W. First Ave. Regular museum admission pricing applies. (509) 363-5355.

St. Ann’s Church Dinner – Christmas Dinner will be served. Today, 1 p.m., St. Ann’s Church, 2120 E. First St. Free. (509) 535-3031.

“It’s A Wonderful Life” – Today, 2 p.m., Theater Arts for Children, 2114 N. Pines Road, Suite 3S, Spokane Valley. $7.25-$9.25. (509) 995-6718.

Name that Tune - Christmas Edition – Audubon Park’s Youth Group will host Name that Tune - Christmas Edition. How well do you know your Christmas carols? We’ll be competing to see which team can correctly name the most songs and enjoy an afternoon of music and prizes. Today, 3 p.m., Audubon United Methodist Church, 3908 N. Driscoll Blvd. Free. (509) 290-1992.

German Christmas Service – The service will be given in German and English and will be officiated by Pastor James Stern. For more information, email info@germanamericansociety-spokane.org. Today, 3 p.m., St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 316 E. 24th Ave. (509) 747-6677.

Christmas at the Bing – The Friends of the Bing and Spokane Civic Theatre present a night of holiday cheer and the fantastic sounds of Clarion Brass. Today, 7 p.m., Bing Crosby Theater, 901 W. Sprague Ave. $20/adults, $10/students w/ID. (800) 325-SEAT.

Monday

Clarion Brass - This Is What Christmas Sounds Like – Spokane’s virtuoso brass masters bring their quirky, playful and gorgeous original take on seasonal favorites. The jolly old lead elf for Clarion Brass, William Berry, hammers out new music every year and he drops them down the chimneys of good little brass ensembles all over the globe. Monday, 7:30 p.m., St. John’s Cathedral, 127 E. 12th Ave. $20. (800) 325-SEAT and Tuesday, 7:30 p.m., Salvation Army Kroc Center, 1765 W. Golf Course Road, Coeur d’Alene. $20. (208) 667-1865.

Tuesday

Elves Workshop – Your little elves will be creating, crafting and painting gifts and ornaments for their friends and families at this winter break camp. For ages 4-8. Tuesday, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Mobius Kids Children’s Museum, 808 W. Main Ave. $20/members, $25/nonmembers. (509) 624-5437.

Gingerbread Houses – Get in the holiday spirit as we decorate gingerbread houses and ornaments with candy, frosting, marshmallows and more while listening to holiday music at this winter break camp. For ages 4-8. Tuesday, 2:30-4:30 p.m., Mobius Kids Children’s Museum, 808 W. Main Ave. $20/members, $25/nonmembers. (509) 624-5437.

Wednesday

Christmas Eve Services – vening services will be held at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Wednesday. Spokane Valley United Methodist Church, 115 N. Raymond Road, Spokane Valley. Free. (509) 924-7262.

Christmas Eve Worship – Celebrate the season at three Christmas Eve Worship services: Holy Communion and Candlelight Family Worship, 4 p.m.; Holy Communion, Candlelight and Carols, 6 p.m.; and Holy Communion, Candlelight and Carols with the Chancel Choir, 11 p.m. Wednesday. St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 316 E. 24th Ave. Free. (509) 747-6677.

Christmas Eve Service – Three Christmas Eve Services will be held: a family service, featuring a Christmas story for the kids, 5 p.m.; Candlelight service, filled with music, meaning and memories, 8 p.m.; Candlelight and Communion service, a quiet and contemplative service, preparing hearts to receive the mysterious and miraculous gift of God’s son, 11 p.m. Wednesday. Covenant United Methodist Church, 15515 N. Gleneden Drive. Free. (509) 466-1768.

Christmas Eve Service – The candlelight services, through carols and hymns, scriptures and sermon, will remind one and all of the hope that Christ’s birth brought to the world. Held at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Wednesday. Audubon United Methodist Church, 3908 N. Driscoll Blvd. Free. (509) 290-1992.

Christmas Eve Services – A traditional worship service with Christmas carols and a celebration of Christ’s birth through Scripture will be held at noon. Take a journey to the manger with Mary at a Family Candlelight service at 5 p.m. A Candlelight Communion service will be at 7 p.m., with Christmas music by the Chancel Choir. Holy Communion will be served. Wednesday. Zion Lutheran Church, 8304 E. Buckeye Ave. Free. (509) 926-5407.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Services – Family Service with goodie bags for every child, 5 p.m., and Candlelight and Communion Service, 9 p.m. Wednesday. Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 8441 N. Indian Trail Road. (509) 465-0779.

The City Gate Dinner – A Christmas Eve dinner and a gift for each person will be served. Wednesday, 4-7 p.m., City Gate, 170 S. Madison St. Free. (509) 455-9670.

Salvation Army Dinner – A Christmas Eve dinner will be served 5:30-6:30 p.m. in the Salvation Army Community Center. A Christmas Eve service following the dinner will be held in the Salvation Army Chapel at 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Wednesday, 5:30 p.m., Salvation Army of Spokane, 222 E. Indiana Ave. Free. (509) 325-6810.

Union Gospel Mission Dinner – A Christmas Eve Celebration dinner and program will be held on Christmas Eve. Doors open at 5:40 p.m. Dinner and program begins at 6 p.m. All are welcome. Wednesday, 6 p.m., Union Gospel Mission, 1224 E. Trent Ave. Free. (509) 535-8510.

“All Is Calm” Encore – In 1914, at the Western Front, out of the violence comes silence, then a song. A German soldier steps into No Man’s Land singing “Stille Nacht.” Thus begins an extraordinary night of camaraderie, music and peace. A remarkable, true experience, told in the words and songs of the men who lived it. Join Friends of the Bing and the Modern Theater Coeur d’Alene for this special encore performance, 100 years to the day of the Christmas Truce. Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., Bing Crosby Theater, 901 W. Sprague Ave. $15-$25. (509) 325-7320.

Christmas Day

St. Charles Catholic Church Dinner – The annual Christmas Dinner will be served on Christmas Day in the Parish Gym. All are welcome. Thursday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., St. Charles Catholic Church, 4515 N. Alberta St. Free. (509) 327-9573.

Mid-City Concerns/Senior Center Dinner – Christmas dinner will be served on Christmas Day at 11:30 a.m. for seniors and at noon for the general public. Everyone is welcome. Thursday. Mid City Concerns Meals on Wheels, 1222 W. Second Ave. Free. (509) 747-3257.

Friday

Spokane Christmas Church Walk and Carol Sing – The American Guild of Organists Spokane presents the Spokane Christmas Church Walk and Carol Sing. The group will begin at Central United Methodist Church, 318 W. Third Ave., and then move on to Westminster Congregational United Church of Christ, 411 S. Washington St., before ending at Central Lutheran Church, 518 S. Bernard St. Friday, 4 p.m., Central United Methodist Church, 518 W. Third Ave. (509) 838-1431.

New Year’s Eve

New Year’s Eve Cruises – New Year’s Eve Cruise, Dec. 31, 7:30-9:10 p.m., with boarding at 7 p.m., fireworks at 9 p.m. No-host bar, visit Santa at the North Pole; hot dogs, chips, candy and holiday treats for purchase, $20. Party Cruise, Dec. 31, 9:30 p.m.-12:15 a.m., with boarding at 9 p.m. DJ, dancing, Champagne toast, no-host bar, fireworks, $25. For ages 21 and older. Dessert Cruise, Dec. 31, 10:30 p.m.-12:15 a.m., with boarding at 10 p.m. Champagne toast, chef’s assorted desserts, no-host bar, fireworks, $35/adults, $20/children. Tickets at cdacruises.com or by phone. Coeur d’Alene Resort, board on the east side of resort, 115 S. Second St., Coeur d’Alene. (855) 956-1977.

New Year’s at Silver Mountain – Ski, board and tube under the lights until 6 p.m. (tubing until 7 p.m.) and warm up in Silver Rapids with a balloon drop, lazy river duck race and a family New Year’s celebration. Special buffet prime rib dinner followed by a family-friendly dance party. Also, 21-plus Champagne toast in Noah’s Canteen with karaoke/DJ. Silver Mountain Resort, 610 Bunker Ave., Kellogg. (866) 344-2675.

Kids Night Out – 14th annual event. Celebrate the new year with a family-friendly festival of arts and entertainment as part of First Night Spokane. Crafts, crown making, robotics, face painting, live performances and more takes place 3-6 p.m. at the Spokane Convention Center. Free parking and shuttle service with shuttles every 10 minutes from Riverpoint campus. Dec. 31. Spokane Convention Center, 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. Free. (509) 456-0580, Ext. 101.

Resolution Run – Runners and walkers make their way through the snow and ice downtown. Each runner/walker is given an opportunity to write a resolution that they carry with them throughout the course. As they cross the finish line, the runner/walker then throws the resolution in our commemorative fire pit as a symbolic gesture to the new year. No button necessary. Must sign waiver and release form. Dec. 31, 6:45 p.m., Riverfront Park, 507 N. Howard St. Free.

New Year’s Eve Contra Dance – Community dance, no partner needed, fun for all ages and everyone is welcome. Bring your favorite treat to share. Dec. 31, 7-10 p.m., Woman’s Club of Spokane, 1428 W. Ninth Ave. $12. (509) 747-2640.

Glad City New Year’s Party – Bring in 2015 with a dance party for all ages. Just like a club, but without the drinking and cussing. Perfect for young adults who love to dance, families and anyone who loves good, clean fun. Enjoy a live DJ, dance competitions, prizes, live performances and fun stuff to keep the kids busy (and awake). Dec. 31, 7 p.m., Millwood Presbyterian Church, Community Center, 3223 N. Marguerite Road, Spokane Valley. $5/general, free/ages 4 and younger, $20/family. (509) 348-0132.

Joya-E New Year’s Service – Ring in 2015 with the “Bell of the Last Night,” a cultural, spiritual Buddhist observance called Joya-E. Everyone who attends will participate in ringing the “calling bell” 108 times during the service, which symbolically rings out the 108 delusions of woman and man and rings in our aspiration to overcome ignorance, greed and anger in the coming year. There will be a 30- to 40-minute service. Dec. 31, 7 p.m., Spokane Buddhist Temple, 927 S. Perry St. Free. (509) 534-7954.

Spokane Symphony New Year’s Eve Special: Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony – Kick off New Year’s Eve with a one-hour musical celebration. More than 140 musicians of the Symphony & Chorale will take the stage to bring this global phenomenon to Spokane revelers. Eckart Preu brought this popular tradition with him from Germany. Now selling out every year, this concert inspires with the music’s themes of freedom and brotherhood. Dec. 31, 7:30 p.m., Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox, 1001 W. Sprague Ave. $23-$28/adults, $16/youth. (509) 624-1200.

Puttin’ on the Ritz – New Year’s Eve benefit for the Spokane Symphony. Evening of dancing to the sounds of the MasterClass Jazz Orchestra, with free dance lessons, hors d’oeuvres, a Champagne toast at midnight, celebratory gift bags and door prizes. Hosted by the Spokane Symphony Associates. Dec. 31-Jan. 1, 9 p.m., the Davenport Hotel, Grand Pennington Ballroom, 10 S. Post St. $85/gala, $23-$28/concert. (509) 624-1200.

The Fabulous Thunderbirds – Blues and rock legends perform at a special New Year’s Eve celebration. Party favors, a Champagne toast at midnight and a no-host bar. Ages 21 and older only. Doors open at 9 p.m. Dec. 31, 10:30 p.m., Northern Quest Resort & Casino, 100 N. Hayford Road, Airway Heights. $25. (509) 481-6700.