Culinary calendar

Free Thanksgiving Dinner - Sponsored by Spokane Valley Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1435. Today. 4:30-6:30 p.m., 212 S. David Road. Free. 535-9315.

Free Thanksgiving Dinner in Bonners Ferry - Serving dinner from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday. 3-Mile Cafe, at U.S. Highway 95 and State Highway 2, north of Bonners Ferry, Idaho(208) 267-2541.

Free Thanksgiving Dinner in Coeur d’Alene - Center of Life Church will be serving dinner from noon-2 p.m. Thursday. Lake City Senior Center, 1916 Lakewood Drive, Coeur d’Alene. (208) 457-0153.

Free Thanksgiving Dinner in Post Falls - Serving dinner from 3-5 p.m. Thursday. St. George Catholic Church, 2010 N. Lucas St., in the church basement, Post Falls. Free. (208) 773-4715.

Free Thanksgiving Dinner in Smelterville - Serving dinner from 2-4:30 p.m. Thursday. Silver Valley Worship Center, 307 Main St., Smelterville. (208)263-6698.

Christmas Tree Elegance - Benefits the Spokane Symphony Orchestra. This year’s theme is The 12 Days of Christmas. Free viewing of 12 trees and gifts on the mezzanine at the Davenport Hotel, Friday-Dec. 3, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday, 5 p.m., tree lighting ceremony. Saturday, 8 a.m.-noon, Santa Breakfast Buffet to benefit Mobius Kids. Sunday, 12:30-5 p.m. and Monday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., free family entertainment days. Sunday , 6-7 p.m., “An Evening with Eckart,” $10. Monday, 12:30-3 p.m., “Red Hat” tea, $18. Tuesday, 7-10 p.m., “Dancin’ By the Day” with music by Serenade (Stage Coach West), $10. Next Wednesday-Dec. 2, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Holiday luncheons and fashion shows, $40/person, Thursday/Friday sold out. Dec. 3, 6 p.m.-midnight, Gala Dinner Dance, champagne reception, gourmet dinner with fine wines, dance music by Tuxedo Junction Big Band, $125/person. 10 N. Post St. $1/raffle tickets for trees. 458-TREE.

Small Production Washington Wines - Holiday Edition - Something fun to bring the relatives who are still in town. Friday. 7 p.m., Rocket Market, 726 E. 43rd Ave. $22. 343-2253.

14th Annual Madrigal Dinner - Dec. 2-3. Includes a four-course dinner with beverages and an evening of music and entertainment. Come in Renaissance costume or in modern dress. Dec. 2-3. 6 p.m., Washington State University, Compton Union Building’s Carey Ballroom, Pullman. $39. 335-9444.

Annual Cheese Extravaganza - Hosted by Huckleberry’s Natural Market. Over a dozen cheese experts on hand to answer questions, give you recipes, and let you sample cheeses. Dec. 3. 8 a.m.-8 p.m., 926 S. Monroe St. 624-1349.

Breakfast with Santa at CV High School - Presented by Spokane Valley Rotary Club; sponsored by Snyders and Tidyman’s. Enjoy children’s games, activities, goody bags, face painting, balloon clowns, crafts and visit with Santa, Spokane Chiefs mascot Boomer, IHOP mascot, Red Robin, and Old Country Buffet’s Bee. Dec. 3. 8:30-10:30 a.m., Central Valley High School, 821 S. Sullivan Road. $3.50. 892-6373.

Breakfast with Santa at Elks Lodge - Sponsored by the Elks Lodge. Dec. 4. 9-11 a.m., 2605 N. Robie Road. $5. 926-2328.

Compass Club luncheon - The women’s club for welcoming newcomers to the area will host a holiday music performance. Reservations are required. Dec. 4. 11 a.m., Spokane Club, 1002 W. Riverside. $19. 465-8163.