Holiday Events

Thu., Nov. 23, 2006

The Spokesman-Review

Even while all that Thanksgiving turkey is still digesting, the Christmas season kicks into high gear beginning Friday.

Here are some highlights of the holiday events to look for starting this weekend.

Spokane

Christmas Tree Elegance - Free viewing of 12 trees and gifts on the Davenport Hotel mezzanine, Friday-Dec. 2, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; $1/raffle tickets for trees. Friday, 5 p.m., tree-lighting ceremony, free; Saturday, 8-11 a.m., Santa Breakfast Buffet to benefit Mobius Kids, $25, call (509) 624-KIDS to RSVP; Sunday, 6-7 p.m., “An Evening with Eckart and Friends” in Isabella Ballroom, $10; Monday, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., “Red Hat” Tea, Grand Pennington Ballroom, $20, reservations required at (509) 789-6834; Wednesday, 7-10 p.m., “Dancin’ at the Dav” with music by Night Bloomin’ Jazz Men, Marie Antoinette Room, $10 at the door; Tuesday through Dec. 1, holiday luncheons and Macy’s style shows, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Grand Pennington Ballroom, $40, reservations required at (509) 458-8733; Dec. 2, Gala Dinner Dance, champagne reception, gourmet dinner with fine wines, dance music by Stage Coach West, 6 p.m.-midnight, Grand Pennington Ballroom, $125/person, black tie optional. Proceeds benefit the Spokane Symphony Orchestra. The Davenport Hotel, 10 S. Post St. (509) 458-TREE

Campbell House Holidays - Wintertime fun in the historic Campbell House, decorated for the holidays. Enjoy the scent of cookies baking in the oven, historic cooking demonstrations, children’s activities, piano music by local music students and storytelling. Friday through Sunday and Dec. 16-Jan. 1, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. (closed Mondays and holidays). Reading of “The Night Before Christmas” at 1 and 3 p.m. Friday through Sunday and again Dec. 16-17 and 19-23, and at 1 p.m. on Dec. 24. Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture, 2316 W. First Ave. $7/adults, $5/seniors and students, free/ages 5 and younger. (509) 456-3931

Horse and Carriage Rides - Enjoy the sparkling lights and the animated holiday windows downtown. Riders receive free candy canes and coupons for coffee or hot chocolate specials at participating downtown coffeehouses. Through Dec. 24, Fridays, 3-8 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays, noon-5 p.m.; Christmas Eve, noon-3 p.m. Corner of Main Avenue and Wall Street. Free. (509) 456-0580

“Nutcracker!” - Musical play presented by the Spokane Children’s Theatre, with dancing toys, treacherous mice and a sword fight. Friday, 4 p.m.; Saturday, 1 p.m.; Dec. 2 and 9, 1 and 4 p.m.; Dec. 10, 7 p.m.; Dec. 16, 10 a.m., 1 and 4 p.m. Spokane Civic Theatre, 1020 N. Howard St. $8/adults, $6/ages 18 and younger. (509) 325-SEAT

Christmas Stocking Craft Project - Make your stocking to hang by the tree. Saturday, 11 a.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, second floor conference room, 402 W. Main Ave. (509) 838-0206

Community Tree Lighting Ceremony – Celebrating the Community Holiday Tree turning 30 years old, followed by a fireworks ceremony, Saturday, 4:30 p.m. in Riverfront Park. Enjoy free carriage rides and hot chocolate, listen to strolling carolers and live music provided by KISC 98.1. Free. (509) 625-6740

Coeur d’Alene

Tree-Lighting Ceremony - Parade through downtown Coeur d’Alene at 5 p.m., followed by tree lighting at 6 and fireworks, Friday, downtown Coeur d’Alene. Free. (800) 688-5253

Lighting Ceremony Fireworks Lake Cruise - Opening night of the Coeur d’Alene Resort’s “Journey to the North Pole” aboard one of the Lake Coeur d’Alene cruise boats for a trip across the water to visit Santa and Mrs. Claus at the North Pole Workshop. Friday, 5 p.m., east side of the Boardwalk Marina. Tickets must be purchased in advance. $23.75/adults, $13.75/ages 6-12, free/ages 5 and younger. (877) 765-4653

Journey to the North Pole - Take a 40-minute lake cruise to the North Pole and view holiday displays along the water including the North Pole Toy Workshop and a visit with Santa, daily starting Saturday through Dec. 31. Boat leaves daily at 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. Boarding 30 minutes prior to departure. The Coeur d’Alene Resort, east side of the Boardwalk Marina, Coeur d’Alene. Tickets must be purchased in advance. $13.75/adults, $12.75/seniors, free/ages 10 and younger. (877) 765-4653

Festival of Trees - Sponsored by the Kootenai Medical Center Foundation to benefit expanded cancer services in the region. Friday, 5-9 p.m., “Friday d’Lights” sponsored by Kootenai Medical Center Auxiliary, first chance to see the trees, the Coeur d’Alene Downtown Association’s parade and lighting ceremony; $2; Saturday, 9:30-11:30 a.m., senior social includes tree viewing, light brunch and entertainment, $15, reservations required; Sunday, Family Day features tree viewing and entertainment, $2/at the door; 11 a.m.-5 p.m., children’s workshop features Christmas crafts and face painting; Monday, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., holiday fashion shows with a luncheon, and 6-8:30 p.m., dinner show, reservations required. The Coeur d’Alene Resort, Coeur d’Alene. (208) 666-TREE

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