Family calendar

Ongoing

Riverfront Park Ice Palace - Mondays-Thursdays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and 7-8:30 p.m.; Fridays, Saturdays and nights before school holidays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and 7-10 p.m.; Sundays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Runs through March 3. Riverfront Park. $4.25/adults and teens; $3.25/children, seniors and military; $2.75/skate rental, $34.99, plus tax for season pass. 625-6600.

Santa Express - For ages 4-12. Kids can find fun, inexpensive gifts with the help of volunteer elves who also will help them wrap the gifts. Prices range from 50 cents to $8. Money raised is donated to the Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery. Mondays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sundays, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Runs through Dec. 23. Crescent Building in the skywalk level, just east of Spokane Teachers Credit Union, downtown Spokane. 535-3155.

Campbell House Holidays - Visitors can tour the historic house on their own, listen to student pianists live, watch historic cooking demonstrations in the kitchen, and check out the special display of vintage wintertime clothing and artifacts from the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture collections. Sponsored by Jaguar, Land Rover, Volvo Spokane and DEX Inc. Friday through Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., continues Dec. 22-23, 26-30 and Jan. 1. Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture, 2316 W. First Ave. Museum admission: $7/adults, $5/seniors (62 years of age and older), students (valid school ID required for students over 18), free/age 5 and younger. 456-3931.

Horse and Carriage Rides - Rides through downtown Spokane to view lights and holiday decorations. Sponsored by Spokane Teachers Credit Union and Downtown Business Improvement District. Fridays, 3-8 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays, noon-5 p.m.; last day is Dec. 24, noon-3 p.m. Corner of Main Avenue at Wall Street. Free. 344-2231.

Christmas Tree Elegance - Benefits the Spokane Symphony Orchestra. Presented by the Spokane Symphony Associates. Free viewing of 12 trees and gifts on The Davenport Mezzanine, Friday through Dec. 8, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday, 5 p.m., tree lighting ceremony in the lobby, free; Sunday, 6-7 p.m.: “An Evening with Eckart and Friends,” Isabella Ballroom, $10/door; Monday, Red Hat Luncheon, reservations required at 789-6863; Tuesday through Tuesday-Nov. 30, Macy’s Style Show and Luncheon, 11:30 a.m., Grand Pennington Ballroom, reservations required; Nov. 30, Gala Dinner Dance, champagne reception at 6 p.m., gourmet dinner with fine wines at 8 p.m., dance music by Stagecoach West, black tie optional, Grand Pennington Ballroom, reservations required; Dec. 1, 8-11 a.m., Santa Breakfast Buffet to benefit Mobius Kids, call 624-KIDS to RSVP; Dec. 1-2, Symphony Classic series at the Fox; Dec. 8, 9:15 p.m. on the Mezzanine, Raffle drawing for trees. The Davenport Hotel, 10 S. Post St. $1/raffle tickets for trees. 458-TREE.

South Pole Skating Village - Coeur d’Alene - Ice skating Monday-Thursday, sessions held 3 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Friday-Sunday, sessions are noon, 1:30, 3, 4:30, 6, 7:30 and 9 p.m. Sessions are 1 hour and 15 minutes each. Open through Jan. 6. outside the Coeur d’Alene Resort near the clock tower, Coeur d’Alene. $8/adults, $4/ages 12 and younger, $3/skate rental. (877) 765-4653.

“Journey to the North Pole” Holiday Lights Cruises - 40-minute lake cruise to see holiday lights and visit Santa’s North Pole Toy Workshop. Reservations required. Boat leaves daily at 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. (boards 30 minutes prior to departure). Runs through Dec. 31. The Coeur d’Alene Resort, east side of the Boardwalk Marina, Coeur d’Alene. $14.75/adults, $13.75/seniors, free/ages 12 and younger (maximum of two children per adult). (877) 765-4653.

Today

Turkey Trot Fun Run - 2-, 3- or 5-mile runs, sponsored by Bloomsday Road Runners Club, 8 a.m. registration, 9 a.m. start. No pets or strollers on the course. Manito Park at the Duck Pond. Entry fee is donation of cash or food accepted for the Spokane Second Harvest Food Bank. 924-3293.

Friday

“The Velveteen Rabbit” - Musical of Margery William’s story of love and friendship. Presented by Spokane Children’s Theatre. Today at 4 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 1 and 8 at 1 and 4 p.m.; Dec. 9 at 7 p.m.; Dec. 15 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. The Dec. 15 performances will be signed for the hearing impaired. Spokane Civic Theatre, 1020 N. Howard St. $8-$10. 325-SEAT.

“Toy Shelf” - Miss Ellen and her schoolchildren make their annual visit to Monsieur Marionette’s magical toy shop and see what fun new toys he has created. Presented by Ballet Spokane. Performances today-Saturday at 7 p.m. and matinees Saturday-Sunday at 2 p.m. Bing Crosby Theater, 901 W. Sprague Ave. $8/adults, $7/seniors and children. 325-SEAT.

Cougar Basketball Hispanic College Fund Challenge - Friday: Mississippi Valley State vs. Air Force at 5 p.m.; WSU vs. Montana at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday: WSU vs. Mississippi Valley State, noon; Air Force vs. Montana, 2:30 p.m.; Sunday, Montana vs. Mississippi Valley State at noon; WSU vs. Air Force at 2:30 p.m. Spokane Arena, 720 W. Mallon Ave. $45-$150, includes all six games; single tickets $20-$30. 325-SEAT.

Saturday

“The Velveteen Rabbit” - Musical of Margery William’s story of love and friendship. Presented by Spokane Children’s Theatre. today, Dec. 1 and 8 at 1 and 4 p.m.; Dec. 9 at 7 p.m.; Dec. 15 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. The Dec. 15 performances will be signed for the hearing impaired. Runs through Saturday. Spokane Civic Theatre, 1020 N. Howard St. $8-$10. 325-SEAT.

“Toy Shelf” - Miss Ellen and her schoolchildren make their annual visit to Monsieur Marionette’s magical toy shop and see what fun new toys he has created. Presented by Ballet Spokane. Performances today at 2 and 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Bing Crosby Theater, 901 W. Sprague Ave. $8/adults, $7/seniors and children. 325-SEAT.

Book Signing with Michele Moran - Local author, Michele Moran, will sign copies of her new book, “Nana’s Secret Christmas Room.” 1 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, Main Floor, 402 W. Main Ave. Free. 838-0206.

Cougar Basketball Hispanic College Fund Challenge - Saturday: WSU vs. Mississippi Valley State, noon; Air Force vs. Montana, 2:30 p.m.; Sunday, Montana vs. Mississippi Valley State at noon; WSU vs. Air Force at 2:30 p.m. Spokane Arena, 720 W. Mallon Ave. $20-$30. 325-SEAT.

Dachshund Training Day - Bring your dogs on a leash and some potluck munchies. All small breeds or mixes are welcome for training of dogs in manners. Also, meet some homeless wiener rescues from Dachshund Rescue Northwest. This event is sponsored by the Dachshund Club of Spokane, to benefit the dog rescue which saves around 45 wiener dogs each year and have been rescuing dogs since 1991. Lilac City Dog Training Club, 1612 E. Houston Ave. $5 donation per attending dog. 796-2140.

Silver Mountain Village Lighting Ceremony - An old fashioned lighting ceremony in the center of our alpine village. Santa will arrive, and visit with the children. Free hot chocolate and cookies, along with carols to usher in the holiday season. 5-7:30 p.m., Silver Mountain Resort, Kellogg. Free. 783-1111.

Storytime at Barnes & Noble - Meet special guest Biscuit the Dog for storytime. 11 a.m., 15310 E. Indiana Ave. Free. 922-4104.

Sunday

“Toy Shelf” - Miss Ellen and her schoolchildren make their annual visit to Monsieur Marionette’s magical toy shop and see what fun new toys he has created. Presented by Ballet Spokane. Performance today at 2 p.m. Bing Crosby Theater, 901 W. Sprague Ave. $8/adults, $7/seniors and children. 325-SEAT.

Cougar Basketball Hispanic College Fund Challenge - Today, Montana vs. Mississippi Valley State at noon; WSU vs. Air Force at 2:30 p.m. Spokane Arena, 720 W. Mallon Ave. $20-$30. 325-SEAT.

Baby Lapsit - Enjoy nursery rhymes, songs, and stories. For children up to 18 months. 10:30 a.m., North Spokane Library, 44 E. Hawthorne Road. Free. 893-8350.

Toddler Storytime - For ages 18 months-3 years. 10:30 a.m., Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Free. 893-8400.

Tuesday

Family Story Evening - All ages are welcome. Children are encouraged to wear pajamas and bring their favorite blanket or stuffed toy. 7 p.m., North Spokane Library, 44 E. Hawthorne Road, 893-8350; Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave., 893-8400. Free.

Pet Nights with Santa at NorthTown Mall - Visit Santa on Tuesdays, through Dec. 11. Please bring pets through the employee entrance between Sears and Steve & Barry’s. 6-8 p.m., NorthTown Mall, Division Street at Wellesley Avenue, in front of Sears on the main level. 482-0209.

Preschool Storytime - For ages 3-5. Runs through Wednesday. 10:30 a.m., Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Free. 893-8400.

Storytime - For children 2-5 years of age. 10:30 a.m., Fairfield Library, 305 E. Main St., Fairfield. Free. 893-8320.

Wednesday

“Cooking Up a Story” Class - Presented by the Northeast Youth Center. Children 4-5 years of age will learn about counting and measuring through stories and various hands-on cooking activities. Class held every Wednesday for four weeks. 10-11 a.m., Hillyard Baptist Church, 2121 E. Wabash Ave. $7 per session or $20 for all four sessions. 482-0708.

“Disney on Ice: Princess Wishes” - Performances Wednesday through Dec. 1 at 7:30 p.m., matinees Dec. 1 at 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. and Dec. 2 at 1 and 5 p.m. Spokane Arena, 720 W. Mallon Ave. $16-42. 325-SEAT.

Preschool Storytime - For ages 3-5. 10:30 a.m., Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave., 893-8400; 11 a.m., Cheney Library, 610 First St., 893-8280; Deer Park Library, 208 S. Forest Ave., Deer Park, 893-8476; North Spokane Library, 44 E. Hawthorne Road, 893-8350.

Storytime - For ages 2-5. 10 a.m., Medical Lake Library, 321 E. Herb St., Medical Lake, 893-8330; 10:30 a.m., Argonne Library, 4322 N. Argonne Road, 893-8260.

Storytime at Barnes & Noble - Reading of “The Busy Little Squirrel” by award-winning author Nancy Tafuri, followed by a craft and treat. 2 p.m., 15310 E. Indiana Ave. Free. 922-4104.

Toddler Storytime (Deer Park) - For ages 18 months-3 years. 10 a.m., Deer Park Library, 208 S. Forest Ave., Deer Park. Free. 893-8476; North Spokane Library, 44 E. Hawthorne Road, 893-8350. Free.

Send information about events at least two weeks in advance by e-mail to features@spokesman.com; by fax to 459-5098; by mail to Family, Features Department, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210; or submit online at www.spokane7.com/events/submit.