Culinary calendar

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, continues through Dec. 8, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; today through Friday, Macy’s Style Show and Luncheon, 11:30 a.m., Grand Pennington Ballroom, reservations required; Friday, 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; Saturday, 8-11 a.m., Santa Breakfast Buffet to benefit Mobius Kids, call 624-KIDS to RSVP; Saturday-Sunday, Symphony Classic series at the Fox; Dec. 8, 9:15 p.m. on the Mezzanine, Raffle drawing for trees. Runs through Dec. 8. The Davenport Hotel, 10 S. Post St. $1/raffle tickets for trees. (509) 458-TREE.

Dessert and Wine - Featuring wine from Barrister Winery and desserts from Bittersweet Bakery and Bistro. Thursday. 5-8 p.m., Cena, 12501 N. Highway 395, Suite 3. $5. (509) 328-3709.

Kinderhaven Festival of Trees-Sandpoint - Thursday, 4-7 p.m., family night and open house on public viewing of trees, wreaths and gift baskets, refreshments and Santa. Friday: Holiday luncheon and fashion show, noon-1:30 p.m.; Saturday: Gala Event, viewing of auction items with silent auction. 6 p.m., Sandpoint Business and Event Center, Euclid and Pine streets, Sandpoint. $35/luncheon, $75/gala. (208) 265-2236.

Tasteful Thursdays - Each Thursday, enjoy live cello music while sampling wine and cheese. The kitchen will offer baked goods, salads, treats and specials at the coffee bar. 5-7 p.m., Moscow Food Co-op, 121 E. Fifth St., Moscow. Free. (208) 882-8537.

“Bodacious Babes of Buzzard Bend” - A murder mystery dinner theater presented by the Southside Senior Activity and Community Center. Menu includes barbecued buzzard chicken breast, cowboy baked beans, corn on the cob, coleslaw, warm rolls with butter and cornmeal berry bread pudding. Friday. 5 p.m., Southside Senior Activity Center, 3151 E. 27th Ave. $12. (509) 535-0803.

Spokane Valley Meals on Wheels Holiday Ball - Festivities begin at 6 p.m. with a silent auction and social hour. Enjoy a delicious catered meal at 7, followed by a live auction with emcees Dave Cotton and George Maupin. Dancing to the oldies, rock and jazz played by the “Rhythm Method.” Tickets available at Spokane Valley Meals on Wheels Office. Friday. CenterPlace at Mirabeau, 2426 N. Discovery Place, Spokane Valley. $75. (509) 924-6976.

WSU Madrigal Dinner - Experience the music and theatrics of the WSU Madrigal Singers and their musical guests, the WSU Trumpet Ensemble. Catered by Memorable Events. Friday-Saturday. 6 p.m., St. James Episcopal Church, 1410 NE Stadium Way, Pullman. $48. (509) 325-SEAT.

Spaghetti and Elvis for Africa - Dinner proceeds benefit Poverty Relief Projects in Lome Togo, Africa. Sauce made by the Spokane Skills Center and spaghetti made by the Christian Outreach Group. Includes a presentation on the damage of AIDS in Africa. Saturday. 6 p.m. Redeemer Lutheran Church, 3606 S. Schaefer Road, Spokane Valley. $10. (509) 999-6090.

“Heaven’s Gift” A Dessert Theatre - Gourmet dessert/appetizer buffet followed by a dramatic presentation of the Christmas story, including music. Saturday. 6:30 p.m., Pasadena Park Nazarene Church, 8822 E. Upriver Drive. $5. (509) 926-5858.

Fourth Annual Santa’s Breakfast - Benefits Mobius Kids, in conjunction with Christmas Tree Elegance by Spokane Symphony Associates. Breakfast buffet, fun science shows, visit with Santa, and festive holiday crafts. Saturday. 8-11 a.m., The Davenport Hotel, Grand Pennington Ballroom, 10 S. Post St. $25. (509) 624-KIDS.

Breakfast with Santa and Craft Sale - Center Pointe is a nonprofit organization that provides programming for the disabled community of Spokane. Annual fundraiser providing pancakes, eggs, ham, fruit and juice. Santa will also be available for pictures. Craft show features items made by our participants and will also allow vendors and artisans to display and sell their wares. Breakfast from 9 a.m.-noon, sale from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday. 1408 N. Washington St. $5/adults, $4/children and seniors. (509) 325-5451.

Christmas Holiday Celebration - All-you-can-eat spaghetti dinner and entertainment by Rockin’ B Ranch, featuring the Panhandle Polecats and Redwing. Proceeds benefit the continued renovation of the historic school. Saturday. 4-8 p.m., Pleasantview School, 18724 W. Riverview Drive, Post Falls. $10/general, $2/age 9 and younger, $1/beverages. (208) 755-9802.

Breakfast with Santa - Santa will arrive about 10:30 a.m. Enjoy eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes and orange juice. Sponsored by the Elks Lodge. Sunday. 2605 N. Robie Road. $5. (509) 926-2328.

The Art of Holiday Etiquette and Dining for Children - For ages 7-12. Children enjoy a three-course meal while learning the tools of the table, dress and grooming, and presenting a toast. Sunday, 2:30-5:30 p.m., Max at Mirabeau, I-90 at Sullivan Road, Spokane Valley; or Dec. 9, 2:30-6:30 p.m., Davenport Hotel, Palm Court private dining room, 10 S. Post St. $59. (509) 209-6394.

Santa Buffet Breakfast – Sunday and Dec. 2-9, meet St. Nicholas, enjoy live music, special treat for children. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Madeleine’s, 707 W. Main Ave. $12/adults, $7/ages 3-12, free/age 2 and younger. Reservations requested. (509) 624-2253.

Camps for Kids Breakfast Benefit - Presented by Northeast Spokane Kiwanis with guest speaker Lucinda Kay, president of Let It Shine, an all encompassing communications company and former news anchor/reporter from KXLY. Holy Names Music Center with Steve Schaubel will provide Christmas entertainment. Camps for Kids has helped hundreds of children with limited resources attend camps of their choice. Dec. 7. 6:30-8:30 a.m., Spokane Club, 1002 W. Riverside Ave. $25/person, $250/table of eight. (509) 448-1822.

Crab Feed and Benefit Auction for Kids - 41st annual event with festivities at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 7, live auction follows. Dinner features fresh first catch Pacific Ocean crab, prepared by the culinary staff at The Commons. Presented by the Exchange Club Foundation of Downtown Spokane and benefiting three premier child abuse prevention agencies serving the region. Dec. 7. Mukogawa Fort Wright Commons, 4000 Randolph Road. $45.