Things to do

Comedian Billy Gardell - Actor and comedian best known for his portrayal of Mike on the CBS hit television series “Mike and Molly.” He’s been a standup comedian since 1987, and has opened for such well-known comedians as George Carlin and Dennis Miller. Age 18 and older. Thursday, 7:30 p.m., Northern Quest Resort & Casino, Pend Oreille Pavilion, 100 N. Hayford Road, Airway Heights. $40-$60. (509) 481-6700.

“Journey to the North Pole” Cruises - The 40-minute cruise departs nightly through Jan. 1 at 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. from the Boardwalk Marina with boarding 15 to 30 minutes prior to cruise. Includes a visit to the North Pole, greetings from Santa and Mrs. Claus and lighting of the “world’s tallest living Christmas tree.” Reservations required. Boardwalk Marina on Lake Coeur d’Alene near Resort, 115 S. Second St., Coeur d’Alene. $18.75/adults, $17.75/seniors age 55 and older, free/age 12 and younger. (208) 664-7628 or (800) 688-5253.

Cool Yule - An all-ages, musical holiday show presented by Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre. Shows today and Saturday, Dec. 27-29 and 31 at 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 23 and 30 at 3 p.m. There will also be an 11 p.m. performance on Dec. 31. For tickets or more information, visit www.cdasummertheatre.com. Coeur d’Alene Resort, The Shore Room, 115 S. Second St., Coeur d’Alene. $25 plus tax. (208) 769-7780.

“Traditions of Christmas” at the Kroc Center – Through Dec. 29. Musical journey of various Christmas traditions presented by Laura Little Theatrical Productions. For show times, visit www.traditionsof christmasnw.com. Salvation Army Kroc Center, 1756 Golf Course Road, Coeur d’Alene. $32/adults, $26/seniors ages 62 and older, $15/age 12 and younger. No babes in arms, please. (208) 391-2867.

Santa Express Holiday Store - A holiday retail store for children and a fundraiser for Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery. With the help of Santa’s elves (volunteers), young shoppers between the ages of 4 and 12 choose gifts for everyone on their list and wrap each gift so it is ready to go under the tree. All gifts are priced from 50 cents to $8. Open through Sunday. Hours: Today and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Crescent Building, 707 W. Main Ave., Skywalk Level. Free admission. (509) 220-5907.

“This is What Christmas Sounds Like” - Annual holiday performance by Clarion Brass. Clarion is a brass choir comprised of 12 brass players and a percussionist who explore the versatility of this instrumental combination by performing everything from serious chamber works to jazz and popular music. 7:30 p.m. today. St. John’s Cathedral, 127 E. 12th Ave. $18/adults, $16/seniors and students. (800) 325-SEAT.

“It’s a Wonderful Life” - Interplayers presents this family classic as a live radio play, written by Joe Landry and directed by Jeffrey Sanders. Shows today and Saturday, Dec. 26-29 at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday and Dec. 30 at 2 p.m. Interplayers Theatre, 174 S. Howard St. $28/adult, $22/senior and military, $15/student. (509) 455-7529 or (800) 325-SEAT.

“Irving Berlin’s White Christmas” – A holiday musical presented by Spokane Civic Theatre. Final show today, 7:30 p.m., Spokane Civic Theatre, Main Stage, 1020 N. Howard St. $33/adults, $31/senior and military, $26/students. (509) 325-2507 or (800) 325-SEAT.

Holiday Sing Along With Mudgy and Santa - Children’s author Susan Nipp, creator of the “Mudgy & Millie” book and the nationally known “Wee Sing” series, will lead the children in singing some holiday favorites. Mudgy and Millie will be on hand along with Santa Claus and they will be available after the music for informal photos. Nipp and sculptor Terry Lee, who created the bronze statues along the Mudgy Trail, will also sign copies of “Mudgy & Millie.” Saturday, 1 p.m., Coeur d’Alene Library, 702 E. Front Ave., Coeur d’Alene. (208) 769-2380.

StoryTelling Company - Annual Christmas show features a reading of “Caleb’s Miracle,” a Christmas story of the Old West. The StoryTelling Company features true and not-so-true tales of the West – and the rest of the planet – and always PG rated. Music provided by Hekel and Jekel featuring bluegrass, gospel and carols. Dinner available at 5 p.m., show starts at 6 p.m. Reservations requested. Sunday, Di Luna’s Cafe, 207 Cedar St., Sandpoint. $10/general, $6/age 11 and younger, plus dinner and beverages. (208) 263-0211.