Ho! Ho! Ho! Journey to the North Pole sets sail on Lake Coeur d’Alene

For the 33rd holiday season, the quickest trip to the North Pole is along the Lake Coeur d’Alene route. Boatloads of passengers – including plenty of excited children – sail from Coeur d’Alene Resort. After a send-off from the Grinch, the passengers motor around the boardwalk to view the award-winning festive light displays on the boardwalk.

Soon the boat changes course and heads off in search of Santa’s workshop, his souped-up sleigh and the world’s largest floating Christmas tree. Once there, floating on the waters of Casco Bay, Santa reads the names of every child on this year’s good list.

After a fireworks show and more holiday lights, it’s time to sail back to the resort. It’s a breezy, 40-minute trek (and depending on the weather, really breezy and cold) that’s become a beloved holiday tradition.

And it’s a tradition that is steeped in familiarity. But one thing will be different this year as families board the Lake Coeur d’Alene Cruises boats the holiday season: the boats themselves.

The fleet has undergone a badly needed refreshing since last year. Sad flooring has been replaced by new woodgrain plank porcelain tile. The walls are now clad in new oak and woodgrain paneling. The bathrooms were upgraded. The bar, too, with new granite counters and upholstered bar fronts. There’s a new LED lighting and soundsystem, as well.

The exterior also got some love with new paint and faux teak flooring. The cruises run daily through Jan. 1. Sail before Thanksgiving and receive 25% off tickets. The Lighting Ceremony Fireworks Cruise on Friday is sold out. For details, visit cdacruises.com.