The holidays are a magical time of year in Coeur d’Alene. From festive events and family activities to opportunities for giving back, there are so many ways to celebrate and connect with our community. Whether you’re a local or a visitor discovering our lakeside town, here are some special ways to enjoy the season.
Events & Activities
Downtown Coeur d’Alene shines this time of year, offering a mix of nostalgic charm and lively celebration. Streets are filled with lights, music, and laughter as the whole community comes together to embrace the spirit of the holidays.
Sip and shop your way through Wine for the Holidays, on November 8th from 1-6pm, a downtown favorite where participating shops host wineries pouring regional varietals. Guests can browse boutiques, enjoy special shopping promotions, and discover festive surprises along the way. Our Sotheby’s International Realty Coeur d’Alene office is joining the fun this year with a special Santa Lounge! Stop in to meet our “Dashing Santa,” strike a pose at our decorated holiday backdrop, and snap a cell-phone photo to capture the moment. It’s a cheerful stop you won’t want to miss during your stroll through downtown.
cdadowntown.com
One of the most treasured traditions of the season is the Lighting Ceremony Parade, on November 28th at 5pm. Crowds gather along Sherman Avenue as floats, marching bands, and performers celebrate the start of the holidays. At dusk, the downtown waterfront bursts into brilliance as more than a million lights illuminate the Coeur d’Alene Resort and lakefront, officially kicking off the holiday season.
cdadowntown.com
Families can join the Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt, a playful downtown adventure where children search for hidden elves in store windows, earning stamps and small prizes along the way. It’s a wonderful way to explore local shops while making memories together.
cdadowntown.com
For a classic evening of entertainment, enjoy the Coeur d’Alene Resort’s Let It Snow Christmas Show, a lively production filled with music, dance, and holiday joy. Gather family or friends and take in a performance that celebrates the wonder of the season.
cdaresort.com/christmas-show
Outdoors, CDA on Ice transforms McEuen Park into a sparkling destination for skaters of all ages. Glide across the rink under cool night skies, sip hot cocoa, and enjoy beautiful lake views framed by downtown’s lights.
cdaonice.com
The 37th Annual Festival of Trees at the Coeur d’Alene Resort, from November 28-29, is a long-running tradition that showcases beautifully-decorated trees and immersive holiday displays.
cdaresort.com
Young creators can join Pilgrim’s Market’s Clay Snowmen Class on November 22 from 11 a.m. to noon, taught by Christine Carothers. Kids will make their own keepsake snowmen from air-dry clay. This free event fills up fast – RSVP by emailing events@pilgrimsmarket.com.
pilgrimsmarket.com
Restaurants & Holiday Giving
The Dockside Restaurant at The Coeur d’Alene Resort hosts a Thanksgiving Buffet with traditional favorites and scenic lakeside views.
cdaresort.com
Tito’s Italian Grill offers cozy seasonal dishes and a relaxed downtown atmosphere, perfect for sharing a meal with friends and family.
titoscda.com
The Burger Dock will serve a Free Community Thanksgiving Meal on November 26 from 4-6 p.m., featuring burgers, sweet potato fries, and pumpkin pie milkshakes for dine-in guests.
theburgerdock.com
Holiday magic is easy to find in Coeur d’Alene – whether you’re hanging out downtown, snapping a selfie with Santa, or helping out your neighbors.
Giving Back & Community Support
Bestowing the Basics and The Country Boy Cafe host a free community dinner on November 14 from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. at 6160 E. Hwy 54 in Athol.
bestowingthebasics.org
Hospice of North Idaho invites new volunteers at their November 5 orientation to learn about opportunities in caregiving, outreach, and support.
hospiceofnorthidaho.org
On November 13, stop by North Idaho Arms for “Coffee with Sheriff Bob Norris.” Bring food donations for the 3rd Avenue Market Place Food Bank and enjoy coffee with the sheriff’s office team.
postfalls.gov
Through November 21, St. Vincent de Paul’s Coats4Kids program provides free coats for children at 201 E. Harrison Ave., Coeur d’Alene.
stvincentdepaulnorthidaho.org
Ongoing Ways To Give
City Thrift – Donate or shop to support the Wishing Star Foundation, granting wishes for children with serious medical conditions.
citythriftshop.com
Companions Animal Center – Donate funds or thrift items to help care for and rehome pets.
companionsanimalcenter.org
TESH – Provide school supplies to support life and job skill programs for individuals with disabilities.
teshinc.com
Union Gospel Mission Center for Women & Children – Donate clothing, home goods, or toiletries to help families in need.
uniongospelmission.org
Toys for Tots – Bring new, unwrapped toys to the Kootenai County Fairgrounds from Nov 21 – Dec 31 to spread holiday cheer.
toysfortots.org