Got visitors? Here's a sleigh full of holiday activities

It’s no secret that North Idaho knows how to celebrate the Christmas season: Light displays, a plethora of festive musical performances and theatrical productions, and literally ALL the snowy, outdoor activities known to civilization.

Whether you need some things to do with visiting family and friends, or you need something to do to get away from certain family members, our community is loaded with options. Hang onto this guide until Jan. 2, just in case everyone in the house gets tired of that umpteenth screening of “A Christmas Story.”

Journey to the North Pole holiday light cruises

See more than 1.5 million twinkling holiday lights and visit Santa Claus at his waterfront toy workshop at the North Pole. Santa will also provide a personal status update to local children concerning the Naughty and Nice lists (okay; maybe not the naughty).

Boarding for the 40-minute cruise takes place at The Resort Plaza Shops. Peak reservations advised and families are encouraged to arrive 40 minutes prior to departure time. Cruises depart nightly through Jan. 1 at 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $22.25 for adults, $21.25 for seniors 55 and older and $7.50 for children ages 6-12. Add a dollar to each price point for cruises Friday-Sunday. Children ages 5 and under are free.

Go to CdaResort.com for tickets and more information.

Christmas light self-guided tours

Even if you don’t take the holiday light cruise at the Resort, you can check out all the decorations around the Resort Boardwalk, with most viewable from Independence Point and the boat launch area of McEuen Park.

A 50,000-light display dons the entrance of Sun Tree RV Park in Post Falls. Take the Pleasant View exit from I-90, then turn east on 5th Ave. The display is synched to 101.5 FM radio.

Head just across the state line to Liberty Lake for the Winter Glow Spectacular at Orchard Park. The massive collection of holiday light displays is walkable, or you can view the perimeter by car. Every evening through Jan. 2. Orchard Park is located at 20298 E. Indiana Ave. in Liberty Lake.

Catch the final weekend of Ellen Travolta’s ‘Christmas Miracles’ show

An original holiday theatre production capturing the spirit of the Christmas season. Directed by Troy Nickerson and featuring Ellen and Margaret Travolta, Molly Allen, and Abbey Crawford, with musical talents Jennifer Twitchell, Eugene Jablonsky and Scott Martinez.

Final shows: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21 and 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 22 at The Coeur d’Alene Resort Admission Tickets: $27.50. Not recommended for ages 8 & under. Visit CdAResort.com for more info.

Wintertime stroll along Lake Coeur d’Alene

Snow or shine, head out to McEuen Park at the Tubbs Hill entrance for a picturesque winter-time stroll. Another good option is any stretch of the Centennial Trail along Coeur d’Alene Lake Drive. Whether it’s white stuff on the ground or just brown and green, you just can’t beat these waterfront views.

See the conclusion of the Skywalker saga

Chances are you probably know about the release of “Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker,” the final entry in the new trilogy of “Star Wars” films that started with “The Force Awakens” and continued with “The Last Jedi.” You’ll probably need to purchase tickets in advance. Just remember the holiday spirit and avoid spoiling the end to friends and family who haven’t secured tickets yet.

Other holiday movie releases at Regal Riverstone 14:

The musical “Cats,” starring those super creepy CGI felines with movie star faces.

“Bombshell” - Charlize Theron as Megyn Kelly vs. John Lithgow as Roger Ailes at Fox News. Relive the widely-reported story from a whole three years ago!

“Little Women” - Director Greta Gerwig (“Lady Bird”) adapts the Louisa May Alcott classic with Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson and Meryl Streep. Opens on Christmas Day.

Looking to save a little money?

Check out the offerings at the Hayden Discount Cinema. Tickets are just $3 every day and the popcorn is awesome. HDCMovies.com for showtimes.

Hit the slopes, maybe even with Santa

Ski with Santa 1-4 p.m. Monday, Dec. 23 at Schweitzer Mountain Resort. Santa also leads a Christmas Balloon Parade beginning at noon at the village at Schweitzer. Go to Schweitzer.com for more information on other events at the ski resort, which is located just outside of Sandpoint.

You can also ski throughout your holiday break at Schweitzer, at Silver Mountain in Kellogg (SilverMT.com) and Lookout Pass near Wallace (SkiLookout.com). At Silver Mountain, you can also warm up and play at their resort’s indoor water park.

Music and more non-alcoholic fun

Want to share a talent or cheer on other creative types in the community? Need a non-alcoholic New Year’s Eve option? Head down to Calypso’s Coffee Roasters in downtown Coeur d’Alene every Monday night for open mic performances by singers, musicians, poets, comedians and more. Open mic sign-ups begin at 5:30 p.m. with performances starting at 6 p.m. They’ve also got pretty good coffee and chais. 116 E. Lakeside Ave. in Coeur d’Alene.

Skating - wheels or blades

The Frontier Ice Arena in Coeur d’Alene offers extended public skate times through the holidays. Public sessions are 12-5:30 p.m. Dec. 22 through Jan. 2. Christmas Eve hours are 12-3 p.m. and the ice arena is closed on Christmas Day. Admission: $7. Skate rental: $2, with groups of five or more earning free skate rentals. Located at 3525 W. Seltice Way. More info: FrontierIceArena.org

Those who prefer wheels can also head to the Skate Plaza Roller Rink at 5685 N. Pioneer Dr. in Coeur d’Alene. They’ve got special holiday-break hours as well. Go to the website for events, attractions, schedule and pricing. Lots of different options here. CdASkate.com

Have a snowy adventure at Farragut State Park (you can go even if it doesn’t snow much)

Located on the southern tip of Lake Pend Oreille near Athol, Farragut State Park offers outdoorsmen-and-women a day full of quintessential North Idaho activities. If there’s enough snow, that includes expansive areas to cross-country ski, sled and snowshoe. Check conditions and amenities Parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/parks/farragut or their Facebook page.

Need some equipment? Check out the Ski Shack in Hayden, a local hub for snow-based fun since 1976. Rent gear and equipment for the day or longer, or just buy some quality stuff you can use beyond this holiday season. Located at 9437 N. Government Way in Hayden. SkiShackHayden.com

Saying goodbye to 2019

Ring in the New Year by partying at the Coeur d’Alene Resort, Coeur d’Alene Inn, or a whole lot of other places around town, including, probably, your Uncle Phil’s house. Just don’t drink his moonshine. Also, if you’re not staying at your destination that evening, make plans for an Uber or Lyft.

New Year’s Celebration at the Coeur d’Alene Resort

Two fireworks shows, with child-friendly events until 9 p.m. The Champagne After-Party begins at 9 p.m. with a live DJ and music from Mojo the Party Band. Tickets and more info: CdaResort.com/play/events/new_years

New Year’s Eve at the Inn - More info: CdAInn.com

Looking for something a little different?

Say hello to 2020 with a spectacular rendition of Beethoven’s Ninth, presented by the Spokane Symphony Orchestra. The symphony, led by conductor Morihiko Nakahara, and joined by the Spokane Symphony Chorale, performs at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 31 at at the Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox, 1001 W. Sprague Ave. in Spokane. Go to FoxTheaterSpokane.org for ticket availability and more information for both events.

Work it off a little for a good cause - Hangover Handicap Run

The 43rd annual Hangover Handicap five-mile fun run benefits the Tesh non-profit organization, which provides child development, independent living and employment opportunities to people with disabilities of all ages.

9:30 a.m. Jan. 1, 2020, beginning behind Michael D’s Eatery at 203 E. Coeur d’Alene Lake Drive. $20 registration plus shirt. Go to TeshInc.com to register and for more information.

Take the Plunge

Want to feel cold? Like really cold? Head down to Sanders Beach on Lake Coeur d’Alene at noon on New Year’s Day and join a bunch of other silly locals in jumping in some frigid water. Or stay home and sip some hot cocoa in front of the fireplace. No judgment either way.