A magical start to Christmas in Coeur d'Alene

Welcome to one of the best days of the year in North Idaho. It promises to be unforgettable. Here's why:

Tonight, at 5 p.m., the Christmas parade rolls in downtown Coeur d'Alene. The 33rd annual Lighting Ceremony Parade will feature more than 50 entries. This year’s theme, "Candy Cane Lane," will fill Sherman Avenue with sweet, candy-themed parade entries full of peppermint stripes, gumdrop floats and gingerbread houses. Entries will be transformed into a magical winter wonderland. The parade is organized by the Coeur d'Alene Downtown Association and presented by ICCU. 

We advise you to arrive early, as some 30,000 people are expected. Finding parking and then your place along Sherman Avenue is always a challenge on this night, but it's well worth it. Don't be late.

Next comes the magical Coeur d’Alene Resort Holiday Light Show. It's extraordinary, filled with moments shared with loved ones. This is what small-town Christmas is about.

It starts with Christmas cheer, songs and a few short holiday messages as young and old gather in front of The Resort. Then, we have the countdown to the fireworks led by Judd Jones, CIO of Hagadone Corporation and president of Hagadone Technology. 

This year's fireworks show over Lake Coeur d'Alene promises to be one of the best, if not the best, yet. It is a continued gift from the Hagadone Family to the community as the kickoff to a joyous time. Lake Coeur d'Alene Cruises offers the best seats in the house for the fireworks and The Journey to the North Pole across the lake.

Then comes the flip of the switch, bringing more than a million lights to life. Feel free to take a walk around The Boardwalk and admire the displays, including the fire-breathing dragon.

Downtown Coeur d'Alene adds its own spirit to the season with festive decorations, friendly staff and unique shops with gifts you won't find anywhere else. We believe downtown Coeur d'Alene is one of the best downtowns in the nation.

Those involved with our holiday celebration, from the downtown association to The Resort and Hagadone Marine Group to downtown shop owners and employees, worked hard to make the magic happen. They want you to have the best of times. Let's give them a big thank you.

We hope this night, and this Christmas season, is as wonderful for you as it is for all of us here at The Press. And let us be among the first to say, Merry Christmas.