Top 10 Holiday Activities in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
Coeur d’Alene is special throughout the year, but in the holiday season, it’s especially magical. This beautiful resort town gets transformed into a holiday oasis with thousands and thousands of lights, holiday performances and even trips to the North Pole.
Check out our favorite Coeur d’Alene activities to celebrate the holiday season!
The Best Holiday Activities in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
Holiday Lighting Ceremony
– Lighting ceremony parade begins at 5 p.m.; Fireworks show 6:15 p.m.
One of the most beautiful ways to kick off the holiday season is to visit Coeur d’Alene’s Holiday Lighting Ceremony.
The Holiday Lighting Ceremony kicks off with a parade that features Santa Claus himself and culminates with a jaw-dropping fireworks display over Lake Coeur d’Alene, followed by 1.5 million lights illuminating the area around the Coeur d’Alene Resort and Lake Coeur d’Alene.
Go Ice Skating at CdA On Ice by Numerica
– Opening day is Friday, Nov. 4
In 2021, McEuen Park received a new outdoor ice skating rink for visitors to enjoy the beauty of Coeur d’Alene. They have igloos available for rent, hot cocoa, and more.
Igloos at The Coeur d’Alene Resort
– Daily and nightly reservations available
Of all the igloos available in the Inland Northwest, these igloos might have one of the best views. Facing Lake Coeur d’Alene during the holiday light show, the Coeur d’Alene Resort igloos have 180-degree views of holiday fun around the alpine lake.
Take a Journey to the North Pole
– Nov. 15, 2022 to Jan. 2, 2023
Have your kids ever wondered if they’re on the nice list? Bring them aboard The Coeur d’Alene Resort’s Journey to the North Pole Cruises.
This fun evening starts at the beautiful Coeur d’Alene Resort’s Holiday Light Show before transporting you and your family all the way to the North Pole and Santa’s workshop.
There, Santa will read off all the names of the kids on the “Nice List.” Plus, there are delicious cookies and hot chocolate on board.
The Journey to the North Pole Cruises is easily one of the coolest holiday traditions in the northwest.
Laugh with Ellen Travolta
– Thursday through Sunday, Nov. 25 to Dec. 18, 2022
Actress Ellen Travolta visits the Coeur d’Alene Resort each winter to celebrate stories of Christmas cheer, miracles, favorite gifts, and other holiday magic. The result? A fun, hilarious and moving variety show that the whole family will love.
See Bald Eagles on this Educational Cruise
– November 2022 to January 2023
Every year, hundreds of bald eagles migrate from Canada to Lake Coeur d’Alene to feast upon Kokanee Salmon. Come aboard Lake Coeur d’Alene Cruises to see this beautiful feat of nature and this wonderful symbol of our nation. Or, if you would prefer to keep your feet planted on land, take a hike up Mineral Ridge for a bird’s-eye view of all the action.
Visit Silver Mountain Resort
– Various dates available for reservation
Tell me where you can go snowboarding during the day and then spend the evening racing down water slides or coasting down a lazy river. I’ll wait.
Silver Mountain Resort gives you the best of both worlds with snowboarding, skiing and tubing, and a cozy water park. We recommend checking out their condos for a fun winter vacation.
Shop Sherman Avenue on Small Business Saturday
– Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022
Sherman Avenue in Coeur d’Alene is full of quaint shops to find the perfect holiday gifts. From Figpickles Toy Store to Marmalade boutique, there’s something for everyone.
Ring in the New Year at The CdA Resort
– Dec. 31, 2022 to Jan. 1, 2023
The Coeur d’Alene Resort is known for its ritzy celebrations, so it’s no surprise that they host one of the most spectacular New Year’s Eve soirees in the entire Pacific Northwest.
We recommend getting a room at The Coeur d’Alene Resort with a late check-out for the full experience.
Check out Candle in the Woods
– Various dates and times available for reservation
One of the most exquisite dining experiences in Idaho, is Candle in the Woods. Take a short drive up to Athol, Idaho, to enjoy a unique dining family-style dinner with 12-14 small-plate mini-courses.
If you’re looking for an elegant meal in a beautiful atmosphere, look no further than Candle in the Woods.
Visit Coeur d’Alene This Holiday Season
The beauty of Coeur d’Alene during the holiday season is known across the country. Good Morning America has even visited the Coeur d’Alene Resort Holiday Light Show to take part in the fun.
This year, experience the magic of the holiday season in Coeur d’Alene.
Christine Burns
Christine Burns is a local entrepreneur, public speaker, content creator, model, and writer from Spokane, WA. She’s an expert in marketing and owns Posted Consulting LLC, an award-winning PR firm. Born and raised in the Inland Northwest, Christine loves to support and advocate for local businesses and artists, and even hosts the annual Spokane Small Business Convention in the spring.
