Jetsettersblog

adventure and fantasy

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho is an ideal holiday vacation for those seeking a bit of adventure and fantasy.

Holiday Light Show: Coeur d’Alene becomes a holiday fantasy land with over 1.5 milllion lights strung up along the shimmering waterfront – the largest on-the-water holiday light show in America.

It all begins the day after Thanksgiving with a lighted parade through Downtown Coeur d’Alene, with more than 5,000 candles.

Then, with the touch of a button, the waterfront comes alive with white lights, a 30-foot high wreath on Coeur d’Alene Resort and a spectacular fireworks display. The light show stays on evenings through the holiday season and is free of charge.

Fantasy Cruise to the North Pole: Take a magical boat trip across the water to see Santa and Mrs. Claus’ workshop.

The World’s tallest Living Christmas Tree (161 feet) is on display with over 30,000 sparkling LED lights and colored lights take on the shapes of nearly 150 different characters such as fire-breathing dragons, dancing elves and giant snowflakes.

When: Day after Thanksgiving to New Years Day.

Most of the display can be seen free of charge in Coeur d’Alene but the best way to see the lighted characters is to take the cruise boat from the Coeur d’Alene Resort which stops at the North Pole. Afterwards, walk through the lobby of the Coeur d’Alene Resort and view the Festival of Trees where more than 50 community-decorated trees are displayed. For more: www.cdaresort.com

Other activities with the family:

Migrating bald eagles: In the winter, bald eagles stop over to feed on Chinook salmon near Wolf Lodge Bay. Between Thanksgiving and January, visitors can see 70 – 100 eagles resting and feeding on the shore of Lake Coeur d’Alene. Take a cruise from Coeur d’Alene Resort to Wolf Lodge Bay for a closer look.

Holiday Shopping on Sherman Avenue: home to many unique boutiques and art galleries.

Skiing, tubing, indoor water parks: Visit Silver Mountain (30 minutes away). www.silver-mt.com

About Coeur d’Alene:

Coeur d’Alene (pronounced core-da-lane) is a family friendly and affordable vacation destination located in the heart of the lakes and mountains region of Idaho, an accessible 40 minutes due east of Spokane, WA and it’s International Airport. www.coeurdalene.org