The Coeur d’Alene Resort, well known for its beauty, becomes an especially magical place during the holiday season. The Holiday Light Show, which is the largest on-the-water resort light show in the country, is decorated with over 1.5 million lights. The impeccable and beautiful decorations make it easy to slip into the holiday spirit. If your family is on Santa’s “good list” this year, treat them to an evening of fun downtown.

On Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 5 PM until December 20, the Coeur d’Alene Downtown Association and Spokane Teachers Credit Union offer free carriage rides. Gather the kids and meet at 1st Street and Sherman Avenue where a horse drawn carriage will chauffer you around town, showcasing the beautiful holiday lights.

Afterward, take the hungry kids inside for a break from the cold and a hot meal. The perfect place for a family dinner downtown is Tito Macaroni’s on Sherman Avenue. Kids of all ages love the “Build Your Own Pizza” option on the Kids’ menu. The children are presented with their own personal chef hats with their names on them and given uncooked pizza dough and toppings. They’ll top their own pizza with all the cheese and toppings they desire, and then send it off to the ovens to be cooked. Tito Macaroni’s has plenty of delicious options for the grown-ups as well. In addition to hearth stone oven-baked pizza, they prepare delicious appetizers like Sambuca prawns and stuffed mushrooms along with a variety of delicious pasta and meat entrees and an extensive wine selection.

Another benefit to eating at Tito Macaroni’s: along with all restaurants at the Coeur d’Alene resort is the purchase of a dinner entrée entitles you to a buy one, get one free ticket deal for the resort’s annual Fantasy Cruise to the North Pole. Cruises depart nightly at 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 PM through December 31. 

During the 40 minute boat ride, you’ll be transported to the “North Pole” as you listen to Christmas music and enjoy cocoa and brownies. Once the boat reaches its destination, take the kids outside where they’ll see Santa Claus himself. Santa will greet the group and read all the names from his special list (parents, don’t forget to give your children’s names when buying the tickets!). Then enjoy the lighting of the World’s Tallest Living Christmas Tree, decorated with over 30,000 LED lights.

After a sleigh ride, a pizza dinner they’ve created themselves and a cruise to the North Pole, your children will ensure they remain on Santa’s “good list” for many years to come. The holidays are a time when special family memories are made and the Coeur d’Alene resort goes to great measures to ensure yours will be perfect.

What & Where:
The Coeur d’Alene Resort (115 S. 2nd St; Coeur d’Alene; Reservations 800-688-5253 Hotel Info 208-765-4000; visit www.cdaresort.com. If you’re from out of town and need a place to stay, the resort offers holiday package deals available on its website. Just click here for Holiday Package deals)

“Fantasy Cruise to the North Pole” tickets are on sale now and depart from the Boardwalk Marina on the East side of the resort. (Adults: $15.75, Seniors (65 and older): $14.75, Children (12 and under): Free)

Tito Macaronis (adjacent to the Resort Shops in the Coeur d’Alene Plaza on Sherman Ave; 208-66PASTA)