There’s something magical about the holiday season in Coeur d’Alene, ID. From the sparkling lights along the lake to the cheerful bustle of downtown, the city transforms into a winter wonderland worth savoring (ideally with a cozy latte in hand).
Whether you’re excited for the annual lighting ceremony or just a crisp evening stroll, Coeur d’Alene’s holiday events offer the perfect way to celebrate the season and support local traditions. Here are a few of our favorite events to sip, stroll, and soak up the holiday spirit.
1. Sleigh the season away
New Leaf Nursery captures the magic of the holidays with “sleigh” rides through their beautifully decorated grounds and visits from their beloved Santa, known for his gentle spirit and love for both kids and pets. Guests can take festive photos with Santa, enjoy a warm cup of spiced Gluhwein or local wine, and sample sweet treats and cocoa while exploring the nursery’s winter setup.
Between the twinkle lights, friendly faces, and cozy seasonal drinks, it’s the kind of holiday stop that feels like a small-town celebration.
Ideal drink to sip on: a Peppermint Mocha for a touch of holiday sweetness.
2. Take in the season through the eyes of artists at the Festival of Trees
For many in Coeur d’Alene, the holidays aren’t complete without the Festival of Trees—a beloved tradition that fills the Coeur d’Alene Resort with dazzling artistry and Christmas spirit. “My favorite time of the year is Christmas and especially being downtown CDA. I love walking through the resort seeing what the artists at the Festival of Trees came up with each year,” Desi, VP of Culinary Operations at Copow Foods, shares.
Her words capture exactly what makes the Festival of Trees so special—creativity, community, and that unmistakable sense of holiday wonder that lights up downtown each year.
Ideal drink to sip on: a seasonal Gingerbread Latte to stay warm while taking in the lights.
3. Hunt for gifts at local book stores
There’s something timeless about gift shopping at a local bookstore (especially when it comes with a touch of mystery).
The Well-Read Moose
Alex Lopez, owner of Bookishly Happy, says, “My husband and I love having experiences while gift hunting. One of our favorite things to do is get each other a book for Christmas. We go to The Well-Read Moose and pick out a book for the other person without them seeing.”
It’s a charming way to share a love of stories, support a local favorite, and create a tradition that feels truly personal.
Bookishly Happy
If you’re out shopping Thanksgiving weekend, make sure to stop by Bookishly Happy for their biggest sale of the year. “We also have a blast doing sales the weekend of Thanksgiving,” Alex says. “This year we are doing our biggest sale ever. My mom works with me that day. We eat leftovers and get to sling books at great prices.”
Between the cozy atmosphere, family-run spirit, and irresistible deals, it’s the perfect stop for thoughtful, locally sourced gifts.
Ideal drink to sip on: a spiced apple cider while you browse the shelves.
4. Bask in the city’s holiday lights
Nothing captures the spirit of the season quite like the glow of downtown Coeur d’Alene during the annual Christmas Parade and Lighting Ceremony. For locals, it’s the moment the holidays officially begin.
“My favorite Coeur d’Alene holiday event is the Christmas parade and lighting ceremony that happens the day after Thanksgiving,” states Meggie from Sweet Lou’s. “It's the official kick-off to the holiday season. After enjoying the parade and waving to Santa, we head straight to our deck at Sweet Lou’s for firework viewing. When we’re ready to head home, we take the long way to make sure we pass by the CDA Resort to appreciate the thousands of lights that are on display every year.”
The whole city comes alive with warmth and sparkle, making it the perfect time to stroll, sip, and soak in the magic that makes Coeur d’Alene so special this time of year.
Ideal drink to sip on: a toasty caramel latte while taking in the glow.
5. Garnish your home with locally grown decor
In addition to sleigh rides, New Leaf Nursery offers fresh-cut trees grown in the Pacific Northwest that hang from the greenhouse roofline, making it easy to view each tree before choosing. Visitors can browse holiday wreaths and garlands, poinsettias, Christmas cactus, and amaryllis, along with sparkling lighted decor, fragrant spiced candles, and ornaments themed for North Idaho holiday trees.
It’s the perfect spot to find decorations that bring festive warmth and seasonal cheer into your home.
Ideal drink to sip on: a chai latte while you browse the winter blooms.
6. Stroll through the local businesses downtown
Downtown Coeur d’Alene truly comes alive during the holiday season. “As a retail establishment celebrating our 30th year of business in downtown CDA, we love the weekend of Thanksgiving, including the Lighting Ceremony Parade,” shares Blair from The Art Spirit Gallery. “Families from far and away gather to celebrate the season, support local businesses, and stroll through beautiful downtown Coeur d’Alene. It reminds us how lucky we are to call this special small town home.”
Shops welcome visitors with seasonal displays, festive decor, and a warm, small-town charm that makes wandering the streets a perfect way to soak up the holiday spirit.
Ideal drink to sip on: an americano with cream while exploring the festive downtown streets.
7. Glide through the season at McEuen Park
McEuen Park becomes a magical winter playground each holiday season, with the outdoor CDA on Ice inviting locals and visitors to lace up their skates and embrace a little holiday joy. “One of my favorite holiday traditions in Coeur d’Alene is visiting the skating rink with my family and taking in all the beautiful downtown lights,” shares Jennifer Morsell, founder of Mountain Madness Soap Co.
Whether you’re spinning in circles, holding hands with a loved one, or cheering on little ones learning their first glides, the rink is full of laughter, twinkling lights, and seasonal music that makes the air sparkle.
Ideal drink to sip on: a cozy cortado after a few laps on the ice.
8. Sail to Santa aboard the Journey to the North Pole cruise
For a truly magical holiday experience, hop aboard Lake Coeur d’Alene Cruises’ Journey to the North Pole. This festive lake adventure takes you past 1.5 million twinkling lights and whimsical displays that bring the North Pole to life right on the water. Guests can meet Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the elves, and hear a child’s name read from the Nice List.
It’s an immersive way to celebrate the season that combines cozy comfort with festive wonder.
Ideal drink to sip on: a rich hot chocolate with marshmallows to keep hands and hearts cozy while taking in the lights.
Coeur d’Alene holiday events worth stopping by
From twinkling lights to steaming mugs, the holidays in Coeur d’Alene are best enjoyed slowly, with good company and great coffee. As you make your way through these local celebrations, don’t forget to stop by Evans Brothers Coffee for your favorite latte or seasonal brew.
Whether you’re headed to a tree lighting or simply taking in the festive atmosphere downtown, we’ll keep your cup full and your hands warm all season long.