Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, with its forest, lakes, golf, and mountains, is one of the country’s great summer destinations. But Northwest Idaho truly comes to life in the winter season. The past 25 winter seasons to be precise, with Couer d’ Alene Resort taking center stage.
“We’ve aimed to put an emphasis on the Christmas season the past 25 years,’’ said Amy VanSickle, Coeur d’Alene Resort’s director of sales and marketing. “It’s definitely turned around our ‘shoulder season’ and created a lot of excitement for people to stay with us for the holidays.’’
Coeur d’Alene Resort’s annual holiday extravaganza begins with more than 1.5 million lights. The resort is transformed into an enchanted “Winter Wonderland” with more than 20,000 pounds of handmade holiday décor and 250 displays.
Among the lighted outdoor displays: a fire-breathing dragon; one of the world’s largest floating Christmas trees; and a 3,000-pound wreath.
Interior decor includes more than 50 trees; two nine-foot-tall nutcrackers; two life-sized Santas; 35 wreaths; 30 elves; 100 woodland creatures; 100 presents; and 200 snowflakes.
This year the resort has added a reindeer display featuring two live reindeer.
Journey to the North Pole cruises operate daily through Jan. 2, 2023. Each 40-minute cruise takes guests across Lake Coeur d’Alene to the “North Pole,” where kids are greeted by name from Santa. Each North Pole visit culminates with a huge fireworks finale, and a 70-foot-tall floating Christmas tree animated to holiday music.
Dickens Carolers spread holiday cheer with performances, an evening Fireside Story Time is held in the resort lobby, and the annual Travolta Christmas Show features a timeless holiday theater production by Ellen Travolta.Santa’s Elves also deliver cookies and milk to guest rooms.
Guests also can enjoy frosty lake views and frostier cocktails from the warmth of Igloos on the Lake. Featuring luxurious interiors and cozy seating, these heated weatherproof Igloos are nestled on Whispers outdoor patio and have views of the Marina and Lake Coeur d’Alene.
Photo Courtesy of Coeur d’Alene Resort