NOV. 30- DEC. 14: HISTORY OF YUM
Local food historian and professor Monica Stenzel returns to the MAC this season for two holiday feasting-themed classes in the museum's "History of Yum" series. The first comes just days after the Thanksgiving food frenzy and is tied to the museum's ongoing Norman Rockwell's America exhibit (which attendees should definitely check out after stopping by for either of these classes; it's open through Jan. 12).
"History of Yum: Norman Rockwell's Thanksgiving" explores the history of food displayed in some of the artist's most famous paintings, including his Thanksgiving dinner and soda fountain scenes. After this class, attendees of all ages can enjoy cookies and cider.
Closer to Christmas, Stenzel returns for her now annual "History of Yum: Gingerbread" session, which explores the history of gingerbread and why we make the festive cookies in the shape of little people. Attendees of this session can decorate their own gingerbread cookies from local bakery Madeleine's Cafe & Patisserie. Register online for one or both sessions. Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture, $18-$25, Nov. 30 from 11 am-noon and Dec. 14 from 11 am-12:30 pm, northwestmuseum.org
DEC.3, 6, 14: HOLIDAY CLASSES AT MY FRESH BASKET
Dust up on your baking skills with local experts and enjoy one of the best parts of the holidays — treats, duh! — at a series of special events hosted by My Fresh Basket market in Kendall Yards. Offerings begin with a holiday cookie session with Eva Roberts, owner of local bakery Just American Desserts, on Dec. 3 ($45). Roberts shares her favorite holiday cookie recipes and other time-tested tips for baking success. Next up, on Dec. 6, aspiring young bakers and pastry artists can come by the store to decorate cookies with Santa during a popular free session held on the store's second floor balcony for as long as cookies and decorating supplies last. Finally, the store hosts a gingerbread house decorating class on Dec. 14 ($29), offering pre-built houses and all the supplies, along with hot cocoa to sip on while you pipe icing. Two sessions of this workshop are offered, from 1-3 pm or 4-6 pm. My Fresh Basket, times vary, myfreshspokane.com
DEC. 8: GINGERBREAD BUILD-OFF
This year, the annual Gingerbread Build-off benefiting local nonprofit Christ Kitchen celebrates its 15th run in a new hosting venue. Moving from the Davenport Hotel to Northern Quest, the sweet showdown has local culinary teams competing to build the grandest, sweetest holiday gingerbread creation. Guests and spectators can vote for their favorites, and try their own hand at sugar-based architecture by purchasing a miniature gingerbread house kit for $7. Other reasons to attend: live music, photo opps, snacks, drinks and a wholly festive atmosphere. If you can't make it to the main event, the spectacular gingerhouses created by local pastry pros will be on display at Northern Quest through Dec. 22. Proceeds from the annual fundraiser allow Christ Kitchen to offer job training, support and fellowship for women in poverty in the Spokane area. Northern Quest Resort & Casino, 10 am-4 pm, christkitchen.org
DEC. 8: HOLIDAY COCKTAIL CLASS
Holiday entertaining really can be a breeze — even mixing up tasty classic cocktails for your friends and family — as long as you know what you're doing before the party starts. Enter local cocktail experts Simon Moorby (Hogwash) and Renée Cebula (Raising the Bar), who co-host this special entertaining education session in one of downtown Spokane's coziest bars. Guests can master how to make three different cocktails while learning the history behind each drink. All tools and ingredients are provided, along with snacks from Hogwash chef and owner CJ Callahan. Don't wait to reserve your seat, as this class is only open to 20 people. Hogwash Whiskey Den, 3-5 pm, $50, facebook.com/drinkhogwash
DEC. 15: VINTAGE CHRISTMAS DINNER
Feel like you've been transported to a nostalgic Christmastime past by heading to the annual holiday farm-to-table dinner at Mont Lamm Farm north of Spokane. Amid the fields and in view of nearby mountains, Mont Lamm transforms into a sparkling holiday wonderland to welcome guests to a multicourse dinner featuring prime rib on the menu for the first time and prepared by guest chef LJ Klink. During dinner, guests are serenaded by live music, including holiday carols familiar and new. Don't wait to make reservations if this sounds like the perfect highlight to top off the peak of this year's holiday season. Mont Lamm Events, $65, 4:30-8 pm, montlamm.com/contact
DEC. 29: MOCHI FEST
Celebrate the coming of 2020 with a, perhaps, new-to-you cultural tradition during the Spokane Buddhist Temple's annual Mochi Fest. Mochi, a Japanese rice cake made by pounding sweet rice into a smooth and gelatinous texture, is traditionally eaten around the New Year to ensure the coming year is filled with strength and good fortune. At this local celebration, guests are invited to purchase and sample traditional mochi and sweet mochi desserts along with other Japanese bake sale items. Proceeds support the temple's minister education. Spokane Buddhist Temple, 11:30 am-1 pm, spokanebuddhisttemple.org
DEC. 31: NEW YEAR'S EVE DESSERT CRUISE
Ring in the New Year in sweet style aboard a dessert-laden cruise across the glassy black waters of Lake Coeur d'Alene. The two-hour cruise is open to all ages, and offers some of the best views of the resort's midnight fireworks show. Guests of this particular NYE cruise are treated to a dessert social and champagne toast. Too tired to make the drive back home after? Consider booking a room at the resort for the whole family. The Coeur d'Alene Resort, $30.50-$40.50, 10 pm-12:30 am, cdacruises.com ♦
