Simple Plans

compiled by TAMMY MARSHALL & r & & r & & lt;span class= & quot;dropcap & quot; & F & lt;/span & or a more memorable, less hectic holiday season, make plans to add some of the following events into your Christmas mix.





THE VELVETEEN RABBIT The day in the life of a stuffed bunny will be performed on Friday, Nov. 23 at 4 pm; Saturday, Nov. 24 and Saturday, Dec. 1 at 1 pm and 4 pm; Sunday, Dec. 9 at 7 pm; and Saturday, Dec. 15 at 10 am and 1 pm. Tickets: $10; $8, child. Spokane Children's Theater at the Civic, 1020 N. Howard St. (325-SEAT)





JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR The musical by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber will be performed from Tuesday-Wednesday, Dec.18-19 at 7:30 pm. Tickets: $30-$52.50. INB Performing Arts Center, 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. (325-SEAT)





FIRST FRIDAY ARTWALK Marvel as you meander through the galleries of downtown Spokane on Friday, Dec. 7 from 5-8 pm. spokanearts.org (625-6050)





THE WEDDING SINGER The musical adaptation about a broken-hearted '80s wedding singer finding true love will be performed Tuesday-Thursday, Nov. 27-Nov.29 at 7:30, Friday, Nov. 30 at 8 pm, Saturday, Dec.1 at 2 pm and 8 pm, and Sunday, Dec. 2 at 1 pm and 6:30 pm. Tickets: $30-$52.50. INB Performing Arts Center, 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. (325-SEAT)





YULETIDE 2007 A catered preview party with music will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 28 from 5-9 pm. Tickets: $30. The Yuletide exhibit will be open for viewing and sales from Thursday-Sunday, Nov. 29-Dec. 2. Free. Spokane Art School, 920 N. Howard (328-0900)





BEOWULF The film adaptation of this epic poem will be shown on the really big screen beginning Nov. 16. Tickets: $9.75; $8.75, Children 12 and younger. See Website for show times. Riverfront Park IMAX, 507 N. Howard St. www.spokaneriverfrontpark.com (625-6200)





LIGHT 'EM UP Holiday Festival


Downtown Coeur d'Alene will be all a-glitter this weekend as the city's annual holiday celebration kicks off Friday with the parade and Holiday Light Show. The parade starts at 5 pm. With more than a million lights over Lake Coeur d'Alene and more than 225 holiday displays, this is the largest on-water resort holiday show in the country.





New this year, you can find ice skating downtown, and back again are the fireworks cruises and daily fantasy cruises to the North Pole -- a 40-minute ride across the lake, where you can see Santa's toyshop and other holiday sites. The big man himself will make appearances as well. The city also offers horse-drawn carriage rides every Saturday and Sunday throughout the holiday season, free of charge.





You can enjoy the music of the holidays with the Strolling Dickens Carolers singing downtown every Thursday through Sunday throughout the event.


And next Wednesday morning (Nov. 28) between 4 am and 6 am, ABC's Good Morning America will be in Coeur d'Alene. Get up early and watch the live broadcast.





-- ALLISON MADDOX





Coeur d'Alene Holiday Light Show * Nov. 23-Jan. 1 * Free * North Pole Cruise * Nov. 23-Jan. 1 * Tickets: Adults: $14.75; $13.75, seniors; Free, children * Call: 208-664-7268 * Fireworks Cruise * Friday, Nov. 23, at 5:30 pm * Tickets: $24.75; $14.75, children ages 6-12 * Call: (877) 765-4653





HOLIDAY POPS The Spokane Symphony will play holiday music from various traditions on Friday-Saturday, Dec. 21-22 at 8 pm. Tickets: $20. Fox Theater, 1001 W. Sprague Ave. (325-SEAT)





CHRIST KITCHEN GINGERBREAD BUILD-OFF Watch area chefs build one or make your own mini version on Sunday, Dec. 9 from 10 am-1 pm. Cost: $10. Free to watch. Davenport Hotel, 10 S. Post St. (954-0554)





ICE SKATING Riverfront Park's Ice Palace will be open 7 days per week from Oct. 19-March 12. Regular hours are Mondays-Thursdays from 11 am-5:30 pm and 7 pm to 8:30 pm, Fridays and Saturdays from 11 am-5 pm and 7-10 pm, and on Sundays from 11 am- 5 pm. Cost: $4.25; $3.75, 17 and younger. Does not include skate rental. 507 N. Howard St. (625-6687)





DIAMONDS AND DIVAS The Spokane Opera presents a night of music and wine auctioning on Monday, Dec. 31 at 6:30 pm. Tickets: $175. Davenport Hotel, 10 S. Post St. (533-1150)





THOMAS HAMPSON Spokane's own internationally known opera singer will perform on Saturday, Dec. 29 at 8 pm. Tickets: $75-$100. Fox Theater, 1001 W. Sprague Ave. (325-SEAT)





SINGING NUNS The traditional Catholic sisters from Mount St. Michael's will perform Thursday-Friday, Dec. 13-14 at 2 pm and 7:30 pm. Tickets: $20; $16, Students and children. The Bing, 901 W. Sprague Ave. (325-SEAT)





BING CROSBY FILM FESTIVAL A salute to Bing and a selection of the legendary actor's films will be shown on Friday, Dec. 7 starting at 10 am. Cost: $1. Films shown are The Bells of St. Mary's at 10 am, White Christmas at 1 pm and 7 pm, and The Big Band Theory at 6 pm. The Bing, 901 W. Sprague Ave. (835-2638)





HO HO HO, MERRY BREAKFAST The fourth annual Mobius Santa's Breakfast will be served on Saturday, Dec. 1 at 8 am. Tickets: $25. Davenport Hotel, 10 S. Post St. (624-KIDS)





BALLET AND BUBBLY Enjoy elegant dancers and chocolates on Monday, Dec. 31 at 8:30 pm. Tickets: $20. The Bing, 901 W. Sprague Ave. (838-5705)





COUGARS, GRIZZLIES, DEVILS AND AIRMEN, OH MY! The WSU Cougs pounce upon the Montana State Grizzlies, the Mississippi Devils and the U.S. Air Force in a men's basketball showdown on Nov. 23-25 at 5:30 pm and 7:30 pm. Tickets: $45-$150. Spokane Arena, 720 W. Mallon Ave. (325-SEAT)





GRACE & amp; GLORIE This sentimental story about a mountain woman and her hospice worker will be performed Nov. 21-Dec. 8; Thursdays at 7:30 pm, Fridays at 8 pm, Saturdays at 2 pm and 8 pm, and Sundays at 2 pm. Tickets: $12-$19. Interplayers, 174 S. Howard St. (455-PLAY or 325-SEAT)





HOLIDAY ENTERTAINMENT Strolling carolers and other festivities will perform every weekend at River Park Square. The STA Plaza, provided by First Night, will feature entertainment every Friday from 11:30 am-1 pm. Free. (363-0304)





NORTHWEST MUSEUM OF ARTS & amp; CULTURE "Olmsted Brothers: Designing Spokane Landscapes," an exhibit of correspondence, photos and plans from the prestigious Boston landscaping firm hired to create Spokane's park plan, will be exhibited through Aug. 17. "Sports: Breaking Records, Breaking Barriers" will be on display through Jan 1. "River of Memory: The Everlasting Columbia," a collection of pristine historical photographs of the Columbia before development, will be displayed through Jan. 6. "The Voice of Things: The Museum's Collections" will be exhibited through Feb. 3. Cost: $7; $5, seniors and students; free, children 5 and younger. MAC, 2316 W. First Ave. www.northwestmuseum.org (456-3931)





MUSIC SWAP Buy, sell, trade anything musical, including recorded music, instruments, books, audio gear, sheet music, collectables and memorabilia, on Sunday, Dec. 2 from 1-5 pm. Free; $20, vendors. Community Building, 35 W. Main Ave. (230-9264)





OAK RIDGE CHRISTMAS The group who sang the pop chart-topper "Elvira," present a Christmas show on Monday, Dec. 3 at 7:30 pm. Tickets: $38-$45. INB Performing Arts Center, 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. (325-SEAT)





SIMPLY CHRISTMAS Holiday Tour


The simple elegance of the last turn of the century is not something people generally see nowadays on Christmas trees. The lavishly decorated trees at the Davenport Hotel and Coeur d'Alene Resort, while beautiful, do not define the delicate Christmas that was the d & eacute;cor of the Campbell House in the early 1900s. Every year the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture decorates the historic mansion in a style befitting its time. "The house is decorated as it would have been," says Public Relations Coordinator Jill Strom. "Simple, with garland and a Christmas tree."





New this year to the historic home is a display of vintage dresses from the era including a dress wore by Meta Dodson of Dodson's Jewelers, one of Spokane's oldest independent businesses.





During the holiday weeks, people are invited to tour the decorated home. There will be various food demonstrations in the kitchen, including a demonstration and taste of Mrs. Campbell's famous cream puffs. The cooking will be completed in the original wood oven of the Campbell House. A pianist will play simple and elegant music at the house. Museum members may tour the house for free and attend the Wassail Party at the Campbell House on Sunday, Dec. 2. At the party, members can savor the citrus punch at the mansion and eat home-baked cookies.





--TAMMY MARSHALL





Campbell House Holidays * Nov. 23-Nov. 25 and Dec. 22-Jan. 1 * Open Tuesday-Sunday 11 am-5 pm * Cost: $7; $5, seniors and students; free, 5 and younger * The MAC * 2316 W. First Ave. * Visit: www.northwestmuseum.org * Call: 456-3931





MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER Chip Davis and his orchestra will present a night of Christmas tunes on Tuesday, Dec. 4 at 7:30 pm. Tickets: $30-$75. Spokane Arena, 720 W. Mallon Ave. (325-SEAT)





CHRISTMAS CRECHE EXHIBIT More than 500 nativity sets from around the world will be on display Dec. 1-8. Open weeknights from 4-9 pm and on weekends from noon-9 pm. Free. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1620 E. 29th Ave. (533-0613)





PRINCESS WISHES Disney's princesses with special guest Tinker Bell will skate Thursday-Monday, Nov. 29-Dec. 3. Tickets: $16-$22. Spokane Arena, 720 W. Mallon Ave. www.spokanearena.com (325-SEAT)





ARTIST ORNAMENT SHOW Handcrafted Christmas ornaments made by local artists will be for sale on Friday, Nov. 23 from 5-9 pm, Nov. 24 from 10 am-6 pm and Nov. 25 from 10 am-3 pm. Tinman Gallery, 811 W. Garland Ave. (325-1500)





FIRST NIGHT Celebrate a new year of Spokane arts with gallery shows, fireworks, a parade, live performers and more, on Monday, Dec. 31 from 3 pm-midnight. Tickets: $12; $15, at the event. Take the celebration further with free admission to the MAC, events at River Park Square and more at First Day on Jan. 1 from 11 am-3 pm. Free. Downtown Spokane (252-5027)





CLIP CLOP See downtown Spokane by horse and carriage, sponsored by Spokane Teachers Credit Union Fridays-Sundays from Nov. 24-Dec. 24. Free. N. Wall St. and W. Main Ave. www.downtown.spokane.net (456-0580)





AUSSIE HOLIDAY Listen to the Urban Coyote Bush Band sing holiday favorites -- Australia-style -- on Saturday, Dec. 15 at 1 pm. Free. Auntie's, 402 W. Main Ave. (838-0206)





SANTA'S BREAKFAST Enjoy a scrumptious breakfast with Santa at Madeleine's Caf & eacute; on Sunday, Dec. 2 and Sunday, Dec. 9 from 10 am-noon. $12; $7, ages 3-12. Children younger than 3 free. (624-2253)





POST STREET PROMENADE Kick off the holiday season complete with caroling and fireworks. Saturday, Nov. 24 at 4:30 pm. FREE. Corner of Main Ave. and Post St. (456-0580)





THE NUTCRACKER The Alberta Ballet and Ballet British Columbia, with the Spokane Symphony, present the perennial holiday favorite, The Nutcracker, Friday, Dec. 7 at 7:30 pm, Saturday, Dec. 8 at 2 pm and 7:30 pm, and Sunday, Dec. 9 at 2 pm. Tickets: $17-$35; $14, children 12 and younger. INB Performing Arts Center, 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. (624-1200 or 325-SEAT)





CHRISTMAS SCHOONER Watch this musical on the perilous journey of the Christmas tree as it travels from the wilderness into America's homes through Dec. 16; Thursdays at 7:30 pm, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm, and Sundays at 2 pm. Tickets: $24; $21, seniors; $12, students. Spokane Civic Theatre, 1020 N. Howard St. (325-2507 or 325-SEAT)





HOLIDAY BLUEGRASS CONCERT The bands Columbia and Aaron & amp; Tonio with 12-year-old fiddler Aaron Castillo perform on Saturday, Nov. 24 at 7:30 pm. Tickets: $10. The Old Church, 405 William St., Post Falls, Idaho (208-457-8950)





DECEMBER D' LIGHTS Entertainment, Santa, kid's activities, karaoke contest and more will be Saturday, Dec. 1 from 2-6 pm. The Old City Park, Hwy. 53, Rathdrum, Idaho (208-687-2866)





FLUFFY TO VISIT WITH SANTA Cats and dogs are invited to get their picture taken with Mr. Claus on Tuesdays, Nov. 20, Nov. 27 and Dec. 11 from 6-8 pm. Cost:$15 for one 5x7. Northtown Mall, 4750 N. Division St. (482-0209)





PEND D'OREILLE WINERY Paintings of winter landscapes will be exhibited through Nov. 30. 220 Cedar St., Sandpoint, Idaho (208-265-8545)





HOLIDAY BAZAAR Arts, crafts, jewelry, baked goods and more will be for sale at this annual event Friday, Nov. 30 from 9 am-5:30 pm. Gonzaga, Crosby Student Center, 502 E. Boone Ave. (323-6123)





MADRIGAL DINNER Holiday music performed by singers in 16th-century attire will accompany a dinner of tender roast beef with buttermilk mashed red potatoes and orange-ginger glazed carrots on Friday, Nov. 30 and Saturday, Dec. 1 at 6 pm. Tickets: $48. Vegetarian substitute available. RSVP recommended. St. James Episcopal Church, 1410 NE Stadium Way, Pullman, Wash. (509-335-3581)





IDAHO NUTCRACKER The classic musical and dance performance will be on Thursday, Nov. 29 at 7:30 pm. Tickets: $24; $9.50, 18 and younger. Panida Theater, 300 N. First St., Sandpoint, Idaho (208-263-9191)





CLASSICAL CHRISTMAS CONCERT Classical music concert with Del Parkinson will be on Saturday, Dec. 1 at 7 pm. Free. The Memorial Community Center, 100 Centennial Rd., Hope, Idaho (208-264-5481)





FRIDAY D'LIGHTS See the 43 lavish trees and other holiday displays on Friday, Nov. 23 from 5-9 pm. Cost: $2. Coeur d'Alene Resort, 115 S. Second St., Coeur d'Alene (208-666-TREE)





FESTIVAL OF TREES FAMILY DAY See the decorated Christmas trees, work on craft projects and hear musical performances from area schools on Sunday, Nov. 25 from 11 am-5 pm. Cost: $2. Coeur d'Alene Resort, 115 S. Second St., Coeur d'Alene (208-666-TREE)





TOY SHELF Ballet Spokane and 45 children from area schools will dance this narrative on Friday, Nov. 23 at 7 pm, on Nov. 24 at 2 pm and 7 pm, and Nov. 25 at 2 pm. Tickets: $5-$8. The Bing, 901 W. Sprague (325-SEAT)





NOT THE SAME OLD SONG Holiday Music


The song "You're a Mean One Mr. Grinch" will now be heard in every mall, restaurant or store you encounter in the next several weeks. Pretty soon you'll probably grow tired of the same traditional music overplayed by satellite radio. That doesn't mean you don't have the Christmas spirit - it just means it's time to hear the holiday classics in a new and refreshing way.





The nationally known and homegrown brass choir Clarion Brass offers a fresh Christmas sound. "People like to hear traditional things in a new way. It's traditional with a twist," Music Director William Berry says.





The brass choir plays exclusively new arrangements using only vocals, brass and percussion instruments. "It's a big sound, but we have really good players," Berry says. "They can play anything. They can change styles on a dime."





In addition to jazz, funk, blues and classical musical styles, this year the choir will play a South African version of "Kumbaya." "It will take your head off," says Berry. And the group will perform a salute to New Orleans. "It should be a lot of fun," says Berry. "We have fun at least."





--TAMMY MARSHALL





Clarion Brass * Saturday, Dec. 17 at 7:30 pm * Opportunity Presbyterian Church, 202 N. Pines Rd. * Sunday, Dec. 18 at 7:30 pm * First Presbyterian Church, 318 S. Cedar St. * Tickets: $15; $10, students and seniors * Call: 489-4633





WHITWORTH CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL CONCERTS, "Journey to Bethlehem," will be performed on Friday, Dec. 7 at 8 pm, and Saturday, Dec. 8 at 3 pm and 7 pm. Tickets: $15; $12, students and seniors. First Presbyterian Church, 318 S. Cedar St., Spokane. (800-532-4668)





CHOP YOUR OWN Harvest your own Christmas tree from Nov. 23-Dec. 16. Free sleigh rides from Dec. 9-Dec. 16 from noon-4 pm. Forever Green Tree Farm, 500 Forever Green Dr., St. Maries, Idaho www.forevergreentree.com (208-245-2440 or 208-660-3440)





NOTS-SO-SACRED MUSIC Music of the season will be performed by the Celtic Nots with St. Ann's Choir on Sunday, Dec. 9 at 4 pm. Monetary and food donations requested. Proceeds to benefit Second Harvest Food Bank and the East Central Neighborhood Sunday Lunch Program. St. Ann's Church, 2120 E. First Ave. (535-3031)





HOLIDAY CHORAL CONCERT EWU's Choral Ensemble will have a concert on Thursday, Dec. 6 at 7 pm. Donations requested. St. Aloysius Church, 303 E. Boone Ave. (359-2241)





HOLIDAYS IN SANDPOINT Traditional tree lighting ceremony with caroling will be Friday, Nov. 23 from 5-7 pm. Free. Jeff Jones Town Square, 306 N. Third Ave., Sandpoint, Idaho (208-255-1876)





BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER The story about four poorly behaved children discovering the true meaning of Christmas will be performed on Friday, Nov. 30 and Friday, Dec. 7 at 7 pm, on Saturday, Dec. 1 and Saturday, Dec. 8 at 3 pm and 7 pm, and Sunday, Dec. 2 at 2 pm. Tickets: $4-$10. Trent Elementary, Adamson Auditorium, 3303 N. Pines Rd. (487-6540)





OLD-FASHIONED CHRISTMAS Local arts and crafts will be for sale on Saturday, Dec. 1 from 9 am-3 pm. Fairfield Community Center, 300 Main St., Fairfield, Wash. (283-4133)





JINGLE BELL RUN Raise funds to find a cure for arthritis by participating in this annual walk/run on Sunday, Dec. 8 from 7-10 am. Cost: $25; $35, at the event; $10, 8 and younger. River Park Square, 808 W. Main Ave. (206-547-2407)





BREAKFAST WITH SANTA A craft sale and a morning meal with Mr. Claus will be on Saturday, Dec. 1 from 9 am-2 pm. Tickets: $5; $4, seniors and children. Center Pointe, 1408 N. Washington St. (325-2451)





DIETZ U-CUT Fell your own tree and enjoy hayrides, dessert and free hot cocoa Nov. 23-Dec. 20. $45 per tree. 17714 N. Day-Mount Spokane Rd. Green Bluff, Wash. (238-6975)





THE GIFT OF THE MAGI AND THE LITTLEST ANGEL The two classic plays will be performed on Dec. 7-Dec. 22 at 7:30 Thursdays-Saturdays, and 2 pm on Sundays. Tickets: $16; $13, seniors; $10, 12 and younger. Lake City Playhouse, 1320 E. Garden Ave., Coeur d'Alene (208-667-1323)





LIGHTING AND MORE A Christmas Tree lighting, caroling and a performance of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever will be on Dec. 7 at 6 pm. Cost: Can of food. City Hall, 118 First Ave. (276-5941)





Simple Yet Elegant Holiday Benefit


The Davenport Hotel's holiday season gets into high gear with the 25th annual Christmas Tree Elegance event, starting the day after Thanksgiving. View several beautifully decorated trees on the mezzanine, and purchase raffle tickets to win the trees -- not to mention the amazing gift packages that go with each tree. Macy's holds style shows at lunchtime, as well, so you can look as elegant as the trees.





The tree-lighting ceremony is Friday evening at 5 pm and is free of charge. An Evening with Eckart and Friends, presented by the Spokane Symphony, will take place Sunday evening, with the Symphony performing its first holiday music of the season. The event then takes an elegant twist on Friday, Nov. 30, with the Gala Dinner Dance. The dinner features dance music presented by Stagecoach West.





Christmas Tree Elegance is the Symphony's largest fundraiser. Raffle tickets can be purchased throughout the event for $1. Prizes worth nearly $5,000 are up for grabs, and the raffle drawing will happen on Saturday, Dec. 8, at 9 pm.





-- ALLISON MADDOX





Christmas Tree Elegance display * Nov. 23-Dec. 1 * Free * Tree Lighting * Friday, Nov. 23, at 5 pm * Free * Santa Breakfast to benefit Mobius Kids * Saturday, Dec. 1, at 8 am * Tickets: $25 * Call: 624-KIDS * An Evening with Eckart and Friends * Sunday, Nov. 25, at 6 pm * Tickets: $10 * Holiday Luncheons and Style Shows * Wednesday-Saturday, Nov. 28-Dec. 1 at 11:30 am * Tickets: $40 * Gala Dinner Dance * Friday, Nov. 30, at 6 pm * Tickets: $125 * The Davenport Hotel * 10 S. Post St. * Call: 458-8733





For more holiday events, check out our calendar section every week.