Good morning, Coeur d'Alene.

Elaine Kingston joined Charity Reimagined as a board member to serve those in need in our community.

She began volunteering at a local food bank in 2019+ and now works to link local agencies that offer education, transport and child care support.

Hospice of North Idaho hosted its 44th Tree Lighting Ceremony on Thursday, Dec.

4, where over 100 locals gathered to light five candles, honor loved ones, and share gentle music among decorated Christmas trees — a tradition started in 1981.

Local holiday markets offer festive shopping and treats across the area.

The Christmas Bazaar opens today at Third Avenue Marketplace in Post Falls (8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.) while events at North Idaho Christian School and Christian Center School keep holiday cheer alive.

While decorating her tree Thursday, Eileen—a cancer survivor raising her great-grandson—received a call from Press Christmas for All that connected her with local help to secure new tires from Les Schwab.

The program highlights community care for neighbors during hard times.

Evergreen trees have been used indoors for winter events for centuries, evolving from pagan solstice traditions to modern Christmas displays (the Coeur d'Alene Resort once featured a 162-ft tree that received national attention).

Hayden Cinema updated its week’s schedule with matinee tickets at $6.50 and evening shows at $8.50 and offers various showtimes for films including Five Nights at Freddy’s 2, Zootopia 2, and Best Christmas Pageant Ever for family audiences.

The schedule runs Dec. 5-11 with special extra showtimes on select days.

Ongoing water rights adjudication is underway in North Idaho and could affect local water distribution as experts explained during the Idaho Farm Bureau meeting at the Coeur d’Alene Resort.

More than 15,000 claims in the Coeur d’Alene-Spokane River Basin have been filed over the past decade and remain under review.

Kaniksu Land Trust eased two restrictions on its Village at Riverview Ridge affordable housing project in Priest River on Tuesday—this change lifts the Bonner County address and household size requirements to widen eligibility, with partners offering $50,000 in down payment assistance and 3% capped loans.

History Hour with Jacob Eberlein

5:30-6:30 p.m. — Coeur d'Alene Public Library — Free entry — Explore the roots of Christmas traditions in Coeur d'Alene through the eyes of local historian Jake Eberlein.

Sip 'n Stitch Brunch

10:30 a.m. — Fine Brewed Cafe — Cost varies — Enjoy a cozy crafting morning with hand-stitched felt ornaments and warm drinks.

Classic Cruise-In at Killer Burger

1-5 p.m. — Killer Burger Hayden — Free entry — Show off classic cars and enjoy delicious burgers in a vibrant community atmosphere.

New Year's Eve Celebration with Rusty Nail & The Hammers

8 PM - 12:15 AM — The Club at Prairie Falls — $105 — Dance into the New Year with live music, appetizers, and exciting giveaways.