Piling into the family car and driving around to see local neighborhood Christmas lights displays is an American tradition, as is paying a visit to any number of the stunning, extravagant light shows choreographed to music that are hosted in parks and city squares all over the state. But of all the whimsical, enchanting light festivals and displays that flicker on throughout Idaho during the holiday season, it can be near impossible to pay a visit to each and every one with the family.
If you only get to visit one show this year, make it the one that was ranked the 4th best in the country by USA Today: the Coeur d'Alene Resort's annual Holiday Lights display. But the best way to see America's biggest and best floating lights show isn't by taking a walk downtown. It's experiencing all of the twinkling, festive magic up close and personal from a cruise boat on the lake... a cruise which also delightfully ends at the North Pole. Check it out:
Snowy, picturesque Coeur d'Alene is renowned for its stunning waterfront resort, as well as the resort's spectacular annual light show.
Over 1.5 million Christmas lights twinkle and dance joyfully in what has come to be the largest on-the-water holiday display in America... and it's right here in Idaho!
But while the Coeur d'Alene Resort lights up the water for the holidays, the best way to see the magic isn't from the family car or a walk downtown. It's from the deck of a cruise boat.
Hosted by Lake Coeur d'Alene Cruises, the city's nationally-recognized lights can be enjoyed up close and personal on the family-friendly Journey to the North Pole cruise.
Of all the trips Lake Coeur d'Alene Cruises hosts throughout the year, the Journey to the North Pole is definitely a beloved favorite. But also be sure to check out their eagle-watching cruises, wildlife cruises, and sunset dinner cruises throughout the year!
After boarding the ship at the Boardwalk Marina, you'll enjoy a 45-minute cruise to Santa's workshop at the North Pole.
Past the impressive lights of the resort, the holiday festivities of downtown CDA twinkle gently in the distance. But as the water stretches out from the ship and into the expansive, watery darkness, the quiet anticipation grows.
The climate-controlled boat is stocked with hot chocolate, cookies, and snacks to warm your hands and belly as you check out the sights.
And once your boat reaches the North Pole...
Here, Santa and friends will emerge from their cabin to greet passengers.
You'll also see the world's tallest living Christmas tree, dancing and twinkling.
The tree towers over the water at 162 feet, creating a stunning first impression of what is to come. Christmas carols will be involved as well, of course.
Signature displays include the Victorian village - fully animated and complete with stained glass windows and more than 5,000 lights, the 3,000-pound lighted wreath that adorns the resort, and, of course, the stunning Christmas tree.
And finally, you'll make your way back to the boardwalk, where you can disembark and enjoy the rest of the city's festivities.
To make a spectacular day of your visit to Coeur d'Alene, check out Gingerbread Village, which features over 300 handcrafted gingerbread houses in The Shops, take a sleigh ride, enjoy the music of the Victorian Carolers, walk Sherman avenue to see 20 blocks of downtown decorations and window displays, or simply drink in the scenery.
Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Get more details and tickets from Lake Coeur d'Alene Cruises here. For more spectacular holiday events and festivals across Idaho, check out our 10 Favorite Christmas Light Displays.
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