By Les Tanner

Despite efforts to ascertain that events listed in our calendar are described accurately, cancellations or changes due to weather, illness of performers, and other such things, although rare, are bound to occur. Double-checking with the event coordinators about locations, dates and times is always a good idea.

11/30-12/2  “Polar Express Experience”: Ride on our newly minted Polar Express Train. Meet and greet with The Conductor, Mrs. Claus, and Santa. Have some hot chocolate and a cookie. Watch the classic Christmas movie “The Polar Express”. Your $15 “Full Experience Ticket” gets you all of that. All Aboard for some Christmas Magic at the Historic Wilson Theater, Rupert

1 Christmas Light Parade, Kamiah

1 Kids’ Night Out: 6:00-9:00PM, Eggan Center, Moscow

1 RCLA Alumni Pajama Drive and Party: Please join the alums of the River City Leadership Academy in welcoming the holidays with a special celebration. Swing by for some light refreshments and bring in new pajamas and socks to benefit the Post Falls Police Department’s Victim Services program; 4:00PM-6:30PM, Chamber of Commerce, Post Falls

1 Craigmont Community Tree Lighting, Craigmont

1 Inner-Tube Water Polo: Come hop in our inner-tubes for a fun game of water polo. Children must be able to pass the swim test before participating. Ages 8-14. 7:00pm.  Free with Rec Center admission. Nampa Rec Center, Nampa

1-2 “All I Want for Christmas” Market and Expo, Kingston Plaza, Idaho Falls

1-2 Christmas Tree Fantasy: Enjoy decorated trees, wreaths and more! Purchase gifts at the Holiday Boutique, Enjoy the Fantasy Tea, Bid on Trees, Eat at the Café and so much more! Eastern Idaho State Fairgrounds, Blackfoot

1-3 Boise Christmas Show 2017, Expo Idaho, Garden City

1-23 “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever”, Palace Playhouse, Chubbuck

1-29 Spanish/English Story Time with Laura Chico: FRIDAYS, 11:30-12:30; Introduce your child to Spanish through stories and music in this fun, interactive class. Meridian Library District, Meridian

1-29 Pre-School Toddler Gym: TUESDAYS and FRIDAYS; $1/child, 9:00-11:00AM, Recreation Center, Idaho Falls

1-29 Game Zone: FRIDAYS; The Moscow Public Library presents Game Zone from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. For kids ages 8-17, Moscow

1-29 Family Story Time: FRIDAYS; Listen to stories, learn fingerplays and create a craft. 10:30AM, City Library, Lewiston

1-29 Story Hours: WEDNESDAYS and FRIDAYS; The Hailey Public Library has two story time hours. Books and crafts designated for children ages of 2- 4. All ages are welcome. 10:30AM-12:30PM, Hailey

1-31 Christmas in Sun Valley: All day, every day. Some special activities include the Papoose Club Bazaar, Ketchum and Sun Valley Christmas Tree lighting ceremonies, Gallery walks, ”Nutcracker on Ice” show and a Christmas Eve torchlight parade. Sun Valley and Ketchum

2 Holiday Open House: 10:00AM-Noon; Free; Appaloosa Museum, West Pullman Road, Moscow

2 Santa’s Workshop Craft Fair, Hillcrest High School, Idaho Falls 

2 Weaving Guild Meeting; 11:30 AM -2:30 PM, First Congregational United Church of Christ, 2201 Woodlawn, Boise

2 Nez Perce National Historical Park Bead Bazaar, Lapwai

2 Parents’ Night Out: Enjoy an evening out while we entertain the kids in the gym. Our instructors will lead the children through age-appropriate activities in the gym. Obstacle courses, trampolines, craft, snack and a movie. Ages 4-12. Call 208-882-6408 to enroll. 5:00-9:00PM, Palouse Empire Gymnastics, Moscow

2 Children’s Christmas Party: FREE; a party for children ages 3 years to 6th grade, with games, activities, songs, crafts, and cake & ice cream! 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM; New Covenant Baptist Church, 624 Lake Lowell Ave, Nampa

2 White Bird Area Recreation District (WBARD) Hunting Contests: Big Buck Bragging Time contest, First-Time Hunter Bragging contest. Judging on Saturday, Dec. 2, White Bird

2 “Post Fallidays” Tiny Tree Festival Brunch and Auction, 10:00AM-12:00PM, Senior Center, Post Falls

2 Community Christmas Tree Lighting, Riggins

2 Holiday Bazaar: The 4th Annual Georgia Wadsworth Holiday Bazaar, 9AM-3PM at the Boise Elk’s Lodge. Free admission. Boise

2 Patchwork Bazaar: Handcrafted items, baked goods, book sale, Christmas trees; free admission. 10:00AM-3:00PM, Orofino High School, Orofino

2 Winter Craft and Movie Night: Families are invited to come meet Santa, decorate sugar cookies, have hot cocoa and watch a holiday classic movie on the big screen. 12 Noon-4:30PM, Movie Theater Lobby, ISU Campus., Pocatello 

2 Community Christmas Tree Lighting, Lapwai

2 Pocatello Craft Show, Red Lion Hotel, Pocatello

2 Depot Open House, Caldwell

2 Community Printmaking Workshop: Noon-4:00PM (drop-in). $10 for 6 prints. Boise Art Museum, Boise

2 Treasure Valley Night Light Parade, 6:00PM, downtown Caldwell

2 Chamber of Commerce Christmas Festival: A day of fun activities like singing, food, bazaars, drawings, caroling, live Nativity, and much more. Downtown American Falls

2,9 Moscow Winter Market; 10AM-2PM, 412 Center Street, Moscow

2-3 ‘Tis the Season of Lights Yuletide Festival: Enjoy lighting of the streets and historic buildings, craft fairs in the Depot, Winter Walk, gingerbread contests, Live Theater Productions and Musicals, Little Miss and Little Master Snowflake competition, Pictures with Santa, Paw Parades feature the family pets, Lighted Evening Parade, Christmas Movies, and downtown merchants specials, Downtown Wallace

2-3 Christmas Vintage and Artisan Show, Greyhound Event Center, Post Falls 

3 Museum Work Day: Volunteers welcome; 8:00AM; Lunchtime Seminar (bring your own lunch): Amy Dolan, Athlos Academies, “Bumble Bees in the West”; The O.J.Smith Museum of Natural History, Boone Hall, The College of Idaho, Caldwell 

3 Kooskia Rebekah “Kiddie Jingle Parade & Tree Lighting”, Kooskia

3 Christmas Concert, Howells Opera House, Oakley

4 Dance for Parkinson’s: FREE–Classes use dance, live music and community to develop artistry and grace while addressing such PD-specific concerns such as balance, flexibility, coordination, gait, isolation and depression. 10:45 AM -11:45 AM; Eagle Performing Arts Center, 1125 E State Street, Eagle

4-25 Souper Supper: MONDAYS; Free meals; 5:30PM, St. Charles Catholic Church, Hailey

5 Project Linus: We are a local group that makes blankets and quilts for children in crisis in the Pocatello area. 1:00-4:00PM, First Presbyterian Church, Pocatello

5 Kilroy Coffee Klatch: 10:00-12:00 at Nampa’s Warhawk Air Museum; FREE for ALL veterans and ALL veterans are welcome; Coffee and breakfast treats are served at no charge; No RSVP required – just show up; Nampa

5 Reptile Revue: Learn the unique characteristics of various snakes, lizards and other reptiles and what their care needs are. The Herrett Center for Arts & Sciences, 315 Falls Ave., Twin Falls

5-30 Visit the World Center for Birds of Prey: Explore the amazing world of eagles, owls, vultures, hawks, and falcons from around the world. Admission: $10; $8 for seniors; $5 ages 4-16; younger, free. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Boise

6 Toddler Wednesday: Come make art together! Children ages 2-3 with an adult are invited to explore art media related to the museum’s exhibitions. Dress for mess! Bring a container if you would like something in which to carry home your artwork. Free with the price of admission. Drop in from 10 a.m. – noon , Boise Art Museum, Boise

6 Birding Series: Bird Counts in Idaho, 9:00-10:00 AM, Jim Hall Foothills Learning Center, Boise

6 Annual Employee/Volunteer Arts and Crafts Bazaar: 9:00AM, St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center, Boise

6-27 Blaine County Chess Club: WEDNESDAYS; After school; 5:30PM, Community Campus, Hailey

6-27 Happier Hour Story Time: WEDNESDAYS, 4:00-5:00PM at the Well-Read Moose, Coeur d’Alene

7 Mobile Food Bank: 12:00 Noon, White Bird School, White Bird

7 “Light Up the Night” Parade and Tree Lighting: Kick off the 2017 holiday season at this year’s Light Up The Night Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting in beautiful downtown Moscow. Bundle up the whole family and come enjoy the spectacular display of lights as the parade makes its way down Main Street – and Santa Claus has even agreed to fly in for the event; Moscow

7 Well-Read Evening Book Club, 6:00-7:30PM at the Well-Read Moose, Coeur d’Alene

7-28 Art Break Tour: THURSDAYS, 2:00PM; Enjoy a 30-minute talk presented by Boise Art Museum Docents focusing on artwork found in the Museum’s exhibitions. Free with admission. Boise Art Museum, Boise

7-28 TNT for Teens: THURSDAYS from 4-5 PM. Here kids 10 and up meet to play video games. Public Library, Hailey

8 “Christmas Tree Lighting at the Gateway”, Winchester

8-9 “Joy to the World”; An ISU Christmas: 7:30PM, L.E. and Thelma E. Stephens Performing Arts Center, ISU campus, Pocatello

8-9 “A Star Is Spawned”: An original show, written and performed by Levi Welch, a senior at Burley High School. His autobiographical one-man show will have you rolling in the aisles and wiping the tears away. Admission is by donation only and the money will benefit the Historic Wilson Theatre and the Burley High School drama department. 7:00PM, Wilson Theatre, Rupert

9 Wood River Orchestra Holiday Concert: 4:00PM, Church of the Big Wood, Ketchum

9 Learn to Ski: Free; Pomerelle Ski Area, Albion

9 Santa’s Workshop: Spend two hours at the Nampa Rec Center making holiday crafts, playing games and decorating cookies. Santa will even be making an appearance! Ages 3-12; 12:00 Noon-2:00 PM. Nampa Rec Center, 131 Constitution Way, Nampa

9 Sing along with Don Ritchey: Fun for the whole family! Don Ritchey will bring his guitar and sing family favorites that you can sing along to. Free. 12:30PM, Meridian Library District, Meridian

9 Holiday Beauty Fair, 11:00AM-4:00PM, City Center, Driggs

9 A Tuba Christmas: Mostly traditional Christmas music performed by non-traditional instruments. 12 Noon – 1 PM, Public Library Lobby, Nampa

9 Techno Teens: Teens ages 13-18 are invited to discover and explore techie gadgets; 2:00PM, City Library, Lewiston

9 Family Dance: For the whole family (kids, parents, beginning dancers & fun-loving dancers of all kinds & ages). Dance experience not required. Just bring your happy feet. 6:30-8:00PM, Focus will be on the family; 8:00-8:30PM, Pattern Dance Lesson; 8:30-11:00PM, Open Social Dancing (2-step, west & east coast swing, country swing, waltz, line, etc). Bring a snack to share if you can, non-alcoholic beverages permitted. $5 per person, $15 per family. Boise Square and Round Dance Center, Boise

12 Home School Day: Snow Science: FREE program catered to children ages 3 – 12,10:00-11:30AM, Boise WaterShed Environmental Education Center, 11818 W. Joplin Road, Boise 

13 Well-Read Morning Book Club: 10:00-11:30AM, Well-Read Moose, Coeur d’Alene

13 “A Rocky Mountain Christmas”: A family holiday tradition comes to life as Jim Curry performs the music from John Denver’s many Christmas music collections. Memorable melodies include “Silver Bells,” “Silent Night,” and “O Holy Night,” along with John’s own “Christmas for Cowboys,” “Noel, Christmas Eve,” “Aspenglow,” and “The Peace Carol.” Two shows: 4pm and 7:30pm. The National Oregon/California Trail Center, Montpelier

13 Customer Appreciation Day: Lava wants to say “Thank you!” to their customers with free admission to the Hot Pools all day. Lava Hot Springs

13 Sunset Lecture Series: Birding in Brazil; 7:00PM, Jim Hall Foothills Learning Center, Boise

14 Preschool Story Time Stay-and-Play: Free. 4-6 year olds. 10AM-11AM and 2:30PM-3PM; Meridian Library District, Meridian

14 St. Nicholas Christmas Concert: 7pm – 8:30pm, Historic Wilson Theater, Rupert

16 Collin Raye Christmas: 7:30-9:00PM, L.E. and Thelma E. Stephens Performing Arts Center, ISU campus, Pocatello

16 Procrastinator’s Dream Christmas Event: Collecting Donations for Toys for Tots & Fire Fighters Burn out Fund on site! Come by and Enjoy Raffles, Door Prizes, Food, A Great Variety of Vendors with Gift ideas to complete those holiday lists, Fresh Roasted Coffee & Gift Ideas with Ironside Roasting Co. as well as Fresh home made treats and eats, Santa free to visit with pictures welcome, we will also be raffling off a Free Turkey or Ham Dinner on site included in door prizes. Hope to See You there! Free admission. 10:00AM-4:00PM Kleiner Park, Meridian

16 Breakfast with Santa: Join Santa and Mrs. Claus for a morning of fun. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be visiting with everyone throughout breakfast, spreading their Christmas cheer. Santa will also read a book during breakfast, and all participants will get to color pictures and write Santa a letter. After breakfast, each child will have the opportunity to sit on Santa’s lap and get a present from the jolly old elf! There will be two separate seatings, the first beginning at 8:00 am and the second beginning at 9:30 am. $26.00/Family (up to 5 people), $7.50/Individual (+tax). It all happens at the 1912 Center in Moscow

16 Handmade Holiday: Jingle all the way to the Fort Boise Community Center between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to spend some time crafting handmade gifts and ornaments for the holidays. Make a wreath, beautiful ornaments and decorations from recycled or reusable household items. Take a free photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Enjoy holiday carols provided by a local choir group as well as tasty treats for all! Join the Boise Environmental Education partners to ring in the Holiday Season. Boise

16 Community “Breakfast with Santa”, Craigmont

16 WISCL Scholastic Chess Tournament: 7:00PM, Lowell Scott Middle School, Boise

16 Christmas Bazaar: Free admission, 9AM-4PM, Senior Center in Kleiner Park, Meridian

19 Reptile Revue: Learn the unique characteristics of various snakes, lizards and other reptiles and what their care needs are. 6:00 PM-6:30 PM. The Herrett Center for Arts & Sciences, 315 Falls Ave., Twin Falls

20 Senior Day at the Museum: Seniors (62+) receive free admission all day. And at 2 p.m. BAM invites area senior citizens to a docent-led tour of the museum’s exhibits. Boise Art Museum, Boise

21 Preschool Story Time Stay-and-Play: Free. 4-6 year olds. 10AM-11AM and 2:30PM-3PM; Meridian Library District, Meridian

21 “What Are You Reading?”: Come join a different kind of book club! Instead of reading an assigned book, we want you to bring what you’re reading right now. Share current and favorite reads, swap suggestions, and share your love for reading in a casual book club experience. Open to all adults. 7:00-9:00PM, One World Café, Moscow

22 Baked Potato Bar Dinner/Fundraiser: Traditional Delicious Idaho Baked Potato. The only bar in town that comes with a side salad & dessert! Bring your friends and family. The potato bar opens at 5:00pm. Cost:$6 (kids 8 and under, $4), Lake City Center, Coeur d’Alene

24 Santa Baby Costume Contest and Party, Pomerelle Ski Area, Albion

25 Christmas Day

31 New Year’s Eve Pow Wow, Lapwai