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“This year we are animating the world’s tallest living Christmas tree,” said Jerry Jaeger, president and co-owner of Hagadone Hospitality. “We will have thousands of lights all twinkling in time to the music of Jingle Bells.” The tree will have more than 40,000 lights along with a 10-foot star at the top. Two miles of electrical wiring connect the LED lights, which use 90 percent less energy than conventional light bulbs. The 162-foot Grand Fir is more than twice as tall as New York’s Rockefeller Center Christmas tree.
"The Holiday Light Show is all about entertaining the family – and kids in particular," said Bill Reagan, general manager of The Coeur d’Alene Resort. “Watching the lights dance around the tree will be very exciting this year.”
Other new additions include several new lighted animal characters at The North Pole, which already includes Santa’s workshop, dancing elves, a village scene and reindeer, as well as the popular “Twelve Days of Christmas” sing-along display. Founded in 1986, the Holiday Light Show now includes more than 250 displays and 1.5 million lights, and has become a favorite Northwest holiday destination.
This year, Frosty the Snowman debuts as the official greeter for every nightly Journey to the North Pole cruise, confirmed Craig Brosenne, general manager of Hagadone Marine Group, which manages the Lake Coeur d’Alene Cruises fleet.
This year’s show will be greatly enhanced by the presence of Frosty the Snowman, who will greet every kid climbing on board,” Brosenne said. Other new live characters this year will be The Grinch, several elves and a reindeer.
Every child under the age of 12 rides for free on the Journey to the North Pole Cruise, where children are also treated to a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. The live characters call out the children’s names and lead cruise passengers in a countdown to light up the giant Christmas tree. Passengers are also treated to “magic snow” which falls on cue for each cruise regardless of time or temperature.
The show will be illuminated during the Coeur d’Alene Holiday Light Show Opening Ceremony on Nov. 27, starting at 5:30 p.m., which includes a lighted parade, Christmas carols, candle lighting and a gigantic fireworks show over Lake Coeur d’Alene.
Journey to the North Pole Cruises depart nightly to view the Holiday Light Show displays from Nov. 28-Jan. 1. The 40-minute cruises leave the dock at 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., with boarding at The Boardwalk Marina 15 minutes prior to the cruise. Children 12 and under cruise for free, while adult tickets cost $15.75 and seniors (55+) are $14.75.<.p>
For 2009, The Coeur d’Alene Resort welcomes visitors with a Family Holiday Package that includes:
- Two nights (minimum stay) in a choice of luxury accommodations in The Resort’s lakeside tower
- Two adult cruise tickets to the “North Pole” holiday lights exhibit (Kids 12 and younger cruise for free)
- Breakfast for two in the Dockside Restaurant
A special Thanksgiving Package (for those arriving Thursday, Nov. 26) includes the Thanksgiving Dinner Buffet for two in Dockside restaurant, or (for those arriving Friday, Nov. 27) Sunday Brunch for two in Dockside.
Holiday dining packages from Nov. 28 – Jan. 1 include a buy one, get one free Journey to the North Pole Cruise with purchase of a meal at Beverly’s, The Cedar’s Floating Restaurant, Tito Macaroni’s, Dockside, Bonsai Bistro, Beachouse or Mulligan’s.
