12-17-2021

And here's what's on tap in December 2026!

*Panhandle Special Needs Inc. (PSNI) Annual Christmas Market. Check it out from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week at 1424 N. Boyer. PSNI's Christmas Market features 60 local artisans and vendors offering handmade gifts, including candles, jewelry, pottery, stained glass, wood and metalwork, artwork, specialty foods, soaps and more. Fresh-cut Christmas trees and wreaths will also be available. Shop local while supporting community artisans and people with disabilities. This market will run from Nov. 30 through Dec. 20, 2026.

*Continuing through Dec. 5 Charity & Cheer Window Walk. Explore decorated raffle trees throughout Sandpoint as local nonprofits partner with businesses to raise funds and help spread holiday cheer. Get more info or your Festival passport for $20 here.

1 Somewhere North: Headin' Home Debut Album Release Show. Join at the Panida Little Theater as Sandpoint duo Somewhere North brings their debut album, Headin' Home, to life. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. so you can come early and mingle while enjoying a staffed bar with a variety of beer, wine, and food options. Opening act will take the stage at 6 p.m., followed by Somewhere North at 6:45 p.m. Get more info, or tickets at panida.org.

2 Free Ice Skating. The first 250 skaters can enjoy free skating at The Pond, 995 Kootenai Cutoff Road, from 4:30-7:30 p.m. Festivities will also include free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, a lighted Merry Christmas family photo spot, and hot chocolate and cookies. No tickets are required. While free skating is limited to the first 250 skaters, everyone is welcome to join in the festivities.

4 Live Music with Natalie Hughes. Join from 5:30-8:30 p.m. for some live music with Natalie Hughes at Barrel 33, 100 N. First Ave.

4-6 Lions Club Christmas Craft Fair. Join in at the Sandpoint Community Hall, 204 S. First Ave. from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Vendor applications are now open for $75 for all three days, with setup available on the 3rd for your 10x10 space. Inside or outside spaces available. More info to come.

5 Sandpoint Waldorf School's Winter Faire & Children's Store. Join from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Sandpoint Waldorf School, 2007 Sandpoint West Dr. for a magical day of handmade treasures, seasonal traditions, and festive fun for the whole family. See more here!

5 ELF: With Audience Participation. Join the Panida Theater, 300 N. First Ave., at 2 p.m. for a fun family matinee and interactive screening of the holiday comedy Elf. Released in 2003, the film follows Buddy (Will Ferrell), a human baby who accidentally crawls into Santa's toy sack and is raised by elves at the North Pole. As an adult, Buddy travels to New York City to find his cynical biological father, Walter Hobbs (James Caan), and spread Christmas cheer. Come dressed up, sing along and join the movie characters for a snowball fight during this audience participation event! Doors open one hour before the show. Tickets are available online at panida.org or at the door. Adults $10.50, Students & Seniors $7.50.

5 Annual Festival of Trees Gala. Join for the grand finale of Sandpoint's beloved hometown tradition. Dress up, gather with friends, and enjoy a magical evening of live music, spectacular designer Christmas trees, exciting auctions, and community generosity with CREC. Get more info, or reserve your tickets here. The Hive, 207 N. First Ave. 5-11 p.m.

5 Live Music with Monarch Mountain Trio. Join from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Barrel 33, 100 N. First Ave. for some live music with Monarch Mountain Trio.

6 A Celtic Christmas with Everdream. The Panida Theater, 300 N. First Ave., will host Everdream's A Celtic Christmas at 7 p.m. The Irish trio will perform holiday favorites, traditional Irish music and lively jigs and reels, accompanied by stunning images of Ireland. Special guest Howard Crosby, nephew of Bing Crosby, will also share songs and stories about his famous uncle. The two-hour concert is suitable for all ages. Doors open one hour before the show. Tickets are available online at panida.org or at the door.

9 The Nutcracker with Ballet Victoria. POAC is bringing back the timeless holiday classic that unites us all in the festive season. Be transported to a magical land filled with dancing toys and sugar plum fairies at the Nutcracker. Show will begin at 7 p.m. with doors opening an hour prior. Get more information, or tickets at panida.org.

12: 3rd Annual SantaCon. Take part in this delightful, charitable event that brings the community together in the spirit of the season. Attendees are invited to don their festive Santa attire and spready holiday cheer. Matchwood Brewing, 513 Oak St. More information to come.

12-18 Kids Ski Free at Schweitzer. Pre-register online. Details TBD. Schweitzer.com.

13 The Muppet Christmas Carol. The Muppets bring Dickens� classic holiday tale to life, with Kermit as Bob Cratchit and Scrooge visited by spirits of Christmas past, present and future in hopes of changing his miserly ways. Join at the Panida, 300 N. First Ave. at 2 p.m. (doors open 30 minutes prior). Get your tickets at panida.org.

15 Music Matters! Christmas Concert. Join from 6-8 p.m. at the Parkside Church for a festive evening of music with the Music Matters! Youth orchestra, youth choir, ensemble choir, and percussion ensembles. Children 6 and under are free and tickets are $5 to come enjoy the sounds of the season. Get more info or tickets at sandpointconservatory.org./events.

17 Christmas Choir Concert. Join in the Sandpoint High School auditorium at 410 S. Division Ave. starting at 7:30 p.m. Enjoy the mixed choir, concert choir, and chamber choir as they perform three songs each. $7.

17-18 Grinchmas. Laiche Dance Center presents Grinchmas, a holiday dance production inspired by How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Shows start at 6:30 p.m. at the Panida Theater, 300 N. First Ave. and brings the story of the Grinch and Whoville to life with expressive choreography, colorful costumes and festive performances for all ages. Doors open one hour before the show. Get tickets at panida.org.

18 Sandpoint Tango. Learn Argentine Tango for the social dance floor. Join at 6 p.m. for an introductory lesson to this improvised dance. Lessons will be held at the Embody Center, 823 Main St. $20 drop-in. Practica until 9 p.m. No dance experience required, and no partner necessary. Bring socks if you don�t have dance shoes. With Muffy Nye. Call or text at 406-599-5696 with any questions.

23-24 Ski with Santa. Santa will be sliding the slopes around Schweitzer before he begins his travels around the world! You'll be able to catch Santa cruising around several beginner and intermediate runs so be on the lookout! He'll have candy to pass out to all the GOOD girls and boys! For more information, visit Schweitzer.com. 208-255-3081

31 New York New Years Eve. Join for live music, a community toast, and a live broadcast of New York's ball drop at Matchwood Brewing, 513 Oak St. Don't miss the food and drink specials. More information to come.

31 Taps New Years Eve. Join the party at Taps on Schweitzer for New Years Eve. For the most up to date information, or to purchase tickets, go to Schweitzer.com.

31 Schweitzer Family Friendly New Years Eve Tubing Party. Come bring the family up the hill and enjoy a tubing party to celebrate the end of the year at Schweitzer.com.