Communities throughout the area are planning Christmas festivities tonight and Saturday.

Here's a look at what's happening:

* Post Falls - Winterfest, which is organized by city staff and includes caroling, a visit from Santa, kids' activities, refreshments and a tree lighting, will be held tonight from 6-8 at City Hall, 408 N. Spokane St.

Nonperishable food items, unwrapped new toys, blankets and gently used coats will be accepted to benefit the food bank. The event will also kick off a holiday giving tree.

Activities will move inside in case of rain or snow.

The River City Leadership Academy will accept children's pajamas or socks at the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce next door for those in need from 5-7 p.m. Refreshments will be served.

* Rathdrum - December D'Lights sponsored by the Rathdrum Area Chamber of Commerce and the city will be held tonight from 5-8 and Saturday, Dec. 3, from 3-5:30 p.m.

Friday's activities, including a holiday stroll, are planned for the Stein's Lakeland Shopping Center. Free hay rides will be available at the library. Boarding passes should be picked up at 4 p.m.

There will also be caroling and food for sale.

On Saturday's activities on Main Street, include the lighted rig parade at 5 p.m. There will be carols, fire pits, kids' crafts, a dash for cash at 4 p.m., recipe contest, the Discover Technology bus and robot and a visit from Santa.

* Hayden - The Hayden Lights parade starts at 5 p.m. on Saturday on Government Way from Hayden to Honeysuckle.

The Christmas tree lighting, featuring Mayor Ron McIntire, entertainment and free refreshments, will be held at City Park after the parade.

Donations will be accepted for Toys for Tots.

* Spirit Lake - Activities on Maine Street today start at 3 p.m., including performances from the Timberlake High band and choir.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating downtown revitalization project will be held at Maine and Fourth around 5 p.m. There will also be a lighted lawnmower parade.

* Hospice of North Idaho - The nonprofit will hold its 30th annual tree lighting on Monday at 5:30 p.m. at the JACC at Fourth and William near City Hall.

* St. Maries - Christmas in St. Maries on Saturday includes a stroll on Main Street from 1-5 p.m., a lighted parade at 5 p.m. and a free concert at 6:30 p.m. at the Heyburn gym.

There will also be wagon rides, craft fairs, pictures with Santa and kids' activities.

* Kellogg - "Light Up Kellogg," the city's lighting ceremony, will be Saturday. The parade begins at 5 p.m. Festivities will continue in the plaza at the base of Silver Mountain. An unsung local hero will light the Christmas tree as carolers lead a sing-along of Christmas carols. Complimentary hot cocoa, apple cider and candy canes will be offered. As a grand finale, a fireworks show will light up the sky from the Silver Mountain parking lot.

* Wallace - "A Silver Lined Christmas" on Friday includes a lighting ceremony when holiday lights turn on at dusk, around 4:30 p.m. The parade starts at 7 p.m., and prizes will be awarded for the best lighted entries. The Winter Walk through Wallace and hayrides will follow, ending with a chili feed at Red Light Garage.