If you're not in the Christmas spirit yet, area cities have planned free community celebrations from parades to tree lighting ceremonies to help you get there.

Here's what's happening:

HAYDEN

The Hayden Lights parade and Christmas tree lighting ceremony will be Saturday.

The parade starts at 5 p.m. at Hayden Avenue and will proceed south in the northbound lane of Government Way to Honeysuckle Avenue. Government Way will be closed to traffic from 4:55 to 5:45 p.m. from Hayden to Honeysuckle. For the best views of the parade, stand on the east side of Government Way.

There will be free refreshments in the City Park gazebo after the parade.

The tree lighting ceremony will be after the parade at City Park. There will be music by the Atlas and Hayden Meadows elementary special choruses. The tree will be lighted by Mayor Ron McIntire with the assistance of local children.

Santa Claus will be at City Hall to listen to children's wishes and pass out treats.

Donations will be accepted for Toys for Tots.

RATHDRUM

Several activities are planned at the Lakeland Shopping Center from 4-8 p.m. on Saturday.

There will be remarks by Mayor Vic Holmes and a tree lighting ceremony at 4:30 p.m.

New this year will be Santa's Workshop, which includes crafts for kids and vendors, from 4:30 to 8 p.m. next to Napa. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there.

There will be a dash for cash for kids 12 and younger at 4:45 p.m. and hay rides and carols through the Deerfield neighborhood from 5-8 p.m. Free hay ride boarding passes will be available at the Rathdrum Library starting at 4 p.m.

Businesses in the plaza will host a holiday stroll and offer food and refreshments. If visitors have a card punched at all of the businesses, they will be eligible to win prizes. The drawings will be held at 8 p.m. at Santa's Workshop. There will be fire pits for attendees to warm up.

Crystal Jensen, Rathdrum Area Chamber of Commerce's events and membership director, said all activities have moved to the shopping center from City Park and Main Street due to the popularity of the event at the center in recent years.

She said a parade is not scheduled for Saturday, but one still may be held on a December weekend due to popular demand.

POST FALLS

Winterfest hosted by the city of Post Falls on Friday, Dec. 7, from 6-8 p.m. at City Hall, 408 N. Spokane St.

There will be a tree lighting ceremony, singing by local groups, crafts, refreshments, a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus and a reading by Mayor Clay Larkin of "'Twas the Night Before Christmas."

Attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items and unused toys for under the Tree of Sharing for local nonprofits.

A maple tree visible from Interstate 90 will be decorated with lights sponsored by area businesses. There will also be red, white and blue decorations on the City Hall campus in honor of veterans.

On Saturday, Dec. 8, Blue Dog RV will present the Post Falls RV Parade of Lights benefitting local nonprofits starting at 7 p.m. at Red Lion Templin's Hotel. The parade will end at the senior center on Third Avenue around 8 p.m.

There will be a reception with refreshments at the senior center after the parade where attendees can learn about the nonprofits and donate and vote on their favorite RV in the parade. Nonprofits participating include St. Vincent de Paul, The Children's Village, Post Falls Food Bank's Weekend Nutrition Program, Dirne Community Health Center, Post Falls Senior Center and Idaho Foster and Adoptive Parent Association.

Entrants will not make stops during the parade as they did last year.

For every decorated RV, fifth wheel or travel trailer in the parade, Blue Dog RV will donate $50 for the first 50 entries to a nonprofit of the entrant's choice. Parade entries are eligible to win prizes.

Information: postfallsparadeoflights.com

ST. MARIES

Christmas in St. Maries will be held on Saturday.

Events include: a parade on Main, 5 p.m.; Santa's arrival on Main, 12:30 p.m.; craft fairs at the Eagles Grub Box and Pace Fitness all day; vendor sales on Main, 1-5 p.m.; letters to Santa at The Paperhouse, 1-4 p.m.; wagon rides from the Grub Box, 1-4 p.m.; a Charlie Brown Christmas Tree Contest, 1-4 p.m.; and an excursion trains open house at St. Maries Railroad, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

There will be a Christmas gala fundraiser for Benewah Community Hospital/BetterCARE on Sunday from 2-5 p.m. at the Nazarene Church. Tickets are $25 and include dinner, refreshments and a chance to win a decorated Christmas tree and gift baskets. Call 245-7611 for information and tickets.

HARRISON

There will be a tree lighting ceremony, refreshments and music from noon to 4 p.m. at City Park on Sunday. Bring a dish to share.

A bazaar will be held at the Harrison Grange next to the library from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Food and dessert will be served and cost is $5 per person.

BLANCHARD

The annual Blanchard Christmas Party will be Sunday at the Blanchard Community Center from 1-4 p.m. Santa will arrive at 1 p.m. There will be free chili and refreshments. On Saturday, Dec. 8, the Blanchard Grange Christmas breakfast is from 8:30-11 a.m.

SPIRIT LAKE

The Spirit Lake Chamber of Commerce will host a parade and celebration on Maine Street at 6 p.m. on Saturday. The Timberlake High band and choir will perform.

Hot chocolate and other refreshments and raffles will be available at Maine Street businesses. Visitors to businesses can have a card stamped until 5 p.m. to be eligible for prizes.

Information: 437-3142