POST FALLS - Bone-chilling outside, heartwarming inside.

Post Falls on Friday night canceled the outdoor tree lighting ceremony that traditionally kicks off its Winterfest festivities at City Hall due to bitter cold, but attendees still warmed up to the season with carolers, cookies, crafts and camaraderie inside.

Kailen McCracken, a fifth-grader in the Ponderosa Elementary choir that sang Christmas carols at the event, said this is her favorite time to sing.

"Christmas is my birthday," she said with a wide smile. "And we get to welcome Santa."

She said she also enjoyed Winterfest because it was a great time for kids and parents to be with each other.

"It brings so many families together," she said while taking a break from making an ornament.

Cassie Anderson, a fellow member of the choir, said Winterfest is a great way to get into the holiday spirit.

"It's a fun night to get to do crafts, drink cider and hear people sing," she said.

The event is presented by the city's Recreation Department.

Post Falls residents Jim and Julie Smith took in the music and enjoyed watching wide-eyed youngsters partake in activities in the City Hall rotunda.

"We love to see the kids," Julie said, adding that the couple's family is spread out elsewhere. "We're trying to stay young."

Julie said it's also important to be involved in the city you live in, especially around the holidays.

"Community spirit - you have to support it," she said cheerfully.

Jim said he wasn't about to let the frigid weather deter him from turning out for some Christmas cheer. He has pedaled his "velomobile," a covered bike with three pedals, during the recent cold snap.

"I have my beaver hat," he said while showing it off. "This will take you to 40 below."

With the temperature dipping to 5 degrees during Winterfest, city officials decided it was a good night to stay inside in the name of public safety rather than go outside to the plaza for the tree lighting portion and countdown.

"The Recreation staff felt this change, while disappointing, was in the best interests of our visitors," said Kit Hoffer, city spokeswoman.

The plaza was lit up when folks arrived.

"It's nice that they brought it all indoors," said Post Falls' Shawn Bendinelli, who brought his 4-year-old daughter to Winterfest. "She enjoys the crafts. This is a little tradition for us."

Some of the 175 or so attendees were content looking at the lights through the windows of the rotunda.

"This is so neat - cold or not," said Jamie McCracken, Kailen's mother, as she tried her hand at making an ornament. "Thanksgiving was so late this year that I wasn't quite ready for Christmas already. But this will get it going."