POST FALLS - Even on an icy night, the toasty holiday spirit at Post Falls Winterfest brought smiles to the faces of all ages on Friday.

"It's my favorite time of the year," an excited Tamara Jones said during the celebration at Post Falls City Hall. "It's a time to be with family and reflect on all of our blessings. Sharing these moments with those in your community is part of that."

Jones brought her three children to the event so they could experience the sights and sounds of the Christmas season.

"It's nice that they have this because Coeur d'Alene's activities can get really crowded and hard to get to," Jones said. "Kids don't last long at these events anyway, so this worked out perfect."

Elementary school choirs weren't able to perform during the festivities as scheduled, as Post Falls schools canceled on Friday because of slick road conditions.

However, other activities - including make-and-take crafts for the kids, music by The Fishermen men's quartet, a tree lighting outside, Santa's arrival and Councilwoman Linda Wilhelm's reading of "'Twas the Night before Christmas" in the council chambers - went as planned.

The celebration was organized by the Post Falls Parks and Recreation Department.

"We went to Plan X and everything went smoothly," said Traci Stevenson, a recreation supervisor. "Everybody was flexible and it turned out awesome."

Joseph Williams was among the youths who enjoyed making holiday crafts in a packed conference room. He decorated a Christmas tree with just the right ornaments.

"I'm making my mom it for Christmas," the 8-year-old said in a soft voice. "I hope she likes it. She should."

Doug and Barbara Harris of Post Falls attended their first Winterfest and were glad they came.

"It's nice to be in a small community where Christmas matters," she said as she listened to the singing in the City Hall rotunda. "I just enjoy the fellowship and love seeing the children play."

Toward the end of Winterfest, Santa, the man of the hour, arrived to brighten dozens of kids' faces.

"I wanted to tell him that I could use some boots for Christmas," said 7-year-old Joel Clawson. "The boots will let me go outside in the snow."

• Other community holiday events continue today and tonight including:

HAYDEN - The Hayden Lights Parade starts at 5 p.m. on Government Way. The Christmas tree lighting ceremony will immediately follow the parade at Hayden City Park.

Free hot chocolate, coffee and cookies will be served after the parade. There will be music by the Atlas and Hayden Meadows school choruses.

The tree will be lit by Mayor Ron McIntire, with the assistance of local children.

Santa will be in the council chambers to listen to children's wishes and distribute treats.

Donations will be accepted for the Toys for Tots campaign.

For more information on the Hayden events, call 209-1080.

RATHDRUM - December D'Lights continues with the Main Street Faire from 1 to 5 p.m. There will be vendors, hay rides, games, a baking contest, chili cookoff, concessions, a dash-for-cash event and an appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus.

The lighted rig parade will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Main, then continue through town.

Food donations for the Rathdrum Food Bank will be accepted at Adept Business Solutions or the Rathdrum Area Chamber of Commerce.

SPIRIT LAKE - From 1 to 3 p.m. at Spirit Lake Books and Coffee, Spirit Lake Visions will host "Santa Claus is Coming to Town." There will be crafts, cookies, cocoa and punch.

There will be a tree lighting at the small park on Maine Street and a parade sponsored by the chamber of commerce at 5 p.m.

ST. MARIES - Christmas in St. Maries includes craft fairs at the Eagles Lodge and the Grub Box from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Merchant sales on Main Street run from 1 to 5 p.m.

Santa will arrive on Main at 12:45 p.m. and be available for photos at Timber Realty from 1 to 4 p.m. Letters to Santa will be held at The Paperhouse from 1 to 4 p.m. Horse-drawn wagon rides from the Grub Box will run from 1 to 4 p.m.

The lighted Christmas parade starts at 5 p.m.

HARRISON - Winterfest will be held at City Park from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. There will be hay rides, caroling, cider and cocoa.