The 2014 Coeur d'Alene Resort Holiday Light Show will illuminate Coeur d'Alene with 1.5 million lights from Nov. 21 to Jan. 4.

Because Thanksgiving falls near the end of the month, this year's Holiday Light Show will start Nov. 21 with special cruise promotions during "Preview Week."

The Holiday Light Show opening ceremonies, including a spectacular fireworks show over the lake, are scheduled on the traditional day after Thanksgiving, Nov. 28.

"The Holiday Light Show has become one of the Northwest's favorite family traditions," said Jerry Jaeger, president and co-owner of Hagadone Hospitality, which stages the annual show.

Journey to the North Pole cruises depart every night, except on Thanksgiving, from the North Pole Cruise Terminal at The Coeur d'Alene Resort Plaza Shops. There, passengers are greeted by elves, and discover that the Grinch is planning to sabotage the voyage.

To every child's delight, the cruise boat gets past the Grinch and finds a real live Santa Claus and his elves at the North Pole, where Santa reads each child's name from his "nice list."

The Holiday Light Show includes room, dining and cruise packages at The Coeur d'Alene Resort, which is lit inside and out with a holiday glow.

"It's all about the magic of Christmas, and entertaining kids - and kids at heart," said Bill Reagan, general manager of The Resort. "We do absolutely everything we can to accomplish this mission."

Now in its 28th season, The Coeur d'Alene Resort Holiday Light Show shines brighter than ever with more than 255 displays. What began as a few lights decorating the front entrance of the hotel has grown to a family destination celebrated by ABC's "Good Morning America" as one of the nation's best holiday towns.

This year's new attraction is an animated floating Christmas tree on Lake Coeur d'Alene. The tree rises 60 feet tall right from the water, with lights dancing in time to the popular Christmas tune, "Carol of the Bells," and a surprise burst of fireworks.

• Journey to the North Pole Cruise Nov. 21-Jan. 4

The 40-minute Journey to the North Pole cruise departs nightly from the North Pole Cruise Terminal at The Coeur d'Alene Resort Plaza Shops.

Cruise dates for 2014 are Nov. 21-Jan. 4 (except 11/27). Cruise times are 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices for 2014 are $19.75 for adults, $18.75 for seniors 55+, $5 for children 6-12 and free for children 5 and under. No cruises on Thanksgiving Day. Purchase tickets at cdacruises.com or call (855) 956-1977.

• Black Friday Warm-Up Event Nov. 22

Downtown Coeur d'Alene welcomes holiday shoppers from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and the festivities include complimentary food, drinks and massage, a raffle for $100 from each store, a gift-wrapping station, decorated stores and free parking. Black Friday Warm-Up is hosted jointly between the Coeur d'Alene Downtown Association and The Coeur d'Alene Resort Plaza Shops. The event includes 'Howlidays' Dogs on Parade, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., with a costume contest, prizes and photo booth.

More at cdadowntown.com or (208) 415-0116.

• Lighting Ceremony

Nov. 28

The 2014 Holiday Light Show Opening Ceremony is scheduled for Nov. 28, beginning at 5 p.m., which includes a lighted parade through downtown, Christmas carols, candle lighting and an incredible fireworks show over Lake Coeur d'Alene. Lighting Ceremony cruise rates apply.