The holidays are here again, and North Idaho communities are starting off the season with festivities aplenty.

Here are some upcoming area events to commence the yuletide celebration:

POST FALLS

Post Falls Parks and Recreation will host Winterfest on the Post Falls City Hall campus, 408 N. Spokane St., from 6 to 8 p.m. this Friday, Dec. 1.

Activities will include a tree lighting ceremony, a visit from Santa, performances by school and bell choirs, s'mores making in Mrs. Claus's kitchen, campfires, crafts and caroling around the historic organ at the Post Falls Historical Museum.

"Post Falls Winterfest is a great kickoff to the beginning of the holiday season," said Traci Stevenson, Post Falls Recreation supervisor. "We love being able to give back to our amazing community with a free and festive event."

Soups, kettle corn and coffee will be available for purchase.

"As always, we want to continue to pay it forward and treat our community," Stevenson said. "If you would like, please bring unwrapped gifts, non-perishable foods, coats or blankets to put under the tree for people in need."

HAYDEN

The annual Hayden Lights Parade and Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held this Saturday, Dec. 2, at McIntire Family Park, 8930 N. Government Way.

The parade starts at 5 p.m. beginning at Hayden Avenue and will proceed south on Government Way to Honeysuckle Avenue. Government Way will be closed from Hayden to Honeysuckle during the parade.

The lighting ceremony will immediately follow the parade. Free hot cocoa, coffee and cookies will be served in the McIntire Family Park gazebo. Mayor Steve Griffitts will light the tree with the assistance of local children. Santa Claus will make an appearance to listen to children's wishes. Arts, crafts and games for kids will be provided. Donations will be accepted for Toys for Tots.

RATHDRUM

Rathdrum's December D'Lights and tree lighting ceremony will be from 5 to 6 p.m. this Friday in front of City Hall, 8047 Main St. The lighting of the tree will take place promptly at 5:30 p.m. The evening will include hot cocoa, s'mores and caroling followed by the lighted rig parade at 6 p.m.

December D'Lights will continue the next day from 3 to 8 p.m. in the Lakeland Shopping Center, 16320 Highway 41. Activities will include a dash for cash, games and crafts, a chili cook-off, craft vendors, a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, and carriage rides starting at 5 p.m.

“There are so many reasons I love this event,” said Shanie Rountree, a D’Lights coordinator. "It’s a great way to kick off our holidays and it’s a way for us to give back to the community. There’s no charge for any of the activities. We just love to have all the families come out and enjoy themselves, and everybody loves the carriage rides."

SPIRIT LAKE

Spirit Lake will hold its Christmas parade on Maine Street at 5 p.m. Dec. 16. Mrs. Claus will read stories at Brickel Creek Coffee, 6133 Maine St., at 4 p.m. At 4:30 p.m. the Timberlake High School Choir will perform in the park at Fourth Avenue and Maine Street.