Halloween is over so scary decorations can be converted to Thanksgiving décor, and hearts and minds can begin to warm to the holiday season. Pumpkin spice everything has to make way for gingerbread and apple ciders, as the countdown to Christmas is on the horizon. Communities invite the generosity of spirit with fall events lined up to celebrate chilly weather, Thanksgiving, and the Christmas season.

Nov. 4

• North Idaho College’s Punkin' Chuckin’

Close out the Halloween season by hurling pumpkins via giant trebuchet for free, at a family-friendly event with snacks provided. 2:30-6 p.m. North Idaho College Parking Lot A (at the intersection of Northwest Boulevard and Hubbard Avenue) in Coeur d'Alene.

Nov. 24

• Ralph's Coffee House and Cafe and Bayview Community Center’s Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner​

The fourth annual complimentary Thanksgiving meal including turkey or ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, candied yams, stuffing, cranberry sauce, green beans & pumpkin pie free to all with home deliveries provided (donations appreciated, but not expected).

Questions, or to sign up to provide food — 208-683-2218 (Ralph's).

On Thanksgiving Day, call 208-683-8040 (Community Center) for info, or to request meal.

Noon to 5 p.m. at 20298 E. Perimeter Road, Bayview or delivered on request.

• Retrofit Athletics’ third Annual Sweaty Yeti 5K Turkey Trot

A 5K fun run is a healthy way to start Thanksgiving day. Open to everyone including runners, walkers, strollers, pets on leashes. Sign up by Nov. 15 and receive a shirt on race day. Kids 12 & younger run free with participating adult. Proceeds will be donated to Spirit Lake Youth Sports Programs.

8:30 a.m. starting at Maine Street, Spirit Lake.

Nov. 25

• Coeur d'Alene Downtown Association’s Annual Lighting Ceremony

Following the local Christmas Parade, and a short trek from Sherman Avenue to Independence Point, the tree lighting ceremony will light up the water and booming fireworks will echo off The Resort towers.

5 p.m. the parade starts on Sherman Avenue in Coeur d’Alene.

5 and 5:30 p.m. fireworks cruises will cast off.

6 p.m. the official lighting ceremony begins on the lawn at 111 S. First St.

6:15 p.m. the fireworks show will begin, exploding over the docks at The Coeur d’Alene Resort.

Dec. 2-3

• Hayden Chamber of Commerce’s European Christmas Market

A two-day event to coincide with the Hayden City Parade & Tree Lighting. Based on the traditional, festive open-air Christkindlmarkts in Germany, Austria and other countries during the Advent season.

Friday from 4 to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at McIntire Park in Hayden.

Dec. 3

• Bayview Marinas and Stone Ridge Golf Course’s sixth annual Tree Lighting Ceremony

Everyone is welcome for free chili, free hot cocoa, free cookies and free coffee, and a free present to each child in attendance.

Timberlake Fire District will collect donations of food and toys in their sleigh.

Begins 5:30 p.m. at 34076 N. Main St., Bayview.

Tree lighting is at 6 p.m.

• Annual Hayden Lights Parade and Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

Free family-friendly parade begins at Hayden Avenue and travels along Government Way to Honeysuckle Avenue, with a tree lighting ceremony immediately after the parade.

5 p.m. at McIntire Family Park in Hayden.

• Rathdrum Parks and Recreations’ lighted vehicle parade

Vehicles register to compete for best lighted vehicle. There’s a short and long route for participants and the parade entry fee is $5 per entry. All proceeds from registration will go to the Rathdrum Food Bank.

6 p.m. the parade starts around John Brown Elementary School in Rathdrum and travels west up Main Street.

The long route continues from Main Street throughout the city of Rathdrum.

Dec. 10-11

• North Idaho College’s Sounds Of Christmas​

North Idaho College Music Department's Wind Symphony, Cardinal Chorale & Chamber Singers perform a free concert for the public.

7:30 to 9 p.m. Dec. 10 at the Schuler Performing Arts Center, 880 W. Garden Ave., Coeur d’Alene.

2 to 3:30 p.m. Dec. 11 at the Schuler Performing Arts Center, 880 W. Garden Ave., Coeur d’Alene.

Hosting an event? Please email jsnow@cdapress.com with your event information.