COEUR d’ALENE — The North Pole across Lake Coeur d’Alene has always been a joyful place, one of lights, fireworks, music and Santa Claus.

It has brought smiles and laughter to hundreds of thousands of boys and girls, delivered there by Lake Coeur d'Alene Cruises.

This holiday season, it’s going to be even more magical.

"Santa's New North Pole and lamp house feature has been a long time coming for us and is a true labor of love for our team,” said Carl Fus, Lake Coeur d'Alene Cruises general manager. “We can't wait to share this new addition with all our guests this holiday season and make this year an unforgettable Journey to the North Pole aboard Lake Coeur d'Alene Cruises."

Santa will greet guests with his jolly laugh and call the name of each child aboard from his new waterfront toy workshop that has improved design elements, additional lighting and enhanced audio features.

It will be set on “The Chinook,” a barge 53 feet long and 23 feet wide. The Chinook was built this year and is No. 7 in the Lake Coeur d'Alene Cruises fleet.

There will as usual be a fireworks display and holiday music with the cruise to Santa's home.

“Sneak Peek Week Cruises” with ticket discounts will run Nov. 15 to Nov. 22.  They are described as a chance to "Experience the wonder before the crowds. It's the same Journey to the North Pole — same lights, same Santa, same magic — just a sneak peek at Santa’s new North Pole before others see it."

Journey to the North Pole Cruises will run Nov. 23 to Jan. 2.

 All depart nightly from The Boardwalk marina, with initial boarding at The Resort Plaza Shops.

The annual Coeur d’Alene Resort Holiday Light Show, which includes more than 250 displays, will include some additions, with hints that “the fire-breathing dragon may have a new friend.”

The lighting ceremony is set for 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24 following the Lighting Ceremony Parade. Thousands traditionally gather on The Resort front lawn for carols and a countdown to the switch being flipped on 1.5 million lights, followed by a fireworks display compliments of The Resort and the Hagadone Corp.

Info: www.cdacruises.com/journey-to-the-north-pole

    Santa's new lamp house will soon be decorated and ready for the jolly, red-suited man to greet children who journey to the North Pole aboard a Lake Coeur d'Alene Cruises boat.