COEUR d’ALENE — There’s a lot that goes into making Christmas magic on Lake Coeur d’Alene.

It takes a total of 1.5 million lights, 250 whimsical displays, countless trips across the lake and, of course, the holiday cheer of elves like Silver Belle.

And it’s not just the children that find lasting joy on the chilly waters of Lake Coeur d’Alene.

Bethany and Nathan Letcher went on a Christmas cruise the night they got engaged in 2016. They’ve now made it a tradition to share the special night with their children, 4-year-old Claire and 2-year-old Benny.

“Nostalgia is what brings us back,” Bethany said. “We love it.”

Brought to life by Mica Riendeau, Silver Belle is now in her seventh year of welcoming passengers young and old aboard the Journey to the North Pole cruises.

“It’s really gratifying to see the pure happiness on the faces of the kids,” Riendeau said.

For the youngest aboard Lake Coeur d’Alene Cruises’ vessels, meeting one of Santa’s elves is a memory they’ll hold onto long after they return to the boardwalk.

Silver Belle handed out candy canes and trinkets to children like Baylor, 2, who proudly showed off her shiny new jingle bell with a smile after meeting the merry elf.

“It’s the season of giving and joy ... that’s why I do it,” Riendeau said. “That’s what this is all about.”

Lake Coeur d’Alene Cruises has taken revelers on the journey to the North Pole for 29 years now, making Christmas magic for the thousands of children who hear their name read from the Nice List by Santa Claus himself each year.

The North Pole Cruises are running nightly through the holidays. All depart nightly from The Boardwalk marina, with initial boarding at The Resort Plaza Shops.

Info: www.cdacruises.com 

    Baylor, 2, shares a magical moment with Silver Belle the elf aboard Lake Coeur d'Alene Cruises' Journey to the North Pole on Tuesday night.
  

    Santa Claus and his helper, Cookie, check the nice list twice at the North Pole on Lake Coeur d'Alene on Tuesday night.
  

    Kids and adults alike marvel at the fireworks display above the North Pole on Lake Coeur d'Alene on Tuesday.