journey to the north pole cda

JOURNEY TO THE NORTH POLE CRUISES

Experience the NEW North Pole, the Lighting Ceremony & New Year's Eve on Lake Coeur d'Alene

holiday cruises

EXPERIENCE A MAGICAL JOURNEY ACROSS LAKE COEUR D'aLENE TO THE NORTH POLE!

Get ready to feel the holiday magic on Lake Coeur d’Alene! Take a Journey to the North Pole onboard Lake Coeur d'Alene Cruises to see 1.5 million twinkling lights, fire-breathing dragons, and even visit Santa at his NEW North Pole! Join us for our 26th year of these magical cruises out on the water - an annual family tradition that is fun for all ages.

Featuring an extravaganza of over 250 holiday light displays and millions of vibrant lights that will light the way as your family cruises to meet Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, the Elves, and even the Grinch, too! And the best part: parents and kids alike will be delighted as Santa reads each child’s name from the Nice List. The evening concludes with a brilliant display of fireworks lighting up the night sky. Cruises are 40 minutes in length - reserve your spots to make long-lasting holiday memories!

Click HERE for a map of boarding instructions! (Link opens PDF in new tab or window)

Santa’s Sneak Peek Week Cruises

Preview the Holiday Light Show Before The Crowds

Wednesday, November 15th - Wednesday, November 22nd

40-Minute Cruises Departing at 4:30 PM, 5:30 PM 6:30 PM & 7:30 PM

Boarding takes place at The Resort Plaza Shops (210 E Sherman) 30 minutes prior to departure.

Note: Our team will walk you down to the Boardwalk Marina as a group - please do not go directly to the Boardwalk Marina. We ask that you check-in at The Resort Plaza Shops first

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! Enjoy 25% off ticket prices during Santa's Sneak Peek Week Cruises.

Ticket Prices (includes taxes & fees):

• Adults: $21.00 (reg price $27.50)
• Senior (ages 55+): $20.25 (reg price $26.50)
• Youth (ages 6-12): $9.75 (reg price $12.50)
• Children ages 5 & under: FREE!

Or Call (208) 292-5670 for Tickets

Journey to the North Pole Cruises

Experience the Magic

Thursday, November 23rd through Tuesday, January 2nd

40-Minute Cruises Departing at 4:30 PM, 5:30 PM, 6:30 PM & 7:30 PM

Take an unforgettable holiday lake cruise across the sparkling waters of Lake Coeur d’Alene to view more than 1.5 million twinkling holiday lights and visit Santa Claus and his elves at his NEW North Pole, where he magically speaks to each child by name!

Click HERE (Link opens PDF in new tab or window) for the North Pole On-Board Cocktail Menu!

• Adults: $27.50
• Senior (ages 55+): $26.50
• Youth (ages 6-12): $12.50

Deluxe Private North Pole Cruises

Experience a Private journey to the North pole

Date range (based on availability): Tuesday, November 15th to Monday January 2nd

Cruise Times: 4:30 PM, 6:30 PM, 8:30 PM

Experience the magic of Santa’s NEW North Pole on your own privately-rented cruise boat! This exclusive cruise is available for up to 35 guests for a 1-hour Cruise to the North Pole. Hot Chocolate bar add-on available for additional cost and a no-host bar will be available to purchase cocktails on board the boat.

Prices (includes taxes & fees):

Deluxe Weekday Package ($699)

• Available Monday through Thursday

Deluxe Weekend Package ($799)

• Available Friday through Sunday

To book this magical experience, please contact Cheryl Johnston, Cruise Sales Manager, at (208) 415-5623. Reservation required. If you would like to book the boat for more than 1 hour, or for more than 25 people, please inquire with Cheryl.

Lighting Ceremony Cruises

Watch the Lake Light up for holidays

Friday, November 24th, 2023

Cruise Times: 5:00 PM & 5:30 PM

Length of Cruise: 90 Minutes

Boarding takes place at The Resort Plaza Shops (they will take you down to the Boardwalk Marina)

Join us for a Coeur d'Alene tradition that gets bigger and better every year: our Annual Lighting Ceremony on Lake Coeur d'Alene! Experience the magic as we flip the switch and light up the lake with over 1.5 million Christmas lights and the most magnificent holiday fireworks display in the Pacific Northwest. Ticket includes a 90-minute cruise with a trip to the North Pole and front-row seats to the Annual Lighting Ceremony Fireworks Show.

• Adults: $42.75
• Youth (ages 6-12): $31.75

New Year's Eve Cruises

Join us on Sunday, December 31st, for our New Year’s Eve Dessert Cruises! Enjoy delicious bites with the BEST views of the Coeur d'Alene fireworks! All ages are welcome.

New Year’s Eve Dessert Cruise:

Ticket Prices:

Adult: $49.00 Senior: $47.00 Youth: $39.50

When: Sunday, December 31st, 2023

Cruise Time: 10:30 pm to 12:15 am

Boarding: Boarding takes place 30 minutes prior to departure at The Resort Plaza Shops - our team will walk you down to the Boardwalk Marina for boarding.

overnight packages

This magical holiday experience will leave your family with priceless lasting memories to cherish. Celebrate the season at The Coeur d’Alene Resort with these incredible holiday packages.

Speak with our cruise event planners to help

Interested in booking a private charter cruise for your special event? Imagining your wedding on a luxurious cruise? Questions about our scenic cruises or upcoming events? Get in touch with a cruise specialist today!

CONTACT US REFUNDS, EXCHANGES & TICKET PROTECTION

The NEW North Pole: 2023 Holiday Light Show in CDA

Posted on: November 22, 2023

A Magical Transformation: The New North Pole at the Holiday Light Show

The Coeur d'Alene Resort's Holiday Light Show has always been a beacon of holiday cheer in the Pacific Northwest, drawing visitors and locals alike to experience the enchanting wonder of millions of twinkling lights reflecting on the pristine waters of Lake Coeur d'Alene. But this year, there's something truly extraordinary in store for everyone who attends the event. The 2023 holiday season at The Coeur d'Alene Resort will feature a spectacular New North Pole display that promises to take the magic to a whole new level.

A Holiday Tradition Reinvented:

For years, The Coeur d'Alene Resort's Holiday Light Show has delighted families with its charming North Pole cruise, allowing guests to embark on a journey to visit Santa Claus himself. This year, the tradition has been transformed in a way that will transport you to a North Pole experience like no other.

The New North Pole:

Prepare to be amazed as The Coeur d'Alene Resort introduces its brand-new North Pole experience. The 2023 holiday season will see the debut of an even more enchanting and immersive North Pole display that is set to become the heart of the holiday magic. The new North Pole display promises to be a breathtaking winter wonderland that will take your breath away. Imagine towering, beautifully lit snow-covered trees, festive decor, and an atmosphere that truly captures the magic of the North Pole.

Stunning Light Displays:

The new North Pole area will be adorned with dazzling light displays and animations that will add to the magical ambiance, making it a true winter wonderland.

Community Involvement:

The Coeur d'Alene Resort's Holiday Light Show has always been a community effort, with local businesses, volunteers, and residents coming together to create this beloved tradition. The new North Pole display is no exception and represents the dedication and creativity of the local community.

Plan Your Visit:

The 2023 holiday season at The Coeur d'Alene Resort promises to be truly special. If you've never experienced this magical event before, this is the perfect year to plan a visit. The new North Pole display is set to make the holiday season even more unforgettable for all who attend.

Whether you're a local resident or a visitor from afar, don't miss the opportunity to witness this incredible transformation and immerse yourself in the holiday spirit. The Coeur d'Alene Resort's 2023 holiday season promises to be one for the books, and the new North Pole is the icing on the cake.

Spread the word

'Journey to the North Pole' marks 25 years

BILL BULEY/Press file photo Christmas lights decorate The Coeur d'Alene Resort and Hagadone Corp. headquarters on Lake Coeur d'Alene during the 2021 holiday season.

COEUR d'ALENE — Lake Coeur d’Alene Cruises and The Coeur d'Alene Resort are celebrating the 25th anniversary of Journey to the North Pole Cruises.

Tickets are on sale for this tradition that has been named one of America’s top holiday attractions.

The 2022 Journey to the North Pole Program, part of The Coeur d’Alene Resort’s annual Holiday Light Show, kicks off with "Santa’s Sneak Peek Week Cruises" from Nov. 15-23.

Journey to the North Pole Cruises begin Nov. 24 and continue through Jan. 2. It takes guests across Lake Coeur d’Alene to view holiday light displays and visit Santa Claus and his elves at his waterfront toy workshop, where he speaks to each child by name and fireworks fill the sky.

Overnight packages and deluxe private cruises are available.

The annual lighting ceremony in front of The Coeur d'Alene Resort is set for Nov. 25.

"Experience the magic as we flip the switch and light up the lake with over 1.5 million Christmas lights and the most magnificent holiday fireworks display in the Pacific Northwest," a press release said.

Tickets for all cruises can be booked at cdacruises.com or at 208-292-5670. Overnight packages at The Coeur d’Alene Resort can be booked at cdaresort.com or 855-923-8217.

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Lake Coeur d’Alene Journey to the North Pole cruises are back for the holiday season!

COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho — If you want to visit the North Pole before Christmas, you may be able too! Lake Coeur d’Alene Journey to the North Pole Cruises are back for their 26th year!

While you are on this 40-minute cruise you will feel all the holiday magic. While traveling to the North Pole there will be 1.5 million twinkling lights, fire-breathing dragons, and so much more.

The best part is that once you make it to your destination, families are able to meet Santa, Mrs. Claus, his Elves and event the Grinch! Wait there is more!

Santa will be bringing his naughty and nice list along with him, so children can see if they have been good enough this year.

If you want to sail across Lake Coeur d’Alene, there are four different departures times you can book. There is a 4:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. departure time.

The cruises will run everyday until January 2.

Boarding will take place at The Resort Plaza Shops 30 minutes before your booked departure time.

Ticket prices for the Journey to the North Pole are:

Adults: $27.50Senior (Ages 55+): $26.50Youth (ages 6-12): $12.50Children under 5 are free

This year they are offering “Merry Moments” activities for travelers who are staying overnight at the Coeur d’Alene Resort. The packages start at $250 and include perks such as milk and cookies delivered to kids’ rooms, Christmas tree add-ons, personalized messages from Santa and heartwarming fireside story time.

If you are wanting to book a spot on the boat, do it quickly because they are filling up fast. head over to the Lake Coeur d’Alene cruises website to secure a spot for you and your family.

For more information about the Journey to the North Pole and perks you can purchase, visit the Lake Coeur d’Alene cruises website or call (208) 292-5670. This is a journey that you don’t want to miss this holiday season!

FOX28 Spokane©

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Journey to the North Pole Cruises

15 nov All Day 02 jan Journey to the North Pole Cruises

Event Details

Get ready to feel the holiday magic on Lake Coeur d’Alene! Take a Journey to the North Pole onboard Lake Coeur d’Alene Cruises to see

Get ready to feel the holiday magic on Lake Coeur d’Alene! Take a Journey to the North Pole onboard Lake Coeur d’Alene Cruises to see 1.5 million twinkling lights, a fire-breathing dragon and even visit Santa at his workshop! Join us in celebrating our 25th Anniversary of these magical cruises out on the water – an annual family tradition that is fun for all ages.

Featuring an extravaganza of over 250 holiday light displays and millions of vibrant lights that will light the way as your family cruises to meet Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, the Elves, and even the Grinch, too! And the best part: parents and kids alike will be delighted as Santa reads each child’s name from the Nice List. The evening concludes with a brilliant display of fireworks lighting up the night sky. Cruises are 40 minutes in length – reserve your spots to make long-lasting holiday memories!

November 15 (Tuesday) - January 2 (Monday) (GMT-08:00)

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Fundraising for Children's Literacy 

2024 Journey to the north pole 2024 Journey to the north pole

Ticket levels ticket levels, **2024 journey to the north pole™ dates/times are subject to change..

There are three ticket levels available in both locations.

All tickets include the full Journey to the North Pole™ experience.

First Class +Plus+ in Lincoln and First Class & Upper Dome ticket holders have up front seating in Santa's Workshop and a special gift for the children on board the train.

Coach Seats $60

• Full Journey to the North Pole™ Experience

• Seating on Coach Cars (passenger style with conventional wide benches)

First Class Seats $73

• Spacious seating on First Class Cars

First Class +PLUS+ Seats $85 ( Available for Lincoln Only )

• Spacious seating on First Class +PLUS+ Cars

Priority Boarding 

Upper Dome Seats $85 ( Available for North Conway Only )

• Spacious seating on Observation Deck of a r estored Dome Car

All seating in Santa's Workshop at BOTH locations is general admission seating. In both locations there is limited seating reserved for Handicap ONLY- please call ahead to let us know if your party will be needing this handicap seating. Your whole party may not be able to sit together due to the limited availability of handicap seating.

There is Handicap seating on board the train. Handicap seating in NORTH CONWAY is in COACH CLASS ONLY and in LINCOLN is in FIRST CLASS +PLUS+ ONLY.

North Conway, NH

November 29, 30, Dec. 1st

December 5, 6, 7, 8

December 12, 13, 14, 15

December 19, 20, 21, 22, 23

Early - 4:30pm (Boarding begins at 4:15pm) Late - 7:10pm (Boarding begins at 6:55pm) Early - 4:30pm (Boarding begins at 4:15pm) Late - 7:10pm (Boarding begins at 6:55pm)

Lincoln, nh .

November 29, 30, *Dec. 1st

December 6, 7, *8

December 13, 14, *15

December 20, 21, *22, 23

* Early Show Only * Early Show Only

Each package is intended for One (1) Child and will be SHIPPED to your address PRIOR to your departure on the Journey to the North Pole™

It includes a welcome letter, one (1) coloring book, four (4) crayons, one (1) fleece stocking filled with exclusive Journey to the North Pole™ candy, one (1) fill-in-the-blank Letter to Santa, and one (1) adorable plush reindeer.

$35.90 ($29.95/box + $5.95/Shipping & Handling)

**This is an add-on option during your ticket purchasing process.**

Add a Santa Gift Set!

2024 Journey to the North Pole™ tickets will be available to purchase by the General Public

on May 1st, 2024 To purchase tickets sooner, become a Member!

Please review our  Terms & Conditions .

2024 Lodging Supporters - Call them at the number below and Book NOW!

Cruising to the North Pole

Kaela Graham and Juno watch the fireworks aboard the Mish-An-Nock during a Journey to the North Pole on Lake Coeur d'Alene. CAROLYN BOSTICK/Press

Hadley and Leighton Johnson came with their family from Spokane to complete their annual tradition of travelling to the North Pole to see Santa and watch the light show and fireworks display.

Families watched the light show at the North Pole during Lake Coeur d'Alene Cruise.

The Grinch gesticulates at the Mish-An-Nock during the Journey to North Pole.

Brenna Waterbury, Iris, and Juno danced to Frosty the Snowman inside the Mish-An-Nock on a Lake Coeur d'Alene Cruise.

Five-year-old Runa Hubbard watches a light show at the North Pole with her family.

Kids huddle together to keep warm in front of the bridge where the captain of the Mish-An-Nock steered the ship.

Lights from the massive Coeur d’Alene Resort Holiday Light Show could be seen from afar on board the Mish-An-Nock.

COEUR d’ALENE — During her family’s time aboard the Journey to the North Pole, 9-year-old Hadley Johnson imagined she was conducting the fireworks display, timing her gestures to align with the cheerful explosions in the sky.

“I was trying to get it on cue,” Hadley said. Each year, she and her family come from Spokane to take in the sights out on the water of Lake Coeur d’Alene. They always try to start the holiday season with the annual experience.

“It’s our tradition,” she said.

Aboard the Mish-An-Nock, children and their families turned their eyes to colorful holiday light displays as the cruise transported them across the lake to the North Pole.

The anticipation to see Santa at the end of the journey was in some ways just as sweet as the desserts and hot cocoa that awaited those on board inside the cabin.

“We’re trying to see if we’re on the nice list,” Brenna Waterbury said, pausing from her dancing with her child, Iris. The two rocked their way from one end of the cabin to another as Frosty the Snowman played through a speaker.

Before boarding, kids like Oregon native Thorben Willie interacted with Rudolph, Frosty and the Gingerbread man at The Resort Plaza Shops before making their way over to step onto one of six boats at the Boardwalk Marina.

The cruises have been part of local holiday festivities for more than 25 years, offering a fun way to experience the Holiday Light Show at The Coeur d'Alene Resort. 

There are more than 250 festive displays that make up the experience for families as they see the Grinch, meet the elves and see if Santa Claus is giving them coal or presents this year.

A fire-breathing dragon was seen being tested earlier this month in preparation for the holiday cruises. 

The annual lighting ceremony starts at 5 p.m. in downtown Coeur d'Alene, with a lighted parade on Sherman Avenue. At 6 p.m., Brad Hagadone, chairman and CEO of the Hagadone Corporation, will open the ceremony and introduce this year's guest of honor, Rick Powers, who will lead the countdown to a fireworks show and the lighting of more than 1.5 million colorful lights. 

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