Family calendar

Thu., Dec. 19, 2013

Today

Books Are Fun Book and Gift Fair - Books and gifts for all ages at discounted prices with proceeds benefitting Chase Youth Foundation. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Open to the public. Spokane City Hall, main lobby, 808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. Free admission. (509) 953-3246.

Ongoing

“The Christmas Schooner” - This new holiday musical follows the Christmas tree’s journey into America’s homes and traditions. Directed by Scott Doughy. Performances are Thursday-Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Spokane Civic Theatre, 1020 N. Howard St. $11-$30. (509) 325-2507.

Santa Express - Through Monday. Children ages 4-12 can find gifts ranging from 50 cents to $8 for everyone on their shopping list. Volunteer elves are on hand to help the children select and wrap their gifts, with the net proceeds going to benefit the Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery. Adults can shop while they wait at Vanessa’s Village, a boutique of reasonably-priced, specialty items perfect for stocking stuffers, gifts for family and friends or secret Santas. Hours are Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Crescent Building, Skywalk level, 707 W. Main Ave. (509) 535-3155.

Riverfront Park Ice Palace - The outdoor covered skating rink is open for the season until March 2. Open Tuesdays-Sundays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Wednesdays-Thursdays, 7-8:30 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, 7-10 p.m., closed Mondays. Extended hours, around holidays, closed on holidays. Special events: Lunch Bunch skating held Tuesdays-Fridays, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. for $4.50, includes skate rental; After School Special for ages 17 and younger held Tuesdays-Fridays, 2-5 p.m., for $4.50, includes skate rental; College Night (ID required) on Wednesdays, 7-8:30 p.m. for $1, skate rental extra; AAA Discount Night (coupon required for free admission) on Wednesdays, 7-8:30 p.m., skate rental extra; Thursday Nights, 7-8:30 p.m., $2, skate rental extra. Riverfront Park, 507 N. Howard St. $4.50/ages 13 and older, $3.50/ages 3-12, seniors and military with ID, $3.50/skate rental. (509) 625-6601.

Holiday Lights at Gaiser Conservatory - Through Sunday, 8 a.m.-7:30 p.m. The conservatory is decorated with over 30,000 lights along with poinsettia, mums and a warm climate. Best viewing is after 4 p.m. Manito Park, Gaiser Conservatory, 4 W. 21st Ave. Free.

Friday

Free Horse and Carriage Rides – A 15-20 minute ride presented by Spokane Teachers Credit Union and Downtown Spokane, children receive candy canes. 3-8 p.m. Rides are available on a first-come, first-served basis, no reservations required. Corner of Wall Street and Main Avenue. Free. (509) 456-0580.

Teddy Bear Teas - It’s time for our annual celebration of that great American icon, the teddy bear. Join us for a tribute to Teddy, and bring your favorite bear along for the fun. 10 a.m. for toddlers; 10:30 a.m. for preschoolers. Indian Trail Library, 4909 W. Barnes Road. Free. (509) 444-5395.

“Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe” - Venture through the wardrobe as C.S. Lewis’ beloved classic comes to life. 7 p.m. Theater Arts for Children, 2114 N. Pines Road, Suite 3, Spokane Valley. $10/adults; $8/seniors, students, military, children ages 12 and younger. (509) 995-6718.

Snowman Fun Holiday Drop ‘n Shop! - Get your last-minute shopping done or grab lunch with a friend while your little ones have way too much fun at Mobius Kids. We will have a blast making our own snowman, watching Frosty, playing with Legos and munching on a treat. Children must be able to use the restroom independently. 1-4 p.m. Mobius Kids, 808 W. Main Ave. $15/child. (509) 624-5437.

The Reindeer After Hours Drop ’n Shop! - Have a fun evening out before the holiday rush while your kids party at Mobius Kids. They will get to explore and play some reindeer games on the exhibit floor before enjoying a snack, watching “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and making their own reindeer craft. Children must be able to use the restroom independently. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Mobius Kids, 808 W. Main Ave. $15/child. (509) 624-5437.

Saturday

Free Horse and Carriage Rides - Noon-5 p.m.

“Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe” - 4 and 7 p.m. Theater Arts for Children, 2114 N. Pines Road, Suite 3, Spokane Valley. $10/adults; $8/seniors, students, military, children ages 12 and younger. (509) 995-6718.

North Pole Express - Train rides through Riverfront Park and a stop at the North Pole to visit Santa with hot chocolate, cookies, crafts and more. Reservations recommended. Departs at noon, 2 and 4 p.m. with an additional ride at 6 p.m. Riverfront Park, 507 N. Howard St. $12/general, free/age 5 and younger with paid adult. (509) 625-6200.

“How the Grinch Stole Christmas” Storytime and Craft - Christmas is almost here, so you have to come hear how this mean little character grew his heart three sizes with our special storytime event. We’ll talk about all the things we can do to grow our own hearts three sizes this Christmas and all year long. 11 a.m. Auntie’s Bookstore, children’s section, 402 W. Main Ave. (509) 838-0206.

Free Music Concert for Young Musicians - Spokane School of Performing Arts is hosting a free meet-the-band concert for children ages 6-16 who are interested in becoming music performers. Strictly Business, a local band will mix performance time with personal interaction time with the children, answering questions and giving advice for development of their musical talent. This is a wonderful opportunity for talented children who would like to know what it takes to become a musical performer to get excited by learning from some of the best. 1-4 p.m. Spokane School of Performing Arts, 501 E. Sprague Ave., Suite B. Ages 6-16 and their families. Free. (509) 721-0396.

Christmas at the Bing - The performers in this incredible holiday cabaret cast have appeared in Seattle, Portland and Spokane productions. The concert will be hosted by Douglas Webster. He will be joined by Krista Curry, Jenny Shotwell, Chelsea LeValley and locals Krista Kubicek and Max Mendez in a program that will mix traditional favorites such as “O Holy Night” and “I’ll be Home for Christmas” with more contemporary fare such as “River” and “The Man with the Bag.” 7:30 p.m. Bing Crosby Theater, 901 W. Sprague Ave. $22/adults; $12/14 and under. (800) 325-SEAT.

Sunday

Free Horse and Carriage Rides - Noon-5 p.m.

“Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe” - 2 p.m. Theater Arts for Children, 2114 N. Pines Road, Suite 3, Spokane Valley. $10/adults; $8/seniors, students, military, children ages 12 and younger. (509) 995-6718.

North Pole Express - Departs at noon, 2 and 4 p.m. Riverfront Park, 507 N. Howard St. $12/general, free/age 5 and younger with paid adult. (509) 625-6200.

“A Very Important Christmas Pageant” - Children’s Pageant. 10:30 a.m. Manito Presbyterian Church, 401 E. 30th Ave.

“Sound of Music” Sing-Along - Sing-Along with Maria and the von Trapp family. This screening of the classic Julie Andrews film comes complete with subtitles so that the entire audience can sing along. Every guest receives a complimentary Bag of Musical Moments, which contains various props to be used at strategic points throughout the film. The evening also features a “Sound of Music” costume contest. 5 p.m. INB Performing Arts Center, 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. $25. (509) 279-7000.

Monday

Elves Workshop - Your little elves will be building, crafting, painting and making all sorts of gifts for their friends and families in this workshop. For ages 4-8. 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Mobius Kids, 808 W. Main Ave. $20/members, $25/nonmembers. (509) 624-5437.

Ornaments! - Join us for making fun and keepsake ornaments that can decorate your tree or be fun present toppers. Parents are welcome to join children in this class and make their own ornaments. Be prepared for painted fingers and toes. For ages 4-8. 2-4 p.m. Mobius Kids, 808 W. Main Ave. $20/members, $25/nonmembers. (509) 624-5437.

Tuesday

Free Horse and Carriage Rides - Christmas Eve hours are noon-3 p.m.