Family calendar

Today

No School? No Problem! - Drop in to the library while school is out. Create an artistic masterpiece, face off over a board game, work on your Wii skills, or do all three. Children age 5 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. 1 p.m. Cheney Library, 610 First St., Cheney. Free. (509) 893-8280.

Ongoing

Toy Drive - Coulter Family Dentistry is holding a toy drive to benefit Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital. Drop off new, unopened toys at their office through Dec. 16. Coulter Family Dentistry, 12121 E. Broadway Ave., Building 2, Spokane Valley. (509) 924-1314.

“The Christmas Toy Shop” - Through Dec. 15. Presented by Spokane Children’s Theatre. Come and see a Christmas play for the whole family! In a quiet town, a mysterious man and his funny looking assistant arrive in search of an empty store. With luck they find what they need and set to work. Suddenly the store is transformed into a toy shop, immediately capturing the attention of the town folk. Shows at 7 p.m. Friday, and Dec. 6 and 13. Shows at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sunday, and Nov. 30, Dec. 1, 7-8 and 14-15. Shows at 4 p.m. Saturday, and Nov. 29, Dec. 7 and 14. The Dec. 14 show will be signed for the deaf. Spokane Children’s Theatre, 2727 N. Madelia St. $6-$12. (509) 328-4886.

“The Christmas Schooner” - Friday through Dec. 22. This new holiday musical follows the Christmas tree’s perilous journey into America’s homes and traditions. Directed by Scott Doughy. Performances are Thursdays-Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Spokane Civic Theatre, 1020 N. Howard St. $11-$30. (509) 869-9490.

Santa Express - Saturday-Dec. 23. The holiday store where kids can experience the joy of giving. 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 Mondays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sundays, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Crescent Building, Skywalk level, 707 W. Main Ave. (509) 535-3155.

Friday

Custer’s Christmas Arts & Crafts Show - 37th annual event. More than 300 artists and crafters. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Spokane County Fair and Expo Center, 404 N. Havana St., Spokane Valley. $7, good all weekend; free/age 12 and younger. (509) 924-0588.

Santa’s Arrival and Tree Lighting Ceremony - Prior to his arrival, families can enjoy face painting and holiday music while warming up to free hot chocolate and candy canes beginning at 6 p.m. Santa arrives at 7 p.m. River Park Square, Atrium, 808 W. Main Ave. Free. (509) 363-0304.

Saturday

Custer’s Christmas Arts & Crafts Show - 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Spokane County Fair and Expo Center, 404 N. Havana St., Spokane Valley. $7, good all weekend; free/age 12 and younger. (509) 924-0588.

Spokane Chiefs Hockey - Puck drops at 7:05 p.m. Chiefs vs. Tri-City. Spokane Arena, 720 W. Mallon Ave. $10-$22. (509) 535-7825.

“Bugs in My Hair!” - Hear the newest book by David Shannon. By the end of story time, you may be feeling a little itchy up in your hair. 11 a.m. Auntie’s Bookstore, children’s section, 402 W. Main Ave. (509) 838-0206.

Family Concert with Ruby Devine - Ruby Devine’s tempestuous vocals and bluesy banjo are sure to have feet of all sizes tappin’ along. Join her as she brings the sweet sounds of American folk music into the library. 11:30 a.m. Downtown Library, 906 W. Main Ave. Free. (509) 444-5336.

“Catching Fire” - Join us in a “Hunger Games”-inspired competition. Strategy is everything – test your survival skills as we compete in a variety of games and activities. May the odds be ever in your favor. For grades six and above. 3 p.m. Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave., Spokane Valley. Free. (509) 893-8400.

Squishy Circuits - How do we light things up, make noise and get things moving? Let’s find out. Join us to build a squish sculpture complete with lights, motion and sound, and learn a bit about electrical currents. Appropriate for school age children. 3 p.m. Shadle Library, 2111 W. Wellesley Ave. Free. (509) 444-5390.

Free Community Thanksgiving Dinner - All are welcome. Women & Children’s Free Restaurant and Community Kitchen is preparing a traditional Thanksgiving meal with smoked turkeys from Egger Meats, fresh fruits and vegetables from Charlie’s Produce and rolls from Petit Chat Bakery. Sponsored by Pawn 1 and Spokane Public Schools. Complimentary bus transportation will run between WCFR, House of Charity and Rogers High School. No reservations required. 4-7 p.m. Rogers High School, 1622 E. Wellesley Ave. Free. (509) 324-1995.

Sunday

Custer’s Christmas Arts & Crafts Show - 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Spokane County Fair and Expo Center, 404 N. Havana St., Spokane Valley. $7, good all weekend; free/age 12 and younger. (509) 924-0588.

American Italian Club 45th Annual Spaghetti Dinner - All-you-can-eat family dinner includes spaghetti and meatballs, salad, rolls, coffee, pop and ice cream. There will also be a bake sale of Italian cookies and desserts. Noon-6 p.m. Gonzaga Prep, 1224 E. Euclid Ave. $9/adults, $5/ages 6-12, ages 5 and younger free. (509) 467-6389.

Cash-back Christmas - Includes a shopping clinic, giveaways, merchant booths and door prizes. Noon-5 p.m. Lincoln Center, 1316 N. Lincoln St. (509) 327-8000.

Monday

No School? No Problem! - Drop in to the library while school is out. Children age 5 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. 1 p.m. Medical Lake Library, 321 E. Herb St., Medical Lake. Free. (509) 893-8330.