Celebrate the holidays with these local parties
By Soncirey Mitchell
Reader Staff
There’s no shortage of holiday cheer around Bonner County, where there are no fewer than a dozen festive parties with dancing, singing, food and good tidings happening in the coming week. Peruse these options and then check out Page 22 for additional holiday concerts happening right up until Christmas Eve.
Thursday, Dec. 18
An Old Fashioned Christmas Musical
Head over to the Priest River Event Center (5399 U.S. 2) to take in a free Christmas nativity musical put on by the Newport Seventh-day Adventist Church. This free, family-friendly event begins at 5:45 p.m. and will include sing-along carols, refreshments and gifts for every child in attendance.
SHS Choir Christmas Concert
Every year, Sandpoint High School’s four choirs — Mixed, Concert, Women’s and Men’s — put on one holiday spectacular before winter break to showcase the students’ growth. The 7 p.m. performance takes place in the high school auditorium (410 S. Division St.) and includes holiday classics, spirituals and other entertaining additions. Tickets are $5 at the door and proceeds go toward the classes’ expenses.
A DanceWorks Christmas
The students at DanceWorks & Company will also have a chance to showcase their talents in jazz, ballet, modern, hip-hop, tumbling and tap at their annual holiday performance. Doors open 30 minutes before this 7 p.m. show at the Panida Theater (300 N. First Ave.), and $15 tickets are available at the door or at DanceWorks (409 N. Fourth Ave.). Visit panida.org to learn more.
Sunday, Dec. 21
Amahl and the Night Visitors
The Music Conservatory of Sandpoint’s Bel Canto Opera will once again perform Gian Carlo Menotti’s beloved children’s opera, Amahl and the Night Visitors, at the First Lutheran Church (526 S. Olive Ave.). The story follows a young boy, Amahl, who encounters the Magi on their way to Bethlehem. The back-to-back performances begin at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students, with free admission for children ages 6 and under. Visit sandpointconservatory.org/events for more information.
Sagle Community Christmas Concert
The Sagle Seventh-day Adventist Church will team up with the Sagle Senior Center (605 Monarch Road) for a free Christmas concert beginning at 4 p.m. The evening’s festivities include carols, instrumental classics and holiday sing-alongs open to everyone.
Pend d’Oreille Winery holiday party
Local favorite Bob Beadling will sit down at the grand piano at the Pend d’Oreille Winery (301 Cedar St., in Sandpoint) for an afternoon party with classic and contemporary holiday music. Vocalist Kelly Woodruff will accompany him, performing from 1-3 p.m. while attendees enjoy mulled wine, cider, hot chocolate and a visit from Santa.
