It may not quite feel like Christmas, but Friends of Downtown - along with the Chamber of Commerce and North Idaho Tourism Alliance - are teaming up to make Christmas in Bonners Ferry one of the most memorable holiday seasons the city has seen in years.

From chestnuts roasting over an open fire pit at the Georgia Mae Plaza to free hayrides and wine tasting, the gala event dubbed "An Old Fashioned Christmas in Bonners Ferry" debuts Nov. 28, the day after Thanksgiving.

"We want to make this Christmas in Bonners a terrific occasion by putting on a lively celebration in the heart of downtown," said Helen Chase, owner of Tucked Away and member of Friends of Downtown. "We're hoping a lot of people who come to visit will spend the night. With what we have planned, along with souvenir Bonners Ferry commemorative mugs, people will always think of Bonners Ferry as 'a must place to be' around the holidays."

Chase and others planning the festival think they have the right stuff to pull it off. They hoping downtown merchants will all step up to donate $75 - a cost that hasn't increased in years - to make the gala event a success.

Following the traditional Nov. 28 tree lighting ceremony at 4 p.m. by Santa Claus - who will hand out candy at the gazebo near City Hall - the two-day Christmas event unwinds Dec. 5-6.

Downtown businesses are expected to stay open late on Friday, Dec. 5 as carolers will be strolling Main Street from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. as shops hold special holiday events for shoppers.

Some in-store activities include wine tasting at Under the Sun; holiday face-lifts at Tucked Away; children's Christmas card projects at Callie's Niche; cookies and punch at Tightwire Gallery; cookies at Dollar Depot & More; temporary kid's tattoos at Purple Frog Tattoo; cider at Farmer's Insurance; an open house at Sugar Plum Floral; Santa Claus at Mugsy's; and pillow painting at Mercari/Bonners Ferry Candy Creations.

The festival will be in full bloom with a "Market Square" at the Georgia Mae Plaza from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with Christmas baked goods, food and beverages, along with roasting chestnuts in a fire pit. Father Christmas will be walking with carolers, while free hayrides and a live nativity scene - where residents can leave nonperishable offerings to the Food Bank or toys for Toys for Tots - will take place.

There will also be live entertainment featuring Nancy Meadows, The Selkirk Singers and others. Christmas photos with Santa with or without pets will also be available.

The Rex Theatre will offer two free movie showings of Kung Fu Panda to children under 11 on Dec. 13 at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. with free popcorn and soda. Santa Claus will also be waiting for them following the movie to give each child a Christmas stocking with gifts.

"For many children, this is the only present they might receive at Christmas," said Chase. "That's why we want to make this holiday a very special and memorable one."

Shoppers can also receive commemorative mug with the inscription, 'An Old Fashioned Christmas, Bonners Ferry Idaho' for a $1 when they buy a beverage.

"If they bring the cup to participating merchants any or every day in December, they'll receive a multitude of bargains," said Chase.

For more information or to volunteer, call Helen Chase at 267-3132. Donations can be mailed to Friends of Downtown, P.O Box 1323, Bonners Ferry, ID 83805.