Kids brave the cold for a trip to the North Pole

SOMEWHERE THE NORTH POLE, Idaho -

Coeur d'Alene is turning into a holiday wonderland, with the big lighting ceremony and parade Friday as well as regular journeys to visit the North Pole.

After all, what better way to start off your holidays than meeting Santa?

Traveling to the North Pole is meant to be a magical trip, lit up with beautiful decorations, songs and treats.

Every journey has a little adventure, and on this ride it means getting past the Grinch. However, even the Grinch can't stop the holiday fun on the journey to the North Pole.

As you cruise across Lake Coeur d'Alene, getting closer and closer to Santa, the kids on the cruise spent their time dancing with the gingerbread man and peering through the railings at all the lights.

Then, finally, after braving the cold ride across the lake, the intrepid voyagers reach the North Pole, with Santa Claus already waiting to greet all the good little boys and girls on the boat.

But the fun wasn't over; that's when the worlds largest living animated Christmas tree came to life.

After the visit to Santa Claus at the North Pole, it's time to head back across the lake and Coeur d'Alene, with kids reliving everything they just saw and experienced, their journey over, but their holiday fun just beginning.