ABOUT OUR CALENDARS

We want to help you find what you need to know right now to save money or time, live a healthier life and take advantage of opportunities or events you don't want to miss. Each day, we run at least two calendars in Life, one that highlights what's going on that day, and another to help you plan ahead. Here's what to look for each day:

Mondays: HealthTuesdays: Family, HelpingWednesdays: FoodThursdays: OutdoorsFridays: Home and GardenSaturdays: Money and FaithSundays: Arts

Contact us

newsroom@idahostatesman.com

TIME TO START PLANNING YOUR HOLIDAYS

The holiday countdown has begun, and whether you're shopping your you-know-what off the day after Thanksgiving or spending your free time gazing at the bedecked trees in either of the two festivals of trees, there is much to do.

Plan your holiday fun below.

HOLIDAY FESTIVALS, EVENTS

Meridian Farmers Market and Holiday Bazaar, 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays, Nov. 4 through Dec. 24 (exceptions: closed Nov. 26, open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 27), Meridian Village Retail Center, 2483 Fairview Ave.: Local products and services, entertainment, gift items and more. 376-2610.

Gingerbread Holiday Gala, 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13, Boise Centre, 850 W. Front St.: Silent and live auction, dinner and entertainment to benefit Family Advocate. $100 per person. 345-3344, Ext. 1003; www.familyadvocate.org.

Capital City Public Holiday Market, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays, Nov. 7 through Dec. 19, at 8th Street between Bannock and Main streets and The Grove plaza, Downtown Boise: www.capitalcitypublicmarket.com.

Holiday Gospel Concert, 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, Second Baptist Church, 10375 Overland Road, Boise: Music by Linnie Doyle, Dan Shipley, Faith Inc., the Praise Ensemble & Choir, Justin White, Obadiah & The Old Testaments, and a children's choir from the City Light Home for Women and Children. Free, but an offering will be taken for the Boise Rescue Mission. 343-2389.

Canyon County Christmas Show, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22, Idaho Center, 16200 Idaho Center Blvd., Nampa: $3 general, $2 seniors, free for children 12 and younger. www.canyoncountychristmas.com.

Holiday Tree Lighting, 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28, The Grove Plaza, southwest of 8th and Main streets, Boise: Boise Mayor Dave Bieter and family will light up the Christmas tree. Enjoy music, caroling, candle lighting, food, drinks. 472-5251, www.downtownboise.org.

Saint Alphonsus Festival of Trees, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 25; 2 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 26; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday-Sunday, Nov. 27-29, Boise Centre, 850 W. Front St.: A forest of decorated trees, wreaths and holiday dcor. $6 general, $4 seniors, $3 children 12 and younger, $25 for family pass. 367-2759, www.saintalphonsus.org. Other events include:® Senior Day, Wednesday, Nov. 25. $2 admission. Senior tea, 1 to 4 p.m., included with admission.® Fables & Fantasies Come to Life, 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 26; 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27; 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28; 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 29.® Breakfast with Santa, 8 to 9 a.m. Friday-Sunday, Nov. 27-29.

Winter Garden aGlow, 6 to 9 p.m. daily, Nov. 26 through Jan. 10, Idaho Botanical Garden, 2355 N. Penitentiary Road, Boise: Stroll through the garden grounds artistically hung with thousands of lights. Enjoy hot refreshments, cookies, holiday music and the warmth of fire barrels. $6 general, $4 children 4-12 and members. 343-8649.

Canyon County Festival of Trees, 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28; noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 29; 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 30, Nampa Civic Center, 311 3rd St. S.: Decorated trees, wreaths, centerpieces, crafts and special events. Benefit for Meals on Wheels. $4 general, $3 seniors on Nov. 30 only, $2 children, $12 family pass. http://canyoncountyfestivaloftrees.org. Other events include:® Create-a-bear workshop, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28. $20 per bear, includes free admission for one adult and one child.® Book sale, 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28; noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 29.® Santa pictures and entertainment, noon to 4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 28-29. $5 per picture.® Holiday entertaining class, 6 to 9 p.m. Monday, Nov. 30. $15.® Gala dinner and auction, 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1. $50 per person in advance only by calling 467-0321.

OTHER FESTIVALS/FAIRS

Potpourri Craft and Chocolate Affaire, 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, Nampa Civic Center, 311 3rd St S.: Silent auction and raffle will benefit local nonprofits including Healthy Nampa-Healthy Youth, Salvation Army and the Nampa Boys and Girls Club. Free.

Treasure Valley Flea Market, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15, Expo Idaho, 5610 Glenwood St., Garden City: $2 general, $1 seniors, free for children 12 and younger. www.treasurevalleyfleamarket.com.

Red River Powwow Association Winter Social, 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, Johnson Sports Center, 311 E. Dewey Ave., Nampa: Native American dancing, singing, drumming, and food and craft vendors. Take a non-perishable food donation for the Native American Coalition of Boise's food bank. $2 general, $1 students. 697-3300.

Boise Fine Arts & Antiques Show, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 29, former Circuit City building, next to the Boise Towne Square mall: $5 general, $4 seniors, free for children 10 and younger. www.cuveeproductions.com.

FILMS

10th Anniversary $1 Movies, Wednesday-Thursday, Nov. 4-5, Nampa Stadium 14, 2001 N. Cassia St.: In celebration of 10 years, Nampa Stadium 14 is offering its favorite top five movies ("The Notebook," "Gladiator," "Pirates of the Caribbean," "The Grinch" and "Polar Express") for $1 admission. Special discounts at concessions. In support of The Care House Foodbank, take donations of canned and non-perishable food items. 467-3312.

MUSIC

Boise Master Chorale, Friday, Nov. 6, and Sunday, Nov. 8, various locations: Under the direction of James Jirak, the Chorale will perform Mendelssohn's "Magnificat" and "Psalm 42." Season tickets available for $45 until Sunday, Nov. 1. www.boisemasterchorale.net.® 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6, Valley Shepherd Church of the Nazarene, 150 S. Maestra St., Meridian: $20.® 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8, First United Methodist Church, "Cathedral of the Rockies," 717 N. 11th St., Boise: $20.

Emmylou Harris and Her Red Dirt Boys, 8 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 14-15, Egyptian Theatre, 700 W. Main St., Boise: Opening: Buddy Miller. $52, at Boise Co-op, The Record Exchange or Egyptian's box office, 387-1273. $55 day of show.

Boise Philharmonic's "Completely Tchaikovsky," Friday-Saturday, Nov. 20-21, various venues: 344-7849, www.boisephilharmonic.org.® Backstage with the Artist, noon to 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20, Esther Simplot Performing Arts Academy, 516 S. 9th St., Boise: Free. Optional $8 lunch, pre-order one day in advance. ® Nampa concert, 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20, Swayne Auditorium, Northwest Nazarene University: $16-$36.® Boise concert, 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, Velma V. Morrison Center, 2201 Cesar Chavez Lane: $20-$65.

PERFORMING ARTS

Idaho Dance Theatre "Body Works," 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Nov. 6-7; 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8, Special Events Center, Boise State University: $28 general, $20 seniors, $14 students/youth. Season tickets available until Sunday, Nov. 1: $38-$76. 331-9592, www.idahodancetheatre.org.® "Economic Stimulus Night" preview, 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5. Pay what you can afford.

SPORTS

Idaho Steelheads Hockey vs. Utah Grizzlies, 7:10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, Qwest Arena, 233 S. Capitol Blvd., Boise: $9-$32.50. Qwest Arena box office, 331-8497.

Boise State University Football vs. Idaho, 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, Bronco Stadium, 1400 Bronco Lane, Boise: $26-$64. Select-a-Seat, 426-1494.

Idaho Steelheads Hockey vs. Victoria Salmon Kings, 7:10 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18; and Friday-Saturday, Nov. 20-21, Qwest Arena, 233 S. Capitol Blvd., Boise: $9-$32.50. Qwest Arena box office, 331-8497.

Boise State University Football vs. Nevada, noon Friday, Nov. 27, Bronco Stadium, 1400 Bronco Lane, Boise: $26-$64. Select-a-Seat, 426-1494.

THEATER

Company of Fools' "The Syringa Tree," 7 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday, Nov. 4-5; 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Nov. 6-7; 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8, The Liberty Theatre, 110 N. Main St., Hailey: Story about the abiding love between two families - one black and one white - and the two children that are born into their shared households in 1960s South Africa. $25 general, $18 seniors, $10 students 18 and younger. (208) 578-9122.

Boise Contemporary Theater's "The Pavilion," 8 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, Nov. 4-7; 2 p.m. matinee Saturday, Nov. 7, 854 Fulton St.: A poetic, romantic comedy by Craig Wright. Peter returns to his 20-year high school reunion to find Kari, the woman he left behind. The world has changed and so have they, and now they must deal with the consequences of choices made so long ago. $12-$32. ICTickets, 442-3232. 331-9224.

Knock 'em Dead Dinner Theatre's "The Sound of Music," 7 p.m. Thursdays and 6:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Nov. 5-14, 333 S. 9th St., Boise: Thursdays (show only): $16.50 general, $13.50 seniors, students and military personnel. Fridays and Saturdays: $37.50 dinner/show, $18.50 show only. 385-0021.

"Heaven Can Wait," 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Friday, Nov. 5-6; 2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 7-8, Meyer-McLean Theatre, 676 S.W. 5th Ave., Ontario: Fantasy-comedy about love, betrayal and how even angels can make mistakes. $8 general, $6 seniors and students, $1 TVCC students with ID. (541) 881-8822, Ext. 264.

"The Spice of Life," dinner seating at 6:15 p.m. and show from 7 to 9 p.m. Fridays, Nov. 6 and 13, El Korah Shrine, 1118 W. Idaho St., Boise: Lauriel and Danny bicker and banter as they explore what makes life spicy. $30 dinner/show, $15 show only. Reservations: 283-6169, www.roastandtoastinc.com.

Starlight Mountain Theatre's "Little Shop of Horrors," 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7; and Friday-Saturday, Nov. 13-14; special midnight show Friday, Nov. 6, The Star Theatre, 1851 Century Way, Suite 3, Boise: $12 general, $11 seniors, $10 children. Group discounts available. 462-5523, www.starlightmt.org.

Emmett Community Playhouse's "West Side Story," 7 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, Nov. 12-14; 2 p.m. matinee Sunday, Nov. 15, Emmett Junior High School, 301 E. 4th St.: $7 in advance, $9 at the door. 365-4416.

Boise State Theatre Arts Department's "As You Like It," 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, Nov. 12-14; and Wednesday-Saturday, Nov. 18-21; 2 p.m. matinees Sunday, Nov. 15 and 22, Danny Peterson Theatre, 2201 Cesar Chavez Lane, Boise: Shakespeare's comedy exploring the passions, pains, chaos, and ultimate victory of love. $15 general, $12 seniors, military, BSU alumni and non-BSU students. Select-a-Seat, 426-1494. Free for BSU students with valid ID at on-campus ticket offices. 426-3957.

Starlight Mountain Theatre After School Youth Camp's "The Jungle Book," 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Nov. 20-21; 2:30 p.m. matinee Saturday, Nov. 21, The Star Theatre, 1851 Century Way, Suite 3, Boise: $12 general, $11 seniors, $10 children. Group discounts available. 462-5523, www.starlightmt.org.

Starlight Mountain Theatre's Irving Berlin's "White Christmas," 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Nov. 27-28, and Dec. 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, 26, Jan. 1-2, 8-9, The Star Theatre, 1851 Century Way, Suite 3, Boise: $12 general, $11 seniors, $10 children. Group discounts available. 462-5523, www.starlightmt.org.