Spokane, Washington – There are lots of reasons to head downtown during the holiday season. The calendar is packed with fun family events starting on November 27 with the Riverfront Park Christmas Tree lighting ceremony from 4 to 6 p.m. Enjoy live entertainment by Spokane Children’s Theater and Company Ballet School as well as a sing along with Spokane Area Youth Chorus, and figure skating demonstrations on the skate ribbon, until the tree is lit at 6 p.m.
Santa Claus has settles in at River Park Square already on November 20, and you can find him there – ready to get your picture taken – all the way until Christmas. Go to Riverparksquare.com to book your photo session under “events.”
The Crescent Windows at the Davenport Grand Hotel return this year, and they are always a hit. Vintage window decorations from the shuttered Crescent Department Store are brought back to life in the large windows on the south side of the hotel. Gnomes and ballerinas strut their animatronic stuff 24-7 – it’s free to stop by and admire the displays. Local artists decorate the windows, and the holiday displays remain up until January 2.
Another holiday crowd pleaser are the Wheatland Bank free Horse and Carriage Rides. From Black Friday through Christmas eve, you can reserve a spot for your family to enjoy a clip-clop ride around downtown, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Make a reservation on the Downtown Spokane website under “events.”
The Numerica Skate Ribbon hosts a cheapskate Tuesday on Tuesdays December 7 and 14; January 4, 11, 18 and 25 and February 1, 8, 15 and 22. Pay regular admission and get the skate rental for free.
As something new, the Wonder Building just on the north side of the river at 835 N. Post Street, is hosting a Winter Wonderland Market every Saturday between November 20 and December 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Local crafters and vendors will sell their wares and there will be live music and lots of holiday decorations and Christmas trees.
The Downtown Spokane Partnership has a great calendar online which is kept up to date with all your favorite downtown Spokane events – so put those boots on and get walking.