Spokane Holiday Events | Christmas Events 2023

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The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes festive holiday markets and shopping opportunities around Spokane and the Inland Northwest. These markets are the perfect place to support local artists and small businesses while getting into the holiday spirit.

Plus, you may be looking for opportunities to get out in this chilly weather and see holiday lights around Spokane. If you are, then we have the list for you.

Make sure to bookmark this holiday events in Spokane article, too, because we’ll be updating it as we learn about new markets and holiday light displays!

From charming European-style Christmas markets where you can browse craft vendors while sipping on hot mulled wine, to holiday lights that you can walk or drive thru, there’s something for everyone in Spokane.

For even more fun holiday events, head over to our Events in Spokane and the Northwest!

Holiday Markets Around Spokane

Winter Festival at Medical Lake

Winter Festival on December 9 from 10 am to 6 pm at Medical Lake. Bundle up for some frosty fun in Medical Lake! This annual winter festival provides a jam-packed evening of holiday fun, includes a stocking stuffer 5k, reindeer exhibit, gingerbread house challenge, elf crafts and so much more!

Kringlefest Winter Market

Kringlefest Winter Market in downtown Spokane on December 10 from 12 pm to 7 pm. Downtown Spokane transforms into a magical winter wonderland with this new holiday maker’s market and festival. Enjoy hot beverages, food, European pastries, vintage gifts, local artisans and much more!

Terrain’s Brrrzaar

Brrrzaar held at River Park Square on December 16 from 10 am to 8 pm. The can’t-miss holiday shopping event at River Park Square. With over 70 local vendors, you’ll find unique locally made gifts for everyone on your list. Plus, enjoy family friendly entertainment, delicious food, live music and more!

Don’t want to cook this Christmas? We don’t blame you! Check out all the local restaurants offering Christmas meals (dine in and to go!) here: Your Guide to Christmas Meals in Spokane.

Holiday Lights Around Spokane

Turn on 98.1 on your radio in Spokane to drive around while listening to holiday music – or, of course, just connect your Spotify holiday playlist to your car, and enjoy all of these light shows! Some are walking only, some are driving only, and some are a mix.

Manito Holiday Lights

Since 2020, Gaiser Conservatory’s holiday lights have expanded into the Friends of Manito Manito Holiday Lights, a drive and walk-thru light event. It has evolved into a multi-day event for walkers and drive throughs that quickly has become one of the best holiday activities to enjoy in Spokane!

In 2023, the Manito Holiday Lights will be held from:

• Driving Tours: December 9-10 from 6:30 – 9:30 pm
• Walking Tours: December 11-19 from 6:30 to 9:30 pm

The route is about one-half mile, and The Friends of Manito asks people arrive no earlier than 15 minutes before the show opens to prevent congestion. The drive thru show is planning to proceed through most winter conditions, but if a significant storm, ice or wind brings safety concerns, the show will be canceled.

Learn more about Manito Holiday Lights here.

Liberty Lake Winter Glow Spectacular

Since 2014, Liberty Lake has hosted the Winter Glow Spectacular, and that doesn’t stop in 2023! Winter Glow Spectacular is free to the whole community and runs from November 18 through January 1, 2024.

It’s a great time and the perfect thing to do for family fun! 

Learn more about Winter Glow Spectacular here.

Spokane Christmas Light Show

On Glenrose Road, you’ll find a spectacular holiday light show with dancing farm animals, snow ball fight, and so much more. The light show will run until December 27, and this might be the last year this family hosts it, so make sure to get over there soon!

Learn more here.

Candy Cane Lane

Officially known as Tekoa St. adjacent to 37th Ave is known as Candy Cane Lane here in Spokane, where the majority of houses are decorated in the holiday spirit. Take a trip up to Candy Cane Lane to see the festivities!

Star Wars Christmas Inflatable Spectacular

From Friday, December 8 until Monday, December 25, enjoy a Star Wars spectacular light show in Mead! See a 16 foot Darth Vader, random surprise Star Wars character appearances, and much more. You can drive by or pass by on foot – just make sure to turn on 107.7 FM to hear the display as well as see it.

Follow along on Facebook for any weather closure announcements.

Crescent Window Display

While not a Christmas light exhibit, the window displays at the downtown Davenport Hotel revive an old Spokane tradition of celebrating Christmas with seasonal window displays. With pieces discovered from the old Crescent building, the Downtown Spokane Partnership created a new retro holiday tradition showcasing the classic holiday characters just like they were back in the day.

Five window bays on the south side of The Grand hotel will display scenes featuring refurbished figurines rescued from the basement of the former Crescent Department Store.

Each of the five windows are designed and installed by local artists.

Windows open Saturday, November 25th at 4:30pm and stay open through January 1st. On the 25th, enjoy a window reveal celebration at 4:30pm featuring a visit from Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, a hot chocolate station, holiday music, and more!

Hours of Operation:

November 25th – January 1st

• Friday & Saturday: 12pm -10pm
• Sunday – Thursday: 3pm-8pm

Numerica Lights Up the Night

Every December, Riverfront Park comes alive with dozens of trees decorated and lit up throughout the park. The official Light Up the Night event begins November 25 and runs until January 1.

This is a signature Riverfront holiday event you won’t want to miss, with lots going on. It’s a great way to entertain out of town guests, especially after the Thanksgiving holiday.

Christmas Tree Elegance

Do you love beautifully decorated Christmas trees? If so, head to downtown Spokane for one of our favorite annual holiday events – Christmas Tree Elegance.

Spokane Symphony Associates hosts this holiday tradition featuring the raffle of themed and beautifully decorated trees at River Park Square and the Historic Davenport. This highly anticipated event is the culmination of 11 months of planning and efforts by their tireless volunteers.

Raffle tickets will be available on-site for $1 each. Drawing ceremony to be held Sunday, December 10.

Christmas Tree Elegance is from November 28 to December 10, 2023 and is located on the second level of River Park Square.

Looking for information on Christmas dinners? Visit our Christmas dinners in Spokane article!

Numerica Skate Ribbon

The Numerica Ice Ribbon is back in action in 2023! Hours vary and depend on the weather – learn more about the Ice Ribbon and get skate rental info here!

Take a look at the video below to see what it’s like on Spokane’s downtown Ice Ribbon at Riverfront Park, plus a walk through of Riverfront Park holiday lights!

Spokane Holiday Trip Planning Resources

Need a place to stay around Spokane this holiday season? Check out this list of locations and deals below!

Your Guide to Holiday Events in Spokane

There are so many fun things going on in Spokane and the surrounding areas. Don’t let the cold stop you! It really is the most wonderful time of the year when you’re enjoying the Christmas season here in Spokane.

Bundle up and head out with family, friends – or even just yourself! From shopping to strolling, eating and drinking, there’s something for everyone this holiday season in Spokane.

Looking for New Year’s Eve events? Visit our guide to New Year’s Eve in Spokane!