SPOKANE, Wash. — 'Tis the season for holiday festivities!
Parks & Recreation Director Garrett Jones said Spokane is a city that really knows how to celebrate the holiday season.
Last year, many events for the holiday season were canceled or changed to online events after the beginning of the pandemic. But this year, many lighting events are back.
If you're looking for things to do with the family of friends this holiday season, check the following list we have compile with Christmas light events happening across Spokane and North Idaho:
Light Shows
Riverfront Park
Christmas trees will will be on display at Riverfront Park through Jan. 1. Trees decorated are viewable during park hours from 6 a.m. to 12 a.m. People can go for a walk or a run to the park and enjoy the lights this season.
Manito Holiday Lights
Manito Park will host a drive-thru light show Dec. 10-16 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. and Dec. 17-19, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The park has also added more walk-thru days for pedestrians this holiday season. Walk-thru days will be Dec. 17-19, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. For more information and park light maps, visit the park website.
Northwest Winterfest
Stop by the Spokane County Fair and Expo Center, located at 404 N. Havana St. #1 in Spokane Valley, for the Pacific Northwest's largest holiday lantern display. You can tour dozens of authentically crafted lantern displays through a walking tour that is handicap accessible. There are also food booths, beer, wine and a hot drinks booth, along with the Northwest Winterfest merchandise store.
The event runs through Jan. 2, 2022 from 5-9 p.m. daily. Tickets are available online.
Center Road Holiday Lights
The Center Road festive light show is up and running daily for the season.
According to a Facebook post by event organizers, 11 songs that last under 47 minutes are played before and at the end of the show.
The shows will be between 4:30 p.m. and 10 p.m., and until 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. The daily shows will be running until midnight on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.
Spokane Valley Parade of Lights
The 2021 Parade of Lights tradition is coordinated by a sophomore at University High School, as part of her Gold Award. The parade will happen on Saturday, Dec. 11 at 4:30 p.m. and begin at the east lot of University High School.
Festivities
New Year’s Eve Fireworks
A downtown fireworks show at Riverfront Park on Dec. 31 will start at 9 p.m.
Wheatland Bank Horse and Carriage Rides
Enjoy an eight-minute horse and carriage ride through lit-up Riverfront Park. Tours will take place from Dec. 3 though Dec. 24 at the Spokane Visitor Center. Rides start at Fridays from 3 to 8 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. The rides are free and pre-registration is required.
Numerica Skate Ribbon
Reservations are not required and the Skate Ribon in Riverfront Park will be open through Jan. 1. Skate hours vary. Check the Numerica Skate Ribbon website for weekly specials, prices and hours.
Winter Market at the Pavilion
Support local business while you enjoy Riverfront's Winter Market this month every Wednesday from 3–7 p.m. For more information, visit the Pavilion winter market website.
Outdoor recreations
Cross Country Ski Lessons
Mt. Spokane: December 11, 12, 18, 19, 30, 31 - $59
Learn the basics at Mt. Spokane from certified instructors, sponsored by Fitness Fanatics
Register at www.SpokaneRec.org.
Snowshoe Tours
December 17, 18, 19, 26 - $25
During a guided hike, you’ll travel on beautiful trails through the snow-covered trees around Mt. Spokane. Gear is provided.
Register at www.SpokaneRec.org.
Youth Winter Adventures
December 21-22, or 28-29 - $99
Children ages 9-12 will learn snowshoeing, cross country skiing and snow cave building at Mt. Spokane State Park.
Register at www.SpokaneRec.org.
Events in North Idaho
As reported by our sister news station, the Coeur d'Alene/Post Falls Press, the following events will take place across North Idaho:
Winter Fest at City Hall
On Friday, Dec. 3 from 4-8 p.m., guests can enjoy holiday shopping at the “Market of Fourth” vendor booths. Vendors will have gift items as well as homemade pie, cinnamon rolls and other baked goods for sale. Hot cider and s'mores will be free to enjoy around the campfire.
The best parking is behind City Hall, at 408 N. Spokane St. Fourth Avenue will be closed between Spokane Street and Frederick Street from 3-9 p.m.
Hayden
McIntire Family Park at 8930 N. Government Way will be home base for the annual Hayden Lights Parade and Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 4 beginning at 5 p.m.
Skyway Elementary School Special Chorus will perform Christmas songs and the lighting ceremony will be led by Mayor Steven Griffitts.
Santa Claus will be on hand in the park afterwards, to greet children. The Outdoor European Market will be taking place simultaneously.
The USMRC Toys for Tots program will be collecting donations.
Coeur d’Alene
Hospice of North Idaho is hosting its 40th annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday, Dec. 10 from 4:30 p.m. until 7 p.m.
The “evening of calm reflection” will include encouraging words, comforting music and an optional luminary walk around the Hospice campus. A formal program will be held indoors and refreshments will be provided. Each guest will go home with a keepsake ornament.
Registration is required at hospiceofnorthidaho.org, but is free.
Rathdrum
Deck the Homes, a community lighting contest, includes three categories: The Christmas Vacation theme will be a people’s choice award; a Christmas Story, in which organizers are looking for the best display with an organized theme; and the Rankin and Bass display using light animation and/or inflatables.
Judging will take place on Dec. 10-11, and 17-18 between 4 and 8 p.m. Registration closes Dec. 3 and winners will be announced by Dec. 20.
Prizes of up to $1,000 in value will be awarded for first place in each category.
