Embark on a festive adventure in Spokane Valley with our guide. Discover all the top holiday events and activities. From Spokane Valley old-timers to new arrivals, our guide is your key to a magical holiday season.
One event you won't want to miss is the Christmas Tree Elegance, featuring beautifully decorated trees that captivate every visitor. The dazzling lights and spirited celebration of the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony create a heartwarming community atmosphere. And the Holiday Lights at Manito Park is something you definitely don't want to miss, transforming the park into an enchanting wonderland. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Spokane Valley
See these and even more events listed below!Spokane Valley Other Holiday Activities
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
What to Expect:
Community-wide countdown and tree lighting
Description:
Spokane Valley's Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony ignites the holiday season with a communal spark. Residents gather in the heart of the city, anticipation building as the countdown begins. The moment the switch is flipped, a towering evergreen bursts into a kaleidoscope of colors, illuminating the night sky. This tradition, started in the early 2000s, has become a cherished local custom. Children can pen letters to Santa, ensuring their wishes reach the North Pole. The ceremony embodies the spirit of togetherness, uniting neighbors in a shared moment of joy and light.
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Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Nearby Events
Christmas Tree Elegance (Spokane)
What to Expect:
Professionally decorated trees auctioned for charity
Description:
Spokane's Christmas Tree Elegance transforms the historic Davenport Hotel into a forest of artistry. Professional designers showcase their talents, adorning trees with intricate themes and dazzling ornaments. Visitors can marvel at the creativity while participating in a raffle to win these masterpieces. The event, dating back to 1983, has raised millions for the Spokane Symphony. As you stroll through the display, the gentle tinkling of ornaments creates a soothing ambiance. This beloved tradition blends philanthropy with holiday decor, offering a unique way to experience the season's spirit.
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Holiday Lights at Manito Park (Spokane)
What to Expect:
Botanical garden transformed into a winter light spectacle
Description:
Manito Park's Holiday Lights event transforms the renowned botanical gardens into a luminous winter spectacle. Pathways wind through glowing displays, each turn revealing a new vista of twinkling lights. The event breathes new life into the century-old park, showcasing its natural beauty in a different light. Visitors can warm up with a steaming cup of cocoa while exploring the illuminated conservatory. This annual tradition began in the 1990s and has grown to become a staple of Spokane's winter calendar, offering a unique blend of nature and artistry.
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The Polar Express Train Ride (Spokane)
What to Expect:
Interactive train ride based on the beloved children's book
Description:
The Polar Express Train Ride in Spokane brings a beloved children's story to life on the rails. Passengers embark on a journey to the "North Pole," complete with hot chocolate service and a reading of the classic tale. The vintage train cars, adorned with holiday decor, transport riders back in time. Children receive a special gift from Santa himself, mirroring the book's iconic scene. This immersive experience, which began operating in Spokane in 2015, allows families to step into the pages of Chris Van Allsburg's timeless story, creating lasting memories along the way.
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Christmas Arts and Crafts Show (Spokane)
What to Expect:
Showcase of local artisans' holiday-themed creations
Description:
Spokane's Christmas Arts and Crafts Show spotlights the region's creative talent, filling exhibition halls with handcrafted holiday treasures. Local artisans display their finest work, from intricate ornaments to cozy winter wear. The air hums with the excitement of shoppers discovering one-of-a-kind gifts. This event, running for over three decades, has become a launchpad for many local craftspeople. Visitors can try their hand at various craft workshops, learning techniques from skilled artisans. The show celebrates the rich artistic heritage of the Inland Northwest, blending tradition with contemporary creativity.
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Christmas Arts and Crafts Show
Liberty Lake Winter Festival (Liberty Lake)
What to Expect:
Outdoor winter activities on a frozen lake
Description:
Liberty Lake's Winter Festival embraces the chill of the season, transforming the lakeside into a hub of frosty fun. Ice fishing demonstrations draw curious onlookers, while brave souls participate in the polar plunge. The festival, initiated in the early 2000s, has quickly become a beloved winter tradition. Visitors can glide across the ice on skates, feeling the crisp winter air on their faces. This unique celebration showcases the natural beauty of Liberty Lake in winter, proving that outdoor enjoyment doesn't hibernate when temperatures drop.
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North Pole at Greenbluff (Spokane)
What to Expect:
Working farm transformed into Santa's village
Description:
North Pole at Greenbluff reimagines a working farm as Santa's bustling village. Barns and outbuildings become elf workshops, while orchards twinkle with thousands of lights. This event, started by local farmers in the 1990s, has grown into a regional attraction. Visitors can embark on a reindeer-led sleigh ride through the snow-covered fields. The transformation of this agricultural community showcases the versatility of farm life, blending rural charm with holiday cheer. Greenbluff's North Pole offers a glimpse into both the whimsy of Christmas and the heart of local farming traditions.
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Christmas at the Carousel (Spokane)
What to Expect:
Historic carousel decorated for the holidays with special themed rides
Description:
Christmas at the Carousel spins holiday joy into Spokane's beloved Looff Carrousel. The century-old masterpiece dons festive garlands and lights, its hand-carved figures prancing to the tune of holiday melodies. This event, which began in the 1980s, breathes new life into a cherished local landmark. Riders can spot hidden elves among the carousel's intricate carvings during special themed rides. The carousel's rich history intertwines with holiday traditions, creating a unique experience that bridges past and present. This merry-go-round of memories offers a distinctive way to celebrate the season.
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Christmas Concert Series (Spokane)
What to Expect:
Diverse range of holiday music performances in historic venues
Description:
Spokane's Christmas Concert Series resonates through the city's most storied venues, filling historic halls with a diverse array of holiday melodies. From classical orchestras to contemporary choirs, the series showcases the rich musical talent of the Inland Northwest. Performances take place in architectural gems like the Fox Theater, built in 1931. Audiences can experience the soaring notes of Handel's Messiah echoing through ornate interiors. This musical tradition, established in the mid-20th century, has evolved to include a wide range of genres, reflecting the city's growing cultural diversity.
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Santa Express (Spokane)
What to Expect:
Mobile Santa experience bringing holiday cheer to neighborhoods
Description:
Santa Express rolls holiday spirit directly into Spokane's neighborhoods, bringing the North Pole to local streets. This mobile Christmas attraction, adorned with lights and decorations, winds its way through the city, stopping at designated locations. The initiative, launched in 2010, aims to make Santa accessible to all children. Young ones can whisper their wishes to St. Nick right on their own block. This innovative approach to holiday celebrations brings communities together, transforming ordinary streets into impromptu gathering spots filled with laughter and joy.