Celebrate the holiday season in Spokane, WA, where a dazzling array of festive events awaits locals and visitors alike. Delight in the intricately adorned Christmas trees at the historic Davenport Hotel's Christmas Tree Elegance, where each tree is a chance to win fabulous prizes while supporting the Spokane Symphony.
Marvel at the animated window displays of Crescent Holiday Windows, a beloved Spokane tradition that captivates both young and old. And don’t miss Traditions of Christmas, a grand production showcasing holiday customs from around the world with over 100 performers. Embrace Spokane's rich holiday spirit with these enchanting experiences.
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The Top Christmas Events in Spokane
- Christmas Tree Elegance
- Crescent Holiday Windows
- Traditions of Christmas
- Christmas Light Show at Gaiser Conservatory
- Spokane Winter Glow Spectacular
- Northwest Winterfest
- Gingerbread Build-Off
- Holiday Pops Concert
- Spokane Chiefs Teddy Bear Toss
- Holiday Horse and Carriage Rides
Spokane Holiday Light Displays
Christmas Light Show at Gaiser Conservatory
What to Expect:
Botanical garden transformed with holiday lights
Description:
Manito Park's Gaiser Conservatory bursts into a kaleidoscope of colors during its annual Christmas light show. Thousands of lights are artfully woven through the lush tropical plants, creating a unique fusion of nature and holiday cheer. The warm, humid air inside the conservatory provides a welcome respite from the winter chill. Visitors can embark on a botanical treasure hunt, identifying rare plants adorned with twinkling lights. This event, which began in the 1990s, has grown to become a cherished Spokane tradition, blending horticulture with holiday spirit.
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Christmas Light Show at Gaiser Conservatory
Spokane Winter Glow Spectacular
What to Expect:
Interactive light installations in downtown Spokane
Description:
Downtown Spokane illuminates with the Winter Glow Spectacular, featuring cutting-edge light installations that respond to movement and sound. This innovative event transforms the urban landscape into an interactive playground of light and color. Visitors can manipulate giant light sculptures, creating their own luminous art pieces. The event draws inspiration from international light festivals, bringing world-class artistry to the Inland Northwest. As you explore, the crisp winter air carries the faint scent of pine and cinnamon from nearby vendors. The Winter Glow Spectacular showcases Spokane's commitment to public art and community engagement.
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Spokane Winter Glow Spectacular
Northwest Winterfest
What to Expect:
Chinese lantern festival with holiday themes
Description:
Northwest Winterfest fuses Chinese lantern artistry with Western holiday traditions, creating a unique cultural experience. Massive illuminated sculptures, handcrafted by Chinese artisans, depict both familiar holiday scenes and fantastic creatures. Visitors can try their hand at traditional Chinese crafts like paper cutting and calligraphy. The event originated as a way to celebrate cultural diversity in the Inland Northwest. As you wander through the displays, the gentle glow of lanterns casts a warm light on smiling faces. Northwest Winterfest offers a fresh perspective on holiday celebrations, bridging Eastern and Western traditions.
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Spokane Holiday Giving Opportunities
Spokane Chiefs Teddy Bear Toss
What to Expect:
Hockey game combined with charitable toy donation
Description:
The Spokane Chiefs Teddy Bear Toss combines the excitement of hockey with the spirit of giving. When the Chiefs score their first goal, fans unleash a blizzard of stuffed animals onto the ice. Thousands of toys rain down, creating a surreal and heartwarming spectacle. Volunteers scramble to collect the donations, which are distributed to local children's charities. This event, part of a wider hockey tradition, has been embraced by Spokane fans since the early 2000s. The thunderous roar of the crowd as the toys fly is an unforgettable auditory experience. You'll witness the power of sport to unite a community in generosity.
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Spokane Chiefs Teddy Bear Toss
Spokane Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Christmas Tree Elegance
What to Expect:
Raffle of elaborately decorated Christmas trees
Description:
Spokane's historic Davenport Hotel transforms into a forest of exquisitely adorned Christmas trees. Each tree, a work of art, comes with thousands of dollars in prizes. Visitors can purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win their favorite tree. This beloved tradition, started in 1983, has raised millions for the Spokane Symphony. As you stroll through the dazzling display, the soft tinkling of ornaments creates a serene atmosphere. The event showcases the creativity of local designers and brings the community together in support of the arts.
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Traditions of Christmas
What to Expect:
Large-scale holiday production featuring diverse cultural traditions
Description:
Traditions of Christmas brings together a cast of over 100 performers to celebrate holiday customs from around the world. This grand production showcases dazzling choreography, stunning costumes, and heartwarming music. Audiences are transported across continents as they experience the unique ways different cultures mark the season. The show includes a living Nativity scene with live animals, adding an element of authenticity. Originating in 2011, this production has quickly become a beloved Spokane tradition. You'll leave with a deeper appreciation for the global tapestry of holiday celebrations.
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Holiday Pops Concert
What to Expect:
Symphony performance of both classic and contemporary holiday music
Description:
The Spokane Symphony's Holiday Pops Concert blends timeless classics with fresh arrangements of contemporary holiday tunes. This beloved annual event features the full symphony orchestra, chorus, and guest soloists, creating a rich tapestry of sound. Audience members can join in a festive sing-along of favorite carols. The concert, a tradition since the 1980s, showcases the versatility of the Spokane Symphony. The Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox, with its art deco splendor, provides a stunning backdrop for the performance. You'll experience the power of live orchestral music bringing holiday favorites to life.
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Spokane Other Holiday Activities
Crescent Holiday Windows
What to Expect:
Animated holiday window displays in a historic department store
Description:
The Crescent Building, once Spokane's premier department store, revives a cherished tradition with its animated holiday window displays. These intricate scenes capture the imagination of passersby, young and old alike. Each window tells a different story, bringing classic holiday tales to life through movement and light. The tradition harkens back to the golden age of retail, when elaborate window displays were a hallmark of the holiday season. You can participate in a scavenger hunt, searching for hidden elements within each display. The windows serve as a testament to Spokane's rich retail history and community spirit.
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Gingerbread Build-Off
What to Expect:
Competitive gingerbread house construction
Description:
Spokane's Gingerbread Build-Off pits teams of architects, engineers, and bakers against each other in a race to construct elaborate gingerbread structures. This high-energy event combines culinary skill with architectural creativity, resulting in edible masterpieces. Spectators can watch the frenzied construction and vote for their favorite creations. The competition, inspired by similar events in larger cities, has become a uniquely Spokane tradition. The air is filled with the spicy-sweet aroma of gingerbread as teams work feverishly to complete their designs. You'll gain a new appreciation for the engineering challenges involved in confectionery construction.
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Holiday Horse and Carriage Rides
What to Expect:
Victorian-style carriage rides through historic downtown
Description:
Holiday Horse and Carriage Rides offer a nostalgic journey through Spokane's historic downtown. Elegant draft horses pull beautifully restored Victorian carriages, transporting riders to a bygone era. Passengers can snuggle under warm blankets as they clip-clop past twinkling lights and festive storefronts. The rides provide a unique perspective on Spokane's architectural heritage, showcasing buildings from the city's early boom years. The rhythmic sound of hooves on pavement creates a soothing counterpoint to the bustle of the city. You'll experience the charm of old-fashioned transportation while creating new holiday memories.
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Holiday Horse and Carriage Rides
Nearby Events
Coeur d'Alene Resort Holiday Light Show (Coeur d'Alene)
What to Expect:
Floating light display on Lake Coeur d'Alene
Description:
The Coeur d'Alene Resort Holiday Light Show transforms Lake Coeur d'Alene into a shimmering spectacle with over 1.5 million lights. The centerpiece is a 160-foot-tall floating Christmas tree, visible for miles around. Visitors can take a Journey to the North Pole cruise, where they'll encounter animated displays and even Santa himself. This show, which began in 1986, has grown to become one of the largest holiday light displays in America. The reflection of lights on the lake's surface creates a mesmerizing double image, doubling the visual impact. You'll witness a unique blend of natural beauty and holiday illumination.
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Coeur d'Alene Resort Holiday Light Show
Kootenai County Christmas Tree Lighting (Coeur d'Alene)
What to Expect:
Community tree lighting with local cultural performances
Description:
The Kootenai County Christmas Tree Lighting brings together diverse communities for a celebration of light and unity. Local Native American tribes perform traditional dances, honoring the area's rich indigenous heritage. The massive tree, adorned with ornaments made by local schoolchildren, serves as a beacon of community spirit. Visitors can participate in a candlelight ceremony, symbolizing hope and togetherness. This event, which began as a small gathering, has grown to reflect the county's evolving cultural landscape. The crisp mountain air carries the sound of carols sung in multiple languages. You'll experience a truly inclusive celebration of the season.
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Kootenai County Christmas Tree Lighting
Christmas on Jewett (Whitefish)
What to Expect:
Neighborhood-wide holiday decoration extravaganza
Description:
Christmas on Jewett transforms an entire White Salmon neighborhood into a dazzling holiday spectacle. Residents of Jewett Boulevard collaborate to create a cohesive theme, with each house contributing to the overall display. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll or drive through the illuminated wonderland. This grassroots event, started by a few enthusiastic neighbors, has grown into a regional attraction. The sense of community spirit is palpable as you explore the creative and often whimsical displays. You'll witness the power of collective effort in creating a truly immersive holiday experience.