It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Merriment and holiday joy is once again here to decorate the Spokane community with Christmas on its way and Santa Claus himself soon coming to town. The magic of the season is already beginning to spread as beautifully decorated Christmas trees go up around town, and brilliant Christmas light shows illuminate the winter sky and capture the magic and wonder of the 2022 season in and around Spokane.  

Christmas Lights Spokane
Orchard Park will be transformed during Spokane Winter Glow Spectacular and even the animals will light the way for Santa. Photo courtesy: Spokane Winter Glow Spectacular

Winter Glow Spectacular

20298 E Indiana Avenue, Liberty Lake

Since 2014 Winter Glow Spectacular has been lighting up the community and bringing the spirit of the holidays to residents of Spokane. This year Winter Glow transforms Orchard Park into a festival of light displays from now until January 1 of the new year. This family-favorite tradition continues to remain free to the public thanks to generous donations so all may experience the magic and wonder of Christmas.

Christmas Lights Spokane
Magical lanterns created with the Christmas spirit await at Northwest Winterfest. Photo courtesy: Northwest Winterfest

Northwest Winterfest

404 N Havana, Spokane Valley
509.477.2772

This Christmas, the Spokane County Fair & Expo Center hosts Northwest Winterfest, the largest and brightest illuminated lantern display and cultural celebration in the Pacific Northwest. You’ll feel like you’re at the North Pole as you explore this indoor, self-guided, accessible walking tour with a path beautifully decorated by dozens of authentically crafted lighted lanterns. Each of these merry and bright masterpieces celebrates the spirit of the winter season, the holidays it brings, and the traditions from cultures of the world all across the globe. Great food and beverages are also available during the event that runs every Friday through Sunday from December 2 until January 1 (except Christmas day, of course). Tickets are already on sale for this family-fun Christmas event, and children ten and under receive free admission.

Christmas Lights Spokane
Manito Park will go from a garden to the magical North Pole during its annual Manito Holiday Lights. Photo courtesy: Spokane Parks and Recreation

Manito Holiday Lights

1702 S Grand Blvd., Spokane
509.456.8038

Manito Park is beautifully decorated for the holiday season during its Manito Holiday Lights show. Guests can enjoy the brilliant display of lights via drive-thru from December 9 to 12 or walk-thru from December 13 to 18. The festivities begin near the Park Bench Café, where visitors can follow the route for one-half mile of lights and eventually exit onto 21st Avenue. Since the show is funded through generous support from community sponsors and produced by the non-profit volunteer group The Friends of Manito Park, this family-favorite Spokane holiday tradition is free for the public to enjoy during the holidays.

Christmas Lights Spokane
Cruise along to the North Pole this holiday season during Coeur d’Alene Cruises’ Journey to the North Pole. Photo courtesy: Lake Coeur d’Alene Cruises

Journey to the North Pole

115 S 2nd Street, Coeur d’Alene
208.292.5670

Cruise the waters and Journey to the North Pole this winter season during one of Idaho’s famous Lake Coeur d’Alene Cruises. During this unforgettable holiday experience, guests will depart on their respective cruises at either 5:30, 6:30, or 7:30 p.m. and be taken on a magical adventure across sparkling waters to view more than 1.5 million twinkling holiday lights spread across 250 holiday light displays. This dazzling extravaganza of vibrant colors lights the way as you and your family head to Santa’s waterfront toy workshop. There, you’ll meet Santa himself, Mrs. Claus, the elves, and even the Grinch! Children will be delighted to know they’ve made Santa’s nice list as he greets each and every child by name. The magical evening concludes with a brilliant display of fireworks lighting up the night sky.

It really is the most wonderful time of year. To make it even more special for city residents, these magical light displays brighten Spokane’s winter skies this holiday season, illuminating the way to Christmas 2022 and guiding us the rest of the way into the new year.