As winter wraps Spokane in a blanket of white, a warm glow emerges, so merry and bright. It’s the magic of the holiday season decked out in a festive display, illuminating the city as Santa heads our way. So come one, come all, as we explore Spokane’s holiday lights in 2024!
Manito Holiday Lights
1702 S Grand Boulevard
Manito Park has long been one of the top destinations in Spokane to witness the magic of holiday lights. Each holiday season, the Friends of Manito organization transforms the park into a dazzling winter wonderland, decorating it with thousands of sparkling lights, festive decorations, and beautiful ornaments during their Manito Holiday Lights event.
Visitors can embark on a delightful walking tour through Manito Park, beginning at the Park Bench Café, winding through the picturesque Rose Garden, crossing the charming rock-arch bridge, and concluding on 21st Avenue. Further adding to the festive magic, the Gaiser Conservatory will also be decked out in the grandest of holiday fashion. This year, the free public event will run from December 14 through 22, promising a magical experience for all who visit.
Merry & Magical Lane
Downtown Spokane
This holiday season, Visit Spokane and the Downtown Spokane Partnership are transforming the heart of downtown for the first-ever Merry & Magical Lane event. This new holiday light display will be located on Post Street, stretching from River Park Square at Main to the Davenport Hotel on First Avenue, inviting visitors from near and far to experience the festive transformation.
Merry & Magical Lane will feature new overhead lighting that crisscrosses Post Street and the neighboring alley behind 809 West Main Avenue. The project also includes decorative lighting spanning 80 trees along Post Street, Main, and Riverside Avenues, as well as new LED lighting inside the skywalk above Post Street. To enhance the festive atmosphere, sidewalk planters will be filled with holiday trees and seasonal décor, street poles will be adorned with decorations, and windows along Post Street will be painted by local artists.
The lights and decorations create a magical ambiance that is sure to delight visitors. The holiday lights are installed during the season and remain up through January, making it an exciting addition to Spokane’s festive offerings. Whether you are exploring downtown or strolling with family and friends, Merry & Magical Lane provides a delightful and enchanting holiday experience.
Winter Glow Spectacular
20298 E Indiana Avenue, Liberty Lake
Orchard Park will once again be transformed into a winter wonderland during its annual Winter Glow Spectacular, which will run this year from November 25 until January 1. This beloved event began in 2014 with the mission of bringing the holiday spirit back to the Spokane community and lighting up the region during the winter holidays.
If you love holiday lights, you definitely don’t want to miss this free community experience designed to delight boys and girls of all ages. The event features a dazzling array of lights and displays for the Christmas holiday. Although the event is free, community support and contributions are crucial for each season’s continuation. Generous donations help fund the colorful array of lights and ensure the event can shine brightly year after year.
Northwest Winterfest
404 N Havana Street
Northwest Winterfest is the Pacific Northwest’s brightest and largest illuminated lantern display and cultural celebration, from November 29 until December 31. This event promises a magical experience as visitors tour dozens of authentically-crafted lighted lanterns. These merry and bright displays celebrate the winter season, its whimsy, holidays, and traditions from cultures around the globe.
The event’s indoor, self-guided, accessible walking tour allows visitors to stroll at their own pace and discover the enchanting lights and sounds. Highlights of the event include live cultural entertainment, kids’ activities, great food, soft drinks, and hot beverages. With free admission for kids ten and under, families can enjoy the unique larger-than-life displays, cultural performances, and arts and crafts each year.
The handcrafted and painted displays reach heights of up to 26 feet and lengths of up to 140 feet, illuminating over 70,000 square feet of indoor space during the holiday season. As an exciting addition to this year’s festivities, Northwest Winterfest will introduce a new dinosaur land, where prehistoric creatures come to life through holiday lights. This extraordinary event offers a festive and culturally rich experience that will captivate visitors of all ages.
Numerica Lights Up The Night
720 W Spokane Falls Boulevard
Every December, Riverfront Park transforms into a festive wonderland with the Numerica Lights Up the Night that runs all season long, kicking off with the annual Numerica Tree Lighting Celebration. This enchanting experience features dozens of Christmas trees illuminated throughout the park, inviting the community to stroll through the beautifully decorated area and soak in the holiday spirit.
The holiday fun at Riverfront Park extends beyond the twinkling trees. The park also showcases the glowing Clock Tower, the illuminated Rotary Fountain, and captivating holiday-themed light shows at the Pavilion, creating a magical atmosphere that lasts all winter long. These vibrant displays make Riverfront Park a central hub for holiday celebrations, making the spirits bright in downtown Spokane all season long.
Journey to the North Pole
115 S 2nd Street, CDA
Embark on a magical adventure with the Journey to the North Pole cruise aboard Lake Coeur d’Alene Cruises’ festively decorated vessels. Over 1.5 million twinkling lights highlight the season’s magic, creating an enchanting experience for all ages. This annual family tradition now features over 250 holiday light displays and millions of vibrant lights that illuminate the way to the North Pole.
This year marks the 28th anniversary of these captivating cruises, which continue to transport good boys and girls to meet the Elves, Mrs. Claus, and Santa Claus himself! And, of course, the holiday wouldn’t be complete without a visit from the Grinch.
Both parents and kids will be thrilled as Santa reads each child’s name from the Nice List, adding a personal touch to the journey. The magical holiday evening concludes with a brilliant fireworks display, decorating the night sky with a festive array of colors. The cruises begin on November 28 and run until January 1, offering a delightful and memorable holiday experience for all who attend.
With so many holiday displays illuminating the night, the 2024 Spokane holiday season will surely be merry and bright!
