Numerica Ice Ribbon
Downtown Spokane is the region’s biggest holiday destination, and along with its winning collection of shops and restaurants, there are plenty of activities to keep everyone in the family engaged. There are health accommodations being made all over downtown, but many of the activities are happening outside.
“We’re doing everything we can to offer a traditional holiday experience,” says Liz Hooker, marketing and programming director for the Downtown Spokane Partnership. “There will be lots to see.”
The vintage Crescent holiday displays in the windows of the Davenport Grand Hotel are back, starting Nov. 28. Years ago, these displays were the highlight of every Christmas season, showing up in the windows of the old Crescent department store. The Downtown Spokane Partnership brought them back, allowing new generations to see what their parents and grandparents enjoyed when they were kids.
The traditional horse-drawn carriage rides will also continue, sponsored by Wheatland Bank, but by reservation this year. The rides start Nov. 27 and run through Christmas Eve, with safety precautions like plexiglass dividers and capacity limits. (Visit downtownspokane.org for details.)
Riverfront Park is a great place to get outside that’s exactly in the middle of it all. The beloved annual Christmas tree will be lit up at the park’s entrance, but with no big kickoff event to keep the crowds down.
“We’re going to replace that large gathering with a holiday tree walk,” says Amy Lindsey, programming and marketing manager for Riverfront Park. “We will have approximately 40 fresh-cut trees, and they’ll be located throughout the park along a pathway that folks can self-navigate on their own. We’ll be partnering with local businesses in the community that each decorate their own tree.”
Throughout December, the park will also be incorporating a special holiday light show into the Pavilion’s beautiful light blades.
“The dynamic lights that we typically have on Friday, Saturday and Sunday will be available during the week,” says Lindsey. “We’re also planning on lighting up other areas of the park as well, like the Clock Tower and the Rotary Fountain.”
The popular Numerica Ice Ribbon is opening soon, although the number of skaters will be limited to keep within current safety guidelines. And bring your mask.
“We’re really trying to find creative ways to welcome people to the park safely and to continue offering the community these important activations that they love,” Lindsey says. “Luckily, we have 100 acres to work with.”
