Plan Your December Trip to Spokane

Spokane, Washington, is a hidden gem in the Inland Northwest, known for its stunning natural beauty and vibrant urban core. The city is defined by the powerful Spokane River and its dramatic falls, which carve a path directly through downtown’s Riverfront Park. Beyond the water, Spokane boasts a thriving arts scene, a growing number of acclaimed wineries and breweries, and easy access to incredible outdoor recreation. Its historic neighborhoods, with their grand brick buildings and charming craftsman homes, add a layer of timeless character to the city. As you plan your visit to Spokane, here are 15 things to do this December in Spokane.

In December, Spokane transforms into a true winter wonderland, making it an especially magical time for a couple’s getaway. The city twinkles with millions of holiday lights, while festive markets pop up with local crafts and treats. The crisp air brings opportunities for winter sports at nearby Mt. Spokane, romantic ice skating sessions downtown, and cozy evenings spent in intimate restaurants. With fewer crowds than in the peak summer season, a December visit offers a more relaxed and personal experience of all that Spokane has to offer.

Engaged? Start your Spokane wedding-planning today and explore all the possibilities Lavender Manor has to offer. Schedule a tour, connect with us on Facebook, Instagram & Pinterest. We can’t wait to learn more about your wedding priorities, hopes and vision! Let’s make your dream wedding a reality!

15 Things to Do in Spokane in December

From outdoor adventures to festive performances, Spokane is full of memorable experiences for your December trip.

1. Numerica Skate Ribbon at Riverfront Park
   Experience one of the country’s most unique outdoor ice skating venues as you glide along a winding path with beautiful views of the Spokane River. In the evening, the path is illuminated by festive lights.
   • Address: 720 W Spokane Falls Blvd, Spokane, WA 99201
   • Website: https://riverfrontspokane.org
2. Winter Glow Spectacular
   Wander through a dazzling display of over a million lights at the Spokane County Fair & Expo Center. This drive-through or walk-through experience is a festive holiday tradition.
   • Address: 404 N Havana St, Spokane Valley, WA 99202
   • Website: https://www.thewinterglow.com
3. Holiday Shows at the Bing Crosby Theater
   Catch a classic holiday movie or a live seasonal performance at this beautifully restored historic theater, named after Spokane’s most famous native son.
   • Address: 901 W Sprague Ave, Spokane, WA 99201
   • Website: https://www.bingcrosbytheater.com
4. Broadway Shows at First Interstate Center for the Arts
   Enjoy a world-class touring Broadway production or a special holiday concert. The theater’s December schedule is always packed with spectacular seasonal entertainment.
   • Address: 334 W Spokane Falls Blvd, Spokane, WA 99201
   • Website: https://www.firstinterstatecenter.org
5. Spokane Symphony Holiday Pops at Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox
   Let the Spokane Symphony fill you with holiday cheer during their beloved annual Holiday Pops concerts in one of the nation’s most stunning art deco theaters.
   • Address: 1001 W Sprague Ave, Spokane, WA 99201
   • Website: https://spokanesymphony.org
6. Crescent Window Displays in Downtown Spokane
   Stroll hand-in-hand through downtown and admire the nostalgic and elaborate holiday window displays, a tradition harkening back to the historic Crescent Department Store, now often hosted in The Davenport Grand Hotel’s windows.
   • Address: Main Avenue & Wall Street, Downtown Spokane, WA 99201
   • Website: https://downtownspokane.org
7. Holiday Visits to Green Bluff Growers
   Just a short drive from the city, the farms of Green Bluff offer a charming country Christmas experience. You can cut down your own Christmas tree, sip hot cider, and shop for unique gifts.
   • Address: Green Bluff, WA (various farms)
   • Website: https://greenbluffgrowers.com
8. Mobius Discovery Center
   For the young at heart, the Mobius Discovery Center offers interactive and fun exhibits. It’s a great indoor activity to escape the cold for a few hours of playful learning.
   • Address: 331 N Post St, Spokane, WA 99201
   • Website: https://mobiusdiscoverycenter.org
9. Gaiser Conservatory Holiday Lights at Manito Park
   Step into a warm, tropical paradise filled with festive lights and beautiful poinsettias. The Gaiser Conservatory’s holiday display is a magical and fragrant escape from the winter chill.
   • Address: 4 W 21st Ave, Spokane, WA 99203
   • Website: https://www.thefriendsofmanito.org
10. Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture (MAC)
    Explore regional history and art, including special holiday exhibits. The museum’s Campbell House is often decorated for a Victorian Christmas, offering a glimpse into holidays past.
    • Address: 2316 W 1st Ave, Spokane, WA 99201
    • Website: https://www.northwestmuseum.org
11. Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park
    Hit the slopes for skiing, snowboarding, or tubing. With night skiing available, you can enjoy a full day of winter sports just an hour’s drive from downtown.
    • Address: 29500 N Mt Spokane Park Dr, Mead, WA 99021
    • Website: https://www.mtspokane.com
12. Christmas Tree Elegance
    If your visit aligns, this beloved fundraising event at The Historic Davenport Hotel features dozens of lavishly decorated Christmas trees, each with a prize package you can win.
    • Address: 10 S Post St, Spokane, WA 99201
    • Website: https://spokanesymphonyassoc.org/christmas-tree-elegance/
13. Local Holiday Markets
    Discover handmade goods from local artisans at various holiday markets throughout the city, such as Terrain’s Brrrzaar or smaller pop-ups. It’s the perfect place to find a unique souvenir.
    • Address: Various locations
    • Website: https://downtownspokane.org/events (for listings)
14. Shop the Garland District
    Explore the quirky and independent shops in this historic neighborhood. Find vintage treasures, unique gifts, and enjoy the retro vibe of the Garland Theater.
    • Address: Garland Avenue, Spokane, WA 99205
    • Website: https://garlanddistrict.com
15. Dine at The Steam Plant
    Enjoy a memorable meal inside a converted steam-generating plant. You can even dine with a view of the old boilers, and don’t miss the iconic smoke stacks, which are illuminated in holiday colors.
    • Address: 159 S Lincoln St, Spokane, WA 99201
    • Website: https://steamplantspokane.com

What Couples Need to Know for December

• Weather & Packing: Expect cold weather, with average highs around freezing and lows in the 20s. Snow is common, so pack warm layers, waterproof boots, hats, gloves, and scarves.
• Book Ahead: December is popular for holiday parties and events. Reserve dinner tables, show tickets, and special experiences like spa treatments well in advance.
• Winter Driving: If you’re driving, be prepared for icy or snowy conditions. Renting a vehicle with all-wheel drive is a good idea. Downtown parking can be found in garages, which helps avoid clearing snow off your car.
• Cozy Date Nights: Plan a romantic spa day at a hotel like The Davenport or look for restaurants with fireplaces for an extra-cozy dinner.
• Daylight Hours: Days are short. Sunrise is around 7:30 AM and sunset is just before 4:00 PM. Plan your outdoor activities to make the most of the daylight and enjoy the “golden hour” for photos in the late afternoon.
• Snow Contingency: Have a few indoor backup plans (like a museum visit or brewery tour) in case a major snowstorm affects your outdoor plans.

15 Charming Places to Stay in Spokane

1. The Historic Davenport Hotel: A landmark of timeless luxury and opulence, perfect for a grand romantic gesture.
   • Address: 10 S Post St, Spokane, WA 99201
   • Website: https://www.davenporthotelcollection.com
2. The Davenport Grand: Modern luxury with stunning city views and direct access to the convention center and arts district.
   • Address: 333 W Spokane Falls Blvd, Spokane, WA 99201
   • Website: https://www.davenporthotelcollection.com
3. The Davenport Tower: Offers a chic, contemporary safari theme and an excellent downtown location.
   • Address: 111 S Post St, Spokane, WA 99201
   • Website: https://www.davenporthotelcollection.com
4. The Montvale Hotel: A stylish and intimate boutique hotel in the heart of the entertainment district.
   • Address: 1005 W 1st Ave, Spokane, WA 99201
   • Website: https://www.montvalespokane.com
5. Ruby River Hotel: Features beautiful river views and easy access to the Centennial Trail for a romantic winter walk.
   • Address: 700 N Division St, Spokane, WA 99202
   • Website: https://www.rubyriverhotelspokane.com
6. The Centennial Hotel: A modern hotel situated right on the Spokane River, offering picturesque scenes from your room.
   • Address: 303 W North River Dr, Spokane, WA 99201
   • Website: https://www.thecentennialhotelspokane.com
7. The Madison Inn by Riversage: A cozy and quiet hotel in the hospital district, known for its comfortable rooms and friendly service.
   • Address: 15 W Rockwood Blvd, Spokane, WA 99204
   • Website: https://www.madisoninnspokane.com
8. Hampton Inn & Suites Spokane Downtown: A reliable and modern choice with a central location perfect for exploring on foot.
   • Address: 2010 S Assembly St, Spokane, WA 99224
   • Website: https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/gegdwhx-hampton-suites-spokane-downtown-south/
9. The Steam Plant Hotel: Stay in unique, loft-style rooms integrated into the historic Steam Plant building.
   • Address: 159 S Lincoln St, Spokane, WA 99201
   • Website: https://steamplantspokane.com/hotel/
10. The Inn at Cat Tails: A charming bed & breakfast in the Green Bluff area, offering a quiet, romantic country retreat.
    • Address: 2802 E Day Mt Spokane Rd, Mead, WA 99021
    • Website: https://www.theinnatcattails.com
11. The Historic Paulsen Center Penthouse: Offers an exclusive, apartment-style stay with incredible city views from a historic downtown building.
    • Address: 421 W Riverside Ave, Spokane, WA 99201
    • Website: https://thehistoricpaulsen.com/penthouse/
12. The Spokane Club Inn: Enjoy access to the exclusive club’s athletic facilities, pools, and dining for a resort-like feel.
    • Address: 1002 W Riverside Ave, Spokane, WA 99201
    • Website: https://www.spokaneclub.org/inn/
13. The Blackwell Hotel: A beautifully restored mansion in nearby Coeur d’Alene, ID (35-min drive), for a luxurious and historic escape.
    • Address: 820 E Sherman Ave, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814
    • Website: https://www.theblackwellhotel.com
14. The Hotel Indigo Spokane: A vibrant boutique hotel that celebrates Spokane’s history with stylish, modern flair.
    • Address: 110 S Madison St, Spokane, WA 99201
    • Website: https://www.ihg.com/hotelindigo/hotels/us/en/spokane/gegin/hoteldetail
15. 1908 First Ave. Bed & Breakfast: Experience classic Spokane charm and hospitality in this beautifully maintained historic home.
    • Address: 1908 W 1st Ave, Spokane, WA 99201
    • Website: http://1908first.com

For the Almost-Engaged Couple

A romantic December trip is the perfect time to dream about the future. If you’re nearing engagement, get ahead of the planning process by securing your ideal wedding date. While you’re in town, use the opportunity to tour potential venues. One standout location near Spokane that captures the beauty of the Inland Northwest is Lavender Manor.

5 Reasons Couples Choose Lavender Manor

1. Scenic Beauty: The venue is set against fragrant lavender fields with breathtaking views of Mt. Spokane, offering a stunning natural backdrop for your ceremony and photos.
2. Versatile Indoor/Outdoor Options: With elegant indoor spaces and beautiful outdoor grounds, you have the flexibility to host a beautiful wedding in any season, with excellent contingency plans for weather.
3. All-Inclusive Ease: Lavender Manor offers comprehensive packages that can include coordination, saving you stress and simplifying the planning process so you can focus on each other.
4. Unforgettable Photo Opportunities: From the purple fields in bloom to the rustic architecture and golden hour light over the mountains, every angle provides a gorgeous, romantic photo.
5. Convenient Location: Situated just a short drive from Spokane, the venue is easy for guests to reach and has a strong network of trusted local vendors, ensuring your day runs smoothly.

Take the next step in your love story and schedule a private tour to see if Lavender Manor is the perfect place for your special day.

When the time comes to choose your wedding venue, consider supporting a locally owned business that invests in the community. Spokane is home to many passionate vendors who are dedicated to making your wedding day perfect. A local venue provides personalized attention and a genuine connection to the region you’ve come to love.

As you plan your future together, we invite you to keep Spokane and its beautiful surroundings in mind. Couples looking for a venue that combines natural elegance with heartfelt service will find everything they are dreaming of at Lavender Manor. Let your love story become a part of the magic of the Inland Northwest.

Have questions? Reach out to us today—we’d love to make your proposal and wedding as unforgettable as your love story! If Lavender Manor sounds like the perfect venue for your big day, don’t wait! Schedule a visit or reach out to learn more about their bespoke wedding packages. Start your Spokane wedding-planning today and explore all the possibilities Lavender Manor has to offer. Schedule a tour, connect with us on Facebook, Instagram & Pinterest. We can’t wait to learn more about your wedding priorities, hopes and vision! Let’s make your dream wedding a reality!

(509) 550-7526 [email protected] 5552 S. Wallbridge Rd. Deer Park, WA 99006

15 things to do this December in Spokane