The Downtown Spokane Partnership (DSP) is proud to announce an exciting lineup of events, activities and promotions in downtown this year in the spirit of the holiday season. The DSP is teaming up with a number of local sponsors to create a vibrant atmosphere and winter wonderland for visitors of all ages and interests, all while supporting local, small businesses. Festivities kick off on Small Business Saturday, November 25, and continue throughout the month of December.
“The DSP is thrilled to parnter with our wonderful sponsors this holiday season,” said Emilie Cameron, CEO of the DSP. ”Our lineup of activities and promotions promises to create unforgettable memories for families and friends as they explore our beautiful downtown area while supporting the backbone of our community—our small businesses.”
Here are what families and people of all ages will find in downtown Spokane this year:
Small Business Saturday Swag Bag Giveaway Event sponsored by STCU
The DSP has teamed up with Auntie’s Bookstore, a favorite of local shoppers and longtime downtown staple, to kick off the holiday season with a Small Business Saturday Swag Bag Giveaway event. On Saturday, November 25 at 9:00am, the first 100 customers to visit Auntie’s will receive a free STCU-branded “swag bag” featuring gift cards, coupons, and swag items from a variety of small businesses within the downtown Spokane Business Improvement District.
Date: November 25
Free Wheatland Bank Horse and Carriage Rides
Continuing the over 20-year tradition, Wheatland Bank Free Horse and Carriage Rides return on Saturdays and Sundays in Riverfront Park starting Small Business Saturday. Enjoy the sights of downtown from a horse drawn carriage, sing your favorite carols with family and friends, and sit back to enjoy free the ride. Pick-up in Riverfront Park near the holiday tree.
Dates: Saturdays and Sundays from Nov. 25 through Dec. 24
STCU Kid’s Holiday Hunt and Coloring Contest
Another favorite holiday tradition for families in downtown Spokane, the STCU Kids Scavenger Hunt and Coloring Contest is back. Kids use a passport look for hidden figures at 25 downtown businesses with secret codes on them. Once ten figures are found, they turn in their passport for a personal prize and family pack prize drawing.
Kids are also be invited to complete a coloring sheet based off of a 1973 Crescent Department Store Coloring Book. Winners will be selected in three age groups and win $100 gift cards. Coloring sheets, and Scavenger Hunt passports, are available at all participating businesses of the STCU Kids Scavenger Hunt. See the list at downtownspokane.org.
Dates: November 25 through December 17
See the Sights at The Grand
A revamped and revitalized holiday classic of downtown Spokane, the Crescent Windows at The Grand implement the display of vintage Crescent Department Store figurines in the windows of the Davenport Grand Hotel facing Main Avenue. Thanks to underwriting from Global Credit Union and facility support from the Davenport Collection, five window bays will feature refurbished scenes sure to revive memories of holidays past. Follow Clara on her journey from party girl to pas de deux as the 2023 windows showcase 24 elegant Nutcracker ballet dancers.
Spectators are invited to an unveiling of the new designs by local artists Mallory Battista and Moth Rosenau on Saturday November 25 at 4:30 p.m.
Dates: November 25 through January 1
Location: 333 W Main Ave.
Holiday Window Display Contest sponsored by Visit Spokane
The Grand won’t be the only windows decked out for the holidays this year, as the Holiday Window Display Contest sponsored by Visit Spokane is returning to downtown. This year, over 18 businesses are creating fun and festive artwork and displays in the street-facing windows of their businesses. Downtown visitors are encouraged to venture to as many as they can and vote for their favorites. A QR code will be present at each display to enable online voting. Prizes will be given to businesses that receive the most votes for their display, and five lucky voters will be drawn to win a $50 gift card to River Park Square. A list of participating locations will be available at downtownspokane.org.
Dates: Contest voting December 1 through December 17, displays up through Dec. 31
Twelve Days of Downtown Deals sponsored by STCU
From December 12–23, the DSP will be highlighting a different promotion, deal or discount taking place at a downtown business each day. Each business’s spotlight will be promoted on social media and will include daily sweepstakes drawings for the chance to win gift card prizes. The campaign aims to draw attention to the fun deals and promotions happening around downtown, and encourage visitors to patronzie downtown’s small, locally-owned shops and restaurants.
Dates: December 12 through 23
For more information and a calendar of events, visit downtownspokane.org.