Article and image by: The Inlander

Santa shouldn’t have a monopoly on the belly laughs during the holidays. Spokane Comedy Club (315 W. Sprague Ave.) has packed its winter schedule with stars like Marlon Wayans, Josh Wolf and Sam Morril. And if you’re not into established names, check out their (free!) open mic nights most Wednesdays. Next door, the club’s Gamers Arcade Bar (321 W. Sprague Ave.) lets you revel in nostalgia with pinball machines, or fight retro aliens in their coin-operated arcade games.

If fun isn’t an activity but a vibe, why not visit one of downtown Spokane’s unique watering holes? Cease and Desist (108 N. Washington St.) is a speakeasy that bills itself as a “book club.” In true speakeasy fashion, it might take a little searching to find the entrance (hint: it’s around the corner on Riverside, through a storefront numbered S. 100), but inside you’ll find a selection of classic cocktails and expertly crafted originals.

Or maybe whiskey’s more your thing? In that case, head to Purgatory (524 W. Main Ave.), where you’ll find something along the lines of 600 bottles of specialist and small-label spirits. To sample an artisanal selection of whiskies, check out their featured flights.

Reema Shaver, owner of Bistango (108 N. Post St.) martini bar, says she goes all out to create a “classic lounge-style atmosphere” during the holiday season. “I put out a chicken wire Christmas tree, which is an art piece I had commissioned in San Francisco. We decorate it with big glass balls of the world, and it says, ‘Peace.’”

And the holidays aren’t the only reason to celebrate at Bistango. During the second week of December, they’ll be marking their 17-year anniversary with special festivities and giveaways. All the more incentive to enjoy one of their seasonally inspired martinis flavored like eggnog latte, peppermint or pumpkin spice.