Downtown Spokane invites families, visitors, and media to celebrate the start of the holiday season on Saturday, November 22, with the Merry & Magical Kickoff. Santa’s Arrival will take place at River Park Square, with additional programming along Post Street just south of the square.

Santa’s Arrival at River Park Square

The main show begins at 5:00 p.m. and will be hosted by two comedic performers. Fans of Wicked: For Good, which opens in Spokane on November 21, will enjoy the humor and holiday cheer. Scheduled performers include the Spokane Aerial Elves, the Ferris High School Dance Team, and appearances by Jolly Old Saint Nick and Rudolph from Spokane Civic Theatre’s production of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Families are encouraged to arrive early. Holiday activities begin at 3:00 p.m. across all three levels of River Park Square, presented by STCU.

Before and after the main show, visitors can step outside to Merry & Magical Lane on Post Street, south of River Park Square, for additional festive activities presented by Columbia Bank.

Jingle and Mingle | 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.

This family-focused activity zone features crafts, cocoa, live carolers, and a meet-and-greet with Mrs. Claus. Free horse and carriage rides are provided through support from Wheatland Bank. Other highlights include:

• Caroling by Lilac City Voices
• Kids crafts hosted by Mobius
• Elf Dance Party
• Cocoa from Visit Spokane
• Photo booth by Electric Photo Land

Santa’s After Party | 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

After Santa returns to the North Pole, adults can join a festive block-party along Post Street featuring music, food, and art. Highlights include:

• Live music by DJ Unifest
• Hot cocoa, Crossed Cannons Coffee, Vinny’s Hot Dogs, and kettle corn
• Brushes and Boughs Live Painting sponsored by Innovia, featuring artists and nonprofits creating painted holiday trees in real time
• Holiday Costume Contest with $150 cash prizes. Categories include Best Holiday Character, Most Magical Costume, Best Group, and Crowd Favorite. Entries open at 6:00 p.m., the parade begins at 6:30 p.m., and winners will be announced at 7:45 p.m. by KHQ’s Noah Bolter and Joe Tufts of Columbia Bank

Also on November 22, the 2025 Numerica Skate Ribbon opens for the season at Riverfront Park and will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

More Holiday Activities

The holiday season continues with the Davenport Grand Tree Lighting on November 28 and the Riverfront Park Tree Lighting on November 29.

Downtown Spokane will host additional festive programming from November 29 through December 21, including:

• Complimentary carriage rides every Saturday and Sunday at Riverfront Park
• Brushes and Boughs Live Art Trees at 818 W. Riverside, with community voting to benefit nonprofits
• Downtown storefront decorating contest with community voting
• Kids Holiday Hunt for children twelve and under
• Holiday Deals Pass through Visit Spokane, offering discounts at participating businesses
• Twelve Deals of Downtown from December 12 to 23 featuring daily promotions and giveaways

Visitors can pick up a Merry and Magical Map at participating retailers and hospitality locations to navigate events, parking, photo stops, and seasonal promotions. A media resources folder, including photos, graphics, and event details, is available at: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1QBEkPG5AQKcRodXynmzOoBlSQo3A3gkl

For additional information or interview requests, contact the Downtown Spokane Partnership.