The holidays are just around the corner, and plenty of magic is in the works at events around the Inland Northwest. Here are a few festive activities to help you and your family get into the holiday spirit.
Spokane Area
- Northwest Winterfest (Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, December 2 through January 1) is the brightest, shining holiday lantern display and cultural celebration in the Inland Northwest. This year, the displays, entertainment, and activities are moving indoors at the Spokane Valley Spokane Fair and Expo Center where your self-guided walking tour takes you through crafted lighted lanterns celebrating winter, whimsy, holidays, and traditions from here and throughout the world. Tickets: $9.90-$12.90. Northwestwinterfest.com
- The Bing Crosby Holiday Film Festival (December 10-11) returns to the Bing Crosby Theater for two days of favorites, including “White Christmas” and live entertainment from Bing’s nephew, Howard Crosby, the Zonky Jazz Band, and the Irish trio Affiniti. Bingcrosbytheater.com
- The 8th annual Winter Glow Spectacular (November 19-January 1) is a self-guided tour through a stunning community light display that aims to bring back the spirit of the holidays. The tours through Orchard Park in Liberty Lake are free for everyone, but donations are accepted. Winterglowspectacular.com
North Idaho
- Holiday Lighting Ceremony Parade & Holiday Light Show (November 25-January 2) in Coeur d’Alene is a favorite tradition in North Idaho. The 30th annual parade and fireworks show on November 25 launches the lighting of over one million lights throughout downtown and on the lake. View them throughout the month. Cdaresort.com/holiday-light-show
- Hometown Holidays Festival (December 2-3 and 9-11) in Wallace is the perfect getaway to experience the holidays in Silver Valley’s most scenic and historic mountain town. Get your picture taken with Santa and then join him for breakfast. Enjoy pet and lighted parades, craft shopping, live theater, hay rides, and more all in the storybook setting of this 1890s mining town. Wallaceid.fun
- The Post Fallidays Tiny Tree Festival (December 3 from 10 a.m.–12 p.m.) is a fun and festive brunch (with a mimosa bar!) hosted by local community organizations at the Red Lion Templins. Bid on a lineup of creative tiny trees to benefit the community and non-profits. Postfallschamber.com/events
- This premier Festival of Trees & Holiday Gala (December 10) kicks off at 10 a.m. at the Priest River Event Center with Santa photos and crafts for kids. Newporthospitalandhealth.org/event/festival-of-trees
- The Festival at Sandpoint is putting on the Orchestra Winter Concert featuring an afternoon of classical music, pop tunes, and holiday caroling favorites (Monday, Dec. 12 at 4:30 p.m.) at the East Bonner County Library. Festivalatsandpoint.com
- The Kootenai County Farmers’ Markets Winter Market (December 17 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.) will be held at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds with the best locally crafted, grown, and produced products for all your gifting and holiday needs. Kootenaifarmersmarkets.org
- Ski with Santa at Schweitzer (December 23-24). Glide down the slopes with Santa, then meet up with him in the village before he launches his trip around the world! Schweitzer.com/event/ski-with-santa
Oregon
- Enterprise Winterfest Celebration (December 10) in the Wallowa Mountains of northeast Oregon will include kids’ activities, Santaland, a light parade, and other activities in celebration of winter and the holiday season. Enterpriseoregon.org
Montana
- The Christmas Stroll in historic downtown Whitefish (December 9) is a long-standing community tradition filled with holiday music, photos with Santa, caroling, tree lighting, street artisans, and food vendors. Whitefishchamber.org/christmas-stroll.
Originally published as “Home in the NW For the Holidays” in the Nov.-Dec. 2022 print issue.
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