Publisher's Note.
509 Digital Lifestyle — Spokane Lights the Way This Winter
STEVE RUSSO
December arrives with that unmistakable Spokane mix of cold mornings, warm lights, and a city that leans into the holidays with its own style. From Riverfront Park glowing under winter skies to the first rush of seasonal events downtown, this is the month when Spokane feels both peaceful and energized at once.
It shows up in simple ways—skaters winding through the Numerica Skate Ribbon, families exploring Christmas Tree Elegance, neighbors finishing their shopping at local stores, and familiar spots around town filling with laughter and shared traditions. These are the moments that anchor us as the year winds down.
This issue highlights the spirit that carries Spokane through the season. You’ll find a closer look at the city’s holiday lights and community gatherings, practical ways to stay healthy through the cold, local winter adventures, and recipes that bring everyone back to the table. Each story reflects the creativity and connection that define our region this time of year.
As you move through the season, we hope this edition encourages you to pause, enjoy what’s around you, and support the people and places that keep Spokane strong.
Spokane Lights
Up the Season
Discover Spokane’s festive charm through cozy corners and community gatherings
By Like Media Team
ecember in Spokane is all about contrast—the shimmer of lights against snowy streets, the hush of winter mornings followed by the laughter of holiday crowds. It’s the time of year when the city transforms into a glowing landscape of tradition, community, and wonder. From the heart of Riverfront Park to hillside orchards and neighborhood trails, Spokane shines in its own winter way.
Downtown Sparkle
Riverfront Park is the centerpiece of Spokane’s holiday season. The Pavilion lights up nightly with choreographed LED shows, its glowing canopy reflecting off the Spokane River. The Numerica Skate Ribbon becomes a swirl of color and motion as skaters glide under strings of twinkling lights, with hot cocoa stands nearby keeping hands warm. Just steps away, the Looff Carrousel continues its timeless spin—children bundled in scarves, parents snapping photos, and the sound of holiday music weaving through the park.
Downtown streets mirror the glow. Storefronts along Main and Riverside dress up for the season, with boutiques and cafés offering festive window displays that invite shoppers inside. Whether you’re browsing for local gifts or simply strolling under the lights, the energy feels equal parts cozy and electric.
Traditions at Green Bluff
North of Spokane, Green Bluff offers its own brand of December magic. While summer and fall draw crowds for berries and pumpkins, winter belongs to evergreens. Local farms welcome families in search of the perfect Christmas tree, fresh-cut and...
Glide into the Season at the Numerica Skate Ribbon
Winter Fun Returns to Downtown Spokane
By Taylor Shillam
inter has settled into downtown Spokane, bringing with it the return of a cherished community tradition: ice skating at the Numerica Skate Ribbon. Nestled in the heart of Riverfront Park, the ribbon winds through sparkling lights and snowy trees, inviting families, couples, and friends to share in the joy of the season.
“For many families, a visit to the Numerica Skate Ribbon has become a holiday tradition,” says Amanda Swan, VP of Community Impact & Communications at Numerica Credit Union. “It’s a way to celebrate the season, enjoy downtown Spokane, and make lasting memories together. Every year, we hear heartwarming stories about children learning to skate, holiday celebrations at the Skate Ribbon, and even on-ice marriage proposals!”
Skate Ribbon guests glide along a winding 650-foot pathway that gently rises and falls. The ribbon connects to a spacious ice pond, providing plenty of room to skate and socialize.
Warm fire pits line the area, inviting visitors to pause, sip hot cocoa, and watch the action unfold. Nearby, the shared ticketing area with the Numerica SkyRide also houses the Riverfront Park Café, where guests can enjoy snacks or a warm meal while taking in views of the ice through...
““For many families, a visit to the Numerica Skate Ribbon has become a holiday tradition.”
Healthy
Living in Spokane’s
Cold Season
Local strategies to strengthen body and mind during winter
BY LIKE MEDIA TEAM
inter brings snow-dusted mornings, cozy evenings, and a pace of life that feels both calm and demanding. While the season has its beauty, it also challenges the body with shorter days, colder temperatures, and a greater risk of colds and flu. Staying well through these months takes more than luck—it takes intention.
Across the Inland Northwest, health-minded residents are turning to natural boosters, balanced nutrition, and community resources to support energy and resilience. From immunity-boosting foods to fitness routines and holistic remedies, there are plenty of ways to thrive even as the temperatures drop.
Fueling Immunity with Food
Nutrition is one of the strongest defenses during winter. Local health food shops and co-ops make it easy to stock up on seasonal staples like citrus, dark leafy greens, garlic, and root vegetables—each packed with vitamins and antioxidants. Adding fermented foods, such as sauerkraut or kombucha, supports gut health, which plays a critical role in immunity.
Small shifts at the table go a long way. Swapping heavy comfort foods with lighter versions, incorporating colorful produce into soups and stews, and drinking enough water all help keep the body strong. Juice bars and cafes also offer cold-pressed blends rich in vitamin C and zinc, perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up that doubles as a wellness boost.
The Role of Supplements and Vitamins
With fewer daylight hours, vitamin D becomes especially important. Many local wellness clinics recommend supplementation to support mood and bone health during darker months. Paired with zinc, vitamin C, and elderberry, these nutrients provide a natural defense against seasonal illness.
Pharmacies and holistic shops carry curated selections of high-quality supplements. Experts suggest consulting with a healthcare provider before...
Winter in Spokane
Ski slopes, skating, and holiday fun
BY LIKE MEDIA TEAM
Snowy Adventures in Spokane
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Mount Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park
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Riverfront Park Ice Ribbon
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Bear Creek Lodge Sledding Hill
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Ski Lookout Pass
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49° North Mountain Resort
Hit the Slopes
Mount Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park
Just 28 miles from downtown, Mount Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park is one of the region’s most convenient winter destinations. With more than 1,700 acres of terrain and a vertical drop of over 2,000 feet, it offers everything from beginner runs to expert challenges. Night skiing under the stars, designated snowshoe trails, and sweeping views of pine-covered slopes make it a true winter playground. Afterward, warm up in the lodge with hearty food and a cozy atmosphere—the perfect end to a day on the mountain.
Glide and Slide
Riverfront Park Ice Ribbon
The Ice Ribbon brings a touch of winter magic to downtown Spokane. This 650-foot winding skating path circles through Riverfront Park with views of the Spokane River and Clocktower. Twinkling lights overhead set the scene, while themed skate nights keep things lively. With rentals on-site and the Sky Ribbon Café nearby for hot cocoa or cider, the Ice Ribbon is a holiday-season must for families, couples, and friends.
Indoor Fun When It’s Cold
When the snow piles up outside, Spokane offers plenty of warm, family-friendly escapes:
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Mobius Discovery Center – Hands-on science and play (mobiusspokane.org)
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Wonderland Family Fun Center – Indoor games and activities (wonderlandspokane.com)
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Northtown Mall – Shopping, dining, and entertainment (northtownmall.com)
Spokane Children’s Theatre – Local performances for all ages (spokanechildrenstheatre.org)
SHOP, STAY & PLAY
Shop, Stay & Play: Spokane’s Holiday Magic
Shop local treasures, stay cozy, and celebrate the season
BY LIKE MEDIA TEAM
Shop
Holiday shopping in Spokane is an experience all its own. River Park Square (808 W. Main Ave.) anchors downtown with a mix of luxury retailers, popular brands, and locally owned boutiques—everything from high-end fashion to festive décor. For a more personal touch, The Scale House Market offers artisanal goods, local produce, and holiday-themed items crafted by Inland Northwest makers. This curated market highlights farm-fresh products, handmade goods, and unique seasonal finds that make perfect gifts or festive additions to your holiday table. Don’t miss Wonders of the World (621 W. Mallon Ave.), a treasure trove of rare gems, handcrafted jewelry, and global art—perfect for gifts that carry meaning and story. After browsing, warm up with a seasonal latte or cocoa at Indaba Coffee (204 South Koren Road), where the inviting atmosphere pairs perfectly with a moment of holiday pause.
Stay
Spokane’s hotels make the season feel even more magical. The Steam Plant Hotel (123 S. Post St.), once a working steam plant, now combines industrial-chic design with modern amenities. Its historic architecture and central location put you just steps away from the city’s holiday festivities. For timeless elegance, the Montvale Hotel (1005 W. 1st Ave.) brings Victorian-era character to the season, complete with festive décor and a cozy atmosphere. While staying nearby, stop into The Elk (1931 W. Pacific Ave.), a local favorite serving hearty comfort food like their signature elk meatloaf—perfect for winding down after a day of winter activities.
Play
December in Spokane offers holiday fun indoors and out. At Riverfront Park, the Numerica Skate Ribbon (720 W. Spokane Falls Blvd.) creates a magical skating experience with glowing lights and skyline views. For a more serene setting, Manito Park’s Gaiser Conservatory transforms into a dazzling holiday display, with thousands of lights draped over trees and plants—a must-see tradition for families and photographers alike. For a nostalgic touch, hop aboard a horse-drawn carriage ride through downtown, where twinkling lights and historic streets capture Spokane’s Christmas charm from a unique perspective.
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