Glide into the Season at the Numerica Skate Ribbon

Winter Fun Returns to Downtown Spokane

By Taylor Shillam

Winter 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 wide, windowed seating areas.

The Skate Ribbon offers the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and cozy charm, creating a winter experience that captures the spirit of Spokane.

Following the glow of November’s traditional Numerica Tree Lighting Celebration, the festivities continue all winter long with a packed lineup of community events designed to keep Spokane skating well into the new year.

The Numerica Skate Ribbon’s winter calendar is packed with ways to keep spirits high well into the new year. From DJ Nights on the Ice every Friday to Cheap Skate Tuesdays offering free rentals, there’s something for everyone. The New Year’s Eve Fireworks Celebration returns on December 31 at 9 pm, lighting up the sky for an early, family-friendly countdown to 2026.

In January, Numerica will also host a fan-favorite event: the Numerica Skate with the Chiefs Night on Wednesday, January 14, from 6–8 pm. The first 300 attendees will enjoy free admission and skate rentals, plus the chance to meet and skate alongside the Spokane Chiefs hockey team and mascot, Boomer.

Other highlights this winter season include the Skate with the Squad Series, which pairs local families with community heroes like police officers, firefighters, and rangers; Learn to Skate lessons with the Lake City Figure Skating Club; and a Valentine’s Day Ice Skating Special perfect for couples looking to share a romantic spin on the ice.

Whether you’re a seasoned skater or stepping onto the ice for the first time, the Numerica Skate Ribbon offers a place to slow down, connect, and create new memories. For Spokane locals and visitors alike, the Skate Ribbon is a community hub for celebrating togetherness, joy, and the beauty of winter in the Inland Northwest.

So grab your mittens, lace up your skates, and head downtown this December – the magic of winter and the holidays are waiting for you at the Numerica Skate Ribbon.

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