A Spokane Eats Guide to Cozy, Festive, Family-Friendly Fun
Winter in the Inland Northwest is pure magic! Twinkling lights downtown, snowy mountains just a quick drive away, local hot cocoa stops on every corner, and enough festive activities to keep the whole family smiling through the season. Whether you’re team Spokane, team Coeur d’Alene, or somewhere in between (same 🙋♀️), here are my top must-do winter experiences this year.
⭐ Spokane Favorites
1. Ice Skate the Numerica Skate Ribbon
Riverfront Park turns into a winter wonderland, and there’s nothing like gliding along the ribbon with the Pavilion glowing above you. Grab cocoa afterward and take a stroll through the park lights. It’s a must every winter.
2. Ride the Numerica SkyRide Over the Falls
This is one of those Spokane experiences you can’t get anywhere else. The snowy Spokane Falls are breathtaking, and the SkyRide is warm, cozy, and surprisingly peaceful.
3. See the Manito Park Gaiser Conservatory Lights
The Conservatory transforms into a botanical Christmas dream. Warm, fragrant, colorful — it’s the perfect warm-up stop on a chilly night.
4. Hit the Slopes at Mt. Spokane
Night skiing, tubing hills, hot lodge snacks… the full winter package. It’s one of the easiest ways to get outdoors during the darker, colder months.
5. Visit the Pavilion Light Show
Grab a hot cocoa from one of our local coffee shops and enjoy the sparkle! Pro tip: you can also rent the pavilion for your next special event and they’ll event change the light blade colors to match your theme!
6. Snowshoe through Riverside State Park
“Riverside State Park is a Washington state park located 9 miles northwest of Spokane in the community of Nine Mile Falls. The park protects 9,194 acres of Okanagan dry forest along the Spokane and Little Spokane rivers.”
7. Warm up at the Davenport Tree Elegance Display
Dec 2 – 14 at Historic Davenport Hotel
10AM – 9PM
& River Park Square
10AM – 8PM
Spokane Symphony Associates hosts this annual 13-day event, from the Tuesday following Thanksgiving into December. This regional event attracts more than 100,000 attendees from around the region. The event features a raffle of themed and beautifully decorated trees, located at the Historic Davenport Hotel and River Park Square.
8. Catch a holiday show at the Fox or the Bing
We’ve loved attending the Nutcracker Ballet in years past, but there are a variety of holiday shows showing off our regions talent.
9. Enjoy a cozy dinner, festive drink, or dessert at one of our local restaurants
For dessert, we’re partial to the Coconut Cake at Luna, drunken donuts at Twigs Bistro, and pies from Birdies Pie Shop.
10. Shop small at local stores & holiday markets around town
Holiday shopping suggestions: Mels, Lucky Vintage, Shop Pleasantries, Design for the People, Mulberry Market, Ritters, Kindred & Co – to name a few!
A must-shop holiday market : Winter Brrrzaar by Terrain at River Park Square. December 13th, 2025 • 10am – 8pm
11. Visit Santa at Riverpark Square
Santa Claus is returning to River Park Square, and this year, his arrival is Wickedly magical! Find him at his festive spot beneath the dazzling 50-foot Christmas tree… a beloved Spokane holiday tradition that’s simply thrillifying.
⭐ Coeur d’Alene Favorites
12. Embark on the CDA Holiday Lights, Santa Cruise
A total must-do for families! Cruise across the lake to visit Santa at the North Pole, complete with twinkling lights reflecting off the water. Your kids may even make Santa’s “nice” list!
13. Hot Chocolate + Gooeys at Dockside
Hot chocolate with lake views? Yes please. And if you haven’t had a Gooey in winter… it’s just as delicious!
14. Ice skating at CDA on Ice
Open November 7th, 2025 to January 19th, 2026.
Ages 3-12 are $14 and ages 13 and up are $18 for the 90 minute session.
We have 7 sessions throughout the day:
10AM • 11:45AM • 1:30PM • 3:15PM • 5:00PM • 6:45PM • 8:30PM
15. Snow Tubing at Silver Mountain
No skill required… just pure joy. Bundle up, scream-laugh down the hills, repeat. This one is always a hit with kids, teens, and adults alike.
16. Walk the CDA Resort Boardwalk
On a quiet winter evening, with the city lights reflecting on the water and snow on the railings… it’s one of the most peaceful winter walks in the Northwest.
17. Dinner in an Igloo
Restaurants like Cedars or spots around the Resort often offer outdoor igloo dining — twinkle lights, warm blankets, and the coziest atmosphere ever.
⭐ For Spokane and CDA
18. Skiing / Snowboarding
Mt Spokane, 49 Degrees North, Silver Mountain, Schweitzer, Lookout Pass and many more ski/snowboard opportunities within a few hours of Spokane & CDA!
Winter in Spokane and Coeur d’Alene is all about slowing down, soaking in the sparkle, and making memories with the people you love. Whether you’re hitting the slopes, cruising the lake, or simply warming up with a hot drink, there’s something magical waiting around every snowy corner.
