That last weekend before Thanksgiving is basically the dress rehearsal for the holidays—less chaos, same twinkle lights. Spokane’s got ice skating, craft shows, concerts, and downtown magic lined up from Friday through Sunday. Here’s a simple way to plan it without needing a spreadsheet.
🎁 All-Weekend Anchor: Custer’s Christmas Arts & Crafts Show
49th Custer’s Christmas Arts & Crafts Show
Fri–Sun, Nov 21–23 — Spokane County Fair & Expo Center, Spokane Valley
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Huge regional holiday show with handmade gifts, décor, art, and treats.
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Runs all three days, so it’s the perfect “anytime” stop between other events.
🎵 Friday, Nov 21 – Big Music & Storytelling
Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve
Friday, 7:00 p.m. — Spokane Arena
Rock opera, lasers, and full-on holiday spectacle in one night. TSO brings The Ghosts of Christmas Eve: The Best of TSO and More to Spokane Arena for a single evening show, with tickets starting in the mid-$50s.
Christmas with C.S. Lewis
Friday, 7:30 p.m. — Bing Crosby Theater
A one-man theatrical evening imagining C.S. Lewis sharing how a conversation with J.R.R. Tolkien changed his view of Christmas. Warm, thoughtful, and a nice alternative if you prefer storytelling over pyrotechnics.
Custer’s Christmas Arts & Crafts Show – Opening Day
Pop in Friday to beat the heavier weekend crowds and get first pick of the handmade gifts.
⛸️ Saturday, Nov 22 – Skates, Downtown Magic & Markets
Numerica Skate Ribbon – Opening Day
Saturday, Riverfront Park
The Numerica Skate Ribbon officially opens for the winter ice season on Saturday, turning downtown into a full-on snow globe moment. Skating winds around a curving ribbon with views of the park, plus nearby café and more family-friendly attractions.
Storytime at the Carrousel (bonus for littles)
Saturday, 11:00 a.m. — Looff Carrousel, Riverfront Park
Stories, songs, preschool activities, and Carrousel rides for just about a buck for attendees—easy win if you’ve got small kids to entertain before nap time.
Merry & Magical Kickoff
Saturday, 3:00–8:00 p.m. — River Park Square
Downtown holiday kickoff with kid-focused fun 3–5 p.m. and more adult-leaning festivities 6–8 p.m. Expect live entertainment, festive activities, and plenty of shopping energy under one roof.
Holiday Bazaar & Bake Sale
Saturday — Central Spokane YMCA
Local vendors and baked goods at the Y—very “support your neighbors” energy and an easy indoor stop if the weather’s being dramatic.
Hands-on holiday workshops at Ritter’s Garden & Gifts
Saturday, 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. — DIY Christmas Wreath
Saturday, 1:00–2:00 p.m. — Make a Holiday Bow
Create your own wreath and holiday bows at Ritter’s on North Division—great if you like your decorations with a side of hot glue and pride.
Moulin Rouge! The Musical
Saturday, 2:00 & 7:30 p.m. — First Interstate Center for the Arts
Tony-winning Broadway musical with huge pop mashups, elaborate sets, and plenty of drama. The tour runs in Spokane Nov 19–23 with multiple showtimes this weekend. Note: recommended for ages 12+ due to mature themes and language.
🎄 Sunday, Nov 23 – Chill Day with Concert Glow
Custer’s Christmas Arts & Crafts Show – Final Day
Last chance to walk the aisles, grab stocking stuffers, and pretend you’ll wrap everything before December.
DIY Thanksgiving Centerpiece
Sunday, 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. — Ritter’s Garden & Gifts
Hands-on workshop to build a Thanksgiving centerpiece just in time for the big meal—ideal if you want your table to look intentional instead of “I found this at the grocery store at 4 p.m. on Thursday.”
Jim Brickman: The Gift of Christmas
Sunday, 7:00 p.m. — Bing Crosby Theater
Pianist Jim Brickman brings a cozy holiday concert mixing Christmas classics with hits like “The Gift” and “Valentine,” plus stories and guest vocalist John Trones. Family-friendly and a nice calmer option to close the weekend.
Moulin Rouge! Matinee
Sunday, 1:00 p.m. — First Interstate Center for the Arts
If you didn’t squeeze it in Saturday, there’s a Sunday matinee—perfect for a big show followed by an early dinner downtown.
🌲 Simple Anytime Spokane Moments
When you’re not at a ticketed event, you’ve still got options:
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Riverfront Park – Explore playgrounds, public art, the big Red Wagon slide, Garbage Goat, and views of Spokane Falls and the Clock Tower—super family-friendly.
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Manito Park – Stroll South Hill’s iconic 90-acre park with gardens, walking paths, and open spaces that stay beautiful even in late fall.
🏡 Thinking about putting down roots here?
If weekends like this have you picturing a life in Spokane (short drive to parks, quick hop to downtown shows, actual space for your holiday décor bins), it might be time to talk real estate.
Rios & Co Real Estate can help you:
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Find a home near your favorite parks or schools
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Prep your current place for sale before the spring rush
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Navigate timelines if you’re trying to move after the holidays, not during pie-baking week
Reach out to Rios & Co when you’re ready to make “weekend in Spokane” your every day.
