Merry & Magical Kickoff – November 22

The holiday season officially begins in Downtown Spokane with the Merry & Magical Kickoff, a beloved community tradition that turns River Park Square and Post Street into a glowing winter celebration. On Saturday, November 22, 2025, families, friends, and festive spirits of all ages are invited to welcome Santa, enjoy live performances, savor seasonal treats, and soak in the warm, joyful energy that only Spokane can create this time of year. If you’re looking for the perfect way to launch your holiday season, this is the event you won’t want to miss.

Event Details

What: Merry & Magical Kickoff
When: Saturday, November 22, 2025
Time: 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Where: Post Street & Main Ave, Spokane, WA 99201
Admission: Free

A Festive Start to the Season

The Merry & Magical Kickoff brings the heart of downtown to life with holiday charm everywhere you turn. From glowing lights to cheerful music filling the streets, this event sets the tone for the season in a way that feels warm, nostalgic, and full of excitement. Beginning at 3:00 PM, guests can wander River Park Square and Post Street, also known as Merry & Magical Lane, to discover hands-on activities, treats, live performances, and plenty of family-friendly fun.

You’ll find the perfect mix of small-town holiday coziness and big-city celebration as local partners come together to create something truly special for the community. And with Santa himself making his grand entrance, the magic becomes real for kids and adults alike.

Holiday Activities for All Ages

Here’s what fills the afternoon with joy, creativity, and holiday sparkle:

Horse & Carriage Rides: Take a charming ride through downtown on the Wheatland Bank carriage, an experience that feels straight out of a classic holiday storybook.

Brushes and Boughs – Tree Paint-Off for Charity: Local artists compete to decorate trees for their favorite causes, adding community spirit to every brushstroke. The decorated trees will be displayed in Lincoln Plaza through December 20 for visitors to view and vote on.

Holiday Treats & Festive Booths: Throughout the event footprint, guests can enjoy seasonal snacks, crafts, and interactive experiences that bring the magic of the holidays to life.

Santa’s Arrival & Tree Lighting

From 5:00 to 6:00 PM, River Park Square becomes the center of Spokane’s holiday celebration. Santa makes his highly anticipated arrival for the first time this season, followed by the annual tree lighting ceremony presented by STCU. Performances from the Ferris Dance Team, Cheney High School Show Choir, Spokane Aerial Elves, and even Mrs. Claus help make this moment feel truly enchanting. Santa photos begin immediately afterward and continue through December 24, giving families plenty of opportunities to capture their holiday memories.

Evening Fun on Merry & Magical Lane

When the sun sets, the energy shifts into a lively evening celebration for the “grownup kids” from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Enjoy live music, delicious food, seasonal brews, and the Electric Photoland photobooth that adds a fun and creative twist to your night out. It’s the perfect way to continue the festivities with friends or unwind after the earlier family activities.

Why You’ll Love It

The Merry & Magical Kickoff is the kind of event that captures everything people love about the holidays in Spokane. It blends community connection with joyful tradition, offering something for every age and every kind of holiday spirit. Whether you’re bringing children to meet Santa, enjoying a date night downtown, or simply looking to feel that first spark of seasonal magic, this celebration makes it easy to step into the holidays with warmth and excitement.

Mark your calendar and gather your people. Spokane's holiday season begins right here, and you’ll want to be part of the moment the magic arrives.