HOLIDAY PULSE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, DOWNTOWN SPOKANE IS THE PLACE TO BE. COME VISIT THE INLAND NORTHWEST’S MOST EXCITING DESTINATION.
FOOD
AFTER-SHOPPING MEALS
After a long day of shop-hopping, P.F. CHANG’S (801 W. Main • pfchangs.com) is a great place to unwind and recharge, thanks to its flavorful Chinese-American fusion fare like wok-seared honey chicken and Asian-grilled salmon. “We’re the perfect spot for a light snack or a full meal,” says Tim Shay, an operating partner at the restaurant. “A lot people don’t know that we have sushi. Or that we’re a scratch kitchen. We make everything fresh — that’s true of all of our sauces, and we even cut our own meats. Even the dim sum is made every day by hand.” He recommends trying the ever-popular California rolls or one of the featured dishes on the chef’s fresh select menu. If you’re out with a large group of friends or family, P.F. Chang’s has the space and a special menu to accommodate large parties. NORDSTROM CAFE (828 W. Main • shop.nordstrom. com) is worth seeking out, even if you don’t happen to be shopping at Nordstrom. The select menu focuses exclusively on soups, salads, pastas and pizzas, but there’s tantalizing variety among those categories. The café also uses high-quality ingredients like cage-free eggs and organic produce. As its name colorfully suggests, THE MELTING POT (707 W. Main • meltingpot.com) features fondues both savory and sweet. And for the month of December, it’s now open for lunch (noon to 3 pm) too, just to make sure seasonal shoppers don’t miss out.
EVENTS FESTIVE SIGHTS
Through Dec. 24 Don’t be a Grinch and avoid downtown Spokane this season just because of the hustle and bustle. You’ll miss out on so much newness if you do, including the many downtown storefront windows festively decked out for the holidays. In a sort of nostalgic throwback to the past, when viewing stores’ holiday window displays was an event on its own, downtown businesses have gone all out, with painted windows, window displays, holiday lights and lighted projections on several downtown buildings Also, don’t miss the sparkling, new Winter Glow Spectacular, featuring lighted displays throughout Riverfront Park. Find a list of holiday-themed locations to check out at downtownspokane.org.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL: THE MUSICAL
Through Dec. 20 The Spokane Civic Theatre produces a music-filled version of the Dickens holiday classic, a tale of love and redemption directed by Civic Artistic Director Keith Dixon. Shows Thu-Sat at 7:30 pm, Sun at 1 pm (except Sat, Dec. 20 at 2 pm). $22-$30. Spokane Civic Theatre, 1020 N. Howard. spokanecivitheatre.com (325-2507)
SANTA EXPRESS
Through Dec. 23 The 21st annual holiday store offers items at allowance-friendly prices for area children (ages 4-12) to purchase for their friends and family, with proceeds supporting the mission of the Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery. Open Mon-Fri, from 11 am-8 pm, Sat, from 10 am-8 pm, and Sun, from 11 am-6 pm. At 707 W. Main (Skywalk level). vanessabehan.org
Displays throughout the park at lit daily at 5 pm, through Jan. 1. Free. Riverfront Park, 507 N. Howard. spokanewinterglow.com
COMMUNITY MEMORIAL TREE Dec. 13-21 Hospice of Spokane hosts a holiday tree, encouraging the public to decorate a white paper dove in memory of a loved one to hang on the tree. There is no cost to participate. On the third floor of River Park Square, 808 W. Main. hospiceofspokane.org (456-0438)
HARMONY FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Dec. 19 A musical benefit in support of the Catholic Charities Foundation featuring internationally acclaimed singers and local artists, and a special segment for kids. Dec. 19, at 8 pm. $25. Bing Crosby Theater, 901 W. Sprague. bingcrosbytheater.com
SPOKANE WINTER GLOW SPOKANE SYMPHONY SPECTACULAR HOLIDAY POPS Through Jan. 1
PF CHANG’S 38 INLANDER DECEMBER 18, 2014
A new holiday event in Riverfront Park featuring light displays through the park, including an animal lights zoo for the kids.
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Dec. 20-21 The annual holiday concert features resident conductor Morihiko Nakahara leading the Symphony
in a selection of festive music (old and new), the popular audience sing-along, and a visit from Santa. Family pricing available. Dec. 20, at 8 pm; Dec. 21, at 2 pm. $28$62. Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox, 1001 W. Sprague. spokanesymphony.org
CHRISTMAS AT THE BING
Dec. 21 A fundraiser performance benefiting the Bing and the Spokane Civic Theatre, featuring performances by the Clarion Brass Choir and vocalists Abbey Crawford, Doug Dawson, Andrea Olsen, Darnelle Preston and Jim Swoboda. Dec. 21, at 7:30 pm. $15-$20. Bing Crosby Theater, 901 W. Sprague. bingcrosbytheater.com
CHRISTMAS DINNER AT THE DAVENPORT
Dec. 25 Enjoy favorite and traditional holiday dishes from the hotel’s kitchen, served a la carte in the Palm Court Grill and the Safari Room. Dec. 25. Prices vary; reservations suggested. Davenport Hotel, Grand Pennington Ballroom, 10 S. Post. davenporthotelcollection.com (800-899-1482)
PUTTIN’ ON THE RITZ
Dec. 31, from 9 pm-12:30 am Ring in 2015 in style at the Spokane Symphony’s formal party featuring hors d’oeuvres, a champagne toast, live music, dancing and other festivities. $50. Davenport Hotel, Grand Pennington Ballroom, 10 S. Post. spokanesymphony.org (624-1200)
FIRST NIGHT
Dec. 31, from 7 pm-midnight Take part in Spokane’s annual family New Year’s celebration featuring more than 150 performers at 40 downtown locations. Live music, art demonstrations, comedy shows and free ice skating are just some of the activities included with a pass. $12-$15, kids under 10 free. firstnightspokane.org (456-0580)