SPOKANE, Wash. – Celebrate the magic of Christmas at the 2023 Northwest Winterfest!
Starting on Nov. 30, you can experience the “brightest & largest illuminated lantern display and cultural celebration,” the Northwest Winterfest website said.
The festival takes you through a self-guided tour of authentically crafted lanterns celebrating the winter season while incorporating traditions from cultures across the globe. Live entertainment, food and drinks will also be available for purchase.
In 2015, Spokane held the Washington State Chinese Lantern Festival, the largest cultural festival since the Expo 74′ drawing over 80,000 visitors, according to the Northwest Winterfest Website.
The event’s overwhelming success led organizers to form a nonprofit with the City of Spokane Valley, Accurate Insurance, Avista and Avista Foundation to make the festival an annual event.
“The festival is a nonprofit, focusing on serving as a bridge for cultural understanding and appreciation, as well as an educational opportunity for the children in our region. We strive to make this event accessible and enjoyable to everyone,” the website said.
Since 2018, Northwest Winterfest has become an annual tradition in the Spokane community, temporarily closing for a short period due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, the festival moved inside to combat the freezing temperatures and aid in guests’ comfort.
The festival, held in Spokane and Kennewick, is operated by people who live within the community and strive to bring diversity to the region.
Northwest Winterfest is held at the Spokane County Fair and Expo Center starting Dec. 1. For information on when the festival is open and to purchase tickets, visit the Northwest Winterfest website.
