Looking for ways to celebrate Christmas with your refugee neighbors? We got you covered. 

As the weather shifts and we begin to shiver, it is the warmth and hospitality of others that is a reminder we are loved and supported. 

At World Relief, our volunteers hospitably form friendships with our refugee neighbors while connecting them with their new home… and this season always has ample ways to grow friendships and share traditions. Here are some ideas to get you started! 

Share the magic of kicking off the holidays with a tree lighting!  

Christmas Tree Lighting: Nov 30^th at 4 – 7pm at Riverfront Park. The countdown starts at 6pm. This is a free event at Riverfront Park with food trucks, live performances and a winter market.  

Celebration of Lights: Dec 6^th at 6pm at Balfour Park. Hot chocolate, cookies and Santa along with a walking light parade! 

Enjoy some classic American traditions and performances. 

The Nutcracker: Check site for details. This performance features local dancers and a symphony at the Fox Theater downtown. Tickets range from $30-$115. 

Visit with Santa: Nov 23 – 24^th at River Park Square Mall, Spokane Valley Mall and Northtown Mall.  

Numerica Skate Ribbon and Eagle’s Ice Arena: Ice skating is a fun winter activity! Check out these two places. Prices vary, and timing is much more flexible. 

Create a memorable night (or two) of walking through light displays. 

Winter Glow Spectacular: Nov 23^rd – Jan 1^st at Orchard Park. There is a free self-guided tour through beautiful light displays in Liberty Lake at Orchard Park.  

Holiday Lights at Manito: Dec 14^th – 22^nd from 4:30pm – 8:30pm. Another free option for light viewing is at the Enchanted Garden with half a mile of festive lights. 

If you are more of a shopper, Spokane has several winter markets… and you might just run into a refugee owned business! 

BrrrZAAR: Dec 14^th, 10am – 8pm at River Park Square. This market extends to all three floors of River Park Square Mall with 70 booths of art and handcrafted goods. There will be live music and family-friendly activities with free admission.  

Spokane Valley Winter Market: Dec 14^th from 10am – 6pm and Dec 15^th from 10am – 4pm. With free admission, enjoy festive music, crafts for the kids, and a beer garden. 

Volunteering with World Relief offers lots of opportunities to share the holidays with our new neighbors. Contact our volunteer team today! 

About the Author

Odelia Dahl is an intern at World Relief. She was born in a very small town on the border of Canada and owns a flat haired retriever named Arlo. Her passions include skiiing. Currently she is attending Whitworth University for marketing.