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A Festive Guide to Spokane and Coeur d'Alene: Must-Attend Holiday Events for 2024

November 22, 2024

The holiday season is upon us, and the Spokane and Coeur d'Alene areas offer a rich lineup of winter festivities and holiday events that are perfect for celebrating with family, unwinding, and embracing the joyful spirit of the season. From glowing lights to enchanting lake cruises, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here's your guide to some of the year's best holiday events. So, mark your calendar and prepare for some festive fun!


Spokane Holiday Events


There’s no shortage of events taking place in Spokane this holiday season. With so much to see and do, it may be hard to choose! 


  • Merry & Magical Lane

Kick off your holiday season on November 23, 2024, from 3:00 to 7:30 PM, as Merry & Magical Lane transforms Post Street into a holiday wonderland. This event features live entertainment, seasonal treats, and special deals from local businesses.


Highlights include Santa's arrival and the tree lighting at River Park Square at 5:00 PM, Wheatland Bank's horse and carriage rides, a cocoa station sponsored by Visit Spokane, and a roaming photo booth.


  • Winter Glow Spectacular at Orchard Park

Just a short drive from Spokane, Liberty Lake’s Winter Glow Spectacular is a must-see holiday tradition that lights up the night from November 23, 2024, to January 1, 2025. Orchard Park transforms into a breathtaking winter wonderland, featuring a dazzling display of lights, festive decorations, and whimsical scenes that delight visitors of all ages.


This free event is perfect for a family outing, offering plenty of photo opportunities and a cheerful atmosphere that captures the spirit of the season.


  • Numerica Tree Lighting

On November 30, 2024, Riverfront Park hosts the annual Numerica Tree Lighting Celebration. Festivities begin at 4:00 PM near the Numerica Skate Ribbon, featuring food trucks and live entertainment, culminating in the tree lighting countdown at 6:00 PM. This event marks the start of the holiday season in Spokane and is a cherished tradition for the community.


Even if you can't make the tree lighting celebration, you can still enjoy winter activities all season long. This unique 650-foot skating path winds through downtown Spokane and offers a great way to enjoy a winter day. If ice skating isn’t your thing, you can enjoy a ride on the skyride or carousel.


  • Northwest Winterfest

Running from November 29 to December 31, 2024, Northwest Winterfest is the Pacific Northwest’s largest illuminated lantern display and cultural celebration. Held indoors at the Spokane County Fair & Expo Center, this self-guided walking tour showcases dozens of handcrafted lanterns representing winter traditions from around the world. Attendees can also enjoy live cultural entertainment, children's activities, and a variety of food and beverages.


  • Christmas Tree Elegance

From December 3 to December 15, 2024, the Spokane Symphony Associates present Christmas Tree Elegance, a cherished annual event featuring the raffle of themed and beautifully decorated trees.


Located at the Historic Davenport Hotel and River Park Square, attendees can purchase $1 raffle tickets for a chance to win a tree and its accompanying gifts, with values up to $4,999. This free event attracts over 100,000 visitors each year and supports the Spokane Symphony. 


  • Manito Park Holiday Lights

Manito Park’s annual holiday lights display is a serene yet enchanting option for families looking to experience the holiday season at a slower pace. Bundle up and take a leisurely stroll through beautifully lit gardens, with twinkling lights illuminating pathways and trees.


Known for its seasonal elegance, Manito Park offers a peaceful setting where you can appreciate the natural beauty of winter — and it’s an ideal stop for those looking for a relaxing way to celebrate the season.
The lights are on display from December 14 to 22 from 4:30 - 8:30 PM each night.


Coeur d’Alene Winter Activities


Coeur d'Alene brings the magic of the holidays to life with its unique blend of lakeside charm and festive traditions. Known for its breathtaking views and welcoming community, the town offers a variety of activities that capture the wonder of the season.


  • Annual Lighting Ceremony Parade

Nothing signals the start of the holiday season in Coeur d’Alene quite like the Annual Lighting Ceremony Parade held on November 29, 2024. The evening kicks off with a festive parade along Sherman Avenue at 5:00 PM, followed by the tree lighting and a spectacular fireworks show.


  • Journey to the North Pole Cruises

From November 15 to January 2, 2025, you can embark on an unforgettable holiday adventure as you embark on the Journey to the North Pole Cruise. You’ll be treated to a scenic ride across Lake Coeur d’Alene to Santa’s waterfront workshop.


  • Mudgy, Millie & Santa Sing-Along

Families with young children will love the Mudgy, Millie & Santa Sing-Along at the Coeur d’Alene Library on December 14 at 11:00 AM. This interactive event features the beloved characters Mudgy the Moose and Millie the Mouse, who, along with Santa, lead a festive sing-along.


  • Travolta Christmas Show

Don't miss "The Sound of Christmas," starring the Shotwell Family this holiday season. Running from November 29 to December 22, 2024, every Thursday through Sunday, this heartwarming performance blends music, storytelling, and cherished local traditions, offering a magical experience for audiences of all ages.


  • Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt

The Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt in downtown Coeur d'Alene is the ultimate holiday adventure for families and kids of all ages! Every weekend, from November 29 to December 22, 2024, brings the thrill of hunting for mischievous Scout Elves hiding in local shops and businesses. Grab your scavenger passport, collect stamps as you uncover their hiding spots, and unlock the chance to win prizes from Santa.


  • Christmas Markets, Live Nativities, and More

Check out the CdA Insider website for some unique holiday activities. You’ll find exciting events such as Christmas markets, live nativities, tree lighting, parades, and more to help get you in the holiday spirit.


Skiing and Snowboarding at Nearby Resorts


For those who crave outdoor adventure, nearby ski resorts like Lookout Pass and Silver Mountain offer excellent skiing and snowboarding opportunities. Both resorts are easily accessible from Spokane and Coeur d'Alene, making them ideal for a day trip or weekend getaway.


Hit the slopes, take in the stunning mountain views, and let the fresh air revitalize you. Skiing and snowboarding are perfect winter activities for families or anyone looking to celebrate the season with a bit of adrenaline.


Live Holiday Entertainment


There are plenty of live performances to enjoy during the holiday season. Here’s a list to get you started:


First Interstate Center For the Arts

  • Cirque Dreams Holidaze - December 4
  • Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical - December 10 & 11
  • Snow Queen Ballet - December 13
  • The Jinkx and Dela Holiday Show - December 27
  • A Magical Cirque Christmas - December 28


Bing Crosby Theater

  • Adriano Ferraro: A Christmas Concert - December 1
  • Spokane Jazz Orchestra: Christmas Music of Ray Charles - December 14
  • ABBA Holly Jolly Christmas - December 20



The Fox Theatre

  • The Nutcracker - December 5 to 8
  • Glen Miller Orchestra: In the Christmas Mood - December 10
  • Christmas with the Celts - December 13
  • Spokane Symphony: Christmas at the Movies - December 21


Plan for More than Just Holiday Cheer


As you enjoy these festive holiday experiences, it’s a good time to think about setting plans for the year ahead. While the holiday season is a joyful opportunity to celebrate with family and friends, it’s also a valuable moment to reflect on financial goals, future dreams, and ways to protect the things that matter most to you.


So, before the hustle of the holidays sweeps you away, reach out to
Five Pine Wealth Management and start planning for a prosperous, joyful future. We’re only a phone call (877.333.1015) or email away. 


Remember, the best gifts are the ones that last a lifetime.


March 28, 2025
Despite always hearing about the aging of America and the baby boomer generation, did you know the millennial generation is actually the largest age group in the country? Born between 1981 and 1996, millennials outnumber baby boomers post-WW2, with about 72.2 million millennials in the United States, as of 2023. The media often highlights millennials' financial challenges: mountainous student loan debt, a competitive job market, unaffordable housing, and credit card debt. There’s no doubt it’s been more challenging for millennials to save and gain a stable financial foothold compared to previous generations. Yet despite these hurdles, millennials have financial opportunities available to them that previous generations did not. Millennials came of age with the rise of the internet and advances in technology; they’re digital natives, incredibly tech-savvy, and well-positioned to master the digital era they live in. Millennials’ unique position in history gives them advantages when it comes to investing, starting a business, and increasing their financial literacy. Millennials and Investing Millennials are changing the game when it comes to investing—innovative financial platforms and investment products have helped to evolve the investment landscape, and have made investing more accessible than ever before. As a millennial, embracing this innovation can help move you closer to achieving your goals and building a financially secure future. Impact Investing Millennials are known for being socially conscious with their spending and supporting brands and companies that align with their values. This desire to make a difference often extends into their investments—intentionally choosing to invest in companies that reflect their values and promote the causes they support. Through impact investing, you can support positive global change while also working toward your financial goals. Impact investing can be done through investing in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investment funds, or through pursuing a strategy of Socially Responsible Investing (SRI). ESG funds focus on businesses that have strong environmental policies, social impact initiatives, and good governance. These funds have become increasingly popular with investors, like millennials, who want to support companies that prioritize sustainability and ethical practices. SRI focuses on investing in companies that promote environmental sustainability, social justice, and corporate ethics. SRI can also exclude investing in companies that engage in activities that are considered negative or harmful—tobacco, alcohol, fossil fuels, firearms, or the defense industry. Cryptocurrencies and Decentralized Finance Cryptocurrencies are newer investment frontiers that techie millennials can be more comfortable exploring than older generations. Crypto such as Bitcoin and Ethereum are digital currencies that operate on blockchain technology , which provides increased transparency and security. Crypto investments can be risky, but can also offer high rewards. Decentralized Finance (DeFi) platforms also leverage the security and transparency of blockchain technology to offer decentralized financial services and transactions. DeFi platforms provide opportunities for lending and investing without traditional intermediaries like banks and other centralized institutions. For millennials, DeFi represents a cutting-edge way to engage with financial services and they can offer more control and potentially higher returns than traditional methods. The Power of Time One of the biggest advantages millennials have when it comes to investing is time. If you start investing early, you can benefit from compound interest and long-term investments, which can significantly boost your returns and help increase your wealth. Compound interest is the process where the interest you earn on an investment is reinvested, which generates more interest. The longer your money is invested, the more it can grow. Even small, consistent contributions to your investment portfolio can accumulate substantial wealth over time. Having a long-term investment horizon allows you to ride out market volatility, and capitalize on growth over time. By not reacting to short-term market fluctuations, you can achieve more stable returns. Long-term investing is a powerful tool that can help you build a secure financial future. Millennial Entrepreneurship This generation’s core characteristics set them apart as innovators and business creators. As digital natives, millennials have a strong grasp of technology which allows them to leverage digital tools such as social media marketing, e-commerce tools, and data analytic platforms to grow their businesses exponentially. You’ve likely seen peers thrive in their ventures through their use of social media, which has become a critical tool for marketing, brand building, and customer engagement. Community-building is also highly valued among this generation—the use of LinkedIn alone helps entrepreneurs connect with fellow collaborators, business owners, and mentors. Similar to aligning your investments with your values, you can easily integrate your ethical beliefs into your business ventures. Ethical business practices such as developing eco-friendly products, creating an inclusive workplace culture, and advocating for fair trade processes can make a positive impact and build loyal customer bases. Millennials and Financial Literacy The millennial generation has more resources than ever to increase their financial literacy. Free online finance courses are easy to access, readily available, and enable you to educate yourself so that you can make smart financial decisions to help you achieve your goals. Personal finance apps like Mint and YNAB (You Need a Budget) can also increase your financial literacy by helping you understand and manage your finances more effectively. They offer features like budget tracking, expense management, and financial goal setting to help you be in full control of your finances. Finance apps make it easier for you to stay on top of your financial health and make informed decisions in managing your money. Work with Us to Reach Your Goals  Ever-evolving technology has transformed the financial landscape significantly over the last few decades and millennials are more prepared to take advantage of that transformation than any generation before them. While you can take charge of your finances on your own, working with a financial advisor can help you find your path and stay the course of your journey toward financial security. Financial advisors can provide advice that is tailored to your individual circumstances, to better meet your unique needs and objectives. At Five Pine Wealth Management , we’re committed to helping you create a customized financial plan and investment strategy to help you reach your current and future goals. As fiduciary financial advisors, we always act in your best interest in every step we take with you on your financial journey. We also offer virtual financial planning for millennials looking to fit financial planning into their own schedules. To see if we can help you, email us or give us a call at 877.333.1015 today to schedule a meeting.
March 21, 2025
Getting a raise is an exciting moment in your career and financial journey. Maybe you’ve gone through an executive-level position change and received a 10% pay bump or an internal promotion yielded you an additional 15%. Regardless of how you got your raise, you’re now in a unique position to move the needle on your long-term financial goals (and maybe splurge a little, too). But before you pull the trigger on that major purchase you’ve been eyeing, it’s important to have a long-term plan for the extra money in your paychecks. Even a significant raise can erode quickly if you suddenly upgrade your home, start vacationing like a celebrity, or snap up that Mercedes you’ve been eyeing. Below are our top five strategic wealth opportunities for you to consider the next time you receive a raise. First Things First: Understand Your New Numbers A 10% or 20% raise may sound like a huge boost, but not all that money will land in your bank account. Before making any financial moves, it’s important to calculate your new take-home increase after taxes and contributions. For example, if you receive a $25,000 raise on a $175,000 salary, you might expect $2,083 more per month. However, after accounting for federal taxes, state taxes, and other deductions, your actual monthly increase might be closer to $1,500. Knowing your actual take-home pay helps you set realistic expectations and make informed financial decisions. Getting a Raise: 5 New Strategic Wealth Opportunities For high-income earners, getting a raise isn’t just more spending power—it’s an opportunity to build lasting wealth while minimizing taxes. Instead of falling into lifestyle creep, consider these five wealth-building strategies to maximize your higher income. 1. Grow: Maximize Tax-Efficient Investment Opportunities With your increased income, you now have more opportunities to maximize tax-advantaged accounts and investment vehicles. For 2025, you can contribute up to $23,500 to your 401(k), plus an additional $7,500 if you're 50 or older. If you weren't maxing out your contributions before, your raise provides an excellent opportunity to reach these limits. Let's say you direct $750 of your new monthly take-home pay to your 401(k). You not only build retirement savings but could save approximately $2,160 in federal taxes annually if you're in the 24% tax bracket. Consider increasing your retirement and investment contributions by the same percentage as your raise. For example, if you receive a 10% raise, aim to increase your contributions by 10% of that raise. This incremental adjustment will help ensure you can maintain the lifestyle you're accustomed to when you retire. 2. Save: Optimize Tax Strategies to Reduce Liabilities A higher income often means entering new tax brackets, making tax efficiency more crucial than ever. Without proper planning, you might find a significant portion of your raise going to Uncle Sam instead of building wealth. Consider switching to a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) for your family, which can lower your premiums while giving you access to a Health Savings Account (HSA). In 2025, you can contribute up to $8,550 for family coverage , potentially saving around $2,000 annually in taxes. Additionally, the money in your HSA grows tax-free and can be withdrawn for qualified medical expenses without tax liability. 3. Diversify: Explore Alternative Investments A higher income can open the door to new investment opportunities, allowing you to diversify beyond traditional stocks and bonds. Alternative investments like real estate investment trusts (REITs) can provide exposure to different asset classes, potentially offering both passive income and long-term appreciation. These types of investments often move independently of the stock market, helping to balance overall portfolio risk. They can also offer lower barriers to entry compared to direct property ownership or other traditional alternatives. The key is to align your investments with your risk tolerance and liquidity needs while taking advantage of opportunities that complement your existing strategy. 4. Strengthen: Build Your Estate With more income comes greater potential for building generational wealth. Investing half of your $25,000 raise annually for 20 years with a 7% return could add over $500,000 to your estate. This makes it essential to have proper structures in place for efficient wealth transfer. To ensure your wealth transfers efficiently, consider: Trusts to protect assets and minimize estate taxes Life insurance strategies for wealth preservation Family-limited partnerships for multi-generational wealth planning These structures become increasingly valuable as your wealth grows. 5. Impact: Upgrade Your Philanthropy & Social Impact There's something powerful about reaching a place in life where you can give back meaningfully. Beyond the personal satisfaction of a higher income, this new chapter brings an opportunity to create lasting positive change in your community and the causes closest to your heart. Maybe you still remember the community college professor who believed in you when you weren't sure about your path. Now, twenty years later, by creating a donor-advised fund (DAF) to support student scholarships, you're not just making education more accessible—you're giving another student their own life-changing mentor. By thoughtfully structuring your charitable giving through vehicles like DAFs or qualified charitable distributions from retirement accounts, you can maximize both the impact of your generosity and the tax benefits that come with it. After all, effective philanthropy isn't just about giving money away—it's about creating meaningful change in the ways that matter most to you. Red Flags: Top Signs of Lifestyle Creep While getting a $25,000 raise provides excellent opportunities for wealth building, it's important to avoid (too much) lifestyle creep. That upgraded car lease might cost an extra $200 monthly, the bigger house another $800 in mortgage payments, and the premium credit card's annual vacation package another $400 monthly in travel costs. Before you know it, your entire raise can get absorbed by new expenses. While there's nothing wrong with enjoying the fruits of your hard work, the key is being intentional about which lifestyle upgrades truly matter to you. Here are some common warning signs that lifestyle creep might be eroding your raise: Your monthly expenses rise automatically with your income You upgrade multiple lifestyle aspects at once (housing, car, travel, dining) Your savings rate remains unchanged despite higher earnings Luxury spending becomes your new normal Your cash reserves aren’t growing despite a higher paycheck Instead of automatically increasing spending across the board, take time to identify the one or two changes that would bring the most joy and fulfillment to your life. Then, invest the rest. Put Your New Money to Work with Five Pine Wealth While these strategies focus on wealth building, don't forget to invest in yourself through continued education, health, and meaningful experiences. The key is finding the right balance between growing your wealth and enjoying the fruits of your success. Whether you've recently received a raise or are anticipating one soon, having a plan in place can help you maximize this opportunity. Our team can help you evaluate which of these strategies would work best for your unique situation and create a customized plan to help you reach your financial goals. At Five Pine Wealth Management , we can help you implement these strategies in a way that aligns with your personal goals and values. To learn more about making the most of your increased income, schedule a meeting with us. Email us at info@fivepinewealth.com or call us at 877.333.1015.  Let's work together to transform your raise into lasting wealth.
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