Downtown Spokane, Washington – Riverfront Park has borrowed inspiration from famous German Christmas markets and is launching its second Winter Market at the Pavilion. The market runs from 3-7 p.m. on Wednesdays beginning on November 10, with a break for Thanksgiving and the last market scheduled for December 22.
The market started last year, but COVID restrictions made for a slow first season.
“The winter farmers market is back by popular demand,” said Fianna Dickson, spokesperson for Riverfront Park. “The winter market makes it easy to shop local this holiday season. We will have a variety of farmers, processors, artisans, and handcrafters from around the area.”
The market is located below the renovated pavilion cover – some vendors will be located outside and others inside.
Dickson said the indoor vendor spaces are full, but there is still room for a few more outside.
“We have 37 vendors who have signed up already,” Dickson said.
Winter markets are common in many parts of Europe, especially leading up to Christmas. People dress warmly as it’s often cold and snowy, then head on foot to the market for hot toddies, cookies, candy, and traditional crafts and holiday decorations.
Large markets like the one in the German town Lübeck – once a sister city of Spokane – draw tourists and provide a great outlet for merchants during the winter season.
Dickson said this year’s Winter Market at the Pavilion has a great mix of vendors including Liberty Ciderworks, Marketplace Botanicals, and Revival Tea Company. Among the food vendors are Old Fashioned Kettle Corn and Mama Torrez salsa and chips.
Vintage sellers, photographers, and candy makers will also be at the market.
“Not all the vendors will be at every single market day,” Dickson said. “But we feel like we have a good mix.”
If you haven’t experienced the significantly updated Riverfront Park, the market is a great reason to go. While you are there, take the little ones to the interactive playground on the north bank, and show bigger children the amazing skatepark that’s located right next to the playground.
Wednesday Winter Market days are November 10 and 17, as well as December 1, 8, 15, and 22.
Photo credit: Riverfront Park staff