2023 SCHEDULE

Drive-thru Only
Saturday, Dec. 9 & Sunday, Dec. 10
6:30-9:30 p.m.

Walk-thru Only
Monday, Dec. 11 – Tuesday, Dec. 19
6:30-9:30 p.m.

What is the route?  

Begin near the Park Bench Café, past the Ferris Perennial Gardens, under and then across the historic rock arch bridge, past the Rose Garden, and exit onto 21st Ave. 

How long will the show take? 

The route is one-half mile. The amount of time it will take to navigate the route will depend on traffic volume or walking pace. 

Where do cars line up to enter the show on the drive-thru dates? 

Please line up by driving along 25th, and then turn north along either Tekoa or Manito Blvd. to funnel into the entry point by the Park Bench Café. Volunteers will be lined up to help direct traffic. 

What time can I arrive to line up for the drive-thru event? 

We ask that people arrive no more than 15 minutes before the show opens to prevent early congestion. 

Can I bring a bus along the route? 

Yes, but vehicles cannot be taller than 12 feet.

Will you have people directing traffic? How will you prevent congestion? 

Volunteers along with Police personnel will be at key locations directing traffic where cars will line up to enter the show. Electronic message boards and orange construction-style signs will also be in place directing traffic.  

We anticipate a significant number of vehicles and have a traffic plan to mitigate back-ups, but long lines and wait times may still occur depending on traffic volume. Please be courteous to one another – this is a free, volunteer-staffed event after all!

Where can I park for the walk-thru event? 

All parking lots will be open during the walk-thru event with the exception of the lots within the event area.

Why does the show close before Christmas? 

Staffing relies on volunteers from The Friends of Manito and Parks & Recreation who desire to be home for Christmas with their families, so the show does close a few days prior to Christmas.

 Will toilets be available? 

Portable toilets with hand sanitizer will be on site at the Park Bench Café, near the entrance to the show. (The café is closed for the season.) There are no toilets available along the ½ mile route.
 

Is the rest of the park still open to pedestrians during the show? 

Yes, the rest of Manito Park is still open for routine use during the show. Keep in mind that on drive-thru nights, parking lots will be closed starting at 4:30 p.m. and during the show, to discourage people from parking to try to walk during drive-thru only nights. Gates will also be closed, and barricades placed along internal driving routes to best funnel traffic into the show.

Will a snow or windstorm cancel the show? 

The show is planning to proceed through most winter conditions, but significant snow/ice/wind may cause the show to be canceled for safety. If that’s the case, we’ll post an update on the Friends of Manito website.
 

Will the indoor light show at the Gaiser Conservatory happen this year? 

No. The Gaiser Conservatory will be open normal daytime hours and will not be decorated with lights.

Are there other light shows in parks? What about other winter activities? 

Lights will be on display at Cowley Park and Riverfront Park this holiday season. Visit www.SpokaneParks.org more information. 

How much does the show cost? 

The Manito Holiday Lights event is free to the public. The show is funded through generous support of community sponsors, and produced by the non-profit volunteer group The Friends of Manito and Spokane Parks & Recreation.
 

Can I donate to the Friends of Manito? 

The non-profit Friends of Manito welcomes donations. People may donate during the show or online by clicking here.