In brief: Holiday shopping events planned

Fireworks, gospel jazz singers, Santa Claus, carolers and holiday lights will spice up Day 2 of the holiday shopping season early on Saturday evening in downtown Spokane.

Downtown businesses through the Downtown Spokane Partnership organization and the Spokane Teacher’s Credit Union are putting on this year’s post-Thanksgiving events in the downtown area and Riverfront Park.

Festivities begin at 4 p.m. with hot cider and caroling at Post Street and Main Avenue just south of the park. The promenade will be decorated with holiday lights. The Gospel Jazz Christmas Singers are scheduled to perform at 4:30. Santa Claus is expected to show up in time for candle lighting. Then, a fireworks display is planned from Riverfront Park.

In addition, free carriage rides are available on Fridays from 3 to 8 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m.; and Christmas Eve, noon to 3 p.m.

Also, creative gingerbread houses will be shown at 16 locations in the downtown area through New Year’s.

– Staff reports