1 Walking in a Winter Wonderland 6-8:30 p.m. today through Sunday, Bowl and Pitcher at Riverside State Park, 4427 North Aubrey L. White Parkway. Family-friendly event with a visit from Santa Claus, hay rides, a holiday stroll on the illuminated Swinging Bridge, lights in the campgrounds and shelter, campfires and hot chocolate and cookies for sale. (509) 465-5064. Admission: $5; free for children 3 and younger.
2 Ugly Sweater Christmas Party 7:30 p.m. today, The Big Dipper, 171 S. Washington St. Enjoy rock music with Bard, Bullets or Balloons, Blackwater Prophet, and The Smokes – all while wearing festive holiday attire. (509) 624-4319. Admission: $10
3 Handel’s Messiah Concert and Community Sing-Along 4 p.m. Sunday, First Presbyterian Church, 318 S. Cedar St. This holiday tradition will feature a full choir, chamber orchestra and soloists. Want to sing along? For community sing-along singers, there is a pre-concert rehearsal at 2:30 p.m. Please arrive by 2:15 p.m to check out a score (or bring your own) and get seated. (509) 747-1058. Admission: Free
4 Author Jan Brett 5 p.m. Sunday, Bing Crosby Theater, 901 W. Sprague Ave. New York Times bestselling children’s author and illustrator will be presenting her newest book, “The Animals’ Santa.” There will be signed posters for the first 100 families and Hedgie the hedgehog (in costume) will visit. Bring your camera, special tour buttons to be given out and she will be signing books as well. Presented by Auntie’s Book Store. (509) 838-0206. Admission: FREE
5 Jessica Hernandez and The Deltas 8 p.m. Thursday, The Bartlett, 228 W. Sprague Ave. Detroit-based band plays dark soul and gothic pop. Their single “I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas” is featured on Amazon Music’s “All is Bright” compilation. With special guest Heavy Seventeen. (509) 747-2174 Admission: $8 in advance; $10 at the door
6 Jingle Bell Ball 7:30 p.m. Thursday, The Hop! , 706 N. Monroe St. Proceeds from this show will benefit the Arthritis Foundation. (509) 368-4077. Admission: $5
7 “It’s A Wonderful Life” Today through Dec. 21; Fridays at 7 p.m.; Saturdays at 3 and 7 p.m.; and Sundays at 2 p.m., Theater Arts for Children, 2114 N. Pines Road, Suite 3S, Spokane Valley. Young actors tell the beloved story of George, a man who realizes he is rich with friends. (509) 995-6718. Admission: $7.25-$9.25
8 Homegrown Comedy Ovations Series 10:30 p.m., Ovations Lounge, Bing Crosby Theater, 901 W. Sprague Ave. Spokane-based comedians will compete for the chance to perform on the Bing stage in this first of four “auditions” held in the newly created Ovations Lounge. Five comedians will be chosen to showcase their talents at the final show in March. (509) 227-7638. Admission: FREE
9 Gingerbread Build Off 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, The Davenport Hotel, 10 S. Post St. This annual event, a fundraiser for Christ Kitchen, finds teams of the region’s finest bakers and architects competing to build the most imaginative gingerbread houses. Purchase your own gingerbread house kit for $7. (509) 455-8888. Admission: FREE
!0 Bing Crosby Holiday Film Festival Saturday, beginning at 11:30 a.m., Bing Crosby Theater, 901 W. Sprague Ave. Eighth annual event will feature some of Bing Crosby’s best-loved films: “White Christmas” (1954) at 11:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.; “Anything Goes” (1956) at 2 p.m.; “Holiday Inn” (1942) at 4:30 p.m. Howard Crosby will sing his uncle’s songs at 7 p.m. (509) 227-7638. Admission: $8 at the door (cash or check only)
