With the winter months steadily approaching in Spokane, some citizens are preparing to cozy up in their houses and admire the winter beauty from afar.

Enjoying the winter months from the warmth of your own home is nice, but embracing the winter head-on is invigorating, especially when Spokane has so much to offer during the cold months.

As a part of Riverfront Park’s revitalization, the newly constructed Ice Ribbon is open for use starting in mid- to late November.

The Ice Ribbon is 16 feet wide and 650 feet long, not including the 3,500-square-foot skating pond that is attached.

When it first opened in December 2017, attendance rate surpassed the Ice Palace’s previous records.

“I went last year and it was so relaxing,” said Pam Lee, a Spokane resident. “My boyfriend and I went there often while it was still open.”

The ice ribbon closed down unexpectedly last winter due to an ammonia leak that has since been repaired. But, reopened in the spring as a rollerskating ribbon.

“I remember the weekend that it opened,” said Jen Menzer, owner of a nearby business, Boo Radley’s. “There were so many families and kids enjoying it.”

For an adult, the ice ribbon costs $6.95 to enjoy for one hour. Every additional hour is half that cost. Skate rentals cost $4.50 and helmets are provided free of charge.

According to the City of Spokane website, nearly every day in winter the ice ribbon provides low-cost programming and fun activities for the citizens of Spokane. This includes free ice skating lessons, dress up events, and even yoga on the ice.

Spokane surely lives up to its’ trademark slogan, “near nature, near perfect” during the winter months, with activities at facilities that offer skiing and snowboarding.

Mt. Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park hosts a number of these facilities and has something for the entire family.

“The tubing hill is absolutely my favorite part of winter in Spokane,” said Laura Castillo, Spokane resident and mother of two. “It’s fun for both me and my kids.”

The Children’s Choice tubing hill, sponsored by Children’s Choice Dentistry, is located at the top of Mt. Spokane, across from Lodge 1.

The tubing hill is open weekends as well as holidays and 90-minute sessions are just $15. ($8 for children under 42 inches and Mt. Spokane season pass holders.)

“It’s nice to watch my kids have a good time,” Castillo said. “As well as have a blast myself.”

For the people who prefer the warmth of the indoors during winter, the Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox has a number of winter and holiday themed events.

These events include “The Nutcracker,” presented by the Spokane Symphony, holiday orchestra concerts, and even sketch and improv shows.

“I’ve come to the Harry Potter symphony event for three years in a row,” said Donna Davis, an attendee of the event . “It gets me in the holiday spirit.”

The Fox, which is owned and operated by The Spokane Symphony, invites Spokane’s “Potterheads” to congregate and listen to the Harry Potter movie soundtracks performed by the symphony.

“I love seeing everyone all dressed up,” said Davis. “Kids and adults alike!”

Whether indoors or outdoors, Spokane is sure to provide fun in the frigid holiday season.