Good morning, Spokane.

On Christmas Eve, Union Gospel Mission served a prime rib dinner to 300 guests with donated food and volunteer help — the event provided warm meals and community support for local residents seeking stability and recovery.

Spokane’s Salvation Army is seeking last-minute donations for its red kettle fundraiser to raise over $350,000 for its Food Bank and Angel Tree program — 60 kettles are placed around the greater area to support services heightened by the recent government shutdown.

Nicholas Newell, who was born on Christmas Day, runs the Saint Nicholas Christmas Foundation to bring holiday cheer by providing presents for assisted living residents and teddy bears for children's hospitals and first responders during emergencies.

The organization, started in 2018 in Spokane, now serves six states.

Spokesman-Review celebrated its 10-year Christmas card tradition since 2016 with creative photo shoots featuring local landmarks (including downtown scenes along the Centennial Trail) and festive poses by staff and photographers.

The annual event captured unique holiday moments from brave climbs to a frosty cup of milk.

Washington will raise its minimum wage from $16.66 to $17.13 and Montana from $10.55 to $10.85 on January 1, 2026, while Oregon plans a hike in July with no set amount yet.

These adjustments will affect thousands of workers in the region.

Starting Jan. 1, 2026, shoppers in Spokane and across the state will pay 12 cents per plastic bag to cut waste, affecting roughly 80,000 businesses + the fee is designed to reduce litter+ while encouraging the use of reusable bags.

Spokane is exploring options to retrofit its waste-to-energy facility to capture carbon emissions & secure a multiyear phase-in ahead of costly penalties under the Climate Commitment Act.

The city has a year of grace remaining while studies on carbon capture technology may shape its future energy output.

Mayor Lisa Brown ordered City facility flags to be lowered to half-staff from Dec.

26 through Dec. 29 to honor Washington State Patrol Trooper Tara-Marysa Guting, killed on Dec. 19 while investigating a collision in Tacoma.

Nothing Shameful Concert

7-10 p.m. — The Big Dipper — Tickets starting at $60 — Experience an unforgettable music event in Spokane, WA.

Candlelight: Tribute to The Beatles

6:30-7:30 p.m. — Davenport Hotel, Autograph Collection — $36.22 — Experience the enchanting music of The Beatles in a unique candlelit concert setting.

Pepperdine Waves vs Gonzaga Bulldogs Women's Basketball

6-8 p.m. — McCarthey Athletic Center — Tickets required — West Coast rivals clash as Pepperdine travels to face Gonzaga in an exciting basketball showdown.

Sarah Colonna - Live Comedy Show

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Spokane Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of laughs with standup comedian Sarah Colonna as she brings her recent TV and book success to the stage.

Santa Clara Broncos vs. Gonzaga Bulldogs Basketball

8:30 p.m. — Gonzaga University — Tickets available — A thrilling West Coast rivalry as #8 Gonzaga takes on Santa Clara.

Banff Mountain Film Festival 50th Anniversary Tour

7-9 p.m. — The Fox Theater — Tickets available — Celebrate 50 years of mountain films featuring breathtaking expeditions and inspiring stories of adventure.

Candlelight Concert: Vivaldi's Four Seasons

6:30-7:30 p.m. — Davenport Hotel, Autograph Collection — Ticket prices vary — Experience the enchanting melodies of Vivaldi's Four Seasons illuminated by candlelight.

Wine Wednesday Dinner Series

5-8 p.m. — Nectar Catering and Events — Varies by session — Savor a three-course meal with wine pairings exploring culinary elements at this popular dining series.

Spokane User Experience Meetup

6-9 p.m. — The Onion Bar & Grill Downtown Spokane — Free entry — Connect with fellow UX enthusiasts and share insights in a fun, inclusive environment.

Josh Wolf Stand-Up Comedy Show

7:00 – 11:15 PM — Spokane Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of laughter with comedian Josh Wolf, known for his engaging storytelling and charming humor.