Gaiser Conservatory Holiday Lights
Walking into Manito Park's Gaiser Conservatory at any time of year, in any state of mind, is always a good way to spend some time. Come December, when the rest of the park is hibernating for winter, the greenhouse building really comes to life. Over 30,000 holiday lights, strung all around the building and from plant to plant, light up the desert, tropical and flowering sections of the indoor garden. Free • Manito Park • Dec. 7-31; hours vary.
A Glenn Miller Christmas Featuring Cami Bradley
Glenn Miller, legendary jazz trombonist and bandleader, isn't exactly known for Christmas music, but the prolific musician and his orchestra tried their hand at it anyway. The Glenn Miller Orchestra's arrangement of The Nutcracker Suite will be brought to life by the Spokane Jazz Orchestra along with local vocalist Cami Bradley. In 2013, Bradley rose to fame as a finalist on America's Got Talent. She's since gone on to have a successful career as both a solo artist and as one-half of the folk duo the Sweeplings. Music and marijuana have always been a match made in heaven, and this is a chance to pair some jazz cabbage with your Christmas spirit. $17-$30 • Bing Crosby Theater • Sat, Dec. 7, 7:30 pm.
Norman Rockwell's America
One of the most well-known visual artists in our country's history, Norman Rockwell's work illustrated an idealized version of Amerian life during the middle of the 20th century. As such, there's not a holiday through-line across his work. But the cozy and old-fashioned impression they make feels right at home during the holidays. Over 300 editions of the Saturday Evening Post with Rockwell's work will be on display, along with oil paintings and posters. $5-$10 • Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture • Through Jan. 12; hours vary.
Spokane Chiefs Hockey
There are some people out there who just don't get into the holiday spirit. Even those who do jump into the season wholeheartedly, it's hard to stay festive 100 percent of the time for an entire month-plus. Fortunately, there are winter activities that have nothing to do with any of the holidays the rest of us will be happily celebrating. Hockey, for instance, is played by people wearing sweaters. Instead of giving gifts, they get into fights. It's wintry, but not festive. A perfect middle ground. Our hometown team plays just three games in town over the month of December, though, so mark your calendars if you'll be seeking some seasonal relief. Prices vary • Spokane Arena • Dec. 3, 7 & 28.
Holiday Magic
Illusionist Adam Trent, known for his part in The Illusionists on Broadway, comes to Spokane with a holiday-themed version of his magic show. Magicians and marijuana are both exceptionally good at confusing otherwise normal people to the point that they can't believe their own eyes. Why not combine the two and see if you can feel the magic? $22-$37 • Bing Crosby Theater • Sun, Dec. 22, 2 pm.
Zeppelin, Kinda
Zoso: The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience is, according to their website, "the most accurate and captivating Led Zeppelin live show since the real thing." Now, I'm not normally one for cover bands. That said, these guys are coming to Spokane two days after Christmas, at which point my Christmas spirit will have run completely dry and just about anything that isn't holiday-related will sound very, very good. Plus, it's Zeppelin. Is it even legal to listen to Zeppelin without consuming a little weed first? $20 • Knitting Factory • Fri. Dec. 27, 8 pm. ♦
