Santa's Arrival: Under the Big Top

Step right up for Santa’s Arrival: Under the Big Top! Santa makes his showstopping entrance at River Park Square on Saturday, November 21, 2026, for an evening of festive fun and big-top wonder. Watch our dazzling 50-foot Christmas tree light up, then visit Santa beneath the tree for a picture-perfect start to the season. It’s your ticket to holiday magic!

Reserve your photo session here.

SANTA'S ARRIVAL SCHEDULE

Hosted by River Park Square

Family Festivities | 3-7pm: Make merry before the main attraction! Enjoy face painting, balloon twisting, carnival games and festive entertainment, plus popcorn from AMC River Park Square 20, hands-on bath bomb pressing with LUSH and hot chocolate from Williams Sonoma!

Santa's Arrival and Tree Lighting | 5-5:30pm: It’s time for the big debut! Santa makes his grand entrance amid holiday cheer and big-top flair. Enjoy marvelous aerialists and a full line-up of performances as we light our 50-foot Christmas tree and welcome the season.

Santa Photos Begin | 5:45-7pm: Santa is here, and there’s more holiday magic ahead! Reserve your photo session with Santa today. Walk-ups are welcome as availability allows. Santa will be at River Park Square throughout the holiday season, through Thursday, December 24.

Special Offer from Presenting Sponsor STCU

STCU members receive $10 off holiday photo packages when using an STCU credit or debit card at checkout (in-store or online). To redeem online, enter the six digits of your card as the promo code.

Gather your favorite people and make memories beneath the lights—Santa’s Arrival: Under the Big Top is your ticket to a spectacular start to the holidays!

Thank you to the wonderful businesses, performers and community partners helping bring the magic of Santa's Arrival: Under the Big Top to life: AMC River Park Square 20, Cat Tales, Downtown Spokane Partnership, Fantasy Flight Elves, Jingle the Clown, LUSH, Max the Ringleader, Micaela's Fancy Faces, Photo·Mart, Spokane Aerial Performance Arts, STCU, Vastra the Clown, Whiz Kids and Williams Sonoma!