Airway Heights, WA (November 30, 2021) – The Kalispel Tribe of Indians and Northern Quest Resort & Casino are celebrating the Christmas season this year with a new outdoor winter wonderland for the whole family, as well as drink and dining specials, and festive events and parties – including the 17th annual Gingerbread Build-off on Sunday, December 5, 2021.
Welcome to the Questmas Village!
On Wednesday, December 1, 2021, the Tribe’s new family-friendly wonderland will open to the public at 11 a.m. Walk-throughs at this lighted whimsical outdoor village are free to everyone daily through January 5. The Questmas Village features giant-sized characters in a variety of winter scenes, including a snowman village with Santa as the star, skiing penguins, Bigfoot popping his head out of a huge Christmas present and a set of lighted caves with stalactites inside. Incorporated into the village are several tributes to the Kalispel Tribe, including a traditional tipi covered with tule reed mats and an over-sized sturgeon-nosed canoe. Candy canes, trees and lights complete the wintery scene as it takes over our BECU Live Outdoor Summer Concert venue. “After two very tough years of coping with the impacts of COVID-19, we really wanted to bring the Christmas magic back for our guests and their families,” says Northern Quest General Manager Nick Pierre. “Christmas is my favorite holiday. It’s a time to reflect on everything we’re grateful for and share time, love and laughter with our family and friends. We hope Questmas Village will bring smiles to everyone who experiences it this season.”
Northern Quest partnered with Vectorwrx, an engineering, design and build team from Burlington, Washington that uses advanced technology in manufacturing to take concept art to the next level. Using a combination of 3-D modeling, sculpting, robotic machining, fiberglass, lighting integration and its special brand of weather-proof foam, Vectorwrx brought the Questmas Village to life. “It’s been an incredible team effort to watch this village come together,” says Northern Quest Resort Experience Project Manager Tina Nenema. “They literally took the village we imagined and made it come to life with lights, color and texture. It really is a bit of Christmas magic and we know families will love it.”
Ice Skate on the Outdoor “Glice” Rink
In addition to Questmas Village, the Northern Quest winter wonderland features an outdoor “Glice” rink, where guests can take a glide around the rink under the lights free of charge. This Swiss-engineered synthetic ice rink looks and feels like ice, but it’s eco-friendly, uses zero water and is perfect for any climate. Skates and helmets are available in a variety of sizes for men, women and children. Guests can also bring their own ice skates if they prefer.
Questmas Village and “Glice” Rink Hours:
Open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (December 1 – January 5)
Christmas Day – 3 to 10 p.m.
Don’t miss the 17th Annual Gingerbread Build-off on December 5!
Northern Quest and the Kalispel Tribe of Indians are proudly hosting the 17th Annual Gingerbread Build-off, the single largest fundraiser of the year for Christ Kitchen on Sunday, December 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. After a virtual event last year, we’re happy to welcome guests back in person for this exciting day of competition with our favorite bakers. Join us and see the chefs in action as their detailed creations come to life in front of your eyes. Vote for your favorite gingerbread creation and purchase your own cookie decorating kit to take home for a fun experience with the kids that lasts long after the Gingerbread Build-off is over.
Live holiday music, dining, specialty drinks, shopping and more.
Make Northern Quest Resort & Casino your favorite holiday destination this December! Along with special holiday craft cocktails and dining specials, you’ll find live musical entertainment every Friday and Saturday night at Masselow’s Steakhouse and in the Lounge at Masselow’s, featuring local pianists performing a variety of Christmas and holiday tunes. The Lounge at Masselow’s has also extended its hours for the holidays, and is now open daily from 2 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Check some items off your Christmas shopping list when you visit Windfall, the Tribe’s unique lifestyle and home-goods store located inside Northern Quest. Don’t miss our holiday specials and extensive display of locally featured companies, including Dandles Candles and Spiceology. In the spirit of the season, pamper yourself or someone you love with an Aromatherapy Massage at La Rive Spa, or pick up a few extra Northern Quest gift cards. They make great Santa-approved stocking stuffers.
Happy Holidays and Merry Questmas from Northern Quest Resort & Casino and the Kalispel Tribe!