Holiday Events and Things to Do in Boise, Idaho
The holiday season in Boise, Idaho, is a magical time of year! It is chock-full of fun events and other things to do with your family and/or friends. There is something for everyone, whether you want to do a little holiday shopping (with local small businesses), check out pretty holiday lights, attend concerts featuring your favorite Christmas music, hang out with Santa Claus, and more! All of these events are family-friendly and perfect for the kids in your life. Adults will find them fun, too, of course! 😉
Below, I shared a comprehensive, chronological list of over 20 holiday events and things to do in and around Boise, Idaho! I also included a section at the beginning all about where you can find the best Christmas lights in Boise. Grab a hot chocolate and use this guide to make a game plan for your holiday season in the Treasure Valley!
This post was updated with 2025 dates and events.
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Holiday Events and Things to Do in Boise, Idaho
Where to See Christmas Lights in Boise, Idaho
One of the most fun things to do during the holiday season is to cozy up in the car with sweet treats and hot drinks and head out to see Christmas light displays! There are so many places to see Christmas lights in Boise and also in the neighboring cities in the Treasure Valley. Here are the best places to see Christmas lights! Some are drive-by displays and others must be fully experienced on foot.
Scentsy Commons Christmas Lights
Friday, November 14 (Official Lighting Ceremony)—Monday, January 19
Scentsy headquarters in Meridian decks out their grounds with almost a million Christmas lights, including their fun, signature light tunnel! Check out their official lighting ceremony on November 14th from 6 to 8 pm and grab a bite to eat from a food truck, or visit any night from sunset to sunrise through mid-January to see the lights.
The Village at Meridian
Thursday, November 20 (Tree Lighting)
Friday, November 14—Monday, January 19 (Ice Skating)
Friday, November 21—Wednesday, December 24 (Santa Photos)
The Village at Meridian is a popular shopping destination in Meridian off of Eagle Road that also looks festive for the holiday season. From 6 to 7 pm on November 20th, check out the tree lighting ceremony in Fountain Square. Santa will be available for photos through December, and you can even get pet photos with Santa on Tuesdays from 4 to 8 pm starting on Tuesday, November 25! Reserve Santa experiences here.
Christmas in Color at Roaring Springs
Friday, November 14—Saturday, January 3 (except Nov 17-19, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day)
Christmas in Color is a drive-through animated Christmas light display set up in the parking lot at Roaring Springs Waterpark. Kiddos love this one! The lights are timed to music played through the radio. The display is up until early January, and after Christmas they usually update the display for the new year with new music. Make your reservation and get your tickets here!
Winter Wonderland at Indian Creek Plaza in Caldwell
Friday, November 21—Sunday, November 23 (Opening Weekend)—Monday, January 5
Check out over a million Christmas lights adorning Indian Creek Plaza in downtown Caldwell, a city west of Boise. During opening weekend from 6 to 9 pm, you can shop local vendors, visit Santa, enjoy food trucks, and ice skate! Ice skating opens Monday, November 24 at the Indian Creek Plaza rink and ribbon (and goes through February 14!).
Winter Garden aGlow at Idaho Botanical Garden
Friday, November 28—Wednesday, December 31 (Closed December 1, 2, 8, 9, 25)
One of the most popular Christmas light displays in the valley is at the Idaho Botanical Garden: Winter Garden aGlow! Grab a free cookie and hot chocolate and wander around the gardens that are decorated in over half a million lights. Santa is there on select nights, and local school choirs also make an appearance on select nights. Be sure to dress WARM. Make your reservation and get your tickets here!
Holiday Tree Lighting at the Grove Plaza
Friday, November 28 (Giving Tree: Friday, November 28—Thursday, December 18)
From 5 to 6 pm, join the Mayor at the Grove Plaza for the lighting of the 45-foot Christmas tree (unfortunately, Glide on Grove, the free ice rink that surrounded the tree in 2023 and 2024, is not happening in 2025)! Don’t forget to wander around downtown to check out the other holiday lights adorning the streets and streetlights. Garland surrounding the tree will feature gift tags with wish list items from the Women’s and Children’s Alliance.
Idaho State Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting
Wednesday, December 3
Starting around 5:30 pm, join the Governor and First Lady for the Christmas tree lighting ceremony on the steps of the Idaho State Capitol in downtown Boise. The lighting is scheduled for 6:30 pm, and festivities will wrap up at 7:30 pm. The tree will be cut and moved on Monday, November 24.
Residential Christmas light displays and driving routes via Boise Christmas Lights
Some Treasure Valley residents go all out on their displays, and many time their lights to music! Boise Christmas Lights compiles all of the major displays into one place and also shares driving routes so you can hit a bunch in one night. Check them out here!
Family-friendly Holiday Events in and around Boise, Idaho
Holiday Party at L.A. Junk Antiques
Friday, November 7—Saturday, November 9 • 11 am to 7 pm Fri; 11 am to 5 pm Sat; 12 to 3 pm Sun
Browse antiques at L.A. Junk Antiques located on the Bench in Boise! The whole place will be decorated for Christmas. Enjoy treats and adult beverages around a fire. Learn more here.
Mixed Greens Holiday Open House
Sunday, November 9 • 10 am to 5 pm
Mixed Greens is a really fun, kitschy store located in downtown Boise with all the gifts your heart desires. At their holiday open house, enjoy 25% off everything, plus coffee and treats. Free gift wrapping is also available with your purchase.
BSU Dept. of Music Family Holiday Concert at the Morrison Center
Friday, November 14 • 6:30 to 8:30 pm
Don’t miss the Boise State University Department of Music’s annual Family Holiday Concert! Hear your favorite holiday music performed by talented students. Tickets cost $11, and all ticket proceeds go towards scholarships for BSU music students. Purchase tickets here.
Wintry Market at Boise Centre on the Grove
Friday, November 21—Saturday, November 22 • 4 to 9 pm Fri; 9 am to 5 pm Sat
Over 180 artists and crafters from around the region come to downtown Boise to showcase their creations and vintage finds at this holiday bazaar! Food and drinks are available for purchase. Tickets are $10 for entry Friday and include entry on Saturday; Saturday tickets are $5. Learn more and purchase tickets here.
Holiday Bazaar at Dick Eardley Senior Center
Saturday, November 22 • 10 am to 3 pm
The City of Boise has hosted this free annual holiday bazaar at the senior center near Fort Boise for over 40 years! Check off your holiday shopping list during the event from 10 am to 3 pm that features local makers. Food and drinks are available for purchase.
Festival of Trees at Boise Centre on the Grove
Tuesday, November 25—Monday, December 1
A Boise holiday mainstay, the Festival Trees is a fundraising event for the Saint Alphonsus Health System. During the general exhibition from Wednesday, November 26 through Sunday, November 30, check out the number of beautifully decorated trees by a variety of local businesses and groups as well as a plethora of other family-friendly events happening throughout the week, including Santa appearances and performances by local choirs and dancers. There’s a gala on Tuesday, November 25th and fashion show on Monday, December 1st (tickets sold separately). Learn more and purchase tickets here.
A Sherlock Carol by Boise Little Theater
Friday, November 28—Saturday, December 20 (15 shows over the weekends)
Enjoy a family-friendly holiday comedy performed by the Boise Little Theater, a long-standing community theater. This show is perfect for all ages! The venue is located at Fort Boise. Purchase tickets here.
Holiday Parade through Downtown Boise
Saturday, November 29 • 10 am
Grab the family, bundle up, and head downtown for the annual Holiday Parade! The parade route starts at 10th and Jefferson, turns right on 5th, and finishes at 10th and Bannock. Learn more and check out the full parade route here.
Krampus Krawl and Holiday Market at Barbarian Brewing
Friday, December 5 • 5 to 8 pm
Dress in costume and head to Barbarian Brewing in Garden City to wrap up your list by shopping local vendors offering handmade items. Beer and mulled wine is available for purchase. This is a 21 and over event—perfect for parents! Enjoy food truck fare, parading around the block, and more.
Christmas in Meridian Winter Lights Parade
Friday, December 5 • 6 pm
Join the city of Meridian for their annual Winter Lights Parade in downtown Meridian! The parade itself starts at 7 pm and features floats lit up by Christmas lights. How cool does that sound?! Come early for pre-parade festivities starting at 6 pm, including visits with Santa and the tree lighting ceremony! Learn more here.
Green at HeART Thrifty Gift Market at JUMP
Friday, December 5—Saturday, December 6 • 5 to 8 pm Fri; 10 am to 4 pm Sat
JUMP (Jack’s Urban Meeting Place), located in downtown Boise, is hosting a holiday gift market featuring pre-loved framed artwork! (Have art that needs a new home? Donate it to JUMP for this gift market! All proceeds benefit the YMCA Artist in Residence program.)
Enjoy treats and hot beverages while you shop. If you want first dibs on the art, dress up and attend the gala the evening prior. A ticket is required for the gala, and parking for either day at JUMP is $6. Learn more here.
Boise Christmas Show at Expo Idaho
Friday, December 5—Sunday, December 7 • 11 am to 7 pm Fri-Sat; 11 am to 4 pm Sun
Check out hundreds of vendors offering thousands of Christmas items, decor, and gifts from 11 am to 7 pm on Friday and Saturday and from 11 am to 4 pm on Sunday! You also have the opportunity to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus. Tickets are required ($5 each for adults, $4 each for seniors 62+, free for kids 12 and under) and available at the door. Learn more and purchase photos with Santa here.
TRICA’s Snow Globe
Friday, December 5—Sunday, December 7 and Friday, December 12—Sunday, December 14 • 4 to 7 pm
Immerse yourself in a winter wonderland, complete with the snow room! Come enjoy interactive art exhibits, art projects, music, cozy drinks, and more—perfect for all ages but especially fun for the kiddos. Tickets are only available at three start times (4, 5, or 6 pm) and are good for a full hour. Learn more and purchase tickets here.
Eagle Country Christmas
Saturday, December 6 • 2 to 6 pm
At Eagle City Hall in Eagle, a city just northwest of Boise, enjoy an extended Eagle Country Christmas which includes a tree lighting at 6 pm, Santa photos, performances, food and drinks for purchase, and more family fun. Bring your new and gently used winter outerwear to “Stuff the Truck” and benefit families in the Treasure Valley. Learn more here.
Boise’s Tuba Christmas
Saturday, December 6 • 4 pm
Tuba players of all ages are invited to perform at Tuba Christmas, a longstanding community event! If you wish to perform, meet at the Boise State Department of Music at 1 pm for registration. Rehearsal starts at 1:30 pm. The performance will be held at a downtown location at 4 pm; it’s free and open to the public! Learn more here.
Breakfast with Santa at Zoo Boise
Saturday, December 6 and Sunday, December 7 • 8:30 to 10:45 am
On two days in December, bundle up the kiddos and head to the zoo to enjoy a buffet breakfast with Santa! There’s also kids crafts and an animal experience. Photos with Santa must be purchased in advance. You’re free to explore the zoo afterward! Register here.
Annual Holiday Market with Sagebrush Collaborative
Sunday, December 7 • 10 am to 5 pm
Enjoy Boise’s only 100% handmade holiday market hosted by Sagebrush Collaborative, a super cute woman-owned small business located in the heart of Hyde Park. (This event is being held at The Linen Building in downtown Boise.) Enjoy food trucks, a coffee truck, and shop an hour early (from 9 am to 10 am) with a nonperishable food item donation. Learn more and get directions.
Eguberriko Azoka (Basque Christmas Market)
Sunday, December 7 • 11 am to 3 pm
Head to the Basque Block in downtown Boise for the third annual Christmas market featuring local vendors, food and drink options, and activities for the kiddos! The market runs from 11 am to 3 pm. Learn more here.
Heartfelt Holiday Haus at SkinOwl
Friday, December 12—Sunday, December 14 • 5 to 8 pm Fri; 11 am to 5 pm Sat; 11 am to 4 pm Sun
SkinOwl is a local skincare company located in southeast Boise with some of the best products and people! Shop a variety of gifts by other local makers, enjoy yummy treats, and be pampered. Friday night is VIP night.
The Nutcracker by Ballet Idaho at the Morrison Center
Saturday, December 13—Sunday, December 14 and Friday, December 19—Tuesday, December 23
Seeing The Nutcracker ballet live is one of my very favorite holiday traditions! Dress up and head to the Morrison Center for two weekends of shows at a variety of times. Don’t forget to purchase a new nutcracker to add to your collection! Grab your tickets here.
I hope this post helps you find the most fun holiday events and things to do in Boise! There are SO MANY family-friendly holiday festivities taking place throughout November and December, and it’s very possible I missed something! I will continue to update this post as I come across more events. Let me know what your favorite things to do in Boise during the holiday season are down in the comments! 🎄
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