Last updated: November 11, 2024
Experience the best of the holidays in Boise with our comprehensive holiday guide. For those who call Boise home and those who wish they did, our guide is your key to festive fun.
Popular events this season include the enchanting Winter Garden aGlow, where the Idaho Botanical Garden transforms into a stunning display of lights and holiday cheer. Also, immerse yourself in the spirit of the season at the Downtown Boise Holiday Tree Lighting, known for its vibrant atmosphere and community gathering. And the Boise Christmas Lights Tour is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering a dazzling showcase of beautifully decorated homes throughout the city. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Boise Holiday Light Displays
Winter Garden aGlow
- What to Expect
- Holiday light display with community gingerbread houses and a Snow Globe Bar.
- Description
- Explore a beautifully lit botanical garden featuring twinkling lights, gingerbread houses, and holiday-themed attractions. Enjoy fire pits, holiday drinks, and festive activities for all ages.
- Where
- Boise | More Info : Winter Garden aGlow
Downtown Boise Holiday Tree Lighting
- What to Expect
- Community-driven tree lighting with a giving component.
- Description
- The Downtown Boise Holiday Tree Lighting features a 35-foot tree adorned with over 5,000 lights and a custom-made tree topper. The event includes music performances, opening remarks, and the ceremonial lighting by the City of Boise Mayor. The tree is designated as the City's 'Giving Tree' with over 4,000 gift tags supporting the families of Women’s and Children’s Alliance.
- Where
- Boise | More Info : Downtown Boise Holiday Tree Lighting
Boise Christmas Lights Tour
- What to Expect
- Comprehensive map of Treasure Valley's most elaborate Christmas light displays.
- Description
- Explore the best and brightest Christmas light displays in Boise and the Treasure Valley with the original Boise Christmas Lights Map. Discover curated driving routes and lists of festive light displays across various neighborhoods, including Boise, Meridian, Nampa, and Caldwell.
- Where
- Boise | More Info : Boise Christmas Lights Tour
Idaho Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting
- What to Expect
- Live tree lighting ceremony with Governor and First Lady.
- Description
- The Idaho Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting is a festive event featuring entertainment, remarks from Governor Brad Little and First Lady Teresa Little, and the official lighting of the tree at approximately 6:45 p.m. The celebration includes holiday music, complimentary cookies and hot cocoa, and activities with Santa Claus and his elf.
- Where
- Boise | More Info : Idaho Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting
Grove Plaza Holiday Events
- What to Expect
- Community-driven holiday tree lighting with a Giving Tree initiative.
- Description
- Grove Plaza hosts a spectacular holiday tree lighting event featuring over 5,000 lights, live music, and a custom-made tree topper. The event includes performances by local artists and a Giving Tree initiative supporting the Women’s and Children’s Alliance.
- Where
- Boise | More Info : Grove Plaza Holiday Events
Winter Lights Parade
- What to Expect
- Brightly lit parade floats and family-friendly Christmas music.
- Description
- The Winter Lights Parade in Meridian features brightly lit parade floats, live music, and a visit from Santa, culminating in the lighting of the Christmas tree in Generations Plaza.
- Where
- Boise | More Info : Winter Lights Parade
Christmas Tree Lighting at Brothers Park
- What to Expect
- Spectacular holiday light display with ice skating and Santa visits.
- Description
- The City of Caldwell decorates Indian Creek in downtown Caldwell with over a million lights, offering a festive atmosphere with ice skating, Santa visits, and holiday shopping.
- Where
- Caldwell | More Info : Christmas Tree Lighting at Brothers Park
Boise Holiday Markets and Shopping
Holiday Ice Show
- What to Expect
- Thousands of unique gifts from over 225 vendors.
- Description
- The Boise Christmas Show is a premier holiday event featuring thousands of unique gifts from over 225 vendors, with Santa and Mrs. Claus in attendance. Visitors can also enjoy photo packages with Santa.
- Where
- Boise | More Info : Holiday Ice Show
Victory Gardens Winter Holiday Market
- What to Expect
- Holiday shopping with festive decorations and family-friendly activities.
- Description
- The Victory Gardens Winter Holiday Market offers a variety of festive items like Christmas trees, wreaths, and garlands. Enjoy holiday shopping amidst a beautifully lit setting with plenty of fun activities for families.
- Where
- Meridian | More Info : Victory Gardens Winter Holiday Market
Boise Holiday Market
- What to Expect
- Month-long pop-up shop with over 40 local artists.
- Description
- The Merry Makers Market is a month-long pop-up shop featuring a curated selection of locally handmade gifts. Over 40 local artists are involved, making it a unique way to shop for holiday gifts.
- Where
- Boise | More Info : Boise Holiday Market
Boise Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Boise Philharmonic Holiday Concert
- What to Expect
- Jazz-infused holiday concert with Pre-Concert Talks.
- Description
- Celebrate the holiday season with Curtis Stigers, a hometown favorite known for his jazz influence and unmistakable voice. The Boise Phil Master Chorale will perform beloved classics and holiday concert must-haves, accompanied by Pre-Concert Talks led by Musicologist Bradley Berg and Music Director Eric Garcia.
- Where
- Boise | More Info : Boise Philharmonic Holiday Concert
Boise Other Holiday Activities
Festival of Trees
- What to Expect
- Supporting oncology services through festive events.
- Description
- The Saint Alphonsus Festival of Trees is a holiday event celebrating 40 years of tradition in the Treasure Valley. It features a gala, general exhibition, and fashion show, all aimed at supporting oncology services and cancer treatment.
- Where
- Boise | More Info : Festival of Trees
Saint Alphonsus Festival of Trees
- What to Expect
- Supporting cancer treatment through festive events.
- Description
- The Saint Alphonsus Festival of Trees is a 40-year tradition that kicks off the holiday season in the Treasure Valley. It features a gala, general exhibition, and fashion show, all aimed at supporting oncology services and cancer treatment.
- Where
- Boise | More Info : Saint Alphonsus Festival of Trees
TRICA Snow Globe
- What to Expect
- Silent auction of artist-submitted snow globes.
- Description
- TRICA Snow Globe is a holiday event featuring a silent auction of artist-submitted snow globes, with proceeds supporting local arts initiatives. The event includes a variety of activities and opportunities for volunteers.
- Where
- Boise | More Info : TRICA Snow Globe