Nampa Christmas Tree Lighting & Shop Small Saturday
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Artistic rendering โ€“ Event may differ

Nampa Christmas Tree Lighting & Shop Small Saturday

Nampa invites the community to celebrate the start of the holiday season at the annual Christmas Tree Lighting event. This festive occasion coincides with 'Shop Small Saturday,' encouraging support for local businesses. Enjoy entertainment, free s'mores, carriage rides, and the magical moment the tree lights up. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be present for photos, and the Salvation Army will host 'The Battle of the Bells' charity drive.

What to Expect

Annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Shop Small Saturday celebration.

Know Before You Go

  • Tickets: FREE
  • Parking: Free parking is available in the Downtown Garage all day on November 29, located at the corner of 11th Avenue South and 3rd Street South.
  • Accessibility: Carriage rides are available for guests with special needs from noon to 1 p.m.
  • Pets: No pets allowed

Other Christmas Events Near Nampa

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ (5/5)

Best For

Families, holiday shoppers, community members

Vibe

Festive, community-oriented, cheerful

Energy Level

Low to medium

Budget

$

Photo Friendly

๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท (4/5)

Weather Sensitivity

High

Special Events & Promotions

  • Shop Small Saturday
  • FREE Smores
  • FREE carriage rides
  • The Battle of the Bells charity event
  • Winter Wonderland Market

Tags

tree lightingSanta visitscommunity celebrationfree eventholiday traditionfamily friendlylocal shoppingfestive foodhorse drawn carriages

Location

Downtown Nampa
Nampa, ID

Event Details

Duration

Evening event

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

Downtown Nampa

Timed Entry

No

Organizer

City of Nampa

Food & Drink

Free hot chocolate, free s'mores, vendor booths with festive food and beverages.

Tips & Advice

  • Arrive early for the carriage rides, as they are on a first-come, first-served basis and have limited availability.
  • Check the Nampa Farmer's Market 'Winter Wonderland Market' schedule for specific vendor offerings, as it runs until 7:30 p.m.
  • Bring a donation for the Salvation Army's 'Battle of the Bells' or take an angel tree tag to support a local child or family in need.
  • Consider visiting the Nampa Public Library between 1:00 PM and 1:30 PM for Mrs. Claus's story time before the main tree lighting.
  • Take advantage of the free parking in the Downtown Garage to easily access all the downtown festivities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does the Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony begin?

Entertainment begins at 5:00 p.m., with the official tree lighting at 6:00 p.m.

Where can I take photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus?

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available for photos inside the Nampa Train Depot immediately following the tree lighting.

Are there any activities for children?

Yes, Mrs. Claus will be reading stories at the Nampa Public Library, and free s'mores will be available.

Is there parking available?

Yes, free parking is available all day in the Downtown Garage, located at the corner of 11th Avenue South and 3rd Street South.

What is 'Shop Small Saturday'?

'Shop Small Saturday' is a nationwide movement to celebrate and support local small businesses, and many downtown Nampa businesses will be open late.

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Oct 30, 2025
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Christmas Events Near Me editorial team

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