Boise comes alive during the holidays, and after living here 8 years, it’s still one of my favorite times of year! Between markets, tree lightings, pop-ups, and cozy date nights, there’s something for everyone. I’ve picked out 20 of my favorite Boise Christmas and Holiday activities, events, and markets to do this season below—and if you want the complete 50+ activity and event list, grab your free copy of The Boise Guide Holiday Bucket List 2025/26 here or at the bottom of this post!
Note: Please double-check the dates and locations before you go, as details are subject to change.
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The Best Boise Christmas and Holiday Events, Markets & Festivals Happening This Season
1. The Secret Christmas Shop at A’Tavola (Open Nov 9 through the end of the holiday season)
This is such a hidden gem, and every time I go in, I instantly feel like I’m ready for the holidays! You’ll find this pop-up holiday shop at the back of A’Tavola’s cafe (near the bathrooms). They are offering holiday decor, artisan gifts, and seasonal treats. Grab a festive coffee and pastry at A’Tavola before you browse! Here’s a little video of what you can expect!
Location: 1515 W Grove St, Boise, ID 83702
2. Scentsy Commons Christmas Lights (Nov 14 – Jan 20)
This is a gorgeous campus full of 900,000 twinkling lights. It’s free, family-friendly, and super photo-worthy. You might even see the camel walking the grounds, depending on when you go! Visit Boise also has details about the lights ceremony and what to expect, here!
Location: 2701 East Pine Avenue, Meridian, ID 83642
3. Ice Skating at The Village at Meridian (Nov 14 – Jan 19)
The Village does the holiday season right. Not only do they have ice skating, which is great for the entire family, but the rink is surrounded by cute little Christmas houses and decorations. Plus, there are tons of shops, restaurants, and bars surrounding you, so it feels like a little winter wonderland tucked in the middle of Meridian.
4. Christmas in Color @ Roaring Springs (Nov 15 – Jan 4)
If you love holiday lights but want to stay warm and cozy in your car, this drive-through light show is your move. Christmas in Color turns Roaring Springs into a glowing wonderland, with millions of lights synced perfectly to Christmas music on your car radio. It’s festive, colorful, and a great way to get in the holiday spirit. Grab your cocoa, pile in the car, and make it a tradition!
Location: 400 W Overland Rd, Meridian, ID 83642
5. Chateau des Fleurs Wednesday Holiday High Tea (Dec 3 – 31)
High Tea is such a fun way to get together with friends, a date, or family for a fun and sophisticated mid-week treat! Throughout the season, Chateau des Fleurs will host high tea with a holiday flair. Think delicate pastries, fine teas, and festive décor, perfect for a special date or treat-yourself moment.
Location: 176 S Rosebud Ln, Eagle, ID 83616
6. Mistletoe Magic Pop‑Up at The Gatsby (Nov 18 – Dec 28)
This is one of my favorite things to do on this list, and I go every year (here was last year)! If you’re a holiday cocktail lover, this is for you! Every year, The Gatsby speakeasy in downtown Boise transforms into a winter wonderland with their Mistletoe Magic pop-up. Think cozy speakeasy vibes, over-the-top décor, twinkle lights, and themed drinks. Each year they go with a different theme! Last year was Nightmare Before Christmas, and this year is Harry Potter!
Location: 280 N 8th St #130, Boise, ID 83702
7. The Wintry Market (Nov 21–22)
If you’re looking for high-quality, handmade gifts you’ll actually want to give this year, I highly recommend this market. Inside, you’ll find local makers, artisan gifts, and festive goodies all in the same place. I love that it’s a great way to support small and local businesses this holiday season.
Location: Boise Convention Centre, 850 W. Front Street in Boise, Idaho
8. Ice Skating at Indian Creek Plaza (Nov 21 – Feb 14) + Winter Wonderland Festival (Nov 21–23)
Indian Creek Plaza in Caldwell, Idaho, goes all out for the holidays! They have over a million lights all over the village, and it’s a sight to see. There’s also plenty to do, like shopping, dining at various vendors, ice skating, viewing the lights, and seeing Santa! See all of the activities here. The event takes place at the end of November each year.
Location: 120 South Kimball Avenue, Caldwell, ID 83605
9. Lost in Christmas at Shindig Farms (Nov 21 – Jan 3)
This is a, shall we say, “rustic” holiday adventure! This farm has turned their hay maze into a themed light display for winter! You can go on a horse drawn horse wagon, see the giant Christmas tree, go on the candy cane zip lines and enjoy the festive mega slides! Think fall farm turned into a holiday experience!
Location: ID-45 &, Scism Rd, Nampa, ID 83686
10. Skiing/Snowboarding/Tubing at Bogus Basin (Nov 23 – April)
When the snow starts to fall, Bogus Basin becomes the place to be. It’s so cool that there is a ski hill just 45 minutes from downtown Boise. So, whether you’re a snowboarder, skier, or love tubing, this is the ultimate Boise winter playground.
Location: 2405 N Bogus Basin Rd, Boise, ID 83702
11. Saint Alphonsus Festival of Trees (Nov 26–30)
If you want to get fully immersed in holiday magic, the Festival of Trees is a must. My personal favorite part about it is that it starts during Thanksgiving weekend, which is a great reason to get into the holiday spirit immediately. I’ve been volunteering and attending the Festival since I was a little girl, and there’s just something so magical about it!
It’s elegant, festive, and people are seriously so creative with the trees they create. You’ll walk through rows of beautifully decorated trees, wreaths, and sparkly displays, all while supporting a great cause. Plus, there will be a visit from Santa! It’s the perfect outing if you want something festive but a little more low-key than the typical holiday chaos. I’m thrilled to be a judge this year as well!
Location: 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702
12. Downtown Boise Giving Tree Lighting (Nov 28)
Downtown Boise absolutely comes alive at the Giving Tree Lighting. The whole community gathers to flip the switch on the giant tree, and there’s something so beautiful about it. You’ll also find local music and local vendors. It also marks the start of the WCA annual Giving Tree program. In this program, gift tags are hung around the tree with items listed that the WCA’s facility needs, and community members take a tag from the tree to drop off those items for the WCA. I love that they’ve tied a great cause to this!
Location: 801 W Main St, Boise, ID 83702
13. See a classic holiday movie at Egyptian Theatre (Nov 28–29)
What’s even better than watching the film at home is at Boise’s most incredible historical theatre. I love to watch a movie here during the holiday season. It gets me in the mood for the season, and it’s fun to be around others as we cheer for our favorite characters and boo for the bad guys! You can also order drinks downstairs and bring them to your seat to enjoy the movie with an adult beverage in hand. This year’s showings are all listed here!
Location: 700 W Main St, Boise, ID 83702
14. Vintage Market Days (Dec 5–7)
If you love shopping for new, handmade, and vintage items, this market is for you. It’s a massive space with numerous vendors selling unique home décor, boutique finds, handcrafted gifts, and all the holiday goodies and decorations! I’d recommend grabbing a warm drink and wandering the aisles. It’s a great way to get some holiday shopping done while supporting local vendors.
Location: 16200 N Idaho Center Blvd, Nampa, ID 83687
15. Boise Trolley Tours (Dec 10 – Dec 31)
If you want to see Boise with a full holiday glow-up, hop on the Boise Trolley Tour. It’s like stepping into a holiday movie with festive music, glittering lights, and that nostalgic trolley charm. It’s super family-friendly (kids love it), but also fun for a date night or girls’ night out. You’ll get to drive past some of the best-decorated neighborhoods and landmarks during your tour!
Location: 1800 W Fairview Ave, Boise, ID 83702
16. The Nutcracker by Ballet Idaho (Dec 13–23)
There’s just something magical about seeing The Nutcracker live during the holidays for me. And Ballet Idaho does an incredible job bringing this classic to life. The music, the costumes, the dancers… it all feels straight out of a fairytale. It’s one of those cozy, festive traditions that instantly gets me in the holiday spirit. Dress up a little if you feel like it, grab a drink before the show, and soak it all in! This show is done on limited days each year at the Morrison Center.
Location: 2201 W Cesar Chavez Ln, Boise, ID 83725
17. Idaho Potato Drop – NYE in Boise (Dec 31 – Jan 1)
You know you’re in Idaho when the New Year’s Eve countdown involves a glowing giant potato! The Idaho Potato Drop is one of those events that’s quirky, hilarious, and just VERY Idaho. The energy downtown is lively, with live music, fireworks, and food trucks. You’ll definitely want to bundle up since it can get cold at midnight! If you’re in Boise for NYE, this is definitely one of those “places to be”!
Location: 3131 W State St #150b, Boise, ID 83703
18. Lucky Peak Polar Bear Plunge (Jan 1)
Nothing says “new year, new me” like running full speed into an icy lake! The Polar Bear Plunge at Lucky Peak is pure chaos in the best way. You’ll find hundreds of brave (and slightly unhinged, in my opinion) people gather on January 1st to jump in the freezing water together! Hey! It’s definitely an epic way to start the year off and for a good cause as it is an annual fundraiser event to benefit Make-A-Wish Idaho.
Location: 74 Arrow Rock Rd, Boise, ID 83716
19. Winter Garden aGlow (Nov 28 – Dec 31)
I love the Idaho Botanical Garden all year round, but the winter season offers a unique, family-friendly event that transforms the garden into a winter wonderland. They installed over 550,000 energy-efficient lights throughout the garden and it’s so gorgeous! I recommend bundling up, grabbing hot chocolate at one of the food trucks, and wandering around the different light displays. Book your tickets to Winter Garden aGlow on their site here.
Location: 2355 N Old Penitentiary Rd, Boise, ID 83712
20. Holiday Shop at Edwards Greenhouse (Nov 28–30)
If I could live anywhere, it would be inside Edwards Greenhouse. It’s warm and tropical with the most amazing floral smells, even in the dead of winter. During the holiday season, the entire giant greenhouse is filled with wintery plants and poinsettias, and Santa even comes to visit on select days! The holiday shop is open from Nov 28-30 and is not to be missed!
Location: 4106 Sand Creek St, Boise, ID 83703
🎅 Want all 50+ events, markets, and parties happening this season? Grab your free Boise Guide Holiday Bucket List and start checking them off!
Where to Stay During Boise Idaho Winter:
I highly recommend staying in downtown Boise or in the North End so you’re close to downtown.
Airbnb
Here are my top 10 favorite Airbnb’s to rent in Boise and most are in downtown or super close!
Hotels:
Inn at 500 Capitol – This is a super unique hotel and is dog-friendly! Each room has a different unique theme. See current prices.
The Avery Hotel – Boise’s only historic hotel that has been redesigned in a swanky, artsy vibe. See current prices here.
The Sparrow – This is a fun, hip, dog-friendly hotel in downtown’s heart. For a more affordable option, go with this. See current prices.
I hope this list has helped you plan the perfect holiday season in Boise this year! Let me know in the comments if you have crossed any of these off your Boise bucket list. If you’d like the full list of 50+ holiday activities, be sure to download our free guide to Boise Christmas and Holiday events!
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