Boise offers a variety of festive events! Make sure to follow us on social media @boisesocial to keep up with everything happening in the area!
Holiday Tree Lighting at the Grove Plaza, Downtown Boise- On November 29th, from 5 pm-6 pm, The Grove Plaza will kick off the season with their annual tree lighting. This is a FREE event. Adorned with more than 5,000 lights and a custom-made tree topper, the 45-foot tree is Boise Cascade’s gift to our downtown. Throughout Downtown Boise is decorated with brightly lit wreaths, almost 350 streetlights wrapped with lights, and 13 intersections glittering with snowflake swags made possible by the Downtown Boise Association.
Glide on the Grove, Grove Plaza, Downtown Boise- On November 29th, 6 pm-10 pm, the fun will begin! FREE helmet, skate rentals, and skate!
2024 City Santa, Downtown Boise– City Santa arrives in Downtown Boise and ho-ho-ho’s his way into The Grove Plaza starting the evening of December’s First Thursday. Santa is free to visit, bring your wish list and camera or phone to grab a magical photo with the jolliest of elves. This event supports the Women’s and Children’s Alliance. Donations are welcome and appreciated.
The Nutcracker, Morrison Center, Downtown Boise- Starting December 6, The audience is swept into a magnificent party at the Stahlbaums’ home, where Clara and her family are celebrating the joy of the season as they await their guests. The mysterious Drosselmeyer brings a life-sized Nutcracker doll, and young Clara is immediately enchanted.
Jingle Jam, The Egyptian Theatre, Downtown Boise- On December 6, 7:30 pm, Experience the joy of the season while pretending to be a decent human being, as proceeds will support the heroic efforts of Boise Rescue Mission Ministries. Kick back and enjoy local artists belting out everything from tear-jerking carols to foot-tapping festive tunes. Get into the holiday spirit and help those in need this Christmas.
Light the World Giving Machines, The Grove Plaza, Downtown Boise- The Light the World Giving Machine is a unique, charitable vending machine initiative that allows people to purchase donations for those in need. Instead of buying a snack or beverage, users can select items like meals, winter clothes, medical supplies, or livestock, which are then donated to local and global charities. Through partnerships with various nonprofit organizations, the Giving Machines provide a simple and impactful way for individuals to give directly to specific causes during the holiday season. 100% of each donation goes directly to the chosen charity, making it an easy and meaningful way to make a difference.
Breakfast with Santa, Zoo Boise- On December 7 & 14, Have a holly jolly morning at Zoo Boise for Breakfast with Santa! Guests will be treated to a buffet breakfast, personal time with Santa Claus, kids craft time, animal experience, and photos with Santa (if purchased in advance). Then you’ll have the rest of the day to explore the zoo!
Tree Lighting & Santa’s Arrival at the Village, Meridian– On November 21, 6 pm, Help light the tree in Fountain Square as they kick off The Village at Meridian’s Holiday Season and celebrate Santa’s arrival with live music from the Orale Band, other stage performances, and a live fireworks show!
Letters to Santa, at the Village, Meridian- The Village at Meridian is assisting Santa with letters from children in the Treasure Valley! You will find a special mailbox from the North Pole located near the cozy Santa House in Fountain Square starting on November 17th.
Pet Photos with Santa at the Village, Meridian- Schedule your Pet Photos with Santa! Every Monday from 4 pm to 8 pm starting November 25th, through December 23rd! Book your appointment here.
Photos with Santa at the Village, Meridian- Make sure to book your appointment! Photos are printed instantly!
Boise Christmas Show at the Expo, Garden City- On December 6, join this year’s Boise Christmas Show featuring thousands of unique gifts from over 225 vendors. You can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus in person! It’s going to be a magical experience you won’t want to miss.
Eagle Country Christmas in Downtown Eagle- Starting on December 7, tree Lighting Ceremony, Festival of Trees, and Last Chance Market! Also, visit Santa and his sleigh, free kids’ crafts, stuff the truck, and local vendors. Location: Eagle City Hall Campus: 660 E Civic Lane in Eagle. Eagle Country Christmas will go on until December 14.
Winter Wonderland Festival at Indian Creek Plaza, Caldwell- Each year, the City of Caldwell transforms Indian Creek with over a million dazzling lights, creating a true winter wonderland. Join us for the opening weekend to kick off the holiday season in style! The festival runs for three days, from November 22-24, and the experience will be the same each night. Whether you visit on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, you’ll be able to enjoy the lights, ice skating, food trucks, vendors, and entertainment—all available throughout the event.
Festival of Trees at the Boise Centre, Downtown Boise- or 40 years now the Saint Alphonsus Festival of Trees has kicked off the holiday season in the Treasure Valley. The holiday season is a time for coming together to celebrate and revel in tradition. It is also a time for thinking of others and giving of ourselves. They are excited to launch the 2024 Saint Alphonsus Festival of Trees! Mark your calendars for November 26 (Gala), November 27-December 1 (General Exhibition), and December 2 (Fashion Show). Make a profound impact on the fight against cancer by supporting the 2024 Festival of Trees which will enhance their oncology services, ensuring that patients have access to life-saving preventive care, early detection screenings, and cancer treatment offered by our Cancer Institute.
Boise Holiday Parade, Downtown Boise– Starts December 7, at 10 am. Don’t miss this 75th Annual Event!
Christmas in Meridian Winter Lights Parade in Old Town Meridian- December 6, at 7:00 pm the Christmas in Meridian Winter Lights Parade! Come early to watch “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas’ projected next to the main stage at Idaho & Main Streets. Grab dinner or hot cocoa in the food court parade will float through old town Meridian to usher in the start of the holiday season. Santa will join us and bring his magic to light the city Christmas Tree that will shine throughout this festive season in Generations Plaza. Don’t forget to download the downtown decorating contest map and vote for your favorite business. The Meridian Chamber Downtown Committee is hosting Shop Meridian Downtown Night and the Downtown Decorating Contest. There are so many festive events and activities being planned.
