Whether your holiday season is shaping up to be a traditional white Christmas or whether the only thing adorning your yard is endless strings of cheerful, twinkling lights, the holiday season is officially here. Idaho is full of indoor and outdoor Christmas attractions that are sure to put you in the festive spirit. Then there are your own family traditions that make this most wonderful time of the year “look a lot like Christmas.” To jump-start your Idaho Christmas bucket list, here are 10 perfect holiday things to do that won’t break the bank and will keep your season shaping up to be merry and bright. Christmas in Idaho has never been so magical!
- Enjoy a snowy, horse-drawn sleigh ride.
Tony Swartz/Flickr There are a number of sleigh ride outfitters across the state, many of whom offer hot chocolate and snacks during the ride, Christmas music, educational stops, or scenic mountain destinations. This is a delightful Christmas tradition you’re sure to love.
- Visit the Idaho State Capitol Building in Boise.
Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce/Flickr Starting with the towering lit Christmas tree right outside the capitol building, to the luxuriously festive decor inside, this is one way to find yourself immersed in the holiday spirit. You’ll find yourself dazzled by the lights reflecting off of the cool marble pillars while jolly poinsettia bushels and garlands abound to warm up the space with holiday cheer. Visit the City of Boise website for all the Christmas events going on this year.
- Take a holiday lights tour on a vintage trolley.
Baker County Tourism Travel Baker County/Flickr Perfect for the busy family who wants to enjoy the magic of Idaho Christmas lights together without the hassle of driving around, Boise’s variety of trolley tours are the perfect answer. These tours travel through the brightest lit housing districts in the valley, with the crisp winter air washing over you–and maybe even a little snow–to add authentic magic to the sights.
- Go see thousands of lights at the Winter Garden aGlow.
Idaho Botanical Garden/Facebook Experience the biggest and brightest Christmas lights display in Idaho’s capital city. Twinkling bridges and promenades, live music, visits from Santa, and even a whimsical train ride makes this an event for the whole family.
- Check out a local light festival.
Gus/Flickr Big and small, gorgeous holiday light festivals are currently taking place throughout the state, featuring dancing trees, warm snacks, holiday music, and all of the gingerbread you can shake a candy cane at. For example, you can’t miss the Winter Spirit holiday festival in Idaho straight out of a Hallmark holiday movie.
- Decorate and bake Christmas cookies together.
Flood G./Flickr Perfectly imperfect cookies made with family and baked while wearing fuzzy pajamas always taste the best and are the perfect snack to bring along to see Christmas lights in Idaho!
- Be enchanted at your local Festival of Trees.
Zechariah Judy/Flickr Nearly every city hosts their own unique festival of trees, which often feature dozens–if not more–of glorious evergreens decorated flawlessly by local residents and businesses. It’s an easy way to jump into the spirit of the season while scoping out ideas for your own family tree. Check out the full list of Idaho Festival of Trees events - you’re sure to find one nearby.
- Journey to the North Pole on a Christmas lights cruise.
Lake Coeur d’Alene Cruises/Facebook This blossoming, family-friendly tradition will amaze you with the light displays, the tallest living Christmas tree in the country, and a visit from Santa and his friends. You might even be put on the ‘Nice’ list! This is easily one of our favorite Christmas activities to take part in year after year.
- Go ice skating in the great outdoors.
Oskar Karlin/Flickr Idaho has some rather magnificent outdoor rinks, both tucked away in the trees and hidden in plain sight. Whether twirling at the Meridian’s outdoor rink at the Village or finding a very well-frozen lake to test your balance and skills, breathing in that fresh Idaho air from atop a frozen expanse is absolutely exhilarating. Just about any Christmas town in Idaho is going to have fun stuff going on, so be sure to check out the Village at Meridian this year while you’re at it!
- Catch a local Christmas concert.
Boise State Music Department/Facebook/Wankun Sirichotiyakul Whether by a local high school concert band, the Boise Philharmonic, or a university performance, Christmas carols, traditional choral pieces, and even the Tchaikovsky’s famous Nutcracker Suite will definitely get you into the Christmas spirit, no matter where you are. Check out Holiday Pops in Boise for an Idaho Christmas you’re sure to remember.
Santa’s making his list and checking it twice; are you going to check each of these things off your list this season?
Tony Swartz/Flickr
There are a number of sleigh ride outfitters across the state, many of whom offer hot chocolate and snacks during the ride, Christmas music, educational stops, or scenic mountain destinations. This is a delightful Christmas tradition you’re sure to love.
Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce/Flickr
Starting with the towering lit Christmas tree right outside the capitol building, to the luxuriously festive decor inside, this is one way to find yourself immersed in the holiday spirit. You’ll find yourself dazzled by the lights reflecting off of the cool marble pillars while jolly poinsettia bushels and garlands abound to warm up the space with holiday cheer. Visit the City of Boise website for all the Christmas events going on this year.
Baker County Tourism Travel Baker County/Flickr
Perfect for the busy family who wants to enjoy the magic of Idaho Christmas lights together without the hassle of driving around, Boise’s variety of trolley tours are the perfect answer. These tours travel through the brightest lit housing districts in the valley, with the crisp winter air washing over you–and maybe even a little snow–to add authentic magic to the sights.
Idaho Botanical Garden/Facebook
Experience the biggest and brightest Christmas lights display in Idaho’s capital city. Twinkling bridges and promenades, live music, visits from Santa, and even a whimsical train ride makes this an event for the whole family.
Gus/Flickr
Big and small, gorgeous holiday light festivals are currently taking place throughout the state, featuring dancing trees, warm snacks, holiday music, and all of the gingerbread you can shake a candy cane at. For example, you can’t miss the Winter Spirit holiday festival in Idaho straight out of a Hallmark holiday movie.
Flood G./Flickr
Perfectly imperfect cookies made with family and baked while wearing fuzzy pajamas always taste the best and are the perfect snack to bring along to see Christmas lights in Idaho!
Zechariah Judy/Flickr
Nearly every city hosts their own unique festival of trees, which often feature dozens–if not more–of glorious evergreens decorated flawlessly by local residents and businesses. It’s an easy way to jump into the spirit of the season while scoping out ideas for your own family tree. Check out the full list of Idaho Festival of Trees events - you’re sure to find one nearby.
Lake Coeur d’Alene Cruises/Facebook
This blossoming, family-friendly tradition will amaze you with the light displays, the tallest living Christmas tree in the country, and a visit from Santa and his friends. You might even be put on the ‘Nice’ list! This is easily one of our favorite Christmas activities to take part in year after year.
Oskar Karlin/Flickr
Idaho has some rather magnificent outdoor rinks, both tucked away in the trees and hidden in plain sight. Whether twirling at the Meridian’s outdoor rink at the Village or finding a very well-frozen lake to test your balance and skills, breathing in that fresh Idaho air from atop a frozen expanse is absolutely exhilarating. Just about any Christmas town in Idaho is going to have fun stuff going on, so be sure to check out the Village at Meridian this year while you’re at it!
Boise State Music Department/Facebook/Wankun Sirichotiyakul
Whether by a local high school concert band, the Boise Philharmonic, or a university performance, Christmas carols, traditional choral pieces, and even the Tchaikovsky’s famous Nutcracker Suite will definitely get you into the Christmas spirit, no matter where you are. Check out Holiday Pops in Boise for an Idaho Christmas you’re sure to remember.
For all the details on Idaho’s most festive events, check out Lake Coeur d’Alene Cruises’s Journey to the North Pole or our 11 Must-See Christmas light displays in Idaho.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Christmas in Idaho October 28, 2022 Tori Jane What is Christmas in Idaho like? Christmas in Idaho is a truly delightful and magical time! It’s snowy, chilly, frosty, and wonderful. You’ll find all sorts of amazing things to do in the winter in Idaho, like amazing Christmas train rides, holiday parties, traditional Idaho Christmas festivals, and more. Head to Rexburg and check out the cheerful Idaho Christmas Village, which is filled like a stocking from top to bottom with joy. When it comes to holiday attractions in ID, that’s one of the best you can find! Everywhere you go, folks will be warm and kind – it’s just the Idaho spirit coming through, which is especially strong during the holidays. Where are some of the best places to visit for Christmas? There are all sorts of delightful Christmas villages in Idaho, as well as some downright magical Christmas towns in Idaho that’ll blow you away with their cheer year after year. Meridian is an Idaho Christmas town that loves going all-out, with an emphasis on community, and it’s seriously just delightful. We also love visiting the towns of Lewiston, Rupert, and Ketchum, too. The possibilities are only as limited as how far you’re willing to travel – we recommend a wonderful Idaho Christmas lights road trip to get in the spirit yourself! What makes a perfect Idaho Christmas? Few things are more magical than an Idaho Christmas, wouldn’t you say? Everyone’s a little nicer. The weather’s a lot colder (and some of us prefer it that way). The air is filled with magic and cheer. You’ll love getting in the warm car with cider and cocoa (and the family) and checking out some of the most breathtaking Christmas lights displays in Idaho together, then heading to any Christmas festival in Idaho you choose for even more magic. Fall in love with this beautiful state on a winter hike in Idaho or maybe do another Christmas lights road trip (since the first one was so awesome). Get out and enjoy it – the season is short!
The OIYS Visitor Center
Christmas in Idaho
October 28, 2022
Tori Jane
What is Christmas in Idaho like? Christmas in Idaho is a truly delightful and magical time! It’s snowy, chilly, frosty, and wonderful. You’ll find all sorts of amazing things to do in the winter in Idaho, like amazing Christmas train rides, holiday parties, traditional Idaho Christmas festivals, and more. Head to Rexburg and check out the cheerful Idaho Christmas Village, which is filled like a stocking from top to bottom with joy. When it comes to holiday attractions in ID, that’s one of the best you can find! Everywhere you go, folks will be warm and kind – it’s just the Idaho spirit coming through, which is especially strong during the holidays. Where are some of the best places to visit for Christmas? There are all sorts of delightful Christmas villages in Idaho, as well as some downright magical Christmas towns in Idaho that’ll blow you away with their cheer year after year. Meridian is an Idaho Christmas town that loves going all-out, with an emphasis on community, and it’s seriously just delightful. We also love visiting the towns of Lewiston, Rupert, and Ketchum, too. The possibilities are only as limited as how far you’re willing to travel – we recommend a wonderful Idaho Christmas lights road trip to get in the spirit yourself! What makes a perfect Idaho Christmas? Few things are more magical than an Idaho Christmas, wouldn’t you say? Everyone’s a little nicer. The weather’s a lot colder (and some of us prefer it that way). The air is filled with magic and cheer. You’ll love getting in the warm car with cider and cocoa (and the family) and checking out some of the most breathtaking Christmas lights displays in Idaho together, then heading to any Christmas festival in Idaho you choose for even more magic. Fall in love with this beautiful state on a winter hike in Idaho or maybe do another Christmas lights road trip (since the first one was so awesome). Get out and enjoy it – the season is short!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Christmas in Idaho is a truly delightful and magical time! It’s snowy, chilly, frosty, and wonderful. You’ll find all sorts of amazing things to do in the winter in Idaho, like amazing Christmas train rides, holiday parties, traditional Idaho Christmas festivals, and more. Head to Rexburg and check out the cheerful Idaho Christmas Village, which is filled like a stocking from top to bottom with joy. When it comes to holiday attractions in ID, that’s one of the best you can find! Everywhere you go, folks will be warm and kind – it’s just the Idaho spirit coming through, which is especially strong during the holidays.
Where are some of the best places to visit for Christmas?
There are all sorts of delightful Christmas villages in Idaho, as well as some downright magical Christmas towns in Idaho that’ll blow you away with their cheer year after year. Meridian is an Idaho Christmas town that loves going all-out, with an emphasis on community, and it’s seriously just delightful. We also love visiting the towns of Lewiston, Rupert, and Ketchum, too. The possibilities are only as limited as how far you’re willing to travel – we recommend a wonderful Idaho Christmas lights road trip to get in the spirit yourself!
What makes a perfect Idaho Christmas?
Few things are more magical than an Idaho Christmas, wouldn’t you say? Everyone’s a little nicer. The weather’s a lot colder (and some of us prefer it that way). The air is filled with magic and cheer. You’ll love getting in the warm car with cider and cocoa (and the family) and checking out some of the most breathtaking Christmas lights displays in Idaho together, then heading to any Christmas festival in Idaho you choose for even more magic. Fall in love with this beautiful state on a winter hike in Idaho or maybe do another Christmas lights road trip (since the first one was so awesome). Get out and enjoy it – the season is short!
