'Tis the season to be jolly - and in Boise, that means the streets are alive with a magical glow! Whether you're a lifelong local or visiting for the holidays, the City of Trees transforms into a winter wonderland every December, and 2023 is shaping up to be one of the brightest yet.
From classic neighborhood displays to immersive drive-thru adventures, the Boise area is brimming with can't-miss Christmas lights. So grab your friends, bundle up, and get ready to ooh and ahh at the most enchanting illuminations the City of Trees has to offer.
Christmas in Color
This drive-thru extravaganza is a true holiday staple, and it's back and brighter than ever for 2023. Held at the Expo Center, Christmas in Color features millions of twinkling lights meticulously synchronized to festive music that you can enjoy from the comfort of your own vehicle. Load up the Backcountry Class Daypack soft cooler with hot cocoa and holiday treats, then cruise through the 1-mile display at your own pace, marveling at the magical arches, tunnels, and towering structures that transform the venue into a dazzling winter wonderland. The event runs select nights from late November through the new year, with varying start and end times, so be sure to check the schedule before you go.
Winter Garden A-Glow at Idaho Botanical Garden
Each holiday season the Idaho Botanical Garden is transformed into a twinkling wonderland with over 600,000 lights! Explore the beautifully-lit scenery complete with live choirs, Santa’s cottage, free hot cocoa, fire pits, and plenty of holiday music. Grab your Cordova 40L Backcountry Class Tote to bring along your blankets and snacks! Winter Garden A-Glow is the Idaho Botanical Garden’s biggest yearly fundraiser and helps keep the Botanical Garden open year-round. Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance.
More info at www.idahobotanicalgarden.org/wintergardenaglow
Winter Wonderland at Indian Creek Plaza
Every year, Indian Creek Plaza in Caldwell, Idaho transforms into a real-life winter wonderland from the weekend from late November through the first week of January. The Winter Wonderland at Destination Caldwell features over 1 million holiday lights that cover the entire area, including trees, buildings, the scenic bridges, and more.Children, families and couples can also skate under the lights at Idaho’s only, and the seventh in the nation, ice skating ribbon in view of the huge Christmas tree. Skate rentals are available as well. Indian Creek plaza is also home to farm to fork restaurants and merchants perfect for some last-minute shopping.
More info at the Indian Creek Plaza website.
The Village at Meridian
You may know The Village at Meridian for its movie theater and shopping, but did you know it transforms into a full-fledged Christmas Village every holiday season?
See tens of thousands of holiday lights and special fountain display complete with your favorite Christmas music. Christmas-themed cottages make you feel more like you’re in the North Pole than Meridian, Idaho. The kids can meet and take photos with Santa and meet other winter characters as well. Pets can even join in on the fun certain days! The Village at Meridian also features an ice skating rink to really get yourself in the winter holiday spirit. Reservations are required to skate.While you’re taking in the holiday sights at The Village, you can catch a holiday movie release or get in some holiday shopping with plenty of retail establishments steps away.
More info at The Village at Meridian.
Scentsy Commons Christmas Lights
You wouldn’t expect a local corporation to be the place to be for holiday cheer in the Treasure Valley, but each Christmas season the Scentsy campus is one of the local favorites for holiday lights for the whole family.
Scentsy Commons as it is called, has been wrapped in over 900,000 lights, including the signature light tunnel, a 75-foot-tall Christmas tree, and 450 trees lit up and covered in approximately 43 miles of Christmas lights.
The holiday experience at Scentsy also includes festive music and holiday-themed refreshments.
More info at https://www.facebook.com/scentsycommons/
Dazzling Displays: Exploring Boise's Best Christmas Illuminations
No matter which Boise-area Christmas light show you choose to experience, you're sure to be dazzled by the creativity, scale, and magical ambiance that makes the holidays in the City of Trees truly unforgettable. So bundle up, grab your festive drinkware, and get ready to be awed by the best Christmas lights Boise has to offer in 2023!
