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 on the horizon. Fortunately, 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!

1. Enjoy a snowy, horse-drawn sleigh ride.

Sleigh ride: Idaho Christmas and winter bucket list
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.

2. Visit the Idaho State Capitol Building in Boise.

Idaho Christmas and winter bucket list
Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce/Flickr
Even if you're not a capital city resident, Christmas in Boise sure is magical. Starting with the towering lit Christmas tree right outside the capitol building and 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.

3. Take a holiday lights tour on a vintage trolley.

Idaho Christmas and winter bucket list
Baker County Tourism Travel Baker County/Flickr
Perfect for the busy family who wants to enjoy the magic of Idaho's Christmas lights together without the hassle of driving around, there are a variety of Christmas trolley tours around the state which are the perfect answer. These tours travel through the brightest lit housing districts in their respective cities, with the crisp winter air washing over you - and maybe even a little snow - to add authentic magic to the sights.

4. Go see thousands of lights at a local botanical garden.

Idaho Christmas and winter bucket list
Idaho Botanical Garden/Facebook
While there are plenty of light displays, ice castles, and lit-up gardens around the state, you can experience some of 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.

5. Check out a local light festival.

Idaho Christmas and winter bucket list
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 Lewiston, Idaho which is straight out of a Hallmark holiday movie.

Related Stories

The Most Magical Christmas Lights Road Trip Through Idaho: Part II

The Most Magical Christmas Lights Road Trip Through Idaho: Part II

 Grab Some Hot Chocolate And Get Lost In This Christmas Straw Maze In Idaho This Holiday Season

Grab Some Hot Chocolate And Get Lost In This Christmas Straw Maze In Idaho This Holiday Season

 Walk Through A 250-Foot Tunnel Of Lights At The Scentsy Commons Christmas Ceremony In Idaho

Walk Through A 250-Foot Tunnel Of Lights At The Scentsy Commons Christmas Ceremony In Idaho

6. Decorate and bake Christmas cookies together.

Idaho Christmas and winter bucket list
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!

7. 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.

8. Journey to the North Pole on a Christmas lights cruise.

Idaho Christmas and winter bucket list
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 get added to the 'Nice' list! This is easily one of our favorite Christmas activities to take part in year after year.

9. Go ice skating in the great outdoors.

Idaho Christmas and winter bucket list
Oskar Karlin/Flickr
Idaho has some rather magnificent outdoor ice 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.

10. Catch a local Christmas concert.

Idaho Christmas and winter bucket list
Boise State Music Department/Facebook/Wankun Sirichotiyakul
Whether by a local high school concert band, a city philharmonic, or a university performance, Christmas carols, traditional choral pieces, and even Tchaikovsky's famous Nutcracker Suite will definitely get you into the Christmas spirit, no matter where you are.

Whether you plan on spending Christmas in Boise or another part of Idaho, this list should have you covered! Santa’s making his list and checking it twice; are you going to check each of these things off your list this season?

For all the details on Idaho’s most festive events, check out Lake Coeur d’Alene Cruises’s Journey to the North Pole. And don’t forget to wear your warmest winter layers!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Christmas Ij Idaho

Tori Jane | October 28, 2022

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?  

Some of the best places to visit for Christmas in Idaho include:

  • Lewiston
  • McCall
  • Wallace
  • Boise
  • Coeur d'Alene

 

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!  

Related Articles

Explore Idaho