7 Christmas Towns In Idaho That Will Fill Your Heart With Holiday Cheer
By Courtnie Erickson|Published November 08, 2023
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Courtnie Erickson
Author
From Southern Utah to the Panhandle in Idaho, Courtnie Erickson has lived in what she believes are the best (and the most beautiful!) areas in the country. She graduated with a journalism degree from Utah State University and has more than 15 years of professional writing experience. You’ll likely see her with a Dr. Pepper in her hand and a pair of running shoes on her feet. Courtnie is a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState.
Christmas is easily the most magical time of the year. While you can travel all around the country and find holiday festivities, there’s something special about the Christmas events here in Idaho. From community-wide activities to light parades and even visits with Santa, Christmas in Idaho will certainly fill you with holiday cheer. There are several towns in the Gem State that tend to really get into the festive spirit, putting a smile on even Scrooge himself. In no particular order, below are just seven of the best Christmas towns in Idaho and places I always recommend visiting during the holiday season.
Rupert is the Christmas Capital of Idaho. In fact, each year, this small town in southwestern Idaho transforms into Christmas City, USA. This town offers all of our favorite old-fashioned Christmas traditions from outdoor ice skating and letters to Santa to a Christmas market and a tree-lighting ceremony. There is something to do throughout the entire holiday season in Rupert, Idaho – you’ll never be bored.
If you want to spend your Christmas outdoors, McCall is the best Christmas town in Idaho to visit. Here, you can hit the slopes at Brundage Mountain, explore Ponderosa State Park, spend some time next to Payette Lake, or enjoy a day in the snow at the Activity Barn. Book a stay at the Shore Lodge, where you can enjoy the annual Breakfast with Santa event. If you want some time surrounded by wintry landscapes, consider staying at one of the many vacation rentals in town.
Sun Valley is one of my favorite places to visit in Idaho but I particularly love visiting during the holiday season. The beautiful snow-covered landscapes appear like something out of a painting and there are twinkling lights and holiday decorations everywhere you look. Sun Valley hosts the annual Winter Wonderland Festival throughout the entire month of December, which includes activities like impressive gingerbread house displays and visits with Santa. This is one of the best Christmas festivals in Idaho.
Meridian may not be a small town in Idaho but it’s one that we love to visit during the holidays. While you can always attend the incredible Christmas light display at Scentsy Commons, plan a visit to The Village at Meridian. This is one of the best shopping centers in the city and each year, it transforms into the most impressive holiday village and will transport you to the North Pole. While you can always ice skate here, spend some time admiring the large Christmas tree, share your Christmas list with Santa, and more.
During the holidays, Lewiston is more than just a town you drive through ... it becomes home to one of the greatest Christmas light displays in Idaho — Winter Spirit. From November until January, Locomotive Park in Lewiston becomes brightly lit with thousands of Christmas lights. All throughout the park you will see large trees decked out to the nines, as well as the impressive steam-powered locomotive that calls the park home. You can always warm up next to the fireplace on chilly nights as well. It’s pure perfection.
If you are searching for the best places to go for Christmas in Idaho, I strongly recommend Coeur d’Alene. Not only is this area of the state absolutely beautiful, but during the holidays, it becomes a winter wonderland that you’ll quickly love. Plus, The Coeur d’Alene Resort is the ultimate Christmas hotel in Idaho and the perfect spot for a winter getaway. Just make sure you spend a night taking a Journey to the North Pole, a holiday cruise with thousands of Christmas lights.
You’ll feel right at home for the holidays when you visit the small town of Wallace. Each year, this northern Idaho town hosts the Home Town Holidays Festival, featuring multiple weekends packed full of Christmas events in Idaho like hayrides, holiday book readings, and parades. Even Main Street is adorned with lights and décor and the snow-covered mountains that surround the town make this Christmas town in Idaho magical in every single way.
What are your favorite Christmas towns in Idaho? What are some of your favorite things to do for Christmas in Idaho? We’d love to hear all about the place you love to visit and your traditions in the comments.
One of our favorite ways to visit the many Christmas towns in Idaho is on a road trip. Grab some car-friendly snacks and hit the road to destinations full of holiday cheer!
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