There’s an abundance of towns in Idaho that get all dressed up in holiday cheer during the Christmas season. However, there is only one town in the whole country that officially has the moniker of “Christmas City” and it’s located right here in Idaho. True to its name, this small town is absolutely delightful during the holiday season. It’s pretty much the next best thing next to the North Pole! You’re definitely going to want to visit this town just to say you’ve been to Christmas City.
During the rest of the year, Rupert looks like any other small town in Idaho.
This southern Idaho town has a population of 5,554 people. Established in 1906, it's an incredibly historic town. The entire main strip of the small town is even listed National Register of Historic Places. The town prides itself in being "The gateway to Lake Walcott and the Minidoka Wildlife Refuge" and is a popular pit stop for outdoor enthusiasts in between adventures.
This little town is just bursting with charm. However, the town truly shines as soon as Thanksgiving is over and the holiday season truly begins.
This yearly tradition has been going on for decades, ever since the town's early beginnings over a century ago. Rupert has always been "Christmas City" to the locals.
Many towns in Idaho have nicknames, such as Boise which is referred to as the City of Trees. However, Rupert may have the most amazing nickname: "Christmas City, U.S.A."
Yes, that is the town's official nickname. It was made official in a proclamation by Governor Cecil D. Andrus in 1987. The proclamation came as a result of Rupert's intense Christmas spirit. The town has even had a Christmas City Committee since the 1960s.
Every year, Rupert residents raise thousands of dollars in order to decorate the town during Christmas.
The fundraising efforts begin as early as July with a "Christmas in July" community breakfast. All of the money raised goes towards decorating the downtown area in thousands of string lights and making the decorations better and better with each year.
It's pretty amazing to see the historic town square all lit up in colorful Christmas lights. You'll even hear the sound of Christmas music coming from a nearby building's open window.
The the decorations may come down on January 1st, but Christmas spirit isn't something that comes just once a year in Rupert. It's here all year long. There's a reason the town gained its official nickname. It's because it's one of the most joyful towns in all of Idaho! Be sure to stop by this amazing place this holiday season so you can say you've been to the one and only "Christmas City, U.S.A."
