Posted in Idaho Events, Winter October 19, 2022 by

7 Christmas Light Displays In Idaho That Are Pure Magic

There are few things more magical during the Christmas season than seeing thousands of colorful lights twinkling on homes, businesses, and trees, transforming the state into a winter wonderland that the whole family can enjoy. With the ground flocked in a frosty coat of white snow and the landscape adorned with shimmering bulbs, wreaths, and festive pine trees, every moment during this final part of the year is made for memory-making. Why not get in the holiday spirit with a visit to some of the best Idaho Christmas lights? Whether set to classic holiday tunes or choreographed to something a little more modern, both drive-by and walking events are around every corner in the Gem State, and everyone is guaranteed to add a little extra magic to an already picture-perfect time of year! Grab some hot cocoa, bundle up, and get ready to be impressed.

1. Winter Garden aGlow, Boise
Idaho Botanical Garden/Facebook
Every holiday season, Idaho's largest botanical garden transforms from a colorful retreat of flowers and arbors into a dazzling display of shimmering lights. Rather than viewing lights from afar, Winter Garden aGlow lets you stroll right through and interact with the holiday glow. More than 500,000 lights are hung around the gardens with the promenade, gazebo, and archways framed with lights. The Winter Garden aGlow in Boise is certainly one of the best Christmas events in Idaho.
2355 Old Penitentiary Rd, Boise, ID 83712, USA
2. Winter Spirit, Lewiston
Winter Spirit/Facebook
As you search for the best Christmas lights in northern Idaho, Winter Spirit in Lewiston is truly special. The historic downtown community of Lewiston lights up with interactive displays and colorful spectacles in Locomotive Park. A toasty fireplace welcomes visitors and the area is filled with lights in every color imaginable — over half a million of them, to be exact. Plus, Santa always makes an appearance!
2102 Main St, Lewiston, ID 83501, USA
3. Scentsy Commons, Meridian
Jim R/Google
You might not know it by day, but Scentsy is the place to be in the Treasure Valley this Christmas season! Spend your night with festive music, holiday-themed refreshments, and a feast for the senses as you walk through one of the best Christmas light displays in Idaho. In fact, more than 450 trees are lit up and covered in approximately 43 miles of Christmas lights. Plus, you must stop and admire the 75-foot tall Christmas tree. It's incredible!
2901 E Pine Ave, Meridian, ID 83642, USA
4. Winter Wonderland, Caldwell
City of Caldwell/Facebook
The city of Caldwell ushers in the Christmas season with its annual Winter Wonderland event at Indian Creek Plaza in downtown Caldwell. Not only will you see thousands of twinkling lights, but you may also see carolers and the big man himself. Once you visit, you'll quickly realize why this is considered one of the best Christmas light displays in Idaho.
120 S Kimball Ave, Caldwell, ID 83605, USA
5. Journey to the North Pole, Coeur d'Alene
Lake Coeur d'Alene Cruises/Facebook
Lake Coeur d'Alene Cruises features Journey to the North Pole, a spectacular holiday cruise on the water. You will see hundreds of Christmas light displays out on the lake, while enjoying a drink of hot chocolate. Once you reach the North Pole, young children can listen to hear if Santa reads their name on the "nice" list. Plus, you can end the night with a beautiful firework display.
The Coeur d'Alene Resort, 115 S 2nd St, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814, USA
6. Boise Christmas Light Trolley Tours
Stephanie D./Flickr
If bundling up the family for a classic driving tour of the city's best residential displays is more your style, Boise offers multiple trolley tours for every budget and group size. This is a terrific way to view some of the best Christmas lights in Boise. However, you will need to make reservations in advance.
7557 W Ustick Rd, Boise, ID 83704, USA
7. Idaho Festival of Lights, Preston
Idaho Festival of Lights/Facebook
Small town Idaho does Christmas right with its own Festival of Lights in downtown Preston. A parade, bed races, live entertainment, and thousands of colorful lights mark this traditional event. If you are in southern Idaho and are searching for the best Christmas light display, this is the place to go.
Preston, ID 83263, USA

How many of these Christmas light displays have you been to? Are there any other Christmas events in Idaho we should know about? Let your fellow readers know in the comments!

If you are searching for a fun and unique thing to do during the holiday season in Idaho, check out this Christmas straw maze in Burley.

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The OIYS Visitor Center

Best Christmas Light Displays In Idaho

November 12, 2021
Courtnie Erickson

What are some of the best Christmas events in Idaho?

The Gem State certainly knows how to celebrate the holiday season. There are some spectacular Christmas events in Idaho that the entire family will love. To help kick off the holiday season, head to the small town of Ammon, just outside of Idaho Falls. Each year, this small town celebrates with its annual light parade. You'll see floats decked out in twinkling lights — it's quite dazzling. Afterward, you’ll want to visit Santa’s lighted village to sit on Santa’s lap, drop off your letter, and enjoy some cookies and hot chocolate. Make sure you stay for the firework show later that evening.

In Coeur d’Alene, take a holiday cruise on the lake. You’ll journey to the North Pole and meet Santa Clause himself. He will even read off a list of the boys and girls on the cruise who are on the “nice” list.

There are all different ways to enjoy twinkling Christmas lights in Idaho from boat rides to your own two feet. If you are looking to drive through Christmas lights, head to Expo Idaho in Garden City for Christmas in Color. This light show features millions of lights that are synchronized to music. This is a Christmas light display that you won't see anywhere else in the Gem State. In fact, you’ll likely want to visit this Christmas event in Idaho multiple times throughout the holiday season to be mesmerized by the incredible color.

What are some of the best towns to visit during the holiday season in Idaho?

Head down south to Rupert, also known as “Christmas City, U.S.A.” This is the official nickname of this small town, and it was made official by the Idaho governor in 1987. During the holiday season, drive all around this town and see incredible Christmas light displays on houses, businesses, and more. It is well worth a visit.

Sun Valley transforms into a winter wonderland at Christmas each year. During the holiday season, the Sun Valley Resort transforms into a Christmas wonderland that even Scrooge himself would love. As you walk around the resort, you will see hundreds of lights on buildings and trees. There are also a variety of events that take place at the resort including visits from Mr. and Mrs. Santa Clause, seasonal foods, live performances, and so much more. A visit to this small town in Idaho is a great way to get into the holiday spirit.

Another town in Idaho that will put you into the holiday spirit is Meridian. This is one of the more populous cities in the state and it certainly knows how to welcome Christmas. All month long there are a variety of holiday events that range from a light parade to visits with Santa.