The Christmas Lights Road Trip Through Idaho That’s Nothing Short Of Magical

The seasons just keep changing, and with any luck, a white Christmas is on the radar this year. That means now is the perfect time to start planning family holiday adventures and winter road trips! But whether or not this season transforms the state into a fluffy, marshmallow world, thousands of colorful, twinkling lights are always the perfect way to make the Christmas season even brighter. If a traditional, nostalgia-filled outing is calling your name, a road trip to see some of the best Idaho Christmas lights is an amazing way to kick off the holiday season! This year, load up the kiddos, grab a few friends and a camera, and enjoy this festive journey.

For the first part of this series, we've done all the work for you and will be taking you all around the Boise valley to experience a few the best holiday light displays in the area... with a few extra side trips thrown in. But be sure to buckle up - it might be slick out there! Check out this map of the first part of this road trip.

Author's Note: Since the original publishing of this article in 2016, most of these homes are no longer doing light displays. Let us know what epic shows are happening in your neighborhood so we can update this post in the future! And be sure to stay tuned for more road trips in YOUR area!

1. 3426 N. Armor St. - Boise

The brilliant Armor Light Show on the Boise Bench has been running for a number of years and it just keeps getting better! In fact, some years, you might even find a Halloween light show as well. During the holidays, you'll see a drop-off area for non-perishable goods or donations to the Idaho Foodbank - the homeowner hopes to beat the previous year's donations every season!

2. 9150 W Velma St. - Boise

Traditional, but full of holiday cheer, this show is even lovelier in person.

3. 5415 N Mitchell St. - Boise

This lovely vintage home is decked out in classic winter scenes, including the Nutcracker's toy soldiers in every window and candy cane-colored lights. According to the homeowners, they've been decorating their home for 30 years now!

4. 5363 Hickory Run Pl. - Boise, 83704

The McCoy Family Christmas light display has been quite a hit the past few years, and this year's star-studded display is no exception! But you might have to wait until mid-December to check it out.

5. 12052 Fiddler Dr. - Boise

This extravagant display features all the cute, cheesy, and quintessential inflatables you could ever hope for.

6. 5058 N Ice Springs Way. - Boise

For all of Boise's biggest Bronco fans, this blue and orange display will get you in the mood for BSU's next bowl game "W."

7. 1348 E Tourmaline St. - Meridian

This stately residential home is an icicled gem that will make you feel like you're at the North Pole. And with the snow on the ground right now, this E. Tourmaline Street light show is even more fabulous!

8. 2811 N Anston Ave. - Meridian

Whenever a light display is set to music, you know it's going to be good. And there might just be a few surprises thrown in on this one...

9. 3705 N Buckstone Ave, - Meridian

The Shannon family's Christmas light display is epic, and it's renowned enough across the valley to warrant mentions along with the famous Cadgers dubstep house, and this year is just as spectacular as ever. Free and usually running nightly, you can tune in to 95.3 to enjoy the show in all its beauty.

10. Tumble Creek Subdivision, Ustick & Linder - Meridian

Subdivisions oftentimes offer the biggest bang for your buck in terms of mesmerizing displays, all tasteful, elegant, and easily viewable within a short walking or driving distance from one another. Tumble Creek is no exception!

To keep these beautiful light shows a surprise, some of these photos are for representational purposes only. Be sure to double-check light show hours and station details before visiting.

Excited to get out and experience the magic for yourself? We are too! And we promise... these Christmas lights are even better in person! No planning is needed - just a trusty GPS and a hot beverage to keep those hands toasty while you enjoy the magical Christmas artistry of fellow Idahoans!

Now... are you ready for Part 2?? This is only the start of our epic multi-part Christmas lights road trip! In the meantime, check out our Idaho Christmas Bucket List, our favorite Idaho winter festivals, or even these incredible light festivals and tours.