Winter in Southwest Idaho

Holiday Happenings in SW Idaho

Glide on Grove in Boise

Make this year the year you visit family and friends in Southwest Idaho for the holidays. Even better, make it epic.

To help, we’ve assembled a list of holiday season activities to help you get your cheer on.

MURPHY
Owyhee County Museum’s Christmas Bazaar: Go gift-shopping and get your Christmas tree in Murphy, about 30 miles south of Nampa. Trees go on sale at 10 am December 7.

BOISE
Glide on Grove: An iceless skating rink in the heart of downtown Boise. Take laps around the city tree while spirited holiday music fills the Grove Plaza. The free activity opens on Thanksgiving weekend. Learn more here.

Idaho Capitol Tree & Decorations: While the spectacular state Christmas tree stands tall on the capitol steps, the interior of the capitol also gets blanketed in festive decorations. Make time to enjoy both! The official tree-lighting event schedule is still TBA — but look for it near the end of November or the beginning of December.

CALDWELL
Indian Creek Plaza’s Winter Wonderland: This relatively recent addition has now become a holiday tradition. Ice skate. Shop. Stroll creekside enjoying fabulous lighting displays — with over a million lights! — in beautiful downtown Caldwell. Join the opening weekend event starting November 17.

NAMPA
Canyon County Christmas Show: Scheduled for November 17-19 at the Ford Idaho Center. Find gifts and take photos with Santa! More info here.

MERIDIAN
Scentsy Commons: Each year, the home fragrance company lights up the exterior of its Meridian-based headquarters with a stunning walk-through display. The highlight for many is the football field length light tunnel. Wow!

GARDEN CITY
Christmas in Color: A drive-through light show at Expo Idaho. Find tickets here.

EAGLE
Eagle Country Christmas: A traditional small-town holiday gathering near Heritage Park in charming downtown Eagle. December 2, 1-6pm. Food, gift shopping, and plenty of family fun. Details are on the city’s website.

GARDEN VALLEY
Sleigh Ride & Tree Hunting: Join Idaho Sleigh Rides on a memorable wagon ride to pick your Christmas tree starting the day after Thanksgiving. Reservations required. More here.

GLENNS FERRY
A Ferry Merry Christmas: Enjoy a shopping bazaar, Santa’s arrival, pancakes with the elves, a light display, and more. November 24-25. Events in downtown Glenns Ferry and at the Elmore County Fairgrounds. More here.

CASCADE
Christmas Tree Lighting: The lakeside community of Cascade pulls out all the stops for their lighting ceremony. Festivities start in the afternoon and include ornament making, cookies, a visit from Santa, and more. Saturday, December 2nd, 4pm at 115 N Main St.

"Only in SW Idaho" Winter Experiences

Winter is just another adventure season. And fortunately, Southwest Idaho winters feature adventures for everyone.

Idaho City Backcountry Yurts

Get into the backcountry! These ski- or snowshoeing-in yurts sleep six in a cozy, furnished space with spectacular mountain views. Your only neighbors will be birds and other wildlife. Sure, there’s no TV and potentially limited cell service, but that’s a feature, not a bug. Spend your days Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, or just watching the flakes fall.

Brundage Backcountry Snowmobile Tours

Get out into the backcountry with expert guides. The Brundage Mountain team offers snowmobile tours to scenic spots like Granite Lake, Goose Lake, and the Brundage Mountain Lookout. A once-in-a-lifetime experience available that visitors to Southwest Idaho can experience all winter long!

Idaho Sled Dog Challenge

The Idaho Sled Dog Challenge (ISDC) includes three races in the Cascade/Long Valley area. Events start January 20th and run through February 1. An Iditarod and Yukon Quest qualifier!

Blue Moon Yurt Dining

This is just one of those things you must experience to believe. Start with a magical ski or snowshoe down a torchlit trail to a rustic yurt, where you’ll be served a multi-course culinary meal like no other. Absolutely otherworldly!

Ice Fishing in Cascade

Ever fished on the ice, through the ice? Several lakes in the Cascade area, including Lake Cascade and (ironically) Warm Lake, permit ice fishing for perch and trout. We highly recommend a guide to ensure your trip is safe, smart, and productive. Or stop by Tamarack Outfitters for more information. Ice fishing season for Tamarack runs January 12-March 30 and offers fully guided trips, including snowmobiles, heated shacks, rods, live-scopes, rods, and tackle.