Top December Events in Boise: Your Ultimate Holiday Guide

Looking for the best December events in Boise? The Treasure Valley shines during the holiday season with Christmas lights, holiday markets, family-friendly activities, and unforgettable celebrations. From dazzling light displays like Winter Garden aGlow and Scentsy Commons Christmas Lights to festive favorites such as Santa photo spots, holiday parades, and local theater performances, there’s something for everyone.

Stay active with holiday fun runs like the YMCA Christmas Run, catch incredible shows including MJ THE MUSICAL at the Morrison Center, and don’t miss Boise’s biggest New Year’s Eve party—the iconic Idaho Potato Drop. Whether you’re planning family outings, date nights, or holiday adventures with friends, this guide covers the top Boise holiday events in December so you can make the most of the season.

Christmas

Winter Garden aGlow at Idaho Botanical Garden

Experience one of Boise’s most beloved holiday traditions as the Idaho Botanical Garden transforms into a dazzling winter wonderland. From late November through December, stroll through pathways illuminated by 850,000+ twinkling lights, enchanting displays like Candy Cane Forest and Gumdrop Grove, and community-made gingerbread houses. Enjoy festive drinks at the cozy Yuletide Lodge Bar, meet Santa on select nights, and join family-friendly activities such as the Jerome the Gnome scavenger hunt. Every ticket supports the Garden’s education and conservation programs—making this magical event a celebration of light, community, and nature.

More Christmas December Events in Boise

Scentsy Commons Christmas Lights: November 14-January 19
Santa Photos at Boise Towne Square: November 14-December 24
Christmas in Color: November 14 – December 28
Santa Photos at Cabela’s: November 2-December 24
Pet photos with Santa at Boise Town Square: November 17-December 16
Photos with Santa at The Village: November 21-December 24
Pet Photos with Santa at The Village: November 25-December 23
Winter Garden aGlow: November 28-December 31
Canyon County Festival of Trees: November 28 – December 1
Boise Holiday Parade: November 29, 10am
Winter Wonderland at Indian Creek Plaza: Thanksgiving until the first week of January
Music Theater of Idaho Presents: A Christmas Carol: December 4-5
Meridian Ornament Drop and Seek: December 4, 5
Winter Lights Parade: December 5, 7pm
Jingle Jam – for Boise Rescue Mission Ministries: December 5, 7:30pm
Vintage Market Days presents “Splendor”: December 5-7
Boise Christmas Show: December 5-7
Breakfast with Santa at Zoo Boise: December 6-7, 8:30am-10:45am
Afrosonics – Holiday Blast Off!: December 7, 6pm
Nathan Pacheco – Higher Christmas 2025: December 9, 7:30pm
Boise SantaCon 2025: December 13, 4pm
Ballet Idaho Presents – THE NUTCRACKER: Dec 13-23
Breakfast With Santa presented by Dave & Buster’s: December 7, 9am
The Nutcracker – Nampa: December 10-12, 7pm
MERIDIAN SYMPHONY “Home for the Holidays” concert: December 13, 7:30pm
MERIDIAN SYMPHONY “Home for the Holidays” concert: December 14, 2:00pm
Xtreme Holiday Xtravaganza (night 1): December 14, 6:30pm
Xtreme Holiday Xtravaganza (night 2): December 15, 6:30pm
Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox – Magic, Moonlight and Mistletoe Toe: December 18, 8pm
Boise Ballet presents The Nutcracker: December 19-21
Candlelight – Christmas Special Featuring “The Nutcracker” & More: December 21, 8:45pm
Messiah – Sing-a-long featuring The Egyptian Organ: December 21, 5pm

New Years

Idaho Potato Drop – Boise’s Biggest New Year’s Eve Party

Ring in the New Year at the Idaho Potato Drop, a quirky and iconic event held at Cecil D. Andrus Park by the Idaho State Capitol. Starting at 6 PM, enjoy live music, food trucks, local vendors, and thrilling winter sports exhibitions like the Urban Air Ski & Snowboard Jam. At midnight, watch the world-famous GlowTato—a giant illuminated potato—descend from the sky, followed by a spectacular fireworks show. This free, family-friendly event has become a beloved tradition, drawing thousands to celebrate Idaho’s spud-tacular spirit in style.

More New Years December Events in Boise

Radio Boise’s Practice New Year Year’s Eve Party: December 6
Idaho Potato Drop: December 31, 6pm
New Years Eve Boise NYE Bar Crawl – All Access Party Pass to 10+ Venues: December 31
GRATEFUL – New Year’s Eve Show: December 31
BOISE NEW YEAR’S EVE 2026 BAR CRAWL | Boise NYE 2026 Event: December 31
The Last Call New Year’s Eve Ball: December 31
New Year’s Eve Lock In: December 31, 7pm
BASS DROP NYE Space Wizard: December 31, 8pm

Stay Active

YMCA Christmas Run

Celebrate the season at the YMCA Christmas Run, a festive family-friendly event held at Boise High School. Participants can choose from a 1-Mile Reindeer Dash, 2-Mile Run/Walk, or 6-Mile Run/Walk, with Santa kicking off the race and prizes for the best holiday costumes. After crossing the finish line, enjoy warm treats like bagels from Blue Sky Bagels, a photo booth, and an awards ceremony. Early packet pick-up includes exclusive Christmas Run gloves for the first 1,000 registrants. This beloved Treasure Valley tradition combines fitness, fun, and holiday cheer for all ages.

More Stay Active December Events

Holiday Hot Cocoa Hustle 5K: December 6
YMCA Christmas Run: December 20, 10am

Festivals & Events

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl

The Famous Idaho Potato Bowl is an annual NCAA-sanctioned postseason college football game held at Albertsons Stadium on the Boise State University campus. Known as the nation’s northernmost bowl game, it traditionally features a matchup between teams from the Mountain West Conference and the Mid-American Conference, and is broadcast nationally on ESPN. Beyond the gridiron action, fans enjoy unique Idaho flair, including the iconic potato bar and festive game-day atmosphere. Sponsored by the Idaho Potato Commission, this event has been a Boise tradition since 1997.

More Festivals & Events

Josh Wolf – The Campfire Tour: December 5, 8pm
Trevor Wallace – The Alpha Beta Male: December 7, 6pm
Trevor Wallace – The Alpha Beta Male: December 7, 9pm
Nate Bargatze | Big Dumb Eyes 2025 World Tour: December 7, 7pm
Treefort for Good Fundraising Gala: December 10, 7pm
Shane Gillis Live: December 12, 8pm
Idaho Potato Bowl: December 22, 1:30pm
Bingo Loco (Early December Show): December 27, 6pm
Bingo Loco (Late December Show): December 27, 10pm

Arts & Music

MJ THE MUSICAL at the Morrison Center

Step into the world of one of the greatest entertainers of all time as MJ THE MUSICAL brings Michael Jackson’s artistry to Boise. This multiple Tony Award®-winning production, created by Tony Award®-winning director/choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, offers an electrifying look at the creative process behind Jackson’s legendary 1992 Dangerous World Tour. After thrilling audiences worldwide, MJ makes its Boise premiere at the Morrison Center, December 2–7, 2025. With stunning design, choreography, and unforgettable music, this is a theatrical experience you won’t want to miss.