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
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
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.
More Arts & Music December Events
- Broadway in Boise 2025-2026 Season – MJ THE MUSICAL: December 2-7
- Silverstein – 25 Years Of Noise: December 2, 7pm
- Living Legends – How The Grouch Stole Christmas Tour: December 2, 7pm
- Pouya: December 3, 7pm
- Young Gun Silver Fox w/ Bird Streets, Low-Fi: December 3, 7pm
- Atreyu – The Curse Tour w/ Norma Jean, Zero 9:36: December 4, 6pm
- Memphis May Fire: THE SHAPESHIFTER TOUR LEG 2 w/ Rain City Drive, Nevertel, If Not For Me: December 5, 6pm
- An Evening with the Mountain Goats: December 6, 7pm
- Chase Matthew: December 6, 7pm
- Karate Riot & Friends: December 7, 7pm
- Tape B: December 7, 6:30pm
- Vincent Lima – To Love A Thing That Fades 2025 Tour: December 10, 7:30pm
- SunSquabi, High Gain Theory, Charly Foxx: December 10, 8pm
- Sickick: December 12, 8pm
- Solitary Band – The Neil Diamond Experience: December 17, 7:30pm
- Shrek Rave: December 19, 9pm
- DynaDuo Presents – Dark Harvest III: December 20, 7pm