November in Boise is bursting with celebration, community spirit, and festive fun! From honoring our heroes on Veterans Day to kicking off the holiday season with twinkling lights and turkey trots, the Treasure Valley offers something for everyone this month. Whether you’re looking to reflect and give thanks, shop for handcrafted gifts, dance to live music, or simply make magical memories with your family, this guide has you covered. Dive into the best parades, performances, festivals, and family-friendly happenings that make November in Boise unforgettable.
Veterans Day
Veterans Day Parade: November 8, 10am
This year’s parade commemorates the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, recognizing the sacrifices and service of all U.S. Armed Forces veterans. The event features marching bands, floats, scout troops, civic organizations, and military units from across the Treasure Valley, all coming together to celebrate and reflect on the enduring value of military service to our nation.
More Veterans Day Events
- Veterans Breakfast: November 1, 8am
- Veteran’s Day Potato Feed: November 7, 6pm
- Veterans Day Parade: November 8, 10am
- Eagle Veterans Breakfast: November 15, 8am-10am
Thanksgiving
Festival of Trees: November 25-30
Celebrate the magic of the holiday season at the 41st annual Saint Alphonsus Festival of Trees, kicking off with the elegant Gala on Tuesday, November 25 at the Boise Centre. This beloved Treasure Valley tradition features stunningly decorated trees, festive performances, and community spirit, all in support of life-saving cardiovascular and cancer care at Saint Alphonsus. The festival continues with public exhibitions from November 26–30, and wraps up with a dazzling Fashion Show on December 1. Proceeds benefit the Saint Alphonsus Heart and Cancer Institutes, helping bring world-class care to Idahoans close to home.
More Thanksgiving Events
- St. Vincent de Paul Thanksgiving Food Box: November 19-26
- Boise Thanksgiving Eve Bar Crawl: November 26
- Turkey Day 5k: November 27, 9am
- Great Thanksgiving Banquet in Nampa: November 22, 10am-5pm
- Nampa Pumpkin Spice 5K: November 27, 8am
- Thanksgiving Barrel Weekend: November 28-39
Family
Canyon County Christmas Show: November 21-23
The Canyon County Christmas Show is a beloved holiday tradition that brings together talented artisans and vendors from across the region. This festive event offers a wide array of unique and handcrafted gifts, perfect for holiday shopping. Attendees can browse through booths filled with stunning jewelry, cozy winter accessories, delicious treats, and much more. With opportunities to take pictures with Santa, the Canyon County Christmas Show is a must-attend event for the entire family.
More Family Events
- 74th Annual Ski Swap: October 30-November 2
- Kids Discovery Expo: November 8, 10am-4pm
- Jurassic Quest: November 14-16
- Winter Wonderland Festival 2025: November 21-23
Stay Active
Turkey Day 5k: November 27, 9am
Kick off your Thanksgiving morning with Boise’s favorite holiday tradition—the Turkey Day 5K! Held annually in downtown Boise, this festive fun run brings together families, friends, and the community for a morning of energy, gratitude, and giving. Now in its 14th year, the event supports local nonprofits including the Boise Rescue Mission and Camp Rainbow Gold. Whether you’re running, walking, or cheering from the sidelines, your participation helps make a difference.
More Stay Active Events
- Boise Half Marathon: November 15, 8:30am
- Nampa Pumpkin Spice 5K: November 27
Festivals & Events
Winter Wonderland Festival & Opening Weekend: November 21-23
Each year, the City of Caldwell transforms Indian Creek Plaza into a dazzling winter wonderland. With over a million lights illuminating the plaza, it’s the perfect place to kick off the holiday season.
The Winter Wonderland Festival, hosted by Destination Caldwell and Indian Creek Plaza, offers a variety of festive activities for the whole family. From ice skating and visiting with Santa to exploring the holiday market and enjoying delicious treats, there’s something for everyone.
Key attractions of the festival include:
- Dazzling Light Displays: Immerse yourself in a magical winter wonderland with stunning light displays.
- Ice Skating: Glide across the ice rink and enjoy the wintery atmosphere.
- Holiday Market: Discover unique gifts and handcrafted items from local vendors.
- Santa Visits: Take photos with Santa Claus and share your Christmas wishes.
- Delicious Treats: Indulge in festive food and drinks from local food trucks and vendors.
Don’t miss this magical event! Join us for the opening weekend on November 21st and experience the joy of the holiday season.
More Festivals & Events
- It’s A 2000s (Halloween) Party: November 1, 9pm
- Paint with Penguins (18+): November 1, 3:30pm
- Backcountry Film Festival 2025: November 6, 7pm
- The Cabin Readings & Conversations: Jill Lepore with Steve Inskeep: November 6, 8pm
- The Boise Co-op Market 10 Year Anniversary Celebration: November 7, 4pm
- John Crist – Jokes for Humans: November 7, 7pm
- Treasure Valley Flea Market: November 8-9
- Idaho Dream Wedding Expo: November 8-9
- Front Street Fights 33: November 14, 7pm
- Boise Sports Cards and Memorabilia: November 15, 10am-6pm
- Paint with Penguins (18+): November 22, 3:30pm
- Bingo Loco (Early November Show): November 28, 6pm
- Bingo Loco (Late November Show): November 28, 6pm
- Canyon County Festival of Trees: November 28-December 1
Arts & Music
MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER CHRISTMAS: November 26, 7:30pm
November in Boise is bursting with live music, holiday cheer, and cultural flair! The month kicks off with indie rock vibes from Sir Chloe and Venus & the Flytraps, followed by a high-voltage tribute to AC/DC’s Back in Black by The Black Jacket Symphony. Metal fans can headbang at the Local Metal Showcase, while classic rock lovers won’t want to miss Styx and Loverboy. November 7 is packed with choices—from Ariel Pink’s dreamy tour to the Holiday Splendor Craft & Chocolate Affaire. The weekend continues with Margo Price, Emo Nite, and Mendelssohn’s Italian symphony. Ballet, emo, EDM, and holiday concerts fill the calendar, including The Great Gatsby Ballet, Home Alone with live orchestra, and A Charlie Brown Christmas. Whether you’re into indie, metal, classical, or holiday magic, Boise’s November lineup has something for everyone.
- Sir Chloe w/ Venus & the Flytraps: November 1, 8pm
- The Black Jacket Symphony presents: AC/DC “Back in Black”: November 4, 7:30pm
- Local Metal Showcase: November 6, 7pm
- Styx with special guest Loverboy: November 7, 7:30pm
- Ariel Pink – With You Every Night Tour 2025: November 7, 8pm
- A Holiday Splendor Craft & Chocolate Affaire: November 7-8
- Margo Price w/ Dillon Warnek: November 8, 8pm
- Emo Nite: November 8, 9pm
- MENDELSSOHN’S ITALIAN: November 8-9
- The Bunny The Bear: November 9. 6:30pm
- WILLIS w/ Winyah: November 9, 8pm
- WORLD BALLET COMPANY – THE GREAT GATSBY BALLET: November 11, 7pm
- Avatar: November 12, 7:30pm
- Peter McPoland – Big Lucky Tour: November 13, 8pm
- BOISE STATE ANNUAL HOLIDAY CONCERT: November 14, 6:30pm
- Lily Rose, Scoot Teasley: November 14, 8pm
- DRIPOLOGY w/ INZO: November 14, 8pm
- THE DARKNESS – Dreams on Toast: November 15, 8pm
- The Brothers Comatose w/ Goodnight, Texas: November 15, 8pm
- BOISE STATE SYMPHONIC WINDS: November 16, 7:30pm
- The 502s – Easy Street Tour: November 17, 8pm
- Neko Case Fall Tour 2025: November 18, 8pm
- Richy Mitch & The Coal Miners – Colorado’s on Fire Again w/ Field Medic: November 18, 8pm
- Henrik, Harrison Boe: November 19, 8pm
- Grand Kyiv ballet The Nutcracker: November 20, 7pm
- The Mars Volta: November 20, 8pm
- Boise State University Presents – A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS: November 20 – December 7
- Brandon Lake | King of Hearts Tour with Franni Cash and Pat Barrett: November 20, 7pm
- NEED A LITTLE CHRISTMAS – A Holiday Music Celebration: November 20-23
- Spoonful Night – Radio Boise Fundraiser: November 21, 8pm
- ATLiens: November 22, 8pm
- NGHTMRE – MINDFUL TOUR: November 22, 8pm
- STOMP: November 24-25
- Thomas Dolby: November 25, 8pm
- Malaa vs Alter Ego w/ Dark Heart, Sautrah, Cdigi (GATORBOYZ + FRIENDS): November 26, 8pm
- Boise Philharmonic Presents HOME ALONE Film With Live Orchestra: November 29-30