Scentsy Commmons Christmas Lights There are few better photo-ops in Idaho during the Christmas season than the 250 foot long light tunnel at Scentsy Commons. According to Scentsy, their display has over 800,000 lights on 450 trees which spread out end to end would cover 43 miles. Combine that with the lights on their 75 foot tall Christmas tree and the lights on the tunnel, you’ll get a total of around 887,000 lights. When: Now through January 16th Location: 2701 E. Pine Ave., Meridian ID 83642
Winter Wonderland at Indian Creek One of the best holiday light displays in the Treasure Valley, don’t miss the holiday celebration at Indian Creek Plaza in Caldwell. When: November 19th through January 9th Location: 127 S 6th Ave., Caldwell, ID 83605
Winter Garden Aglow Celebrating its 25th year, the Winter Garden Aglow is a magnificent display of lights and decorations arranged throughout the Idaho Botanical Garden. Create memories with the ones you love and experience over 500,000 lights hung artfully among the landscape. Swing by the Garden Cottage and strike a pose at the all-new Holiday Selfie Station, take a peek at the Santa and Mrs. Claus display, and even send the big guy a postcard! Enjoy snacks and warm drinks from local vendors while you warm up by a fire, stroll through Outlaw Field, and see what wondrous creation Illumicone has in store for you this year. When: November 25th through December 31st Hours: Wednesday through Sunday6:00 – 9:30 PM Where: 2355 Old Penitentiary Road, Boise, ID 83712 Website
Christmas in Color Enjoy this drive-thru experience at Expo Idaho! Pack up the kids in the car and sip on hot chocolate as you enjoy the light show. Purchase tickets here. When: December 20th through January 2nd Hours: 5:30 – 8:30 PM Where: 5610 N Glenwood St., Boise, ID 83714
Boise Trolley Light Tours Check out beautiful Christmas light displays while you ride on the forever fun Boise trolley! Book your tour here. When: December 4th through December 24th Hours: 7:00 PM Where: Evergreen Business Mall Library Plaza (corner of Cole Rd and Ustick Rd)
Santa Guide
Santa at the Village Take the kids for a photo with Santa in his decorated hut at the Village at Meridian! Spots must be reserved ahead of time. When: November 19th through December 24th Where: 3597 E Monarch Sky Ln., Meridian, ID 83646 Reservations & More Info
Santa at the Mall Photos with Santa will be available at the Boise Towne Square Mall. When: November 8th through December 24th Hours: Mon-Sat 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Sunday 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM Where: 350 N Milwaukee St., Boise, ID 83704 Price: Free
Zoom w/Santa from City of Meridian Santa has offered to meet with the youth of Meridian (and the Treasure Valley) individually via Zoom! Each call will be a 3-4 minute private meeting with Santa where kids can tell him what is on his/her Christmas wish list! Reservations open on Thanksgiving Day and can be made here.
Parade Guide
City of Meridian Click here for the parade route and more info. When: December 3rd Time: 7:00 PM
Emmett Public Library Join the Emmett Public Library for their annual Christmas Bazaar. When: November 18th through December 18th Hours: Monday through Friday 11:00 am – 6:00 PM and Saturday 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Boise Christmas Show Enjoy a wide variety of vendors at the Boise Christmas Show at Expo Idaho. When: December 3rd through December 5th Hours: Friday 11am-7pm, Saturday 11am-7pm, Sunday 11am-4pm Where: 5610 N Glenwood St., Boise, ID 83714 Tickets: Adults $5, Seniors (62 and older) $4, Children 12 & under free
Boise Mall Let your fur kids and grand pups join in on the holiday fun with photos with Santa! Get the family together to strike a pose with the Big Guy to capture paw-fect holiday moments! Reservations recommended. When: November 29th through December 20th Hours: Mondays from 5:00 – 8:00 PM Where: Boise Towne Square Mall Center Court, 305 Milwaukee St, Boise, ID 83704 Reservations & More Info
The Village Bring your dog-gone good canine, purr-fect feline or feathered friends to capture an un-fur-gettable moment with Santa Claus! Reservations are required and when reserving your space for pet photos, please ONLY select a time on Mondays between 4-8pm. When: November 22nd through December 20th Hours: Mondays 4:00 – 8:00 PM Where: 3597 E Monarch Sky Ln., Meridian, ID 83646
Santa’s Wonderland for Pets Head over to Cabela’s for a free photo with Santa! Reservations can be made here. When: November 6th through December 24th
And remember, if you are ready to do some house hunting this holiday season OR if you have family in town who might want to make a move to the area give me a call or text! It would be my honor to help you and your family find a new idaHOME.
There is nothing quite like the fall season in Boise! The City of Trees changes to an array of red, orange, and yellow against the beautiful mountain backdrop. Whether it is picking pumpkins at one of the local farms, trick-or-treating on Harrison Blvd., or attending a fall event, Boise offers so much to celebrate the fall season.
Pumpkin Patches, Corn Mazes, & Farms
Twin Oaks Farms
Twin Oaks Farm has been a fall staple in the Treasure Valley for several years now. Pre-COVID they would change an entry fee and have plenty of food & activities to participate in, including a haunted Halloween section. However, they have since switched things up to accommodate COVID restrictions. Twin Oaks no longer charges an entry fee to the farm and you can enjoy free corn pits, mini mazes, a hay stack tower and slide. The u-pick pumpkins, horse rides, train ride, and animal feed do cost money.
Location: 3650 North Eagle Road, Eagle ID 83616
Hours: Monday through Thursday 10am – Sunset, Friday through Sunday 10am – Sunset (about 6pm)
Lowe Family Farmstead
Celebrating 25 years of fall fun, the Farmstead is open for the season until October 30th. Enjoy one of Idaho’s largest corn mazes, pumpkin patch, hay rides, u-pick flower field, corn boxes, pig races, potato sack slide, pony rides, and much more. There is also plenty of food and drink vendors to make sure you stay full and hydrated while spending the day at the Farmstead. Admission is $16 and includes the hay ride, corn maze, pumpkin patch, farm animals, and more.
When Linder Farms changed hands, we weren’t sure if this fall staple would remain open to the public. However, the new owners (Dave & Kristen Morton) are dedicated to bringing plenty of activities and themed days/nights to the Treasure Valley! The Fall Festival opened on September 24th and will run until October 31st. Admission is $8 for single ticket, $30 for a family ticket (2 adults & 2 children), and $6 for each additional family member. Admission fees are separate from the cost of any attractions, games, food, drinks, or activities.
Activities include bounce houses, fun house, mechanical bull, sunflower field, hay ride, zip line, axe throwing, carnival games, and more. The concession stand will have a variety of drinks along with burgers, hot dogs, corn dogs, mini doughnuts, and cotton candy. The General Store will also be open and available to shop for fresh apple cider, local fruit, several local vendors, and even Linder Farms apparel.
Location: 7165 South Linder Road, Meridian ID 83642
Haunted Attractions
Haunted World
The Haunted World has been open for over 20 years and is one of Idaho’s largest haunted attractions. As the largest indoor and outdoor haunted attraction, they have perfected the art of fear! Visitors can expect about 1.5 hours of spooky fun on weekdays and about 2 hours on weekends. Admission is $27 for a base ticket (children 5 and under are free) and $32 for a fast track ticket (recommended on the weekends). Ticket price includes entry to the Haunted World and Skullvania attraction.
Hours:Monday through Friday dusk to 10 PM, Saturdays dusk to Midnight
Location: 20031 Northside Blvd., Caldwell ID 83605
Requiem Haunted House
Requiem is one of the newest haunted attractions in the Treasure Valley. Located in downtown Caldwell, with over 13,000 square feet of indoor terror, you are invited to enter at your own risk! Purchasing tickets online ahead of time is recommended, as they are only offering timed entries to adhere to COVID-19 protocols. Admission is $18 for ages 13 and up, and $13 for 12 and under. Waivers must be signed ahead of time online as well.
Location: 810 Main Street, Caldwell ID 83605
Fall Events
Fall Harvest at the Garden
Head out to the Idaho Botanical Garden every Saturday throughout October for the family-friendly Fall Harvest in the Garden. Each week offers a unique experience featuring Scarecrow Stroll, artisan vendors, food trucks, local beer and cider, and live music. There really is something for everyone! Set aside a few weekends to come and enjoy one of the best times to be in the Garden! Admission is free for members or $9 for adults, $5 for 4-12 years old, and free for kids 3 and under. Check out the full schedule of events here.
Boise Fall Home Show
The Boise Fall Home Show is one of the largest expo events of the year! Head out to Expo Idaho October 22nd – October 24th to find vendors for home updates and upgrades, landscaping, remodeling, new products, design ideas, and more. Tickets are $3 per adult and children 12 and under are free.
The holiday season in the Treasure Valley is a sight to behold! Downtown Boise puts up several lights throughout the city streets, there are a number of large light displays, and plenty of opportunities to see Santa and Mrs. Claus. From young kids to adults, there’s always an event for everyone.
Light Displays
Christmas in Color Location: Expo Idaho | 5610 N. Glenwood St. | Garden City Date: starts November 20th | 5:30 – 10:30 pm
A mile long electric extravaganza! Immerse yourself in holiday cheer as you drive-through and watch in awe as 1.5 million lights dance around you to some of your favorite holiday music. Tickets can be reserved onlineand start at $30 per car. Dates are available on their website.
Scentsy Commons Christmas Lights Location: Scentsy Commons | Meridian Date: starts November 13th | lights on sunset to sunrise
Come enjoy over 450 trees that have been wrapped in 43 miles of lights along with a popular light tunnel. New in 2020 is a 75-foot tall light-up Christmas tree. Social distancing and mask wearing is encourage, but please note Scentsy commons is all outdoors.
Indian Creek Plaza Location: Indian Creek Plaza | Corner of Kimball Ave & Arthur St. | Caldwell Date: opening weekend is November 20-22 | 6:00 -10:00 pm
Come enjoy one of the Treasure Valley’s most incredible light displays! This Winter Wonderland boasts over a million holiday lights along with yummy treats, vendors, and more. Indian Creek Plaza will also be opening the Ice Ribbon & Rink this year with limited skaters and sanitizing measures.
Winter Garden aGlow Location: Idaho Botanical Garden | 2355 Old Penitentiary Road | Boise Date:Wednesday – Sunday starting Thanksgiving Day through December 27th
Enjoy the holiday season as the Botanical Garden is transformed into a beautiful light show. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available and the kids can even send Santa a postcard! Check out the express model train and wander through the coolest tunnel of lights in Boise. Snacks and warm drinks will be available from local vendors. To ensure the health and safety of guests this year, timed ticketing will be in effect and tickets must be purchased in advance.
Holiday Markets
Idaho Bright Lights Festival Location: Ford Idaho Center | 16200 Idaho Center Blvd. | Nampa Date: 5:00 – 10:00 pm Thursday – Saturday | starting November 20 and running through January 1
Come enjoy this social distant winter market packed with local artists, vendors, Santa, and a dazzling light display. Each weekend will feature different experiences, activities, and vendors. Shake off those 2020 blues by browsing through this winter wonderland filled with scavenger hunts, music, warm food and drinks, fun photo ops, and more.
Eagle Country Christmas Location: Heritage Park | Eagle Date: December 5th from 1:00 – 6:00 pm
Celebrate Christmas with small-town charm! Eagle Country Christmas is a holiday market with so much to offer. Take a picture with Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy a carriage ride through downtown Eagle, listen to local choirs and live bands, and the kids activity section. The grand finale of the Eagle Country Christmas market will be the tree lighting ceremony at 5:30 pm.
Weihnachtsmarkt Location: Powderhaus Brewing Company | 9719 W Chinden Blvd. | Garden City Date: November 28th from 12:00 – 9:00 pm
This annual Christmas market hosted by Powderhaus Brewing will be an indoor/outdoor event this year. Come enjoy some of Powderhaus’ beer while shopping local vendors, eating delicious food, and traditional gluhwein.
Events
Christmas Comedy Show Location: The Creative Space | 121 E 34th Street | Garden City Date: December 12th from 6:30 – 7:45 pm
Join Recycled Minds Comedy for a magical night of Christmas improv comedy with a special appearance by Santa. There is an early show at 6:30pm and a late show at 8:15 pm. Tickets are $12 online or $15 at the door (kids 5-12 years old are $5). Bring the kiddos over early between 1-3pm for a private picture with Santa. Refreshments will be available for purchase. Celebrate the holidays with family, friends, and laughter!
Christmas Tea at the Train Depot Location: The Nampa Train Depot | 1200 Front Street | Nampa Date: December 5th & 6th at 9:00 am, 12:00 pm, or 3:00 pm
Come enjoy an old fashion tea party featuring two themed days. Saturday, December 5th is Victorian themed while Sunday, December 6th is mid-century themed. Guests will enjoy yummy goodies and a variety of tea flavors while music is played by entertainers. Masks will be required when not seated your table and availability has been decreased to 25% of available attendees.
Kid Oriented
Christmas Pony Party Location: Pine Hollow Ranch | 2170 Waterwheel Rd. | Emmett Date: December 5th 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Enjoy a good ole fashion time in the stables and indoor areas with Santa! Photo ops in Santa’s sleigh will be available. Come see the ponies, Zebra, and other farm animals while enjoying hot cocoa, cookies, and fun activities. Admission is $8 at the gate.
Visit with Santa Location: Indian Creek Plaza | corner of Kimball Ave & Arthur St. | Caldwell Date: starts November 27th 6:30-8:30 pm
Visit Santa and snap a photo in his sleigh! Mr. & Mrs. Claus will be available every Friday night. Once you’ve taken your photo, head over to the ice rink for some skating! Hand sanitizing stations are available and social distancing is encouraged.
If you’re ready to call the Treasure Valley home, schedule a no obligation buyer consult with Realtor and owner, Gabriel Gutierrez.
Fall has arrived in the Treasure Valley! We have said goodbye to 100 degree days, the trees are starting to turn colors, pumpkin spice lattes are available in local coffee shops, and we are starting to break out sweaters and boots. One of the best things about fall, in our opinion, is the large list of activities and family traditions that start this time of year. Pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and u-pick orchards being amongst the top activities!
U-PICK ORCHARDS
Anderson Apple Ranch | 1877 West South Slope Road, Emmett
Anderson Apple Ranch has both Oregon Red Delicious and Golden Delicious apples available to pick this season. They are open Fridays and Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM till October 31st. Remember to bring your own baskets or boxes to collect your apples!
Tyler’s Rocky Point Orchard | 993 Hermosa Lane, Emmett
Tyler’s Orchard has some of the best fresh apple cider around! Pick up a ½ gallon when you head out for u-pick apple and plums. Golden Delicious, Macintosh, and early Fuji apples are available. The orchard is self-serve and open seven days a week from sunrise to sunset.
Candy Apple Orchard just recently opened for the season! Their hours are Sunday-Friday (closed Saturday) from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Bring your own boxes, bags, or baskets to pick a variety of apples including Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, and Rome Beauties. In addition to apples, Candy Apple Orchard also has locally made Reisinger Honey, apple butter, pumpkin butter, and fruit salsas available for purchase.
Locally known as The Farmstead, the Lowe Family has created a fall oasis out in Kuna. In addition to their epic pumpkin patch, the Farmstead boasts one of the best (and most popular) corn mazes in Idaho. Plan to be there for a few hours at least because they also offer pig races, a potato sack slide, u-pick flowers, multiple train rides, farmyard animals and pony rides, and their Halloween attraction: Field of Screams. They are open Monday through Thursday 4:00 – 9:00 PM, Friday and Saturday 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and closed on Sundays. The Farmstead runs until October 31st.
Linder Farms is perhaps the second most popular fall attraction in the Treasure Valley. Attractions include the pumpkin patch, corn maze, tractor rides, petting zoo, multiple slides, a pumpkin sling shot, a mechanical bull, and much more. Linder Farms also offers plenty of delicious food and drink options. They are open Monday through Thursday 5:00 – 9:00 PM, Friday 5:00 – 10:00 PM, and Saturday 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
In addition to the pumpkin patch, Twin Oaks Farms offers u-pick vegetables, a petting zoo, and hayrides. COVID has caused Twin Oaks to shut down some of their more popular attractions this year, but in exchange they are offering free admission! They are the definition of a local, family run farm. Open Tuesday through Thursday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, and Friday-Sunday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
The threat of COVID-19 has changed some local farms and corn mazes this year. So although we’ve weeded out some of those places and researched the most up-to-date information, please remember to call ahead or double check online before heading out for a day of fun.
Looking for useful home tips or real estate data? Head over to our blog for more awesome content.
The holiday season is fast approaching and we’ve got your quick-list for all this years’ best activities and events! From tree lightings to ice skating, check out some key local events below.
‘Christmas is Coming to Kleiner Park’ – November 16th This fourth annual celebration kicks off the holiday season at Kleiner Park in Meridian. The event has local vendors, a craft fair, scavenger hunt, local food trucks, live music, and more. Free to the public. Saturday, November 16th 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM 1920 N. Records Way | Meridian, ID
Winter Wonderland Festival – November 22nd Indian Creek Plaza in Caldwell is going all out this year with over a million LED lights. Watch as the mayor flips the switch for the display (scheduled for 7:30pm). In addition to the light display, there will be characters from Frozen, Santa, a Kid Play Land, ice skating, and much more. The event itself is free but special activities, like ice skating, are extra. Friday, November 22nd 5:00 – 10:00 PM 120 S. Kimball Avenue | Caldwell, ID
Boise Holiday Parade – November 23rd Former BSU President, Dr. Bob Kustra, leads the parade this year through the streets of downtown Boise. Enjoy musical performances, marching bands, jugglers, and more. The parade route is along Jefferson and Bannock Streets between 10th and 5th Streets. Saturday, November 23rd 10:00 AM
Handmade Idaho Holiday Market – November 23rd – 24th The El Korah Shrine hosts the Handmade Idaho Holiday Market – your holiday gift shopping extravaganza! Saturday, November 23rd: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday, November 24th: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM 1118 W. Idaho Street | Boise, ID
Festival of Trees – November 27 – December 1st Share in the magic as the Boise Centre becomes home to a wonderland of holiday splendor, featuring hundreds of lavishly decorated Christmas trees, wreaths and inspirational decor. This year, funds raised will support the women’s mobile outreach program which will bring the latest advancements in screening tools to our rural communities in order to detect cancer in its earliest stages when it is most treatable. Admission is $8.00 for adults and $5.00 for kids 12 & under (2 years and under are free). Wednesday, November 27th thru Sunday, December 1st Times vary by day, check the schedule here: https://www.saintalphonsus.org/about-us/ways-to-give/boise/festival-of-trees/admission-and-attractions
Downtown Boise Holiday Tree Lighting – November 29th Boise Mayor Bieter lights up the holiday tree on The Grove Plaza in Downtown Boise, while families in attendance sing carols and join in the candle lighting ceremony. The community is invited to attend this traditional event that lights up downtown and welcomes the holiday season to the Treasure Valley. Beer and wine are available for purchase, and hot chocolate/coffee is available from any nearby coffee shop. Friday, November 29th 5:00 – 6:30 PM The Grove Plaza | Boise, ID
Field of Screams – The Farmstead presents their Field of Screams every Friday and Saturday night, starting on October 4th. This haunted corn maze opens at dark and lasts till 10:00pm. For more information, visit the Farmstead website at farmsteadfestival.com
Location: 2500 South Eagle Rd., Kuna, Idaho 83634
Haunted World – A Halloween staple in the Treasure Valley, The Haunted World kicked off their 20th season on Friday, September 13th. This is one of the Treasure Valley’s scariest Halloween activities and for good reason! Along with the main Haunted World attraction (which takes about 45 minutes to complete), this scare fest also features a haunted house and a 15 acre corn maze. For more information visit: hauntedworld.org
Tickets are $25 for ages 5+ and include entry to the Haunted World and Skullvania (the haunted house); the corn maze is included for free.
Open dates are: September 13-13, 20-21, 27-28, and October 1-31st (closed Sundays). Last tickets are sold as late as 10:00pm on weekdays and till midnight on weekends.
Requiem Haunted House – Located in downtown Caldwell, Requiem is the largest indoor haunted attraction in the Treasure Valley. You are invited to enter the 13,000 square foot building at your own risk. See more at requiemhaunt.com
Tickets are $13.00 for ages 13+ and $10.00 for 12 and younger.
Location: 810 Main Street, Caldwell, Idaho 83605
Open dates are: Fridays & Saturdays from 7:30-12:00pm now through October 26th. Thursdays from 7:30-10:00pm starting October 10th. Wednesday, October 30th, and Halloween night from 7:30-10:00pm.
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