The Boise area has 13 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from Festival of Trees in Boise on November 25 to Winter Garden aGlow in Boise, which runs through December 30. 11 of them are free, and every listing links straight to the host. It is one stop on our guide to Christmas events for kids in Idaho, part of our guide for every state.
The short version
- 13 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in Boise for 2026, in Boise, Meridian, Nampa and Eagle
- First: Festival of Trees, Boise, November 25. Runs latest: Winter Garden aGlow, Boise, through December 30
- Free: Downtown Boise's Holiday Tree Lighting, Holiday Fest: A Seasonal Celebration, Christmas In Meridian Winter Lights Parade & Tree Lighting, Christmas Caroling at the Library, Eagle Country Christmas, Winter Wonderland Workshop, Literature in the Garden: Nature Ornaments, 12th Annual Christmas at the Library, Children's Winterland Festival, Story Time: Winter and The Nutcracker: A Music Adventure with Paige Moore
- Checked on each host’s own page; each listing links straight to it
Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by city, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (sign-ups, ages, what is included). Looking for a Santa train instead? Those are on our Idaho Christmas train rides page.
Boise Christmas events for kids at a glance
- Kids’ Christmas events
- 13 confirmed for 2026
- Cities
- Boise, Meridian, Nampa and Eagle
- Season
- November 25 to December 30, 2026
- Free events
- 11
- Kinds of events
- holiday story time, holiday lights, tree lighting and holiday crafts
- Last checked
Plan your December
When each Boise Christmas event for kids happens
The first is Festival of Trees in Boise on November 25; the last runs to December 30. Each bar spans an event’s dates, not every hour in them, so check the host’s page for times.
- Festival of TreesBoise · Nov 25 to Nov 29
- Downtown Boise's Holiday Tree LightingBoise · Nov 27
- Winter Garden aGlowBoise · Nov 27 to Dec 30
- Holiday Fest: A Seasonal CelebrationBoise · Dec 3
- Christmas In Meridian Winter Lights Parade & Tree LightingMeridian · Dec 4
- Christmas Caroling at the LibraryBoise · Dec 5
- Eagle Country ChristmasEagle · Dec 5
- Winter Wonderland WorkshopMeridian · Dec 9
- Literature in the Garden: Nature OrnamentsNampa · Dec 11
- 12th Annual Christmas at the LibraryNampa · Dec 12
- Children's Winterland FestivalMeridian · Dec 12
- Story Time: WinterBoise · Dec 14
- The Nutcracker: A Music Adventure with Paige MooreNampa · Dec 18
Look inside the book
Story time with Santa in Boise? Bring Rally home.
Rally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. It makes a cozy bedtime story after a big day with Santa. Turn a few pages here.
Rally Takes the Train
Eight pages from the book
Turn the page
That's 8 of 25 pages
See who’s waiting at the station
Grandmommy and Papa are at the last stop. Get the full hand-painted book, $16.99 on Amazon.
See the full bookPage 1 of 8
Like it so far? See the full book
25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $16.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.
Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.
Christmas events for kids in Boise
6 confirmed events for kids in Boise, soonest first.
Boise: Festival of Trees
Holiday lightsSaint Alphonsus Foundation · Boise
- Host
- Saint Alphonsus Foundation (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Boise Centre, 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702
- When
- Wed November 25 (10 am to 8 pm), Thu November 26 (2 to 6 pm), Fri November 27 (10 am to 9 pm), Sat November 28 (10 am to 8 pm) and Sun November 29 (10 am to 5 pm), 2026
- Cost
- Adults $16; children 3 to 12 $11; ages 2 and under free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The 42nd annual Festival of Trees fills the Boise Centre with decorated trees and holiday displays over Thanksgiving week. Kids can head to the North Pole Village to make a Christmas card, color an ornament or chat with an elf before visiting Santa, who greets children during public hours with courtesy photos available. A children's scavenger hunt, an art contest featuring work from kindergarten through sixth grade, and continuous live performances by local dance groups, choirs and musicians round out the visit.
The Idaho LEGO User Group brings holiday creations and thousands of bricks so kids can build their own. Saturday, November 28 is Family Day. Admission is $16 for adults and $11 for children 3 to 12, and children 2 and under are free. Tickets are sold online and at the door, but cash is not accepted this year.
Parent tip: Buy tickets online to skip the line, and note that cash is not accepted at the door this year.
See dates and details from Saint Alphonsus Foundation (opens in a new tab)Boise: Downtown Boise's Holiday Tree Lighting
Tree lightingFreeDowntown Boise Association · Boise
- Host
- Downtown Boise Association (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- The Grove Plaza, 827 W Main St, Boise, ID 83702
- When
- Friday, November 27, 2026, 5 to 6 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Downtown Boise kicks off the season the day after Thanksgiving with the lighting of its Holiday Tree on the Grove Plaza, a tradition that is nearly thirty years old. The free, all ages hour includes live music from local band Red Light Challenge, a candle lighting ceremony, guest speakers, and the Mayor's countdown before the tree lights up. This year's tree is a two story blue spruce donated by a Southeast Boise family.
The tree doubles as a Giving Tree, decorated with gift tags listing items needed by local families through the Women's and Children's Alliance, so kids can help pick a tag and shop for a neighbor. The evening also opens the Holidays on the Grove vendor sheds, and the tree stays lit through New Year's Day.
Parent tip: Several parking garages are within two blocks, and the first hour is free in ParkBOI garages.
See dates and details from Downtown Boise Association (opens in a new tab)Boise: Winter Garden aGlow
Holiday lightsIdaho Botanical Garden · Boise
- Host
- Idaho Botanical Garden (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Idaho Botanical Garden, 2355 N Old Penitentiary Road, Boise, ID 83712
- When
- Fri November 27 (6 to 9 pm), Sat November 28 (6 to 9 pm), Sun November 29 (5 to 8 pm), Wed December 2 (5 to 8 pm), Thu December 3 (6 to 9 pm), Fri December 4 (6 to 9 pm), Sat December 5 (6 to 9 pm), Sun December 6 (5 to 8 pm), Thu December 10 (6 to 9 pm), Fri December 11 (6 to 9 pm), Sat December 12 (6 to 9 pm), Sun December 13 (5 to 8 pm), Tue December 15 (6 to 9 pm), Wed December 16 (5 to 8 pm), Thu December 17 (6 to 9 pm), Fri December 18 (6 to 9 pm), Sat December 19 (6 to 9 pm), Sun December 20 (5 to 8 pm), Mon December 21 (6 to 9 pm), Tue December 22 (6 to 9 pm), Wed December 23 (6 to 9 pm), Thu December 24 (5 to 8 pm), Sat December 26 (6 to 9 pm), Sun December 27 (6 to 8 pm), Mon December 28 (6 to 8 pm), Tue December 29 (6 to 8 pm) and Wed December 30 (6 to 8 pm), 2026
- Cost
- Adults $20, youth $16 ($16 and $11 on discount days); under 3 free
- Ages
- All ages; children under 3 free
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Winter Garden aGlow lights up the Idaho Botanical Garden with about 900,000 holiday lights on trees and pathways. New for 2026 is a Lake of Lights on Outlaw Field, as the event spreads into newly opened parts of the garden. Santa visits on many nights, including November 29 and December 2, 3, 6, 10, 13, 16, 17, 20, 23 and 24, and the garden calendar lets you filter for those nights.
Entry is by timed ticket and you can stay until close. Hours vary by night, usually 5 to 8 pm or 6 to 9 pm, and the garden is closed on several December nights, so check your date. Tickets are $20 for adults and $16 for youth, with lower prices on Wednesday and Sunday discount days. Children under 3 are always free, active military are free, and parking is free. Popular nights sell out, so plan ahead.
Parent tip: Santa nights fall mostly on Wednesdays and Sundays, which are also discount days. Dress for Boise winter weather, since the event is outdoors.
See dates and details from Idaho Botanical Garden (opens in a new tab)Boise: Holiday Fest: A Seasonal Celebration
Holiday craftsFreeIdaho State Historical Society · Boise
- Host
- Idaho State Historical Society (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Idaho State Museum, 610 Julia Davis Dr., Boise, ID 83702
- When
- Thursday, December 3, 2026, 5 to 8 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Idaho State Museum opens its doors for a free holiday evening on the first Thursday of December. Families can listen to live holiday caroling by Gemma Arts, sit down for a family friendly craft, and warm up with free hot cocoa and candy canes. A special holiday character is also scheduled to make an appearance during the evening.
Grown ups will find tastings that range from locally made wine to tea, plus sweets and savories, and the museum gift shop is offering 15 percent off its curated collections for the night. The event runs for three hours, so it is easy to stop by after school or work, enjoy the music and craft, and still get little ones home at a reasonable hour. It is listed as a free public program, with no ticket required.
Parent tip: The event is free and runs 5 to 8 pm, so arriving early gives kids more time at the craft table before it gets busy.
See dates and details from Idaho State Historical Society (opens in a new tab)Boise: Christmas Caroling at the Library
Holiday showFreeBoise Public Library · Boise
- Host
- Boise Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Library! at Bown Crossing, Martie Brennan Multipurpose Room, 2153 E Riverwalk Drive, Boise, ID 83706
- When
- Saturday, December 5, 2026, 10:30 am to noon
- Cost
- Free library program
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Boise Public Library's Bown Crossing branch invites families to come sing along to popular Christmas hits on Saturday morning, December 5. The library lists it as an all ages, family friendly program, and it is back by popular demand.
This year the caroling features a live harpist to welcome the season. The program runs from 10:30 am to noon in the Martie Brennan Multipurpose Room at the Bown Crossing branch on East Riverwalk Drive in southeast Boise. No registration is listed, so you can simply drop in. Because it is listed for all ages, it works for babies and toddlers in a carrier as well as older kids who already know the words, and grandparents are welcome to join the singing too. It is one of several holiday programs the library system runs across its branches in December.
Parent tip: No registration is listed, so plan to drop in.
See dates and details from Boise Public Library (opens in a new tab)Boise: Story Time: Winter
Holiday story timeFreeBoise WaterShed (City of Boise) · Boise
- Host
- Boise WaterShed (City of Boise) (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- The WaterShed, 6411 N Ancell Ave, Boise, ID 83714
- When
- Monday, December 14, 2026, 10 to 11 am
- Cost
- Free, registration required for children
- Ages
- Designed for ages 2 to 5; all ages welcome
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The WaterShed's monthly story time takes on a winter theme in December. Children hear a story and then take part in an activity all about winter, with most of the program held indoors and some possible outdoor time depending on the weather. It is designed for ages 2 to 5, though older siblings are welcome to come along.
Story time is meant as a shared experience, so parents or caregivers stay with their children for the full hour. The program is free, but pre-registration is required for each child, while adults do not need to register. Registration opens one month before the event, so mid November is the time to grab a spot. The City of Boise invites families who need an accommodation to contact the WaterShed ahead of time.
Parent tip: Register each child about a month ahead (adults do not register), and dress for a little outdoor time if the weather allows.
See dates and details from Boise WaterShed (City of Boise) (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Meridian
3 confirmed events for kids in Meridian, soonest first.
Meridian: Christmas In Meridian Winter Lights Parade & Tree Lighting
Holiday paradeFreeCity of Meridian Parks and Recreation · Meridian
- Host
- City of Meridian Parks and Recreation (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Downtown Meridian, Meridian, ID 83642 (near Boise)
- When
- Friday, December 4, 2026, 5:30 pm
- Cost
- Free to watch
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Christmas in Meridian kicks off with the Winter Lights Parade and Tree Lighting in downtown Meridian. Pre-parade activities start at 5:30 pm, with entertainment and watch parties along the route, and the lighted parade steps off at 7 pm. The evening also includes the city's tree lighting celebration.
Families can look for free hot cocoa stands to stay warm while they wait, and kids can pick up tree ornaments to take home as a keepsake. Because it is an evening event in December, plan on warm layers, blankets and a spot along the route before the parade begins. The city posts full event details, the schedule and road closures on its event page, which is worth checking before you head downtown.
Parent tip: Arrive for the 5:30 pm pre-parade activities to claim a viewing spot, and check the city page for road closures.
See dates and details from City of Meridian Parks and Recreation (opens in a new tab)Meridian: Winter Wonderland Workshop
Holiday craftsFreeMeridian Library District · Meridian
- Host
- Meridian Library District (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Meridian Library at Pinnacle, 1375 E Phenomenal St, Meridian, ID 83642 (near Boise)
- When
- Wednesday, December 9, 2026, 2 to 7 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All Ages/Families, Pre-K, School Age, Teens, Adults, Seniors
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Meridian Library District's Winter Wonderland Workshop turns the Pinnacle branch program rooms into a festive craft space for every age. Families can move between winter themed craft stations to make gifts, decorations and keepsakes, so kids can head home with something to give or hang on the tree.
A second, cozier room offers seasonal music, hot drinks and a family friendly holiday movie for anyone who wants to relax between projects. Because it runs from 2 to 7 pm, families can come after school or after work and stay as long as they like. The library notes that food served may have come into contact with tree nuts, soy or other allergens, and that photographs are often taken at events, so let staff know if you would prefer your child not appear in published photos.
Parent tip: Food served may have contact with tree nuts or soy; tell the photographer if you do not want your child's photo published.
See dates and details from Meridian Library District (opens in a new tab)Meridian: Children's Winterland Festival
Santa visitFreeCity of Meridian Parks and Recreation · Meridian
- Host
- City of Meridian Parks and Recreation (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Meridian Homecourt, 936 Taylor Ave, Meridian, ID 83642 (near Boise)
- When
- Saturday, December 12, 2026, 10 am to 2 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Children
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Meridian Parks and Recreation hosts the Children's Winterland Festival, a free morning of holiday fun aimed squarely at kids. Two entire rooms at Meridian Homecourt are filled with creative Christmas crafts and games, so children can move from station to station at their own pace.
Before heading home, kids can leave with a photo of Santa. Because the event is indoors at Homecourt, just off Franklin Boulevard, it works well even on a cold or wet December day, and the four hour window makes it easy to fit around naps or other weekend plans. No cost is listed, and the city describes it as a free, fun filled event for children. It is a relaxed way to enjoy a Santa photo and holiday crafts without paying for a ticket or committing to a long, busy event.
Parent tip: Homecourt is at 936 Taylor Ave, just off Franklin Blvd; come early for the shortest line for the Santa photo.
See dates and details from City of Meridian Parks and Recreation (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Nampa
3 confirmed events for kids in Nampa, soonest first.
Nampa: Literature in the Garden: Nature Ornaments
Holiday story timeFreeNampa Public Library · Nampa
- Host
- Nampa Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Nampa Public Library, Multipurpose Room A and B, 215 12th Ave S, Nampa, ID 83651 (near Boise)
- When
- Friday, December 11, 2026, 3:30 to 4:30 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Ages 6 and up; younger children welcome with a caregiver
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
This December session of Literature in the Garden invites kids to learn what some animals do during the winter months and then create their own ornament from natural materials. The program is part of the Junior Master Gardener curriculum, which uses garden and ecology themed children's books as a starting point for hands on activities and creative projects.
It is led by University of Idaho Extension's Canyon County Junior Master Gardener volunteers and is aimed at children ages 6 and up. Younger brothers and sisters are welcome as long as a caregiver stays to help with the activity. The one hour after school time slot makes it an easy add on to a library visit, and kids go home with a handmade ornament for the tree.
Parent tip: Recommended for ages 6 and up; younger children can join if a caregiver helps them with the craft.
See dates and details from Nampa Public Library (opens in a new tab)Nampa: 12th Annual Christmas at the Library
Santa and Mrs. ClausFreeNampa Public Library · Nampa
- Host
- Nampa Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Nampa Public Library, Multipurpose Room A and B, 215 12th Ave S, Nampa, ID 83651 (near Boise)
- When
- Saturday, December 12, 2026, 10:45 am to 4 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Nampa Public Library marks the season with its twelfth annual Christmas at the Library, a full day of free holiday fun in the library's multipurpose room. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on hand from noon to 2 pm for visits, and kids can make simple crafts throughout the day while families enjoy refreshments, offered while supplies last.
The stage stays busy all day with local performers, including the IACS Fire Choir, the Encore Carolers, Tuba Christmas at noon, an electric rock orchestra from Idaho Arts Charter School, and two handbell choirs closing out the afternoon. The library is also sharing a staff audio drama of A Christmas Carol on its YouTube channel. Families can drop in for a single performance or plan the day around the Santa visit, which is the most popular window for young children.
Parent tip: Santa and Mrs. Claus visit only from noon to 2 pm, so plan to arrive in that window if a visit is the main goal.
See dates and details from Nampa Public Library (opens in a new tab)Nampa: The Nutcracker: A Music Adventure with Paige Moore
Holiday story timeFreeNampa Public Library · Nampa
- Host
- Nampa Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Nampa Public Library, Multipurpose Room A & B, 215 12th Avenue S, Nampa, ID 83651 (near Boise)
- When
- Friday, December 18, 2026, 10:15 to 11:15 am
- Cost
- Free library program
- Ages
- Children, preschool storytime
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Nampa Public Library's December storytime takes preschoolers into the world of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker with musician Paige Moore. Children follow Clara through the fairy tale story, conquering the Mouse King, flying with the snowflakes and dancing with the Sugar Plum Fairy along the way.
The program is listed under the library's preschool storytimes and is aimed at children, so it suits little ones who like to move, listen to music and act out a story. It runs from 10:15 to 11:15 am on Friday, December 18, and uses the full Multipurpose Room A and B space at the library on 12th Avenue South. No registration is listed. It is a nice way to introduce young kids to the Nutcracker story before seeing a ballet, or simply to enjoy a lively holiday morning at the library.
Parent tip: Dress kids for movement, since the program invites them to dance along with the story.
See dates and details from Nampa Public Library (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Eagle
1 confirmed event for kids in Eagle, soonest first.
Eagle: Eagle Country Christmas
Tree lightingFreeCity of Eagle · Eagle
- Host
- City of Eagle (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Heritage Park and Gazebo, 185 E State St, Eagle, ID 83616 (near Boise)
- When
- Saturday, December 5, 2026, 2 to 6 pm
- Cost
- Free to attend; cocoa and market items for purchase
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Eagle Country Christmas fills Heritage Park in downtown Eagle with holiday cheer for an afternoon. The gazebo is strung with Christmas lights while community groups perform favorite carols, and kids can pose for a photo with Santa in his sleigh. A kids warming tent offers Christmas crafts, which is a welcome break on a cold December day.
The Girl Scouts sell hot cocoa, and a holiday market gives grown ups a chance to finish some shopping. The day builds to the tree lighting at 6 pm, when the crowd joins in a countdown. Families with little ones might come early for Santa and crafts, while older kids may enjoy staying for the lighting once the sun goes down. Heritage Park sits right in the center of downtown Eagle.
Parent tip: Bring cash or a card for Girl Scout cocoa, and stay until 6 pm if your kids want to see the tree lighting countdown.
See dates and details from City of Eagle (opens in a new tab)Looking further afield? Our Idaho Christmas events for kids guide lists every confirmed event in the state. The national search sorts every event by distance from your town.
A story for the drive home
A morning with Santa or an evening of holiday stories tends to end the same way: tired kids, a long drive and one more book before bed. Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is painted by hand. If your family is spending December missing someone, it was written for that too. For the car, print our free corgi and train coloring pages.
A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor by Leslie Dunn. $16.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.
Buy on AmazonBoise Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask
What Christmas events for kids are in Boise in 2026?
We confirmed 13 Christmas events for kids in Boise for 2026 on each host’s own page: Festival of Trees in Boise (November 25), Downtown Boise's Holiday Tree Lighting in Boise (November 27), Winter Garden aGlow in Boise (November 27), Holiday Fest: A Seasonal Celebration in Boise (December 3), Christmas In Meridian Winter Lights Parade & Tree Lighting in Meridian (December 4), Christmas Caroling at the Library in Boise (December 5), Eagle Country Christmas in Eagle (December 5), Winter Wonderland Workshop in Meridian (December 9), Literature in the Garden: Nature Ornaments in Nampa (December 11), 12th Annual Christmas at the Library in Nampa (December 12), Children's Winterland Festival in Meridian (December 12), Story Time: Winter in Boise (December 14) and The Nutcracker: A Music Adventure with Paige Moore in Nampa (December 18). Every one is listed below with times, cost and a link to the host.
What Christmas events for kids are in Boise, Idaho?
For families in and around Boise, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Festival of Trees (Nov 25 to 29, daily hours vary (Family Day Sat, Nov 28), adults $16; children 3 to 12 $11; ages 2 and under free); Downtown Boise's Holiday Tree Lighting (Fri, Nov 27, 5 to 6 pm, free); Winter Garden aGlow (Select nights Nov 27 to Dec 30; Santa on many nights, adults $20, youth $16 ($16 and $11 on discount days); under 3 free); Holiday Fest: A Seasonal Celebration (Thu, Dec 3, 5 to 8 pm, free); Christmas Caroling at the Library (Sat, Dec 5, 10:30 am to noon, free library program); Story Time: Winter (Mon, Dec 14, 10 to 11 am, free, registration required for children). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Boise section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Meridian, Idaho?
For families in and around Meridian, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Christmas In Meridian Winter Lights Parade & Tree Lighting (Fri, Dec 4, activities from 5:30 pm, parade at 7 pm, free to watch); Winter Wonderland Workshop (Wed, Dec 9, 2 to 7 pm, free); Children's Winterland Festival (Sat, Dec 12, 10 am to 2 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Meridian section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Nampa, Idaho?
For families in and around Nampa, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Literature in the Garden: Nature Ornaments (Fri, Dec 11, 3:30 to 4:30 pm, free); 12th Annual Christmas at the Library (Sat, Dec 12, 10:45 am to 4 pm (Santa 12 to 2 pm), free); The Nutcracker: A Music Adventure with Paige Moore (Fri, Dec 18, 10:15 to 11:15 am, free library program). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Nampa section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Eagle, Idaho?
For families in and around Eagle, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Eagle Country Christmas (Sat, Dec 5, 2 to 6 pm (tree lighting at 6 pm), free to attend; cocoa and market items for purchase). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Eagle section of this page.
Are there free Christmas events for kids in Boise?
Yes. 11 of the 13 events here are free: Downtown Boise's Holiday Tree Lighting in Boise, Holiday Fest: A Seasonal Celebration in Boise, Christmas In Meridian Winter Lights Parade & Tree Lighting in Meridian, Christmas Caroling at the Library in Boise, Eagle Country Christmas in Eagle, Winter Wonderland Workshop in Meridian, Literature in the Garden: Nature Ornaments in Nampa, 12th Annual Christmas at the Library in Nampa, Children's Winterland Festival in Meridian, Story Time: Winter in Boise and The Nutcracker: A Music Adventure with Paige Moore in Nampa. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.
Where can kids see Santa in Boise this December?
Santa appears at Festival of Trees in Boise (November 25), Winter Garden aGlow in Boise (November 27), Eagle Country Christmas in Eagle (December 5), 12th Annual Christmas at the Library in Nampa (December 12) and Children's Winterland Festival in Meridian (December 12). Times and booking rules are in each event’s listing above.
Where are there Christmas story times for kids in Boise?
Holiday story times on this page: Literature in the Garden: Nature Ornaments in Nampa, Story Time: Winter in Boise and The Nutcracker: A Music Adventure with Paige Moore in Nampa. Library story times are usually free; story times with a meal or show are ticketed.
Which Boise Christmas events are best for toddlers?
These are aimed at babies, toddlers and preschoolers: Story Time: Winter in Boise (Designed for ages 2 to 5; all ages welcome) and The Nutcracker: A Music Adventure with Paige Moore in Nampa (Children, preschool storytime).
Are there kids' Christmas events in Boise on Christmas Eve or after Christmas?
Yes: Winter Garden aGlow in Boise (through December 30).
How much is Festival of Trees in Boise?
Adults $16; children 3 to 12 $11; ages 2 and under free. Festival of Trees is on Wed November 25 (10 am to 8 pm), Thu November 26 (2 to 6 pm), Fri November 27 (10 am to 9 pm), Sat November 28 (10 am to 8 pm) and Sun November 29 (10 am to 5 pm), 2026 at Boise Centre. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Downtown Boise's Holiday Tree Lighting in Boise?
Free. Downtown Boise's Holiday Tree Lighting is on Friday, November 27, 2026, 5 to 6 pm at The Grove Plaza. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Winter Garden aGlow in Boise?
Adults $20, youth $16 ($16 and $11 on discount days); under 3 free. Winter Garden aGlow is on Fri November 27 (6 to 9 pm), Sat November 28 (6 to 9 pm), Sun November 29 (5 to 8 pm), Wed December 2 (5 to 8 pm), Thu December 3 (6 to 9 pm), Fri December 4 (6 to 9 pm), Sat December 5 (6 to 9 pm), Sun December 6 (5 to 8 pm), Thu December 10 (6 to 9 pm), Fri December 11 (6 to 9 pm), Sat December 12 (6 to 9 pm), Sun December 13 (5 to 8 pm), Tue December 15 (6 to 9 pm), Wed December 16 (5 to 8 pm), Thu December 17 (6 to 9 pm), Fri December 18 (6 to 9 pm), Sat December 19 (6 to 9 pm), Sun December 20 (5 to 8 pm), Mon December 21 (6 to 9 pm), Tue December 22 (6 to 9 pm), Wed December 23 (6 to 9 pm), Thu December 24 (5 to 8 pm), Sat December 26 (6 to 9 pm), Sun December 27 (6 to 8 pm), Mon December 28 (6 to 8 pm), Tue December 29 (6 to 8 pm) and Wed December 30 (6 to 8 pm), 2026 at Idaho Botanical Garden. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Holiday Fest: A Seasonal Celebration in Boise?
Free. Holiday Fest: A Seasonal Celebration is on Thursday, December 3, 2026, 5 to 8 pm at Idaho State Museum. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Christmas In Meridian Winter Lights Parade & Tree Lighting in Meridian?
Free to watch. Christmas In Meridian Winter Lights Parade & Tree Lighting is on Friday, December 4, 2026, 5:30 pm at Downtown Meridian. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Christmas Caroling at the Library in Boise?
Free library program. Christmas Caroling at the Library is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 10:30 am to noon at Library! at Bown Crossing, Martie Brennan Multipurpose Room. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Eagle Country Christmas in Eagle?
Free to attend; cocoa and market items for purchase. Eagle Country Christmas is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 2 to 6 pm at Heritage Park and Gazebo. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Winter Wonderland Workshop in Meridian?
Free. Winter Wonderland Workshop is on Wednesday, December 9, 2026, 2 to 7 pm at Meridian Library at Pinnacle. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Literature in the Garden: Nature Ornaments in Nampa?
Free. Literature in the Garden: Nature Ornaments is on Friday, December 11, 2026, 3:30 to 4:30 pm at Nampa Public Library, Multipurpose Room A and B. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is 12th Annual Christmas at the Library in Nampa?
Free. 12th Annual Christmas at the Library is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 10:45 am to 4 pm at Nampa Public Library, Multipurpose Room A and B. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Children's Winterland Festival in Meridian?
Free. Children's Winterland Festival is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 10 am to 2 pm at Meridian Homecourt. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Story Time: Winter in Boise?
Free, registration required for children. Story Time: Winter is on Monday, December 14, 2026, 10 to 11 am at The WaterShed. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is The Nutcracker: A Music Adventure with Paige Moore in Nampa?
Free library program. The Nutcracker: A Music Adventure with Paige Moore is on Friday, December 18, 2026, 10:15 to 11:15 am at Nampa Public Library, Multipurpose Room A & B. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Are there Christmas train rides for kids in Boise?
Yes, but they have their own guide. Santa trains and holiday train rides are listed in our Boise Christmas train rides guide, so this page sticks to story times, Santa visits and other events off the rails.
How do you confirm these events?
We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 2, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.
