The Idaho Falls area has 2 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from From the Forest to the Falls in Idaho Falls on November 6 to UTV Holiday Light Parade in Idaho Falls, on December 18. 2 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
- 2 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in Idaho Falls for 2026, in Idaho Falls
- First: From the Forest to the Falls, Idaho Falls, November 6. Runs latest: UTV Holiday Light Parade, Idaho Falls, through December 18
- Free: From the Forest to the Falls and UTV Holiday Light Parade
- Checked on each host’s own page; each listing links straight to it
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Christmas events for kids in Idaho Falls
2 confirmed events for kids in Idaho Falls, soonest first.
Holiday eventFree
From the Forest to the Falls
- When: Friday, November 6, 2026, 5:30 to 7:30 pm
- Where: Idaho Falls Public Library, Idaho Falls
- Cost: Free
- Ages: All ages
Details, tips and host
The library parking lot and Capital Avenue host this free community event on Friday, Nov 6, 2026, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. It is connected to the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, which comes from Idaho's Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests this year.
At tour stops, visitors can see and photograph the tree and truck, sign the banner and learn about the forests. Families can treat it as a chance to see a very big Christmas tree up close.
Parent tip: Dress warmly for an outdoor evening in early November.
- Host
- Idaho Falls Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Address
- Idaho Falls Public Library, 457 W Broadway St, Idaho Falls, ID 83402
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Holiday paradeFree
UTV Holiday Light Parade
- When: Friday, December 18, 2026, 7 pm
- Where: Freeman Park and the Idaho Falls River Walk, Idaho Falls
- Cost: Free to watch
- Ages: All ages
Details, tips and host
The City of Idaho Falls presents the UTV Holiday Light Parade on Friday, Dec 18, 2026, starting at 7 pm at Freeman Park. Brightly decorated UTVs follow the east side of the River Walk to the Pancheri bridge, then return on the west side.
There are two 10-minute fireworks shows, weather permitting. Drivers pay a $10 entry fee that supports the Community Food Basket, and watching is free. Expect traffic effects from about 6:30 to 9:30 pm.
Parent tip: Park early and bundle up; the city notes traffic impacts near Broadway and Memorial Drive.
- Host
- City of Idaho Falls (opens in a new tab)
- Address
- Freeman Park and the Idaho Falls River Walk, Memorial Dr, Idaho Falls, ID 83402
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Look inside the book
Story time with Santa in Idaho Falls? 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
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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.
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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.
Every event above was confirmed on the host’s own page, 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.
Idaho Falls Christmas events for kids at a glance
- Kids’ Christmas events
- 2 confirmed for 2026
- Cities
- Idaho Falls
- Season
- November 6 to December 18, 2026
- Free events
- 2
- Kinds of events
- holiday event and holiday parade
- Last checked
See every event on a December calendar
Plan your December
When each Idaho Falls Christmas event for kids happens
The first is From the Forest to the Falls in Idaho Falls on November 6; the last runs to December 18. Each bar spans an event’s dates, not every hour in them, so check the host’s page for times.
- From the Forest to the FallsIdaho Falls · Nov 6
- UTV Holiday Light ParadeIdaho Falls · Dec 18
Looking further afield? Our Idaho Christmas events for kids guide lists every confirmed event in the state, and we have city guides for Boise, Coeur d'Alene and Nampa. 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 ride on a California train, hand-painted in watercolor. $16.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.
Buy on Amazon2026 Christmas events are coming in late November
More Christmas events arrive in late November: unlock the list and we'll email you as soon as we confirm them.
The story of Christmas in Idaho Falls
In Idaho Falls, Christmas lights up the Snake River. A downtown tree lighting, horse-drawn trolley rides and a parade of light-covered UTVs on the River Walk give the city a festive winter look.
How Idaho Falls celebrates
Downtown Idaho Falls kicks off the season with a tree lighting and Holiday Farmers Market. The tree is the Bank of Commerce Idaho's Brave Christmas tree, which honors each branch of the military, with gold star ornaments recognizing service members who died in action. The Parks and Recreation Department once ran a drive-through Festival of Lights at Freeman Park, which began in 2015, and later replaced it with Santa's Village at Civitan Plaza after the contractor retired.
Christmas last year in Idaho Falls
On Saturday, November 22, 2025, downtown held its tree lighting and holiday market from 4 to 8 pm, with more than 100 local vendors, free horse-drawn trolley rides from 3 to 5 pm and a 6 pm lighting ceremony where Santa posed for photos. Trolley rides returned on four later Saturdays. The third UTV Holiday Light Parade rolled on Friday, December 19, with two 10-minute fireworks shows, and the River Walk lights shone through January 1.
Fun facts about Christmas in Idaho Falls
The downtown Christmas tree is 20 feet tall, and the Friendship Gardens and trees along Memorial Drive are lit at the same time. Drivers in the UTV parade pay a $10 fee that goes to the Community Food Basket, and registration is capped at 450 in 2026. In 2026, Idaho will also send the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree to Washington, and the tour stops in Idaho Falls on Friday, November 6.
Traditions today
- Downtown Tree Lighting and Holiday Market: A November evening with 100 plus vendors, Santa photos and a 20-foot tree at Broadway Plaza.
- Horse-drawn trolley rides: Free rides leave from Civitan Plaza on the opening day and on select Saturdays in December.
- UTV Holiday Light Parade: Light-covered UTVs roll along the River Walk from Freeman Park, with fireworks.
- River Walk Christmas lights: Lights along the Snake River Greenbelt that stay up into the new year.
- Santa's Village: The city's Santa's Village at Civitan Plaza replaced the old Festival of Lights.
A fact for kids
In Idaho Falls, the Christmas tree downtown honors the military, and gold star ornaments remember service members who died in action.
Questions about Christmas in Idaho Falls
How does Idaho Falls celebrate Christmas?
Idaho Falls celebrates with a downtown tree lighting and Holiday Farmers Market, free horse-drawn trolley rides, a UTV Holiday Light Parade with fireworks, and lights along the River Walk. Santa shows up for photos, and concerts at the Colonial Theater fill out December. Check the Downtown Idaho Falls and city pages for this year's dates.
When is the Idaho Falls tree lighting?
In 2025 the downtown tree lighting and holiday market took place on Saturday, November 22, with the ceremony at 6 pm. The date moves from year to year, so check the Downtown Idaho Falls page for this season. The trolley rides start at 3 pm, ahead of the 6 pm ceremony, and the market runs from 4 to 8 pm.
Where is the Idaho Falls Christmas tree?
The tree stands at Broadway Plaza, near Broadway and Memorial Drive in downtown Idaho Falls. The Holiday Farmers Market is on Memorial Drive, and the nearby Friendship Gardens and trees along Memorial Drive are lit as well. Trolley rides start and end at Civitan Plaza.
What is the Idaho's Brave tree?
It is the Bank of Commerce Idaho's Brave Christmas tree, a 20-foot tree that honors each branch of the military. Gold star ornaments recognize service members who died in action. The tree is lit at the downtown ceremony each November, which gives families a chance to talk about thanking service members.
Are there horse-drawn trolley rides in Idaho Falls?
Yes. In 2025 free horse-drawn trolley rides ran from 3 to 5 pm on tree lighting day, starting and ending at Civitan Plaza at Park Avenue and B Street. They returned on Saturdays November 29, December 6, 13 and 20 from 1 to 3 pm. Check the Downtown Idaho Falls page for this year's schedule.
Does Santa visit the Idaho Falls tree lighting?
Yes. Santa visits during the 6 pm tree lighting ceremony at Broadway Plaza, and families can take photos with him. The city also built Santa's Village at Civitan Plaza as a place for Santa visits. Check the Downtown Idaho Falls page for current dates.
What is the UTV Holiday Light Parade?
It is a parade of UTVs and side-by-sides decorated with holiday lights, hosted by the City of Idaho Falls. It starts at Freeman Park and follows the Idaho Falls River Walk to the Pancheri bridge and back, with two 10-minute fireworks shows. Watching is free, and drivers pay a $10 fee for the Community Food Basket.
When is the UTV Holiday Light Parade?
The 2026 parade is Friday, December 18, starting at 7 pm at Freeman Park. The 2025 parade was the third annual and ran on Friday, December 19. Expect traffic effects from about 6:30 to 9:30 pm, so arrive early and park a little distance away.
How many people are in the UTV parade?
Registration is capped at 450 participants in 2026, up from a cap of 400 in 2025. Each driver pays a $10 registration fee, and the money goes to the Community Food Basket of Idaho Falls. The parade is hosted by the City of Idaho Falls.
What happened at Christmas in Idaho Falls last year?
In 2025 the tree lighting and market ran on November 22 with more than 100 vendors, free trolley rides and Santa photos. The UTV Holiday Light Parade followed on December 19. Other December events included Christmas concerts at the Colonial Theater and River Walk lights through January 1.
What was the Festival of Lights at Freeman Park?
It was a drive-through light display run by the city's Parks and Recreation Department, which began in 2015 with about 80 animated scenes, concessions, wagon rides and a chance to see Santa. It later ended when the contractor retired, and the city replaced it with Santa's Village at Civitan Plaza.
Can kids see Christmas lights on the Idaho Falls River Walk?
Yes. The Idaho River Walk Christmas Lights ran in 2025 along the Snake River Greenbelt from December 16 through January 1. The Idaho River Walk and Friendship Garden near 600 W Broadway St are part of the same lights display area.
Where can I see neighborhood Christmas lights in Idaho Falls?
The East Idaho Insider newsletter listed several light displays, including Owen's Family Light Show, Candy Cane Lane on Hartert Drive, the Walker House Light Drive-Through and a Christmas tree farm display on Buckboard Lane. Displays change each year, so check local listings before you plan a drive.
What is the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree stop in Idaho Falls?
In 2026 the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree comes from Idaho's Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, and its tour stops in Idaho Falls on Friday, November 6. Events at stops are free, and visitors can see the tree and truck, sign a banner and learn about the forests.
Is the downtown Idaho Falls tree lighting free?
The page we read did not list an admission price, and the horse-drawn trolley rides are free. Food and market purchases cost money, of course. The UTV parade is free to watch. Check the Downtown Idaho Falls page for current details.
What is the Holiday Farmers Market in Idaho Falls?
The Holiday Farmers Market is part of the downtown tree lighting day. In 2025 it ran from 4 to 8 pm on Saturday, November 22, with more than 100 local vendors on Memorial Drive. Free horse-drawn trolley rides ran earlier in the afternoon, and Santa posed for photos at the 6 pm lighting ceremony.
What do the gold stars on the Idaho's Brave tree mean?
The 20-foot Idaho's Brave tree says thank you to the men and women of the armed forces, and it honors each branch of the military. The gold star ornaments recognize service members who died in action. Families can use the tree to talk with children about why we thank those who serve.
Is it cold at Idaho Falls Christmas events?
Yes, plan for cold. Idaho Falls events are mostly outdoors in the evening, including the tree lighting, trolley rides and the UTV parade. Dress kids in layers, hats and gloves, and bring something warm to drink. It also helps to check the forecast on the day, since December weather can change quickly.
Where can kids see trains near Idaho Falls at Christmas?
We did not find a rail museum or Christmas train for Idaho Falls in the pages we read, and Idaho has no museum on our list for this page. Check local listings for any train-related event added for this season.
What else is lit downtown on tree lighting night?
Besides the 20-foot Idaho's Brave tree at Broadway Plaza, the Friendship Gardens and the trees along Memorial Drive are lit at the same time. The Holiday Farmers Market is on Memorial Drive nearby, and the lighting ceremony is at 6 pm. Check the Downtown Idaho Falls page for this season's date and schedule.
Sources
- Downtown Tree Lighting and Holiday Market, Downtown Idaho Falls
- Annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Idaho Falls, Post Register
- What's up at Freeman Park? It's the Festival of Lights, East Idaho News
- Here's why the Festival of Lights went dark, East Idaho News
- UTV Holiday Light Parade, City of Idaho Falls
- Third Annual UTV Holiday Light Parade, City of Idaho Falls
- 2026 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree to journey from Idaho, KBOI
- East Idaho Insider December Edition, East Idaho Insider
Idaho Falls Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask
What are the best Christmas events for kids in Idaho Falls this year?
We confirmed 2 for the 2026 season, and 2 of them are free. Good places to start: UTV Holiday Light Parade (Dec 18) and From the Forest to the Falls (Nov 6). Every event on this page has the times, the cost and a link to the host.
Are there free Christmas events for kids in Idaho Falls?
Yes, every event on this page is free. Some free events still need a reservation, so check the listing before you go.
Are there Christmas train rides for kids in Idaho Falls?
Yes, but they have their own guide. Santa trains and holiday train rides are listed in our Idaho Falls 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 4, 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.