Christmas in the City takes place throughout downtown Boise starting with the Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration on Saturday, November 28th and wrapping up on Christmas Eve. It is a magical time in the urban heart of our city, a time of celebration, giving and community. See the window displays and decorations throughout downtown Boise and while you are there enjoy Boise's finest shopping, retail services and dining at over 250 locations. Explore downtown, visit Santa at Macy's! Pick up your Christmas in the City information flyer at downtown merchant locations and watch for the insert in the Boise Weekly...see schedule of events.
Holiday Farmer's Market
Saturdays November 7 - December 19, 10am-2pm
8th St from Bannock to Main & the Grove Plaza
This is Boise's most unique shopping experience! Featuring local winter produce, fresh northwest cranberries, holiday wreaths and floral arrangements, Idaho specialty foods & wines, handmade cards, art, and so much more. Visit capitalcitypublicmarket.com for more information.
Gingerbread Holiday Village
Friday, November 13, 6:00pm
Boise Centre
A dinner and gala event! This is a fundraiser for the Family Advocate Program. The Family Advocate Program works to keep abused children out of danger and in safe homes. Visit www.familyadvocate.org for more information.
Hymns of Thanksgiving
Sunday, November 22, 7:30 pm
Qwest Arena
A community choir and orchestra of about 350 musicians have been organized to present this event. Open seating, no tickets required. Doors open at 6:30. Free to the public. Bring the entire family! Guests are invited to make a monetary donation to the Idaho Foodbank at the event. Visit www.hymnsthanks.com for more information.
St. Alphonsus Festival of Trees
November 25 - 29
Boise Centre on the Grove
Festival of Trees has become a favorite seasonal tradition for residents of the Treasure Valley. During Thanksgiving week, Boise Centre on the Grove becomes home to a wonderland of holiday beauty that is enhanced by a series of special events designed to please people of all ages. Visit www.saintalphonsus.org for more information.
Feed the Need
Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 11am-5pm
The Cazba Restaurant, 211 N 8th St
Cazba, together with Bittercreek & Red Feather Restaurants, Moon River Distributing, and hundreds of volunteers, provide a sit-down dinner to folks who most need a helping hand during the holidays. Volunteers and turkey donations are appreciated. Please call 381-0222 for more information.
Idaho Foodbank- Empty Bowls Event
Friday, November 27, 11am-6pm
Grove Plaza, at the Brick Oven Bistro
Help us fill the bowls of those in need! Purchase a handcrafted bowl made by Idaho potters, and we'll fill it with hot soup from downtown restaurants. When you see the “empty bowl” in your cupboard, remember that you helped to alleviate hunger in Idaho. A great way to make a difference! Hot Soup & Handcrafted Pottery only $10. A special selection of professionally crafted bowls will be on display and individually priced. Visit www.idahofoodbank.org for more information.
Boise Holiday Parade
Saturday, November 28, 9:45am
University & Capitol/ Battery/ 9th Street.
The Holiday Parade is a Boise tradition and a source of pride for our community. Bring the family to this year's parade and celebrate along with Grand Marshal, Olympic Gold Medalist, Kristin Armstrong. Visit www.boiseholidayparade.org for information.
Zions Bank Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration
Saturday, November 28, 5pm-7pm
The Grove Plaza
Bring your family to the event that lights up downtown and welcomes the holiday season to Boise. The event includes the lighting of the community Christmas tree, live music, caroling, candle lighting, and food and beverages. Visit www.downtownboise.org for more information.
Toys for Tots
Join Idaho Marine Corps in filling Santa's sleigh with toys to be donated to over 20,000 kids. All toys collected will be donated to the Toys for Tots toy drive sponsored by the US Marine Corps. The Marine Corps will also have an information booth and toy drop box at the Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony on the Grove Plaza on November 28, from 5pm-7pm. Visit www.boise-id,toysfortots.org for more information.
Giving Tree to benefit the Women and Children's Alliance
November 28- December 18, All Hours
The Grove Plaza
Take a tag from the Giving Tree and support victims of abuse at the Women's and Children's Alliance (WCA). Drop off NEW, UNWRAPPED gifts to the WCA (8-5pm, M-F) or to the following Zion's Bank branch locations: 890 Main St., Boise; 7402 W. Fairview Ave., Boise; 6176 N. Eagle Rd., Boise; 3715 E. Overland Rd., Meridian; 2121 W. Karcher Rd., Nampa; and 509 S. Kimball Ave., Caldwell. The WCA provides safety, healing, and freedom to women and children escaping domestic abuse and sexual assault. Your donation will provide hope- the most precious gift of all! Visit www.wcaboise.org for more information.
Old Boise N Scale- Model Railroaders
Saturdays November 28- December 18, 10am-5pm
Old Boise, Pioneer Building, 106 N 6th, Mezzanine 1
Visit the model railroaders exhibit, complete with numerous towns, villages and trains! Santa Claus will be available for free pictures with your child, and will be roving the Old Boise 6th & Main area, thanks to the generous support of the Old Boise Merchants Association. Visit www.oldboise.com for more information.
City Santa at Macy's
Saturdays from November 28 - December 19, 11am-4pm
First Thursday December 3, 5pm-8pm
Sunday December 20, noon-4
Macy's Downtown, 918 W Idaho St
For a small donation, children may tell Santa their Christmas wishes and have their picture taken with Old St Nick at Macy's Downtown! Proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society. Visit www.downtownboise.org for more information.
First Thursday
December 3, 5pm-9pm
Downtown Boise
Experience Downtown Boise at it's finest as retailers, galleries, and restaurants entertain you with a variety of mini-events, including the 4th Annual Winter Window Gallery! Stroll through downtown Boise to admire the seasonal works of art on the windows of many different businesses! Best of all- it's free! Find a map & listings of locations at www.downtownboise.org
Winter Window Gallery Stroll
December 3-31, All hours
Downtown Boise
This Christmas as you stroll through the streets of downtown, you'll see much more in the storefront windows than just the latest fashions. Local artists and businesses have teamed up to create fantastic holiday window art for the 4th Annual Winter Window Gallery Stroll, beginning on First Thursday, December 3rd. The Winter Window Gallery Stroll features the work of many local artists who have loaned their creative talent to dress downtown Boise in holiday style. To add to this unique outdoor art experience, carolers and musical entertainment will be at each location to lift your spirits and lend holiday cheer. Visit www.downtownboise.org for more information.
Boise Tuba Christmas
Saturday, December 5
3:30pm-The Grove
4:30pm-1st Presbyterian Church, 950 W. State
Over 60 tuba and baritone players known collectively as Boise Tuba Christmas will once again serenade downtown Boise with traditional Christmas carols. As this is now the group's seventeenth year in existence, it now qualifies as a Boise tradition! The music was arranged by noted American composer Alec Wilder, and includes such carols as Deck the Halls, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear, Silver Bells, O Come All Ye Faithful, and Silent Night. Each concert site will host a half-hour concert of over twenty carols. Members of the ensemble include tuba players from local high schools, local band directors, BSU students, and community members.
Opera Idaho Sings Christmas!
Saturday, December 5, 2:30 and 7:30 pm
Sunday, December 6, 2:30 pm
The Egyptian Theatre
Amahl and the Night Visitors, Menotti's classic holiday story of faith and miracles has been seen by more people than any other opera in history. Following the Bethlehem star, the Three Kings shelter at the home of Amahl, a crippled young shepherd who lives with his widowed mother. Inspired by their tale of a kingdom "built on love alone," the boy offers his own gift to the Christ Child. And lo, a miracle occurs...Starring Boise mezzo soprano Tiffany Calas as Amahl's mother, and Drew Myers and Zachery Berreth as Amahl. Directed by Mark Junkert and conducted by Laura Rushing-Raynes. Perfect for the whole family! Tickets at the Egyptian Box Office. Call (208)387-1273 or see www.operaidaho.org for more information.
Boise Contemporary Theater's A Christmas Carol
Sunday, December 6 and 13, 2 pm
Boise Contemporary Theater
Led by the talented and beloved actor, director, and educator Carole Whiteleather, this is an experience you won't want your family to miss. Come with us as we listen to Ebenezer Scrooge's ghostly journey to find the meaning behind the celebrations of Christmas. In just one night, Scrooge will fly from the past to the future in a race to save his shrinking heart! Following the December 6 reading join the cast in the loft of the theater for Cupcakes and Carols. Visit www.bctheater.org for more information.
Winter Wine Tasting
Thursday, December 10, 5:30pm-8pm
Grove Plaza
Wine tastings from Idaho wineries including; Davis Creek Cellars, Fraser Vineyard, Bitner Vineyards, 3 Horse Ranch Vineyards, Wood River Cellars, Pend d'Oreille Winery, St. Regulus Wines, Coiled Wines, and Seventh Son Vineyard, wine for sale by the glass, hot chocolate, roasted chestnuts, traditional caroling and an all together good time at The First Annual Downtown Winter Wine Tasting. The Idaho Wine Commission and the Downtown Boise Association invite you to enjoy this festive celebration of Christmas in the City. So bundle up, bring the family and join in the festivities. Visit www.downtownboise.org for more information.
Ballet Idaho, The Nutcracker
Friday, December 11, 8pm
Saturday, December 12, 2 & 8 pm
Sunday, December 13, 2 pm
The Morrison Center
The Ballet joins with the Boise Philharmonic and Opera Idaho's Children's Chorus to present this community favorite, Ballet Idaho's annual production of The Nutcracker. Visit www.idahotickets.com or call Select-A-Seat at (208)426-1110 to purchase tickets.
Free Parking Day!
Saturday, December 19th, 8am-5pm
Various Downtown lots
Just in time to finish up that last-minute Christmas shopping! Thanks to the generous holiday spirit of Capital City Development Corporation, Republic Parking, The Car Park, and Diamond Parking Services, parking will be F-R-E-E in many lots and structures across downtown. Also, don't forget that parking is always free on Saturdays in metered parking spaces.
Miracle on Idaho Street
Christmas Day, 11am-3pm
Old Chicago Restaurant, 730 W Idaho Street
For the 6th year, over 1,000 homeless and displaced guests will arrive at Old Chicago for a Christmas Day celebration. Each guest will receive a warm welcome and an extraordinary dining experience, a finely dressed table and a meal with all the trimmings. New gifts of warm clothing, toys, books, school supplies, and blankets will be distributed, and each guest will have the chance to enjoy a visit and picture on Santa's lap! For more information please call 363-0037.
Candlelight Historical Church Walk
Sunday, December 27, 3pm-6pm
Various Downtown Church Locations
Boise's downtown historic worship sites are again opening their doors for this self-guided walking tour. Come look at the Christmas decorations, hear special music, and view the various architectural styles of the nine participating churches. Each church will provide a map so you can begin at any one of them. Just look for the luminaries! Refreshments will be available at each location. Bring your house guests and friends to this very special event. Call 345-3441 for more information.
Saturday November 28th thru