Christmas in the City

Sat. Nov. 24th - Mon. Dec. 24th, 2007

Christmas in the City takes place throughout downtown Boise starting with the Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration on Friday, November 23rd and wrapping up on Monday, December 24th, 2007. 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 and ride the free Holiday Trolley during Christmas in the City. Pick up your Christmas in the City information flyer at downtown merchant locations and watch for the insert in the Boise Weekly.

2007 Sponsorship

Schedule of Events

EVENT: Christmas in the City
DATE & TIME: November 23- December 24, 2007
Various activities throughout the month. (See below)
LOCATION: Downtown Boise
DESCRIPTION: Christmas in the City takes place throughout downtown Boise. 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 and ride the free Holiday Trolley during Christmas in the City. Pick up your Christmas in the City information flyer at downtown merchant locations and be sure to watch for the Christmas in the City insert in the Boise Weekly.
EVENT: Downtown Boise Gift Card
LOCATION: Can be used at over 250 locations downtown, including public parking garages.
DESCRIPTION: his holiday season give the best of Boise’s best shopping, dining, arts and entertainment. The Downtown Gift Card will please any shopper, diner or sports enthusiast. With its unique shops, the best restaurants and an array of entertainment, the experience of downtown is a perfect gift. Purchase from the Downtown Boise Association, Macy’s, the Record Exchange, or the Bronco Shop in BoDo, for office gift exchanges, presents for your family or last minute gifts.
To order call 208-472-5251 or online here.
EVENT: Idaho Marine Corp Toys for Tots
DATE & TIME: Nov. 12th - Dec. 21st.
LOCATION:
  • Idaho Trust Bank, Corner of Broad & 9th Street
  • Washington Trust Bank, 901 W. Bannock
  • See Jane Run, 814 W Idaho Street
  • Idaho Central Credit Union, 200 N. 4th St
  • Idaho Central Credit Union, 650 W. State St
  • The Tree Lighting Ceremony on November 23rd, from 5-7pm, Grove Plaza.
DESCRIPTION: Join Idaho Marine Corps in filling Santa’s sleigh with toys to be donated to over 16,000 kids. All toys collected will be donated to the Toys for Tots toy drive sponsored by the US Marines 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 23rd from 5-7pm.
EVENT: Holiday Farmer’s Market
DATE & TIME: Saturdays November 17 through Dec. 22nd, 2007
11am-3:30pm,
LOCATION: Located on 8th Street between Bannock St. & Main St. and on the Grove Plaza
DESCRIPTION: Boise's most unique shopping experience.  Featuring Local Winter Produce, Fresh Northwest Cranberries, Holiday Wreaths and Floral Arrangements, Idaho Specialty Foods & Wines, Fresh Baked Breads & Pastries.  For all of your Holiday gift giving you will find Fine Jewelry, Textile Art, Paintings, Photography, Pottery & Ceramics, Handmade candles, Handmade Wooden Gifts, Mosaics, Handblown Glass, Fused & Etched Glass, Metalwork, Bath & Body Products and Handmade Cards! See you at the Holiday Market!
EVENT: Saint Alphonsus Festival of Trees
DATE & TIME: November 21 - 25, 2007 Nov. 21- 10 am to 9 pm, Nov. 22- 2 to 9 pm, Nov. 23- 10 am to 9 pm, Nov. 24- 10 am to 9 pm, Nov. 25- 10 am to 9 pm.
LOCATION: Boise Centre on the Grove
DESCRIPTION: The Saint Alphonsus Festival of Trees has been a Treasure Valley tradition since 1984. Held during the Thanksgiving week, it marks the beginning of the holiday season for many families. A heartfelt community celebration, the efforts of over 2,100 volunteers turn the Boise Centre on the Grove into an enchanting winter carnival with something special for everyone. For more information about this event, check out saintalphonsus.org.
EVENT: Idaho Food Bank Empty Bowls Program
DATE & TIME: Friday, November 23, 2007
LOCATION: Brick Oven Bistro Patio- The Grove Plaza
DESCRIPTION: 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.
EVENT: Holiday Parade
DATE & TIME: Saturday, November 24, 2007
10am – Noon
LOCATION: The parade is moving up to University & Capitol/9th & River
DESCRIPTION: The Holiday Parade is a 57 year-old tradition in Boise and a source of pride for our community. Bring the family to this year’s parade and celebrate “Just Believe,” along with Grand Marshal 1984 Gold Medalist Bill Johnson. For information and to see the new parade route visit www.boiseholidayparade.org.
EVENT: Salvation Army- Red Kettle Kick Off
DATE & TIME: Saturday, November 24, 2007
5pm
LOCATION: Various Downtown Locations
DESCRIPTION: The "miracle" of Christmas is repeated over and over again through the joy of caring and sharing. The traditional red kettle is an integral part of the Christmas scene, with millions of dollars donated each year to aid needy families, seniors, and the homeless, in keeping with the spirit of the season. Donations provide Christmas dinners, clothing, and toys for families in need and helps with basic necessities. Volunteers distribute gifts to shut-ins in hospitals and nursing homes, families of incarcerated individuals, and opens shelters for sit-down dinners.
EVENT: City Santa at Macy’s
DATE & TIME: 11:00 am – 4pm: November 24th, December 1st, 8th, 15th, and 22nd and First Thursday December 6th from 6-8pm.
LOCATION: Macy’s - 918 W Idaho
DESCRIPTION: For a small donation, children may tell Santa their Christmas wishes and have their pictures taken with Santa in the front window of Macy’s! Part of Christmas in the City, proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society.
EVENT: Free Christmas in the City Trolley
DATE & TIME: Saturdays: November 24th, December 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, from 11am- 2pm
First Thursday: December 6th from 5-9pm.
LOCATION: Downtown Boise
DESCRIPTION: Getting around downtown is easy! Ride the FREE Trolley during Christmas in the City and explore downtown. Look for Boise Tour’s Red and Green buses. Map is available online here.
EVENT: Old Boise N Scale Model Railroaders
DATE & TIME: November 24th, December 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd.
10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
LOCATION: Old Boise at 106 N 6th Mezzanine 1.
DESCRIPTION: It is an extremely rare occasion for the Railroaders to find a venue that is large enough to present their numerous towns and villages all as one exhibit!  This live, exciting, exhibit is not only a tremendous amount of fun; it’s FREE to the public! Santa Claus will be roving the Old Boise 6th & Main area, with the generous support of the Old Boise Merchants Association. Have your child’s picture taken with Santa for free!
EVENT: Opera Idaho Sings Christmas
DATE & TIME: Saturday, December 1, 2007, at 7:00pm
LOCATION: Egyptian Theater
DESCRIPTION: Celebrate the Holidays with Opera Idaho’s Resident Company along with the Opera Idaho Children’s Chorus and selected soloists in this delightful concert of holiday tradition. Enjoy selections from the Messiah, holiday tunes, and the ever-popular sing-along. Bring the entire family to experience all of your favorite holiday music. For more information and tickets, visit www.operaidaho.org.
EVENT: First Thursday
DATE & TIME: December 6th, 2007, 6-9pm
LOCATION: Downtown Businesses and Galleries
DESCRIPTION: What a great opportunity to explore Downtown Boise! Visit participating galleries, retailers, and restaurants to discover the culture of Boise. Plus, the Winter Window Gallery Stroll is an outdoor art experience, with beautifully painted holiday scenes on the front windows of 16 businesses. Bring your kids to Macy’s for a visit with Santa. During First Thursday, a free trolley service will be running throughout Downtown and parking in the public parking garages is $3 for the whole evening. Street parking after 6pm is free. Click here for a full list of First Thursday locations.
EVENT: Winter Window Gallery Stroll
DATE & TIME: First Thursday, December 6th, 5-9pm and throughout the Holiday season.
LOCATION: Hampton Inn and Suites, Ella's Room, Bardenay, Shoe Fetish, Boise Art Glass, Flying M, American Clothing Gallery, Owyhee Plaza Hotel, Connect Wireless, See Jane Run, Mesa Taqueria, Brick Oven Bistro, The Old Spaghetti Factory, Dragonfly, Mai Thai, and Tecabi.
DESCRIPTION: The Downtown Boise Association has teamed up with Boise City Arts Commission for the second year to provide a unique art experience that will be launched on First Thursday December 6th- an outdoor “Winter Window Gallery Stroll”.

Local artists will create a work of art depicting of a winter or holiday scene on downtown business window locations. In addition, carolers and/or musical entertainment will visit each location to add holiday cheer.

During First Thursday a free trolley service will be running throughout Downtown, and parking in the public parking garages after 4pm is $3 for the whole evening. On street parking after 6pm is free.

So while you are Downtown enjoying the many First Thursday activities on December 6, add the Winter Window Gallery Stroll to your list of “must-do” activities the evening.

Congratulations to the winners of this year's Juried Window Gallery Competition:

  1. Heather Bauer at Tacabi: "Crooked Trees and Underwater Shrip & Jellys"
  2. Wendy Blickenstaff at Mesa Taqueria: "Las Posadas del Desierto"
  3. Sandy Marostica at American Clothing Gallery: "Above the Rooftops"

Honorable Mention: Miriam Woito & Highlands Elementary 3rd graders at
The Travel Centre "Oh the Places You Can Go- Let It Snow!"
EVENT: Women & Children’s Alliance Giving Tree
DATE & TIME: Through December 14th, 2007- All Hours
LOCATION: The Grove Plaza
DESCRIPTION: Take a Tag from the Holiday Giving Tree and take a stand to help the WCA re-build lives. Return gifts with the tags or financial contributions to the WCA at 720 W. Washington Street or any Zions Bank Branch. The Women’s and Children’s Alliance (WCA) provides safety, shelter and support to women and their children escaping the trauma of domestic violence and/or sexual abuse. Your donation will provide hope –the most precious gift of all!
EVENT: “A Christmas Carol” Family Readings with the Shakespeare Festival
DATE & TIME: December 9th and 16th @ 2pm
LOCATION: Fulton Street Center for the Arts (9th and Fulton)
DESCRIPTION: Come “hear a play” with some of the Festival’s finest actors. The Idaho Shakespeare Festival actors will be reading the classic play “A Christmas Carol” for families of all ages. Call 336-9221 or email tickets@idahoshakespeare.org for more information and tickets.
EVENT: Ballet Idaho- The Nutcracker
DATE & TIME: Friday, December 14th @ 8pm
Saturday, December 15th @2pm & 8pm
Sunday, December 16th @ 2pm
LOCATION: Velma V. Morrison Center for Performing Arts
DESCRIPTION: More than 160 young dancers from the community will be a part of Ballet Idaho’s annual production of The Nutcracker. The ballet’s professional company will also be joined by the Boise Philharmonic and Opera Idaho’s Children’s Chorus for this year’s production. The Nutcracker is performed annually in Boise and has become a community favorite.
Tickets are available at all Select-A-Seat outlets, by calling (208)426-1110, or online at www.idahotickets.org. Ticket prices range from $18 - $43 for adults and $9 - $33 for children. For more information, call the Ballet Idaho office at (208)343-0556.
EVENT: Free Parking Day
DATE & TIME: Saturday, December 22nd 8am – 5pm
LOCATION:

Public Parking Garages/Republic Parking

  • Capitol Terrace – Corner of Main & Capitol Streets (Access on Main or Idaho)
  • Eastman Garage – Corner of 9th & Main Streets (access on Main or Idaho St)
  • City Centre Garage – Corner 9th & Front (access on 9th St.)
  • Myrtle Street Garage – Corner of Myrtle and Capitol Blvd (access on Myrtle and Capitol)
  • 9th Street/Wells Fargo – Corner of Main & 9th Street (access on 9th Street between Wells Fargo and Boise Centre on the Grove)

Republic Parking Lots

Old Boise lots:

  • Grove & 6th (access on 6th and Grove St.)
  • Idaho & 6th (access on Idaho St.)
  • Moxie lot on Main St. (access on Main St.)
  • Starbucks lot on Idaho St. (access on Idaho)
  • 5th & Front (access on 5th St)

Republic Parking lots:

  • 912 W. Main (between Sonna and Idanha buildings)
  • 10th & State (behind Global Travel)
  • 10th and Idaho ( next to Plaza 121 and across from Macy’s on Idaho)
  • 10th and Grove (across from Statehouse Inn)
  • Capitol and Fulton(Across from Tablerock Brewpub)
  • 6th and Jefferson

Car Park USA Parking Lots

  • Capitol Blvd & Front St 8th & Fulton Streets
  • Bannock St lot between 8th & 9th Streets
  • Bannock St lot between Banner Bank Bldg & Yen Cheng restaurant
  • 9th & Bannock St Garage (access on Bannock)
  • 8th & Jefferson St
  • 5th & Bannock
  • 5th & Idaho
  • Myrtle and Capitol
  • Boise Cascade lots

 



DESCRIPTION:

This is an opportunity to thank loyal downtown supporters and encourage newcomers to experience downtown during Christmas in the City. For all those gift shopping procrastinators this is the perfect time to shop for that perfect gift at the over 300 retail, services & restaurant locations. And while you are downtown, take a break from shopping and enjoy dining at one of downtown’s many eateries.
Thanks! Capital City Development Corporation, Republic Parking, Old Boise, and The Car Park the following parking locations will be free on Saturday December 22nd from 8a-5p. After 5pm the regular rates for each location apply.
EVENT: Miracle on Idaho Street
DATE & TIME: Christmas Day, December 25th
LOCATION: Old Chicago Restaurant, 730 W Idaho St
DESCRIPTION: For the 4th year, 750 homeless and displaced guests from the Boise Rescue Mission will arrive at Old Chicago in Downtown Boise for a Christmas Day celebration. Each guest will receive a warm welcome and an extraordinary dining experience. Seated at tables dressed with white linen tablecloths and napkins, silverware, and china, guests will enjoy a traditional meal with all of the trimmings. New gifts to be distributed include warm adult and children’s clothing, blankets, toys, school supplies, and other essentials. Each guest will have the chance to make a long-distance phone call as well as enjoy a visit and picture on Santa’s lap!
EVENT: Free Holiday Dinners at the Emerald Club
DATE & TIME: Christmas Day from 1-4pm, Thanksgiving Day 1-4pm
LOCATION: The Emerald Club, 415 S 9th St
DESCRIPTION: For the 21st year, the Emerald City Club will open its doors to host a free holiday dinner for guests 21 and over.
 
EVENT: Free Holiday Dinner at the Cazba
DATE & TIME: Christmas Day from 1-4pm, Thanksgiving Day 1-5pm
LOCATION: The Cazba Restaurant, 211 N 8th St
DESCRIPTION: Again this year the Cazba, together with Bittercreek & Red Feather Restaurants and Moon River Distributing, provide a sit-down dinner to folks who most need a helping hand during the holidays.