by Courtnie Erickson
I love the winter in Idaho. The frozen, snow-covered landscape creates a winter wonderland that is just waiting to be explored. And while it can certainly be chilly during this time of year, it doesn’t mean you must stay cooped up indoors. No, it simply means you need to bundle up, head outside, and experience all that an Idaho winter has to offer. Believe us, it may just become your new favorite time of the year and there are so many wonderful and fun things to do in Idaho in winter. From holiday events and Christmas towns to ice skating and hot spring getaways, you will never be bored. In fact, to help you create your Idaho winter activities bucket list, below are just 16 ideas to get you started.
Holiday Events In Idaho
There are holiday events throughout Idaho that offer magic, wonder, and excitement. From exquisite Christmas light displays to tree-lighting ceremonies to festivals of all shapes and sizes, there are dozens of holiday events that should be marked on your calendar.
1. Winter Garden aGlow, Idaho Botanical Garden in Boise
Idaho Botanical Garden/Facebook
Location: Idaho Botanical Garden in Boise, Idaho
Popularity: Very popular
Price: $18 for adults, $14 for ages 4-12, children under 4 years old are free
One of the most popular holiday light displays in Boise is the Winter Garden aGlow. During this annual event, the botanical garden is adorned with more than 600,000 twinkling Christmas lights. In addition to walking around and admiring the light show, you can also listen to live choirs, enjoy Santa’s cottage displays, sit next to the fire pits and drink hot cocoa, and so much more.
2. Journey to the North Pole, Lake Coeur d’Alene
Lake Coeur d’Alene Cruises/Facebook
Location: Lake Coeur d’Alene Resort, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
Popularity: Very popular. I recommend you purchase your tickets in advance.
Price: $8.25 for youth, $19.50 for adults, and $18.75 for seniors. Children under the age of five are free.
If I could only attend one holiday light display in Idaho, the Journey to the North Pole on Lake Coeur d’Alene would be it. This magical light display is a bit unique — it’s on the lake. Lake Coeur d’Alene Cruises takes you on a nighttime cruise where you will see more than 1.5 million Christmas lights and 250 holiday light displays on your way to the North Pole. Once you reach Santa’s workshop, listen closely as Santa will read some of his naughty and nice list. You’ll want to find out if your little ones made the cut!
#DavasTake- As a local, This sells out very fast and is popular for extended families with grandma and grandpa, couisins, etc. When tickets go on sale, please grab them.
Once you arrive on the boat with your children, you see the bartender. The bartender will take your children’s names and when the boat gets to the other side of the lake where Santa is, they read off all of the names of the good boys and girls. You want to make sure that your child is mentioned on there, or they feel left out. It is a truly magical experience.
3. The Village at Meridian Tree Lighting Ceremony, Meridian
The Village at Meridian/Facebook
Location: Village At Meridian, Meridian, Idaho
Popularity: Very popular
Price: Free
The Village At Meridian is one of Treasure Valley’s largest and most popular shopping centers and every Christmas, this entire area comes alive with holiday spirit. But, the festivities all begin with the annual tree-lighting ceremony. This is no small affair as it is complete with costumed Christmas characters, dances and musical performances, fireworks, and the arrival of Santa. You can then spend time walking around the Christmas village, leave a letter for Santa, ice skate, and attend one of the many other events held at this Idaho shopping center.
4. Eagle Country Christmas Festival, Eagle
Eagle Parks & Recreation/Facebook
Location: Eagle, Idaho
Popularity: Certain activities can become quite busy
Price: Free
Enjoy a small-town, family-friendly Christmas event during the Eagle Country Christmas. This one-day winter festival is held in downtown Eagle at Heritage Park. It is a day filled with activities including crafts and activities in heated tents, horse-drawn carriage rides, musical performances, shopping, and visits with Santa. The day is complete with the official tree lighting ceremony. This may become one of your favorite family things to do in Idaho in winter.
Christmas Towns In Idaho
The best Christmas towns in Idaho will take the Scrooge out of anyone. These towns transform into the ultimate winter destination with hundreds of holiday lights, long lists of activities, and that holly, jolly feeling you just can’t shake. Plus, you’ll often see the big man himself also enjoy the holiday festivities — Santa Claus.
5. Rupert, Idaho
Christmas City, USA/Facebook
Location: Rupert, Idaho
Popularity: Can be busy during certain events or times of the day
Price: Free
Each year, Rupert transforms into Christmas City, USA and it’s a bucket-list-worthy destination. Here, you will find many old-fashioned Christmas activities such as outdoor ice skating, holiday lights, letters to Santa, and even a fabulous Christmas market. Throughout the entire month of December, there are also activities for the whole family from concerts and cookie decorating classes to classic Christmas movies.
6. Sun Valley, Idaho
Sun Valley Resort/Facebook
Location: Sun Valley, Idaho
Popularity: Popular
Price: Free
Sun Valley is not only one of the most charming Christmas towns in Idaho, but it is a destination that is absolutely beautiful. People from all over the state travel to this area during the holiday season to ski, snowboard, and just enjoy the beauty of the area. During the holidays, Sun Valley hosts its annual Winter Wonderland Festival with activities for the entire family. Plus, the resort and village are decked to the nines in twinkling lights. During a visit to Sun Valley, you can spend your day shopping, at the outdoor ice skating rink, curled up in the lodge, or even admiring the incredible gingerbread houses on display. I also recommend heading into Ketchum for some delicious food.
7. Wallace, Idaho
Wallace Idaho Chamber/Facebook
Location: Wallace, Idaho
Popularity: Not too busy
Price: Free
Wallace is easily one of the best Christmas towns in the Panhandle. Each year, the town hosts the Home Town Holidays Festival, which is multiple weekends full of holiday magic. There are traditional holiday activities like making Christmas ornaments, writing letters to Santa, and admiring Christmas lights. You can also shop at the craft fairs and listen to holiday book readings. Just make sure you attend the annual Christmas light parade. It’s one of the best free things to do in Idaho in winter and you’ll be sad to miss it.
#DavasTake – Anyone that knows me personally knows that I am obsessed with this town. I have written about it for my camping group and will attach my link here for more great information. Wallace, ID.
Outdoor activities
It doesn’t matter if you are looking for cheap things to do in Idaho in winter or you simply want a winter day trip destination the whole family can enjoy together, the options are plentiful during an Idaho winter. Below are just five of my personal favorites, with options for every interest, budget, and family size.
8. Ice Skating At Indian Creek Plaza
Indian Creek Plaza/Facebook
Location: Caldwell, Idaho
Popularity: Popular
Price: $10
There is no better way to spend a winter day than at an outdoor ice skating rink. This ice rink in Caldwell is one of the best as it is large enough for groups and is typically open from mid-November until the end of February each year. I recommend visiting around the holidays as the rink is surrounded by colorful holiday lights, adding even more magic to this winter activity.
9. Snow tubing at Schweitzer Mountain Resort
Schweitzer/Facebook
Location: Schweitzer Mountain Resort near Sandpoint, Idaho
Popularity: Busy on the weekends
Price: $22 and tickets must be purchased in advance
Idaho offers some of the best snow tubing in the country at a variety of destinations. But, located near Sandpoint in the Selkirk Mountains is one of our favorites — snow tubing at Schweitzer Mountain Resort. Here, you’ll find Hermit’s Hollow, home to lanes that are up to 300 feet long. Then, once you make it to the bottom of the hill, you can let the tow rope pull you all the back to the top.
10. Skiing at Bogus Basin
Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area/Facebook
Location: North of Boise, Idaho
Popularity: Popular
Price: Varies on age, time of day, activity, etc.
There are many ski resorts in Idaho that are perfect for a day on the slopes but approximately 17 miles north of Boise is one that should never be overlooked — Bogus Basin. This ski resort is one of the largest resorts in Idaho and receives plenty of snow (this resort averages 250 inches of snowfall every single year!). There are 90 named runs and 10 total lifts, making this resort the ultimate skiers’ paradise. Don’t forget, Bogus Basin is also home to incredible snow tubing and Nordic skiing as well!
11. Explore Harriman State Park
Harriman State Park of Idaho/Facebook
Location: Island Park, Idaho
Popularity: Not very busy
Price: $7 Vehicle Entrance Fee
Harriman State Park is beautiful all year long but winter is easily one of the best times to explore. Not only is this state park in eastern Idaho beautiful, but it is home to all types of winter activities. For example, you’ll find more than 24 miles of groomed trails for cross-country skiing. This is also a fantastic destination with trails for snowshoeing and riding fat bikes. And, because this park sits with a 16,000-acre wildlife refuge, you never know what creatures you may find on your way.
12. Play at McCall Activity Barn
The Activity Barn/Facebook
Location: McCall, Idaho
Popularity: Popular
Price: $29+
Your favorite family-friendly winter day trip may be to the Activity Barn in McCall. This is a unique winter destination that is actually located on a working cattle ranch in the summer. But in the winter, it transforms into a destination complete with snow tubing and a Nordic Skiing Trail that is perfect for cross-country skis, snowshoes, and fat tire bikes.
Winter getaway
It’s no secret that winter in Idaho can be a bit depressing. The cold weather, lack of sunlight, and heavy snow can make you want to stay cooped up indoors. But this is also the best time to get away. You don’t need the beach — you need someplace where you can get away from your daily stresses and worries. Whether you are searching for a solo escape or romantic things to do in Idaho in winter, the following destinations are excellent places to consider.
13. Kabino Hot Tub Cabin
VRBO
Location: Island Park, Idaho
Popularity: Not too busy
Price: $300+
Located just a short drive from multiple state parks and national parks is this hot tub getaway. The Kabino Hot Tub Cabin is the perfect getaway destination as it features three bedrooms and one bathroom, comfortably sleeping up to six guests. It has many amenities, including a large kitchen and a beautiful fireplace where you can snuggle up with a cup of hot chocolate and read your favorite book. Spend some time enjoying the snowy views in the outdoor hot tub and even bring your favorite furry friend along as well.
14. South Fork Riverside Retreat
Airbnb
Location: Garden Valley, Idaho
Popularity: Not too busy
Price: $200+
You will feel tucked away from reality when you stay at this charming Garden Valley, Idaho cabin. Not far from Boise, this cabin sits along the Payette River and in the winter, it provides the most enchanting winter wonderland views. The cabin is spacious and a wonderful getaway for the entire family as it features three bedrooms and one bathroom, comfortably sleeping up to eight guests. It’s the perfect winter vacation.
15. Lava Hot Springs, Lava Hot Springs
Lava Hot Springs – World Famous Hot Springs/Facebook
Location: Lava Hot Springs, Idaho
Popularity: Popular
Price: Depends on activities and vacation rental
There is something relaxing about soaking in a hot spring and while there are several in Idaho to visit, one of the best winter getaways is Lava Hot Springs. Here, there is not only a large indoor swimming pool for the family to enjoy but there are five separate hot pools to soak in, each ranging in temperature from 102 degrees to 112 degrees Fahrenheit. And to truly get away, consider renting one of the charming vacation rentals in town, like this modern grain bin that has been converted into the most charming house.
16. Silver Fox Yurt, McCall
Airbnb
Location: Near McCall, Idaho
Popularity: Very popular — you’ll want to book early!
Price: $100+
For the ultimate winter adventure, put on a pair of skis or snowshoes and hike to the Silver Fox Yurt, approximately 20 minutes away from downtown McCall. This 16-foot yurt can accommodate up to four guests and has a small kitchen and bathroom area. You can even stand outside on the private viewing deck and admire both the stars and the snowy landscape in front of you. This yurt books up quickly so you’ll want to schedule your stay early, especially if you wish to visit during the McCall Winter Carnival.
When you find fun things to do in Idaho in winter, it becomes easy to fall in love with this time of year. While we could easily list dozens of additional activities and events around the state to add to your bucket list, the above ideas are just a starting place. You can also check out our Idaho winter articles for even more inspiration. And, make sure to check out our ultimate winter packing list before you venture on any cold-weather adventure — it’s always best to be prepared!
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