Twinkling lights, thousands of them, in every color of the rainbow bring Idaho to life in a new light during the holiday season. The white, red, green, and blue glow reflecting off snow-covered spaces is a feeling that can warm you right up, even on the coldest nights. If you’re looking for a new way to light up your holiday season, here’s a look at some of the best light displays and shows in Idaho.
Winter Spirit, Lewiston
Ignite the holidays with Winter Spirit! The community lights up with interactive displays and dancing trees in Locomotive Park. A large gas fireplace warms visitors and the area is filled with a rainbow of lights. This holiday tradition uses over a half million lights making Locomotive Park a spectacular site to visit.
Winter Wonderland, Caldwell
Downtown Caldwell’s Indian Creek is illuminated with 500,000 lights. Bridges that span the creek, railings, lamp posts, trees and character displays are covered with twinkling lights. This event brings families and visitors from all over to enjoy the beauty and celebrate the season.
Winter Garden aGlow, Boise
You’ve seen gardens in bloom in summer, but have you seen one glow in the winter? Explore the Idaho Botanical Garden under a dazzling array of nearly 300,000 lights. Special guest Santa and his reindeer Prancer will visit the North Pole and the Holiday Express Train will wind its way through the glowing winter wonderland. Local choirs will fill the air with music on select nights, so check the website for details!
Cadger Christmas Light Show, Meridian
Reaching internet fame with “The Dubstep House,” the Cadger family has created quite the buzz throughout the nation with their creative and imaginative musical Christmas light display. The family’s light display synchronized to music is available for all to see at their home on 223 East Cornell Drive in Meridian. With over 25 minutes of music and lights, it’s a sure hit for the whole family! Be sure to check the website for updated schedules and events.
Coeur d’Alene Holiday Lights Show, Coeur d’Alene
From Thanksgiving to New Year’s, bring the family to see the Coeur d’Alene Resort Holiday Light Show, a wonderland of over 1.5 million lights and the largest on-the-water holiday light display in America. The “Journey to the North Pole” Lake Cruise visits Santa’s North Pole Toy Workshop where America’s tallest floating Christmas trees awaits, towering and twinkling in the evening sky.
Winter Wonderland Festival, Sun Valley
The lights turn on December 1st signaling a month filled with festivities. Stroll through an enchanted village sparkling with holiday cheer and listen to holiday carolers. Kids can enjoy a scavenger hunt through the decorated store fronts. Check the website for details on all the holiday events.
Thunder Mountain Line: Santa Express, Horseshoe Bend
The Thunder Mountain Line’s Santa Express offers something a bit different. Departing from Horseshoe Bend, ride the rails to Santa’s Village in festively decorated cars while enjoying Christmas music and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus. In the Village, take pictures with Santa, and stroll through the Magic Forest to decorate trees with carrot ornaments for Santa’s reindeer.
Holiday Lights Tours, Boise
Take a guided tour of the Boise area’s most magnificently decorated neighborhoods with Boise Township Tours or Boise Trolley Tours. Please visit their websites for more information on departure locations and rates.
Share your favorite holiday light displays with @VisitIdaho. Happy Holidays!
Feature image credit: Idaho Botanical Garden.
Published on November 23, 2015
