Top Things to Do in the Winter in Boise

by Lysi Bishop Real Estate

The days are getting shorter and the air is getting colder, meaning the festive season has arrived in Boise. From gliding on ice around a dazzling holiday tree or watching a local production of The Nutcracker, there is no lack of activities this holiday season. For locals seeking a new adventure or visitors eager to experience the city’s holiday traditions, this guide is your key to unlocking the festive magic of Boise!

Sledding

Local staples include Camel’s Back Park and Simplot’s Hill. For the more adventurous, tubing options are shared below! Grab a hot cocoa from Mocha Moose, Hyde Perk or Java in Hyde Park and make a fun day on big snow days.

Skiing & Tubing at Bogus Basin

There’s nothing more exhilarating than flying down the slopes, whether on skis or in a tube! Bogus Basin offers alpine skiing and snowboarding, with 10 lifts serving 88 runs. Night skiing is offered at a discounted price for a fun evening activity. There is also a tubing hill for those who don’t want to strap on skis or are looking to keep the kids entertained. The tubing hill features an 800-foot run with a conveyor belt to take you back to the top. There is something for everyone at this locally run nonprofit hill, with Nordic skiing also available!

Tubing at Eagle Island State Park

Gateway Parks at Eagle Island State Park opens a tubing hill every year starting at the end of November and staying open until March. Reservations must be made 24 hours in advance on weekdays and an hour in advance on weekends or holidays. This hill offers a fun and safe tubing experience for everyone and you can book a reservation here.

Ice Skating at The Grove and The Village

Ice skating is the perfect way to spend a day or evening with friends and family this winter. Glide on Grove is a new skating rink in downtown Boise that offers ice skating completely for free (including skates, helmets, and skate aids). The rink surrounds the City of Boise’s holiday tree and opens on Thanksgiving weekend. The Village in Meridian also has an ice rink this year, open now through January 15th. Reservations are required and the cost is $7 for adults and $5 for children. Book tickets here.

Watch The Nutcracker at Morrison Center

Celebrate the joy of the season with a timeless classic of The Nutcracker presented by Ballet Idaho. The performance features children from the Ballet Idaho Academy alongside professional company members, with live music provided by The Boise Philharmonic and Opera Idaho’s children choruses. This performance will take place at the Morrison Center from December 15th through December 24th and tickets can be purchased here.

Shop Local at Winter Markets

*Photo credit: facebook.com/boisemerrymakers*

Boise is home to multiple winter markets this festive season. Highlights include the Wintry Market, featuring arts, crafts, and design, and the Merry Makers Market, a pop-up shop full of locally homemade gifts. These markets offer the perfect opportunity to support local businesses and get in some holiday gift shopping! Check out this blog post for more information.