Best Neighborhoods to See Christmas Lights

Photo courtesy of Scentsy Facebook The holiday season is here, and Boise is shining brighter than ever! Parks, neighborhoods, and city streets are glowing with festive lights, creating the perfect backdrop for holiday memories. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, these light displays are a must-see. From whimsical gardens to cozy downtown strolls, here’s where to find the best holiday magic this year:     Winter Garden aGlow – Idaho Botanical GardenA Boise holiday favorite, the Idaho Botanical Garden comes alive with over 400,000 twinkling lights. Walk through glowing pathways, admire themed displays, and enjoy festive music. Little ones will love the model train, and Santa makes special appearances on select nights! Pro Tip: Book your tickets early—they sell out fast. Dress warmly and grab a cup of hot cocoa for the ultimate cozy experience. Caldwell’s Winter WonderlandJust a short drive away, Indian Creek Plaza in Caldwell shines with over a million lights. Highlights include animated displays, light tunnels, and ice skating under the stars. It’s the perfect spot for family fun and holiday photos! Pro Tip: Visit on a weeknight to avoid crowds, and treat yourself to kettle corn or warm cider from local vendors. Downtown Boise City LightsThe heart of Boise sparkles during the holidays with festive trees, glowing street lamps, and the beautifully lit Capitol building. Wander 8th Street for stunning storefronts and enjoy the holiday tree at Grove Plaza. Pro Tip: Grab a warm drink from a nearby coffee shop and take an evening stroll—8th Street is especially magical at dusk. Candy Cane Lane – Warm Springs NeighborhoodTake a drive or stroll through Candy Cane Lane, where neighbors on Warm Springs Avenue pull out all the stops with creative light displays and decorations. A local favorite for families, it’s full of classic charm and festive cheer. Pro Tip: Park nearby and explore on foot to soak in all the details. Nearby streets also offer more sparkling homes to enjoy. Scentsy Commons Holiday LightsLocated in Meridian, Scentsy Commons boasts over 450,000 lights spread across its beautifully decorated campus. Don’t miss the giant Christmas tree—it’s perfect for family photos and free for everyone to enjoy. Pro Tip: Visit after sunset to see the lights at their brightest and bring your camera for memorable holiday snapshots. The Village at MeridianThis shopping and dining hub is a festive must-visit, complete with a grand Christmas tree, synchronized fountain shows set to holiday music, and twinkling lights throughout. It’s the ultimate spot for a holiday outing! Pro Tip: End the night with a sweet treat from one of The Village’s dessert spots and catch the magical fountain show. From sparkling gardens to festive neighborhoods, Boise is full of holiday cheer waiting to be discovered. So grab your loved ones, cozy up with a warm drink, and take in the beautiful light displays that make this season truly magical. Wishing you a joyful holiday season and happy light exploring!    

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5 Events in Boise & Beyond - October 25th - 27th

Photo credit to Pexels 5 Events in Boise & Beyond 1. Movies On The Greenbelt Where: Kuna Greenbelt - 301 W 2nd St, Kuna When: Friday, October 25th Time: 7:00 - 10:00 PM EVENT DETAILS HERE   2. An Epic, Fun-Filled Scavenger Hunt! - Hidden Treasures Where: 700 W Jefferson St When: Friday, October 25th Time: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM EVENT DETAILS HERE   3.  Boo At The Zoo Where: Zoo Boise - 355 Julia Davis Dr When: Saturday, October 26th - Sunday, October 27th Time: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM EVENT DETAILS HERE   4. Glow in the Dark Paint & Sip Where: The Social on Eighth - 404 South 8th Street Suite L120 Boise When: Saturday, October 26th Time: 6:00 - 8:00 PM EVENT DETAILS HERE   5. Coffee + Spooky Cake Decorating Where: Jitters By Jayne - 208 9th, Boise When: Saturday, Oct 26th Time: 10:00 AM - 11:15 PM EVENT DETAILS HERE    

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Boise’s Best Trick-or-Treat Spots

Photo courtesy of 107.9 Lite FM Halloween is just around the corner and it’s time to prepare for the tradition of trick-or-treating. Full of charming neighborhoods and bustling streets that go all out for this festive day, there is no lack of Halloween magic in Boise, Idaho. Grab your costumes and candy bags and try these trick-or-treating spots!   Harrison Boulevard: The pinnacle of trick-or-treating spots in Boise is Harrison Boulevard. Located in the North End, this street features stunning estates and historic homes whose Halloween decor is truly on the next level. On Halloween, Harrison Boulevard is closed to cars and gets an estimated 6,000 trick-or-treating kids and their parents visiting. This is a must-see Boise experience!    Warm Springs Avenue: Located in the East End, Warm Springs Avenue offers a similar but less busy experience as Harrison Boulevard. This street is lined with historic mansions and estates, and residents fill their yards with spooky decorations and even homemade haunted houses. Bring your candy-hungry children and check out the beautiful homes and decorations while trick-or-treating this year.   North End: The North End of Boise is sure to impress on Halloween. This prime neighborhood features charming craftsman and bungalow homes that date back to the early 1900s. Festive and spooky decorations are set up by the majority of residents, and there is an abundance of sweet treats for the young ones. While still busy, this neighborhood offers a much more spread-out trick-or-treating experience than the previous two options.    Harris Ranch: Nestled in southeast Boise is Harris Ranch, a newly established neighborhood sitting beneath the foothills and next to the Boise River. Full of families, this neighborhood is a wonderful place to trick-or-treat. Expect top-notch decorations, plenty of candy for the children, and a well-lit environment with minimal car traffic for a safe and exciting Halloween experience!   JUMP-or-Treat: Located in downtown Boise at JUMP (Jack's Urban Meeting Place), this is a family-friendly and fun event that transforms the campus into a world of wonder. Giant inflatables and local partners fill the plaza to hand out treats to costumed attendees. This event is on Saturday, October 26th from 5-8pm. View more details here.   More Halloween Fun! Another option includes Trunk-or-Treats, which are coordinated treat-or-treating events where multiple participants hand out candy in a specific public area. See a nice guide of opportunities here. Looking for more Halloween magic? Check out this map of epic Halloween displays throughout the Treasure Valley!   Some helpful tips and reminders for a safe and fun-filled evening: Trick-or-treating is observed on Thursday, October 31st this year. Some neighborhoods and trunk-or-treat events might host their events the following Friday or on other days. Trick-or-treating usually takes place from sunset to 8pm. Please be mindful of the time and try not to knock on doors in the late hours. Homes that have porch lights off are typically not participating in trick or treating Spot a teal pumpkin on someone’s porch? It may indicate that the house is participating in a ‘food-free’ treat. They may hand out non-food items like stickers or small toys. These are great options for those with food allergies. Check the candy haul for any odd items and tampered pieces. Boise is a beautiful and safe place for trick-or-treating, but it is always good practice to keep your family safe.  

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