Surprise! I’ve got an extra newsletter for you this week — all about events to mark your calendar and plan ahead for this November.

Maybe you’re like me and have family coming to town for Thanksgiving (and my MIL loves to hit up the holiday markets), or maybe you just like to get your plans lined up early. Either way, I've got some ideas for you.

There’s snow on the tippy tops of the foothills (Bogus got three inches this week!) which means winter is right around the corner.

Here are some fun things to do in Boise this November:

Nov 6: Backcountry Film Festival

The 21st Annual Backcountry Film Festival is happening at Treefort Music Hall. This night’s all about snowy adventures, community, and good stories told on the big screen. There will be giveaways, live music, drinks, and a pre-party starting at 5:30pm before the films roll at 7pm. Proceeds benefit Winter Wildlands Alliance, which works to protect America’s wild snowscapes.

Nov 8: Idaho Veteran’s Day Parade

Head downtown for the annual Idaho Veterans Parade, honoring the service and sacrifice of US military veterans. This year’s parade commemorates the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, with marching bands, floats, scout troops, and community groups. It starts at 10am in front of the Idaho State Capitol and it’s free to attend.

Nov 8-9: Bruneau Cowboy Christmas

The Bruneau Cowboy Christmas market is happening in the little town of Bruneau, Idaho – about an hour south of Boise. This is such a fun event, it’s one of my faves. It literally takes over the entire town of Bruneau. There’s 200+ vendors set up in five different buildings and in different shops and parking lots throughout the town. You’ll find artists, authors, makers, vintage/antique dealers, food trucks, wineries, mobile bars & boutiques offering unique handcrafted gifts perfect for everyone on your holiday shopping list. Admission is by donation of a nonperishable food item or monetary gift to Bruneau’s community food drive.

Nov 16: Rake Up Boise

Rake Up Boise is a community event where hundreds of volunteers come together to help senior, veteran, and disabled neighbors with yard cleanup. Now in its 40th year, Rake Up Boise is one of the city’s most beloved volunteer traditions. You can form a team or join the community crew to lend a hand. It’s called Rake Up Boise but happens across the entire Treasure Valley.

Nov 22: Cranksgiving 2025

Part bike ride, part food drive, part scavenger hunt – Cranksgiving is a unique Boise way to give back during the holiday season. Teams ride around town on bikes collecting items to fill Thanksgiving food boxes for St. Vincent de Paul, all while tackling trivia and goofy challenges along the way. It wraps up with food, beer, and live music at Clairvoyant Brewing. Also costumes/themed outfits are encouraged. So fun!

Nov 21–22: Wintry Market

Wintry Market is back for its 14th year on Friday, Nov 21 and Saturday, Nov 22. This is Idaho’s premier curated winter maker’s market, recently named the best holiday bazaar in Idaho by Food & Wine and one of the best in the West by Sunset Magazine! You’ll find over 175 regional artists and crafters selling one-of-a-kind handmade goods, everything from art and jewelry to home décor, prints, and so much more. It’s happening on Friday, Nov 21 from 4 to 9 pm and Saturday, Nov 22 from 9 to 5 at the Boise Centre.

Tickets are just $10 Friday (good both days) or $5 Saturday, and kids 12 and under are free. (We also have 4 tickets to give away, so be sure you are following us on Instagram.)

Nov 21–23: Caldwell Winter Wonderland Opening Weekend

Winter Wonderland in Downtown Caldwell is like a real-life Hallmark movie. There’s over a million lights illuminating Indian Creek and the plaza! The opening weekend is basically a community-wide kick off party complete with a holiday shopping market, pics with Santa & Mrs. Claus, and the official opening of the ice skating rink. The lights and festivities continue through mid-Jan, including ice skating, carriage rides, fire pits, food and drinks, and more.

Nov 21–23: Canyon County Christmas Show

The Canyon County Christmas Show at the Ford Idaho Center in Nampa is a three-day event featuring hundreds of vendors and a visit from Santa. It’s family-friendly and very festive. Open Friday, Nov 21 and Saturday, Nov 22 from 11am–7pm and Sunday, Nov 23 from 11am–4pm. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, and free for kids 12 and under.

Nov 25–Dec 1: Saint Alphonsus Festival of Trees

The Festival of Trees has been a Boise holiday tradition for more than 40 years, filling the Boise Centre with beautifully decorated trees, performances, and plenty of Christmas cheer. The week kicks off with the Gala on Nov 25, followed by the general exhibition Nov 26–30 and the fashion show on Dec 1. There’s also a North Pole Village, LEGO displays, kids’ scavenger hunt, art contest, and live entertainment.

Nov 27: Turkey Day 5K Run/Walk

If you’re one of those families that like to start your Thanksgiving morning with a 5k, the Turkey Day 5K in downtown Boise is for you. The race kicks off at 9am from Cecil D. Andrus Park, right in front of the Capitol. It’s family-friendly (including dogs!) and a fun way to get moving before the big feast.

Nov 28 - Dec 1: Canyon County Festival of Trees

The annual Canyon County Festival of Trees fills the Ford Idaho Center with beautifully decorated trees, local vendors, live performances, and more. There’s all kinds of special events too, like Cookies with Santa and Breakfast with Santa, and an adults-only Bingo Night. The celebration wraps up with a formal Gala on Dec 1. Admission is $5–$8, and kids 3 and under get in free.

Nov 29: 77th Annual Boise Holiday Parade

The Boise Holiday Parade is an annual sprinkling of holiday magic through downtown Boise. This year the parade falls on Thanksgiving weekend, lining up perfectly with Shop Small Saturday. It’s a good day to be downtown! The parade kicks off at 10am and this year’s theme is “A Storybook Christmas.” There’s lots of creative floats, marching bands, dance teams, and an appearance from Santa himself.

Nov 29: Nampa Christmas Tree Lighting

Downtown Nampa’s Christmas Tree Lighting kicks off the holiday season with a tree-lighting celebration in Library Square. Festivities begin at 5pm with live entertainment, followed by the tree lighting at 6pm. Santa and the Mrs. will be there afterward to greet families inside the historic Nampa Train Depot. It also coincides with Nampa’s Shop Small Saturday celebration.

TBD (but prob Nov 29): Downtown Boise Tree Lighting

Downtown Boise hasn’t announced the details for the downtown tree lighting ceremony, but it’s usually the Saturday after Thanksgiving. It’s on the Grove Plaza and usually festivities begin around 5pm with a candle-lighting ceremony, musical performances and special guests. The tree lighting itself happens soon after around 6pm.

Nov 28-Dec 31: Winter Garden aGlow

Winter Garden aGlow is one of my favorite holiday events. Wander through a glowing Idaho Botanical Garden, sip cocoa (or something stronger at the Yuletide Lodge Bar), and soak up the magic of more than half a million lights – all hand-strung by volunteers. This year’s display features the new Gumdrop Grove, Luminaria Garden, and community-made gingerbread houses, plus returning favorites like the miniature trains (throwback!!) and Santa nights. Winter Garden aGlow kicks off on Nov 28 and is open through Dec 31, Wednesday through Thursday from 6–9pm. Fyi, when you buy a ticket, you also choose the time slot that you want to attend.

Nov 29: Winter Wonder Market

This Is Boise’s Winter Wonder Market is a free indoor market that brings together 75+ local makers, artists, and businesses for a festive day of holiday shopping. There’s free family photos with Santa, kid-friendly activities, and donation-based gift wrapping. It’s inside the Riverside Hotel from 10am-4pm.

Nov 29-30: Home Alone film with live orchestra

You’ve seen Home Alone, but have you seen it with a live orchestra playing the soundtrack? The Boise Phil is performing John Williams’ iconic score along with the film at the Morrison Center. Watch Kevin outsmart the Wet Bandits while Boise’s orchestra brings the magic and mischief to life. There’s also pre-concert talks with Music Director Eric Garcia and guests happen 45 minutes before each show. A fun holiday outing for the whole family.

Ok that's all I got for ya today. What events did I miss? Let me know and I'll be sure they get into Thursday newsletters.

Thanks for reading!

With love from Boise,

Marissa

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