Candles are burning, smooth jazz is on full blast, and we're geared up for another week of beautiful Boise winter.
For the cozy nights, we’ve got movie marathons to warm your heart and candlelit concerts to set the perfect evening mood. So defrost your car, scrape off the layer of ice, and go have fun out there!!
Gearing up for good!
Saturday, December 14
Boise Bicycle Project is doing their Holiday Kids Bike Giveaway from 8am-5pm. Every year more than 500 bikes are fixed up, “dreamified”, and given to kids in need in December. This year, over 500 kids and their families will show up to get warm clothes, warm drinks, a warm meal, a bike lock, helmet, and their dream bike. In the spirit of the giving season, it’s one of the most impactful and feel-good community events happening in Boise.
Smooth moves
Saturday, December 14
Coiled Wines presents Jazz Night: A Coiled Christmas happening from 7:30-9:30pm on Saturday. Be ready to be taken through a nostalgic journey of your favorite smooth Christmas tunes with Kate Skinner on vocals, Ben Britton on tenor sax/flute, Alex Sjobeck on piano, and Josh Skinner on bass. Tix are $25.
Sunday, December 15
There’s a Holiday Jazz Concert & Dinner happening at The Social on 8th from 6-8pm. On the menu is a Marinated Kale Salad, Coq Au Vin, and a Pomegranate Layered Dessert. The same group from Saturday will be performing, so this is a great chance to catch them live if you missed out on Friday (plus, there’s a delicious meal!). Tix are $75. Guaranteed to fill your lil holiday spirit with joy!
SPONSORED BY ST. LUKE'S HEALTH PLAN
Secure Your Health for 2025 with St. Luke’s Health Plan
Open Enrollment in Idaho closes this week! December 16 is the final day for Idahoans to enroll in a health insurance plan for the coming year through Your Health Idaho.
St. Luke's Health Plan offers a huge range of benefits for Idahoans, including $0 copays on most plans for in-network primary care, preventive care, and maternity care, plus access to one of Idaho’s largest provider networks. Individual, family, and employer plans include practitioner services, inpatient and outpatient hospital care, virtual care, and more. As a St. Luke's Health Plan member, you can stay healthy, happy, and protected in 2025!
Candlelight Concerts: Christmas Special is playing at the Egyptian Theatre starting at 8:45pm. Tix are $31-65. Experience an unforgettable night of Christmas music under the gentle glow of candlelight :)
SPONSORED BY MCCALL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Experience a white Christmas in McCall
Dreaming of a white Christmas? Head to McCall! Just two hours from Boise in the Idaho mountains, McCall is the perfect spot for a snow-filled holiday getaway.
Book a cozy cabin and spend a few days shopping, eating, drinking, and enjoying the small-town charm of McCall. With snowy days and curled up snuggly evenings by the fire, McCall offers the perfect place for a magical mountain Christmas.
Brad Upton is doing two comedy shows at the Lounge at the End of the Universe at 7pm & 9:30pm. Tix are $35.
Saturday, December 14
There’s a Christmas Comedy Show happening at Recycled Minds on Saturday at 8pm. Perfect for those looking for a lil holiday escape that’s full of laughs!
The U.S. Average improv comedy show is going on at Mad Swede Brew Hall starting at 8:30pm. Tix are $15 online or $20 at the door.
Monday, December 16
Storytime with the Elves is happening inside the Village Cinema from 11:30am-1pm. Stories of joy, family, and celebration!
Tuesday, December 17
Murder By Design: Tidings of Terror is happening at Watson’s Mystery Cafe and Spirits from 7-9pm. This is a PG-13 murder mystery where you get to play detective! Tix are starting at $20.
THE END, presented by Story Story Night, will be at the Visual Arts Collective starting at 8pm. Doors open at 7pm. Black sheep, it’s your season to come on down! Tix are $17.
Food finds & things to drink
Friday, December 13
There’s a Cosmic Crawl happening at multiple locations in Downtown Meridian. Here’s the line-up for this interstellar evening: Heritage Hop Haus at 6pm, Wood and Root at 7pm, Voodoo Brewing at 8pm, and Frontier Club at 9pm. Are you ready to complete the mission that’s written in the stars? It’s free to join!!
Saturday, December 14
Roast & Revel is happening at Caffeina Roasting Co from 11am-1pm this Saturday! This is a coffee and treat pairing event where guests will get to take home a recipe book with all Caffeina Kitchen treat recipes! Tix are $50.
Bend & Brews is happening at Voodoo Brewing Co. from 10-11:30am. It’s a 60-minute guided yoga session with Christmas music, followed by your Voodoo Brewing beer of choice and social time with your beer and yoga loving new friends. You can get single tix for $28, or buy two and save for $46.
Winter Vegan Market is happening at Common Grounds Coffee from 12-3pm. There will be plenty of yummy vegan food, vegan gifts, and more vegan stuff!
Tuesday, December 17
A Champagne and Caviar Affair is happening at Parcero Wine Bar from 6-8pm. Enjoy three premium Grower Champagnes paired with hand-selected caviar. Tix are $60.
credit Meriwether Cider House
Things to do
Thursday, December 12
Creative Womens Collective is having their FIRST ever Holiday Market at Hap Hap Lounge from 6-9pm. Shop from a variety of CWC community sellers and network will fellow creatives! It's free and open to the public. Ari (our social media girl) will be selling her handmade earrings! They're adorable. I'll be wandering around too :)
The Nutcracker, presented by Ballet Idaho, is showing at the Morrison Center starting at 7pm. Tix are $41-126. You know it, you love it, now go see it live!!
Vintage Christmas Content Day is happening at Studio 870 (870 N Linder Rd) from 12-3pm. Collaborate with talented models, network with fellow photographers, and create some festive content! This is a great chance to spark your creativity and get out of that winter slump :) Tix are $50.
Hackfort Happy Hour is happening with Ridge Security at 500 S 8th St. You can expect networking at 5:30pm, a panel featuring offensive security experts starting at 6pm, and more networking after 7pm. Enjoy pizza, beer, and wine generously sponsored by Ridge Security! It’s free.
There’s a Holiday Pop-up Market taking over Barbarian Brewing from 5-8pm. There will be food, beer, mulled wine, and tons of local vendors. Check the listing for a full list of vendors!
Merry & Bright: Bars, Boutiques, and Treats! is spreading cheer in Downtown Meridian from 8am-11pm. It’s an evening of supporting local businesses, enjoying exclusive discounts, and celebrating the season!
Friday, December 13
There’s a Thrift Pop Up & Jam at Maestre Warehouse in Garden City at 9pm, with an open jam session followed by live music from the Fjord People starting at 7:30pm. Whether you're a music lover, fashion enthusiast, or looking for something unique to do, there's something for everyone!
strikethrough 48: a performance installationis happening at Surel’s Place (110 W 31st St) in Garden City. During the show, participants will be invited to “strikethrough” portions of text and create new lines. The installation will culminate with a solo performance in response to an erasure poem about the importance of mental health services.
Friday, December 13 - Wednesday, December 18
Merrily We Roll Along is playing at the Visual Arts Collective on Friday & Saturday at 8pm, Sunday at 2pm, and Wednesday at 8pm, with shows continuing through next week. This holiday show is about growing up, growing apart, and making dreams come true no matter the cost. Friday is a pay-what-you-can preview. Tix are $30.
Saturday, December 14
It’s $1 Day at the Old Idaho Penitentiary to celebrate their 50th Anniversary! The site will be open from 12-5pm (last admission at 4pm).
Tinsel and Tease is sleighing The Balcony Club from 7-10pm. It’s the perfect blend of burlesque and drag that might make you blush a bit. This is Den of Sin's final gift of the year, so grab tix now and don't be late!
Meet Santa at River Wonderland (Idaho River Sports) from 11am-4pm. Tix are $10 and include a chance to take pics, write a letter to Santa, a free coffee/hot cocoa from The Alchemist, a food truck, and hourly raffles.
Get FREE Photos with the Grumpy Green Guy at High Desert Harley-Davidson from 12-2pm. Enjoy free hot cocoa and cookies served by the cheerful Harley Elves, and take advantage of free gift wrapping on all your holiday purchases!
The Country Christmas Last Chance Market is happening next to Eagle City Hall from 12-5pm. There will be live music from Highway 45, Smooth Avenue, and Redlight Challenge and a variety of vendors to fulfill your Christmas needs!
The Christmas Masquerade Ball is happening at Chateau des Fleurs from 6-10pm this Saturday. After a quick reception with drinks, you will take your seats in their beautifully decorated Gold Ballroom, then be served an amazing three course meal. Entertainment will be delivered by the Victorian Christmas Carolers, along with a ballet and prizes for the best masks. After the show, you’ll be able to dance the night away with their DJ!
credit Chateau des Fleurs
Saturday, December 14 - Sunday, December 15
Schitt’s Creek Weekend is happening at the Modern Hotel this weekend! Stop by the Rose Apothecary (in Room #116) from 4-9pm. Do some shopping, play dress up, and immerse yourself in all things Schitt’s Creek!!
Sunday, December 15
The Ethereal Arts Bazaar is happening at the Visual Arts Collective from 2-6pm. Join the most fab community of artists, vendors, mystics, and healers and enjoy live music from local musicians. It’s ethereal, it’s enchanting, it’s everything you could ever ask for!
Trim the Trees at Lucky Peak State Park anytime from 11am-3pm. You can help make a pinecone bird feeder garland to hang around the trees and decorate your own special wooden "tree cookie" ornament to take home. The event will be held inside the shop at the Sandy Point office building. It’s free!
Sunday, December 15 - Monday, December 16
Interfaith Sanctuary is having their Xtreme Holiday Xtravaganza at Treefort Music Hall this year, with shows starting at 7:30pm both nights. If you aren’t familiar, this is a night filled with local artists, hope, and inspiration leading up to Christmas. Tix are $35-75 and go to support a night of shelter for a guest at Interfaith Sanctuary. You can purchase tix for Sunday here and Monday here!!
Tuesday, December 17
It’s Girl Winter! Starting at 7pm, there will be a showing of six short films for the Girl Winter Ski Film Tour at the Linen Building, inspired by women in snow sports.
The Friendshop Holiday Market is happening at Voodoo Brewing Co from 3-8pm. Get your last minute holiday shopping done while supporting local small business owners and enjoying delicious food and drinks!
The Dance it Yourself Nutcracker Concert is happening at JUMP from 6-9:30pm. This is a fun, interactive experience for all ages, so come dressed in your tutus and be ready to dance along to the show! It’s free.
Beetlejuice, presented by Broadway in Boise, is playing at the Morrison Center on Tuesday and Wednesday at 7pm. This beloved musical tells the story of a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes. Tix are starting at $49 right now.
Every Tuesday, read a story about a person, place, piece of Boise history, or local happening. Every Thursday, get a huge list of things to do over the weekend. No news, no politics - just the fun stuff.
