This weeks newsletter is sure to light up even the darkest winter nights! It's the perfect time to reset and reflect, set intentions for the new year, and plan for some holiday fun, of course.
Curious about the Christmas castle? Interested in hiking the surface of Mars? What about dancing in a silent disco? You're in luck... cause it's all happening this week!
Wishing you a Christmas break full of love & present moments :)
A storybook Christmas!
Saturday, December 21 - Monday, December 23
If you haven’t been to Christmas at the Castle yet, it’s worth the visit! From 4-8pm this weekend, the Kuna Castle will be continuing their Christmas experience, the perfect chance to take your family and friends that are in town for Christmas break. Visit with Santa Claus, meet the princesses, and enjoy a winter hayride all while soaking up the beauty of this gorgeous property. Feel free to bring a camera for pics with Santa and the princesses. Tiaras, headbands, play swords, and blankets are available for purchase! Tix are $50 for kids, $40 for each additional, and $5 for adults.
credit Wedding Wire
Winter's turning point
Friday, December 20
The Darkest Night is looming at Taphouse from 11am-11pm. They’ll have barrel-aged beers, specialty tastings, and giveaways throughout the day. Dress in all black and get a customized glass!
Saturday, December 21
There’s a Winter Solstice Yoga Sound Bath at Hollywood Market Yoga and Spa from 6:30-7:30pm. Designed to support healing and deep introspection, it’s an hour-long experience that offers a serene space for you to reset and align with the energy of the Winter Solstice. This is a great time to balance and recharge as we head into the new year. Tix are $30. All are welcome.
Celebrate the Winter Solstice at Crones Cupboard from 1-4pm. Bridge the gap between your mind & body during a sacred ceremony guided by sound bowls, connection, and mindfulness. Tix are $55.
Sunday, December 22
Winter’s Sacred Breath: a solstice cacao & breathwork journey is happening at The Shire Intentional living community in Boise’s North End. This powerful solstice ceremony will feature a guided somatic breathwork journey with Celeste Terre as well as pure, 100% ethically harvested cacao. Bring warm clothing, a yoga mat, cozy blankets, pillow, water bottle, journal and pen, and chapstick. Get ready for healing and transformation to occur as we step into the powerful energy of the Winter Solstice! Tix are $88-111.
Better late than never…
Saturday, December 21
Last Chance Holiday Market will be at Barbarian Brewing this Saturday from 2-6pm. Shop for plants, bath bombs, krampus decor, jewelry, clothing, stained glass, prints, mushrooms, dried flowers/decor, gnomes, pickles, knit hats, books, cupcakes, and candles before Christmas day. Oh ya… there’s also beer, mulled wine, cider and food from Joker's BBQ.
A Christmas Market is happening at Lost Grove Brewing from 4-9pm. Stroll through a cheerful array of local vendors to find those perfect last-minute gifts, savor the warmth of Glühwein, and enjoy the glow of fire pits & twinkling holiday decor. Whether you’re indoors or braving the crisp winter air outside, the holiday spirit will keep you cozy. Just don’t forget to bundle up! Tix are $10.
Christkindlmarkt Day 3 is popping up at Powderhaus Brewing Co starting at 3pm. They’ll have custom hats, chocolate, food, drinks, and commemorative mugs. Check it out!
Sunday, December 22
Procrastiganza Holiday Market is popping up at Mad Swede Brew Hall at the very last minute (11am-7pm on Sunday)!! There will be a carefully curated, broad range of local Idaho art, crafts, and goods for even the toughest people on your Christmas list. Here's just a few of their handpicked vendors: Cosmic Flourish, Live Edge Designs, Celebrate Life Urban Farmette, Gigi Rocks, Bench Dog Woodshop, Lala's Fresh Pots, Cesario Olio d'Oliva, Boise Beer Buddies, Vintage Woolens, Fire and Fringe, and so many more! To wind down, there will be live music from Dan Costello and Brook Faulk immediately after from 7-9pm. This is the perfect chance to grab a drink and get all your shopping done before Christmas. Because you can always wait a lil longer :) It’s free!
Procrastinator’s Market is happening at Split Rail Winery starting at 12pm. There will be jams, dried fruit, earrings, trucker hats, plumes, artisanal chocolates, gourmet dog treats, handmade cards, mocktails, woodworks, design, tea ware, herbal seasoning blends, soy candles, air plants, decor, and handmade fair trade gifts. Ain’t no minute like the last minute!
SPONSORED BY MCCALL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Ring in the New Year in McCall
Kick off 2025 in a winter wonderland! McCall is the perfect destination for a snow-filled New Year’s celebration.
Spend the day outdoors hitting the slopes or exploring snowy trails, then head into town for dinner and drinks at a local restaurant. You can toast to 2025 surrounded by beautiful mountain views in the warmth of a cozy cabin.
McCall is the ideal place to embrace the magic of winter and start the new year right.
Only a few days left to experience Winter Garden aGlow, Boise’s favorite holiday lights event, open through December 31! Make this a Christmas to remember with letters to Santa, stocking stuffers, holiday drinks at the Snowglobe bar, and, of course, tons of twinkling lights!
With its enchanting displays and 32 acres of illuminated gardens, this event is Idaho Botanical Garden’s largest fundraiser of the year. Tix are $19 for adults, $16 for kids age 4-12, and free for kids 3 and under. Reserve your time slot online for the best prices and secure your spot now!
Tyson Gusman is doing a stand-up comedy show at Mad Swede Brew Hall on Friday and Saturday at 7pm. Tix are $10.
Saturday, December 21
There’s a Christmas Comedy Show happening at the Lounge of the End of the Universe, with shows at 7pm & 9:30pm. Tix are $20. It’s the perfect blend of wit, humor, and holiday spirit!
It’s a Wonderful Life and White Christmas Double Feature is showing at Idaho Film Society, with screenings at 6pm & 8:30pm. Bring your holiday cheer and your best (or worst!) ugly sweater for a chance to win fun prizes! Sip on warm mulled wine and other festive treats while you settle in for the season. Tix are $8 per screening or $15 for the double feature.
Food finds & things to drink
Thursday, December 19 - Sunday, December 22
Jingle & Mingle at Parcero Wine Bar anytime Thursday-Sunday! Indulge in delicious Christmas cookies paired with some of their favorite holiday wines. Tix are $25.
Friday, December 20
Dinner with Strangers is back this week from 7-10pm on Friday!! When’s the last time you did something spontaneous with complete strangers? Did you miss the last one? Tix are $20.
Sunday, December 22
Holiday Coffee Brunch is happening at Dawson Taylor in the Lusk District from 10-11am. Take a moment to slow down over the holidays and enjoy a beautiful brunch and coffee flight! Tix are $45.
Family Night is happening at The Warehouse Food Hall from 3-7pm. Sing your heart out with family-friendly karaoke, get creative at the coloring station, and challenge each other to board games and yard games.
Wednesday, December 25
There’s a Christmas Prime Rib Dinner with All the Fixings at The Modern Hotel on Christmas day! The bar opens at 6:30pm and dinner kicks off at 7pm. Treat yourself and your loved ones to a Christmas feast with seasonal ingredients sourced from local farms! Tix are $45 (or $35 for the vegan option!). You can email vicki@themodernbar.com or call (208) 639-1110 to make your reservation. Merry Christmas!
Things to do
Thursday, December 19
Join us for the Holiday Party at Kit Studios from 4-6pm!! With the end of 2024 almost here, it’s time to make new connections to carry with you into the new year! Share what worked for 2024 and your plans for 2025, all in their amazing studios. You’ll be able to record in and create content that you can use going into the new year! This event is open to all creators, so feel free to bring a friend and stop by (Kit customer or not).
Thursday, December 19 - Sunday, December 22
Have you been to Glide on Grove yet? It’s a completely FREE ice skating rink located in the heart of Downtown Boise. Here’s the hours for this week: Thursday & Friday from 4-8pm, Saturday from 12-8pm, and Sunday from 12-6pm.
Beetlejuice, presented by Broadway in Boise, will be continuing at the Morrison Center on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 7pm, and Sunday at 6:30pm. 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.
Merrily We Roll Along is playing at the Visual Arts Collective on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 7pm, and Sunday at 1pm. 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.
credit Idaho Statesman
Thursday, December 19 - Wednesday, December 25
Check out Winter Wonderland in Caldwell and enjoy ice skating, horse-drawn carriage rides, and photos with Santa. There’s only a couple weeks left to get your Christmas light fix!!
“A Christmas Carol” is playing at Treasure Valley Children's Theater on Friday at 7pm. Tix are $18 and going quick so get them now!!
Valley Regional Transport (VRT) is offering their Extra Hours service on Friday and Saturday from now until the 28th of December, supporting both local workers and those enjoying the city's vibrant nightlife during the holidays.
Saturday, December 21
Vivid Roots is having their Silent Disco Holiday Party is taking over Shrine Social Club from 6pm-12am this Saturday. Throw on your favorite ugly Christmas sweater and head on over. Love a good silent disco? Love fundraising for a cause that matters? You’re in the right place. Tix are on a donation basis but secure them now so they can get a decent head count!
Take a field trip to the Shoofly Oolites with the Idaho Museum of Mining and Geology this Saturday from 10am-3pm. It’s a 2.5-mile hike located near Grand View, Idaho. Be sure to check the listing for specific deets on what to wear, bring, etc. Tix are $20. It's probably the closest you can get to hiking on the surface of Mars!
Take a Guided Snowshoe Tour at Bogus Basin this Saturday starting at 11am. These 1.5-hour tours are perfect for those new to the area or anyone interested in learning a little more about Bogus Basin’s mountain ecosystem. Guests may reserve in advance online, or just arrive at the tour time :) It's free.
Kids of Idaho Winter Wonderland Pop-Up Event is happening at Lakeshore Learning Store (427 N Milwaukee St) from 10am-2pm. There will be crafts and activities, take-home activity kits, snacks, coffee, and so much more festive fun. It’s free!
The Capital City Public Market is happening for the last time this season from 9:30am-1pm at The Grove Plaza. There’s over 150+ rotating vendors all with products crafted in Idaho by Idahoans!
There’s a Kink Party happening at The Balcony Club starting from 9:30pm-2am. There will be a DJ plus cocktails, mocktails, and CBD drink options. Whether you're looking to meet new people, enjoy some great tunes, or simply have a fun night out, there's something for everyone. Tix are $5. 21+
Santa Paws is heading to Payette Brewing from 1-4pm this Saturday! Has your pup been extra good this year? Bring them by to share their wish list with Santa Paws and strike a pose for some unforgettable holiday memories. Tix are $30 and include a keepsake photo with Santa, a treat, digital photos, BOGO card (for the humans), and 20% off dog merch. Snag your 5 minute photo slot now! Has your pup been extra good this year?
Sunday, December 22
The Gingerbread House Decorating Extravaganza is happening at the Sun Valley Culinary Institute this Sunday from 11am-1pm. The canvas for the day is a handmade gingerbread house along with an assortment of candies and icing to fuel your imagination and turn your gingerbread house into a winter wonderland. Children 12 and under are welcome, accompanied by an adult to share in the festive fun. Tix are $75. A Christmas to remember in Sun Valley!!
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.
