Time sure flies by. It seems like fall just arrived, and now Christmas decorations are adorning the shelves at local shops and convenience stores. Families all across the United States are starting to make their holiday and winter plans, and calendars are filling up. If you are ready to put together a list of fun things to do this Christmas in Boise, Idaho, we’ve got your list started for you. Read on for ideas on how to get your family fun on this winter.

Get your family fun on this Christmas in Boise, Idaho.

We all know that Boise has no shortage of fun family activities to do year-round. So it should not be a surprise that, when it comes to Christmas and the winter holidays, Boise does not disappoint. That said, narrowing down the list can sometimes be challenging. The team here at Staley Dental has tried to make it a bit easier by boiling it down to a list of our top 10 favorite activities. With this list, family fun at Christmas in Boise, Idaho, is just a snowball’s throw away.

1. Drive by the neighborhood Christmas lights.

No holiday season is complete without indulging in the Christmas lights around the city. Check out the Boise Christmas lights map to find your neighborhood’s best displays.

2. Visit the Scentsy Commons Christmas lights. 

Didn’t get enough Christmas lights in your neighborhood or by driving around town? You’ll be sure to get your fix with the Scentsy Commons Christmas Lights display. As with years past, we anticipate they will go all out to decorate hundreds of trees in beautiful holiday lights stretching for miles and miles.

3. Stop by the holiday farmers market.

Baby, it may be cold outside, but that doesn’t mean a trip to the local farmers market isn’t in order. So don your hat and gloves and throw on a scarf, and make your way to the Capital City Public Market. In 2022, you can find all of your favorite merchants at The Grove Plaza on Main Street.

4. Pay a visit to the holiday tree. 

As in years past, this year’s holiday tree will be placed at The Grove Plaza, making it easy for a daytime stop after visiting those merchants at the farmers market. Consider donating at the Giving Tree to support the Women’s and Children’s Alliance.

5. Go ice skating. 

Take the family to Idaho Ice World for some family fun time on the ice. You can purchase ice time up to seven days in advance. Consider a family season pass if you enjoy your time during one of the many public skating sessions. Every Wednesday is special admission “Family Night,” making Wednesdays a perfect night for new ice skaters.

6. Start your own Christmas tree–cutting tradition.

Who doesn’t love a freshly cut Christmas tree? The smell of fresh pine wafting through the house? The experience of wading through freshly fallen snow, picking out the perfect tree to grace your living room? Why not make cutting down your family Christmas tree the start of a Christmas in Boise, Idaho, tradition? Remember to buy a permit and start your adventure in Boise National Forest or Payette National Forest.

7. Go Christmas shopping for a family in need.

Throughout the holiday season, various charitable organizations will be advertising their needs for families less fortunate. If you feel that you and your family have a bit extra to give this year, why not consider buying a few gifts for another family? Several of us at Staley Dental have made this one of our family fun holiday activities each year, and whether the gift is big or small, we feel good knowing we have helped bring a smile to someone else’s face on Christmas morning.

8. Go on a family hike for Christmas.

As a rule of thumb, we should strive for 30 minutes of moderate physical activity daily. So if you are looking for health-conscious gift ideas this Christmas or just want to do something different with your family, why not try a Christmas hike? The state of Idaho is full of picturesque trails perfect for winter hiking. So be sure to dress everyone appropriately for the weather, pack some snacks, and hit the trails. And for safety’s sake, let a non-participant know where you and the family will be hiking and when you are expected to return.

9. Go sledding at Camel’s Back Park.

Sledding at Camel’s Back Park has been a favorite activity for many adventurous Boise families for a long time. The steep hills are great for both sledding and tubing. And when you’re done hitting the hills, grab some hot cocoa at a local restaurant in the Hyde Park area after. 

10. Pay a visit to the McCall Winter Carnival. 

Okay, so technically, the McCall Winter Carnival is in January, but our Christmas and winter fun doesn’t have to be over once we have put the Christmas gifts away and the Christmas tree is gone. With raffles, ice sculptures, vendors, a variety of food, and plenty of winter activities, we’re sure this carnival will be a family favorite, and you’ll want to return year after year. 

Don’t forget your dentist this holiday season.

With all of the holiday and Christmas hustle and bustle, it can be easy to forget to schedule your six-month dental cleaning and oral examination. So if you are overdue or you keep forgetting to schedule your appointment, now is the time to request an appointment and get on our calendar at Staley Dental. We think you’ll love us here at Staley Dental and we can’t wait to hear what you and your family love to do at Christmas in Boise, Idaho.