Where to See the Best Holiday Lights in Idaho
Nestled in the northern Idaho panhandle, Coeur d’Alene is a charming city known for its shimmering lake and mountain views, but it truly sparkles during the holiday season. Just a short drive from Spokane, Washington, Coeur d’Alene lights up the downtown and waterfront area with dazzling displays. The Tubbs Hill Trail, a popular three-mile loop around a forested peninsula on Lake Coeur d’Alene, offers a unique way to experience these lights. As you stroll along the path, especially at dusk when the city’s glow reflects off the water, the twinkling holiday decorations interwoven with natural scenery make for a magical contrast. The trail’s gentle terrain makes it accessible for nearly all visitors, and the combination of festive cheer with the crisp lake air is a perfect winter outing.
Traveling south to Boise, the state capital buzzes with holiday spirit showcased prominently in the Old Idaho Penitentiary grounds. Just a 10-minute drive from downtown Boise, this historic site transforms during winter with thousands of lights draped across the prison’s original sandstone walls and guard towers. Walking through the illuminated cell blocks, visitors get a fascinating and eerie juxtaposition of past and present. The penitentiary’s architecture, dating back to the late 19th century, provides a dramatic backdrop that you won’t find with typical holiday light displays. Evening visits here offer a cool, crisp air that enhances the mood, making it a memorable stop for travelers who appreciate history wrapped in seasonal celebration.
In eastern Idaho, about 45 minutes southeast of Idaho Falls, the town of Rigby hosts a community-driven holiday display that fills the night with color and wonder. The Rigby Christmas Light Parade and the accompanying River Walk Park decorations provide a friendly small-town atmosphere that invites visitors to slow down and savor the holiday spirit. The park’s winding pathways are lined with illuminated sculptures and themed light installations, perfect for families and those wanting a quieter alternative to the city’s hustle. Early evening is the best time to visit, as the sky darkens but the park remains lively with local vendors and festive music, offering a wholesome, close-knit Idaho experience.
Driving northwest to the small mountain town of McCall, about two hours from Boise, visitors can find both natural beauty and holiday cheer. The McCall Winter Carnival, which happens each year, brightens Ponderosa State Park with spectacular ice and snow sculptures, many of which are illuminated at night. The park itself sits on the shores of Payette Lake and offers scenic trails and a peaceful ambiance. Walking among the glowing sculptures in the cold air, with the silhouette of the surrounding mountains, creates a breathtaking holiday experience unique to this region. Winter evenings here combine artistry and nature, making it an unforgettable stop for those who love outdoor winter festivals.
Further north near Sandpoint, roughly 90 minutes east of Spokane, the Schweitzer Mountain Resort is not just a haven for winter sports but also a destination for holiday light viewing. As night falls, the resort’s village area comes alive with colorful lights strung on lodge rooftops and around outdoor fire pits. Visitors can enjoy a warm drink while gazing at lights that frame the snowy peaks of the Selkirk Mountains. The resort often hosts torchlight parades down the ski slopes, a stunning spectacle that blends outdoor adventure with seasonal celebration. Visiting on a clear winter night amplifies the experience, as the crisp mountain air and starry sky add to the enchanting atmosphere.
Heading to southern Idaho, Twin Falls offers a different kind of holiday glow at the Snake River Canyon rim. The Canyon Rim Trail, about a 10-minute drive from downtown, is a perfect vantage point to see festive lights decorating the city below. During December, local businesses and neighborhoods light up the canyon backdrop, and the elevated trail offers sweeping views enhanced by the glow. The trail itself is a moderate two-mile path, ideal for an evening stroll that combines scenic river views with a festive ambiance. The juxtaposition of rugged canyon walls and delicate holiday lights creates a lasting impression for visitors seeking both nature and celebration.
In the heart of the Magic Valley region, the town of Burley, approximately two hours southeast of Boise, hosts a community favorite, the Burley Holiday Lights display at Mazourka Canyon. This site is tucked away amidst rugged desert hills, and the lights stretch along a winding drive through the canyon. The combination of natural rock formations and sparkling lights makes for a distinctive experience, especially since it’s a drive-through display that lets visitors stay cozy in their cars while soaking it all in. Evening visits here take advantage of the quiet desert night, where the stars add another layer of brilliance to the holiday decorations.
Each of these locations showcases how Idaho’s vast and varied landscapes provide unique stages for holiday lights, from serene lakeside trails and historic prisons to mountain resorts and desert canyons. Whether you are drawn to the warmth of city festivities or the quiet magic of nature, Idaho’s seasonal displays offer welcoming, vivid experiences that light up the winter nights in unexpected and beautiful ways.