My Top 5 Treasure Valley Holiday Activities 2014

Looking for fun activities to do in Boise for the Holidays?  Here are a couple of our favorites from Thanksgiving all the way to Christmas.

1)  RUN!!!

Every year the YMCA Hosts their annual Christmas run and each year we dress in our finest warm running gear and enjoy hundreds of our fellow neighbors running through the streets of the north end.  Last year we ran through fresh snow, the year before we wore short sleeves, it’s always an adventure.  Costumes are a big part of the race and you are sure to see some of your favorites from the abominable snowman to the Grinch.  It’s family friendly and the best part of all is the finish line where a warm bowl of soup and cup of hot chocolate is waiting for you.

 

The date this year it is December 20th, 2014 and you can register here.

 

2) Get your Tree decorating inspiration.

The festival of trees has been a tradition in the treasure valley since 1984 and raised over $8 Million.  The festival, which runs during thanksgiving week offers activities, live entertainment, a visit to the north pole and pictures with Santa and one of our favorite things from past years was a huge model train display that your tiny conductors can help to drive.  This is a definite don’t miss on our annual to-do list.

Find all the information you need on their site here.

3) Winter Garden aGlow

Take off for the old Penitentiary and sneak around behind and you will find the best christmas light display in the valley.  The Idaho Botanical Gardens decorates all of their different gardens with over 300,000 lights.  A magical experience especially after fresh snow.

See this years dates and ticket prices here

 

4) Take a Hike!

 

For the last several years we have taken off on Thanksgiving day and headed for the hills.  The Valley’s foothills trails offer a great opportunity to get yourself ready for the inevitable binge fest you will have later in the day.  Some of our favorites are the trails leading to the Idaho State Veterans cemetery and table rock.  To plan your own Holiday outing follow this link to the ridge to rivers website.

 

5) Check out the Christmas lights with a bus tour

 

Each year we get together with friends and pack everyone up in the car and check out the latest displays from around the valley.  Whether your looking for a seizure inducing show like the cadger christmas display or a leisurely drive through the largest neighborhood display in Bayhill Springs you can find it all.  The statesman puts together a great list every year so keep your eyes peeled.

 

 

 

 Honorable Mentions

So we have a bunch of things we love to do and if these first five aren’t up your alley here are a few more.  Do you have your own traditions, let us know your favorites in the comments.

1. Skiing at Bogus Basin
2. Sleigh rides through downtown Boise
3. The Holiday Winter lights parade and christmas tree lighting in downtown Meridian.