December 2025 Events in Boise & the Treasure Valley
- The BBRE Team
- 2 days ago
- 7 min read
December turns the Treasure Valley into full holiday mode—Christmas shows, makers’ markets, light displays, and New Year’s countdowns from downtown Boise to the slopes at Bogus. From The Nutcracker and MJ The Musical to comedy nights, winter markets, and NYE parties, there’s plenty on the calendar.
We’ve rounded up standout events in Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Caldwell, and beyond—easy ideas for kid days, date nights, and entertaining out-of-town guests. Scroll through, mark your favorites, and start planning your December fun.
📍 Expo Idaho | 5610 Glenwood St, Boise
🗓️ December 5–7, 2025 | Fri–Sat 11:00 AM–7:00 PM • Sun 11:00 AM–4:00 PM
Kick off the season at the Boise Christmas Show, where more than 225 vendors come together under one roof with thousands of unique gifts, handcrafted goods, décor, and holiday treats. Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, soak up the festive sights and sounds, and check off your shopping list with locally made and one-of-a-kind finds—all in a single holiday market experience.
📍 Ford Sports Center | Nampa
🗓️ December 5–7, 2025 | Various hours
Browse curated vintage finds, handmade goods, boutique clothing, seasonal décor, furniture, art, and more as Vintage Market Days brings its “Splendor” market to the Ford Sports Center for three days of shopping inspiration. It’s a great spot to hunt for one-of-a-kind holiday gifts or special pieces for your home, with tickets available at the gate and pricing that varies by day.
📍 JUMP (Jack’s Urban Meeting Place) – JUMP Room | Downtown Boise
🗓️ December 6, 2025 | 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Shop a thoughtful art market of gently-loved art and jewelry donated by the community, all in support of the Treasure Valley YMCA Artist in Residence, Stephanie Werntz. 100% of proceeds benefit her no-cost creative arts workshops, which use art and creativity to support healing and recovery for cancer survivors and people with neurological conditions. It’s a chance to give unique pieces a new home while backing a program that brings comfort and expression to people facing tough diagnoses.
📍 The Comedy Lounge | 2417 Bank Dr, Boise, ID 83705
🗓️ December 14, 2025 | 11:00 AM–6:00 PM | Free | All Ages
Get festive at the 3rd Annual Holiday Market and artist-supported raffle, featuring local artists and makers, live music, storytellers, and more. Browse unique, intention-filled gifts, take a Make & Take class to create your own intention candles, and enjoy seasonal soups, spreads, and mocktails while you shop. For every $10 spent, you’ll earn a raffle entry—drawings take place at 5:55 PM and you must be present to win—making this a cozy, community-focused way to support local art and soak up some winter magic.
📍 Treefort Music Hall | Boise
🗓️ December 18, 2025 | 6:00–9:00 PM | All Ages | Free
Shop a curated lineup of vintage vendors, artists, and makers—plus tattoos, piercings, records, and more—as Treefort Music Hall transforms into a one-night-only holiday market. Snag unique gifts, NYE-ready outfits, and statement pieces you won’t find at the mall, then show off your new ink or jewelry on the way to your holiday gatherings.
📍 Lost Grove Brewing | 1026 S La Pointe St, Boise, ID 83706
🗓️ December 20, 2025 | 4:00–7:00 PM
Sip, shop, and stay cozy at Lost Grove’s Winter Market, featuring local makers, festive treats, and seasonal sips. Tickets include a collectible winter mug and your choice of Glühwein, adult apple cider, or a non-alcoholic cider/hot chocolate for under-21 guests, plus full access to browse the market. Plan a little extra time for Lusk District parking and consider carpooling or rideshare if you’ll be enjoying drinks—then settle in for a laid-back, holiday-evening hangout.
📍 JUMP (Jack’s Urban Meeting Place) | Downtown Boise
🗓️ December 13, 2025 | 1:00–4:00 PM | Free | All Ages
Celebrate JUMP’s 10-year anniversary with an open house packed with activities, from building tours and a special anniversary video short to Who-la-hooping with Krissy Humphreys, a pop-up Happiness Hour with DJ Tennant, hat-making in SHARE, free cupcakes, and more. Drop in anytime between 1–4 PM to explore the space, enjoy food and drinks, and see what JUMP has been up to over the last decade.
📍 JUMP Lobby | Downtown Boise
🗓️ December 18, 2025 | 5:30–8:00 PM | $15 | All Ages
Pull up a chair in “JUMPville” for a Seuss-inspired community dinner featuring a festive buffet, cookie decorating, crafts, and a few whimsical surprises. Guests are encouraged to bring a wrapped ornament to join the ornament exchange (bring one, get one), and Chef Anna is back in the kitchen creating a holiday meal to share with neighbors. Drinks are sold separately, tickets are limited, and dinner is served promptly at 6:00 PM—perfect if you’re looking for a playful, family-friendly way to celebrate the season together.
📍 Idaho State Capitol & Cecil D. Andrus Park | Downtown Boise
🗓️ December 31, 2025 | Festivities begin at 6:00 PM
Ring in the new year at Idaho’s signature NYE event, the Idaho® Potato Drop, featuring the world-famous #GlowTato rising above the Capitol as the Main Stage comes alive. Expect live broadcasts, food trucks, sporting events, eclectic vendors, and plenty of giant Idaho® potato fun in the heart of downtown as the clock counts down to 2026.
📍 Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area
🗓️ January 1, 2026 | 9:00 AM–10:00 PM | Free Community Event
Kick off 2026 on the mountain with a full day of skiing and snowboarding capped by Bogus Basin’s torchlight parade and fireworks show. Tackle the Ski 360º Challenge by riding to the top of each chairlift to earn a limited-edition goggle lens cover, then head to the ICCU Base Area for a live DJ, hot cocoa and cookies, and front-row views of the evening festivities. The front-side lifts briefly pause for the parade and fireworks, but the celebration runs all day, making this a festive way to welcome the new year in the snow.
📍 Morrison Center for the Performing Arts | Boise
🗓️ December 2–7, 2025 | Various Showtimes
Michael Jackson’s music, choreography, and larger-than-life stage presence come to Boise in this multiple Tony Award®-winning Broadway musical built around the making of his 1992 Dangerous World Tour. Expect high-energy dance numbers, iconic hits, and a peek behind the scenes at the creative team that helped turn him into a global legend, with accessibility options and family-friendly viewing for ages 8 and up.
📍 ExtraMile Arena | Boise
🗓️ December 7, 2025 | 7:00 PM
Stand-up favorite Nate Bargatze brings his Big Dumb Eyes 2025 World Tour to ExtraMile Arena for one night only—expect his signature laid-back delivery, clean material, and deadpan stories about family life, everyday frustrations, and the absurdities of modern adulthood.
📍 ExtraMile Arena | Boise
🗓️ December 12, 2025 | 8:00 PM
Comedian Shane Gillis brings his unfiltered stand-up to ExtraMile Arena for a one-night-only show packed with sharp takes, wild stories, and crowd work that keeps audiences on their toes.
📍 Morrison Center for the Performing Arts | Boise
🗓️ December 13–23, 2025 | Various Showtimes
Ballet Idaho’s beloved production of The Nutcracker returns with live music from the Boise Philharmonic, sweeping audiences from the Stahlbaums’ festive holiday party to an epic battle with the Mouse King, a sparkling snow-covered forest, and the candy-colored Land of Sweets. With Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, lavish costumes, and timeless choreography, it’s a classic holiday tradition families return to year after year.
📍 The Comedy Lounge | 2417 Bank Dr, Boise, ID 83705
🗓️ December 19, 2025 | Doors 6:00 PM | Show 7:00 PM
Uproar Improv brings a fast-paced, holiday-themed comedy show to The Comedy Lounge with sharp wit, outrageous characters, and plenty of Christmas chaos. Expect an interactive, off-the-cuff night that blends “nice” and “naughty” humor, plus a full drink menu (2–drink minimum, with alcoholic and non-alcoholic options). Holiday shows often sell out, so snag tickets early if you want in on the laughter.
📍 The Ballroom @ Riverside Hotel| 2900 W Chinden Blvd, Boise
🗓️ December 31, 2025 | 6:00–8:30 PM
Ring in 2026 with The Last Call, Boise’s classic rock band bringing hits from Journey, AC/DC, Bob Seger, Tom Petty, John Cougar, Billy Idol, and more—played just the way you remember them. This annual New Year’s Eve celebration turns the ballroom’s spacious dance floor into a party, with limited individual tickets at $69 plus tax and optional room packages for a full VIP-style night out.
📍 Discovery Center of Idaho | Boise
🗓️ December 5, 2025 | 6:00–10:00 PM | 21+
Step into a totally tubular 1980s ski resort–themed murder mystery as the Discovery Center teams up with Watson’s Mystery Cafe & Spirits for a 21+ night of suspense, clues, and big hair energy. Dress in retro ski gear or full-on ’80s, choose from two arrival time slots, and enjoy food from Boise Crust and Sizzlin’ Bistro plus drinks from Lost Grove Brewing (sold separately). A portion of every sip and bite supports the Discovery Center’s STEM and art programs, and walk-in spots are extremely limited—this one tends to fill fast.
📍 Treefort Music Hall | Boise
🗓️ December 14–15, 2025 | 7:30 PM (doors 6:30 PM) | All Ages
The 20th Annual Xtreme Holiday Xtravaganza is back for two nights of peace, love, music, and full-on holiday mayhem—celebrating 20 years of the show and Interfaith Sanctuary. Hosted by Curtis Stigers and Jodi Peterson-Stigers, this all-ages holiday variety show packs the stage with local legends, wild talent, big laughs, and heartwarming stories, all in support of shelter and hope for our neighbors. Come rock, laugh, sing, and celebrate a mission that never quits—every ticket helps provide a night of shelter for a guest at Interfaith Sanctuary.
📍 Knitting Factory – Boise | 416 S. 9th St, Boise, ID 83702
🗓️ December 27, 2025 | 9:00 PM | 21+
Turn up the heat between holidays at a high-energy Tropical Latin Party loaded with perreo, salsa, bachata, reggaeton, and more. DJ Giovanni keeps the dance floor moving all night while drink specials keep the vibes going, making this a perfect night out if you’re ready to sweat, dance, and stay in party mode through the end of December.
📍 Knitting Factory – Boise | 416 S. 9th St, Boise
🗓️ December 31, 2025 | 9:00 PM (21+)
Ring in the new year with a full-on Y2K throwback party packed with 2000s pop, hip-hop, and rock hits—think Britney, Eminem, and all the early-aughts nostalgia. Break out your low-rise jeans, velour tracksuits, and chunky highlights as you dance into 2026 at this high-energy, late-night celebration.
From holiday shows to NYE countdowns, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate around the Valley—if you make it to any of these events, tag @boisesbestre so we can follow along.
If a new address is part of your 2026 plans, Boise’s Best Real Estate is here to help you sort out timing, prep, and pricing before you take the leap. Reach out when you’re ready—we’ll take it from there.
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