Christmas Markets Idaho 2025: Complete Guide to Holiday Shopping and Festive Events

Idaho really comes alive during the holidays. Dozens of Christmas markets pop up all over the state, turning towns into winter wonderlands. Local artisans set up booths with handmade crafts, and you’ll spot festive decor everywhere. Whether you’re wandering the lively city markets in Boise or exploring small-town pop-ups in the mountains, there’s a little bit of everything—vintage treasures, modern gifts, and plenty of holiday cheer.

These Christmas markets mix classic holiday vibes with Idaho’s own flavor. You’ll catch live music, try food from local vendors, and find family-friendly activities at most events. If you’re after unique gifts or just want to support Idaho’s makers, these markets let you dive into Idaho’s holiday traditions while connecting with the community.

Find the Best Accommodations

You can book hotels, guesthouses, and apartments that other travelers have rated as outstanding. Guests who visited Idaho’s Christmas markets left top reviews for these spots.

Booking your stay is easier when you know which areas put you close to holiday events. You won’t pay extra reservation fees if you book directly through the big platforms.

Top picks near Idaho Christmas markets:

• Luxury resorts in Sun Valley with ski-in, ski-out access
• Budget hotels in Twin Falls for under $100 a night
• Boutique guesthouses right in downtown Boise
• Vacation rentals in McCall, close to Christmas Town events

Try to book early if you’re coming in December—these places fill up fast. Some even offer special holiday packages with perks like market tickets or shuttle rides.

Guests usually care about:

• Location close to Christmas markets
• Parking for easy access
• Good heating (you’ll want it)
• Staff who actually know about local events

Hotels in smaller towns like Hayden or Moscow often feel more personal. You’ll probably get better value there than at the big resorts.

Pick your place based on which markets you want to hit. Staying near a few venues can save you a lot of driving.

1) City of Trees Holiday Market – Boise

Every December, the City of Trees Holiday Market turns Boise into a magical winter scene. Local vendors and holiday shoppers gather right downtown. You can check out handmade gifts while soaking in the festive entertainment.

The market’s downtown spot makes it easy to reach. Families come here to kick off their holiday traditions. Santa and Mrs. Claus pop in for photos with the kids. Holiday music and twinkling decorations fill the air.

Local artisans bring their best work every year. You’ll spot gifts you just can’t get anywhere else. Food vendors serve up warm treats to keep you cozy as you shop. The market really boosts local businesses and craftspeople.

The event runs for three days on the first weekend of December. You can swing by during longer hours on Friday and Saturday. Sunday’s a bit quieter if you like a slower pace.

Event Information

Date	Location	Hours	Admission
Dec 1-3, 2025	202 S 6th St. Boise, ID 83702	Fri & Sat: 11 AM-7 PM, Sun: 11 AM-4 PM	Adults: $5, Seniors: $4, Children: Free

Home2Suites sits just a short walk from the market. You can stay there for easy access to all the fun.

2) Coeur d’Alene Resort Winter Light Display

The Coeur d’Alene Resort puts on a jaw-dropping winter light show every December along the lake’s edge. Over 1.5 million lights shine across the waterfront. The resort sits right in the heart of north Idaho’s scenic lake country.

Journey to the North Pole boat tours give you the best views. You’ll glide across the water and watch the lights shimmer on the lake. The tours run all through the season.

The resort serves up special holiday dining during the light show. You can book a Christmas brunch at their restaurants. Room service even brings themed treats, sometimes delivered by staff in costume.

A crew of 15 spends over two months setting up the lights every fall. They clock around 8,000 hours getting everything just right.

Details	Information
Dates	November 22, 2025 – January 1, 2026
Location	115 S 2nd St, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814
Hours	5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Admission	Adults: $25, Children (6-12): $10, Under 6: Free
Website	cdaresort.com

3) Nampa Farmer’s Market Holiday Village

In December, the downtown Nampa farmers market takes on a Christmas twist. Local vendors fill booths with holiday gifts and seasonal goodies. You’ll find handmade ornaments, artisanal foods, and crafts that really stand out.

The market sets up at Lloyd Square Park in Historic Downtown Nampa. Vendors travel from within 100 miles to be here. By shopping, you support local businesses and pick up something special for your loved ones.

Live music and performances keep things lively all day. The entertainment adds to the family-friendly vibe. Outdoor heaters help chase away the chill. Vendors sell hot cocoa and other warm drinks.

The Winter Wonderland Market even offers free carriage rides at certain times. Special needs guests ride from noon to 1 p.m. The general public hops on from 1 to 4 p.m.

The market brings the community together. You can meet neighbors and chat with friendly vendors. Everything comes from local farms and businesses right in the area.

Details	Information
Dates	December 1-23, 2025
Times	Saturdays 9am-1:30pm
Location	14th Avenue South and Front Street, Nampa, ID 83687
Cost	Free Entry
Website	nampafarmersmarket.com

4) Sun Valley Holiday Market

The Sun Valley Holiday Market brings festive cheer to one of Idaho’s favorite resort towns. This European-style outdoor market pops up at Sun Valley Resort every December. You can stroll between vendor stalls while snow piles up around you.

Local artisans sell handcrafted gifts and seasonal goodies. Vendors carry everything from holiday decorations to cozy winter accessories. Carolers and live musicians fill the air with music throughout the event.

Food vendors serve roasted nuts, hot drinks, and other classic winter treats. Fire pits keep everyone warm as you shop and mingle. The market feels like a true holiday celebration.

The event lasts several days in December. You can visit during the day or evening. Families and tourists come for the unique holiday experience.

Date	Address	Time	Cost
Dec 15-17, 2025	1 Sun Valley Rd, Sun Valley, ID 83353	10:00 AM – 6:00 PM	Free

The Sun Valley Holiday Market doesn’t charge admission. You can park at the resort and wander through the village where all the vendors set up.

6) Magic Valley Holiday Market – Twin Falls

This holiday market in Twin Falls puts young entrepreneurs in the spotlight. Kids run their own booths and sell the handmade items they’ve created. The event celebrates local talent and gives families the chance to shop for truly unique gifts.

You’ll spot crafts, baked goods, and creative projects made by area kids. The market gives young people a place to learn business skills. Parents and grandparents can pick up special presents while cheering on the next generation of makers.

Families from all over Magic Valley come together for this one. Kids gain confidence as they talk with customers and manage their little shops. You can watch them in action and see their creativity firsthand.

Unlike most holiday markets, the kids call the shots here. They set prices, design displays, and handle all the sales. The vibe stays relaxed and super family-friendly all day.

Event Details

Date	Address	Times	Cost
December 7, 2025	Twin Falls County Fairgrounds, Filer, ID	10:00 AM – 4:00 PM	Free Admission

The Magic Valley Holiday Market offers parking at the fairgrounds. Food vendors usually set up near the kids’ booths. You can easily spend a few hours browsing and chatting with these young entrepreneurs.

7) Pocatello Winter Festival Market

Historic Downtown Pocatello turns into a holiday shopping hub in December. The Winter Festival Market brings together local artisans and food vendors right in the city center.

You can shop for handcrafted gifts from regional makers. Vendors sell seasonal decorations, homemade treats, and unique finds you won’t get at big-box stores.

Food trucks line the downtown streets during market hours. Live musicians play as you wander and snack. The old brick buildings give the whole thing a classic small-town feel.

The market is outdoors, so you’ll want to bundle up. Families often show up together to get a jump on holiday shopping. Admission is free, which is always nice.

Downtown Pocatello makes parking and walking around pretty easy. You might want to check out nearby shops and restaurants after the market.

Event Details	Information
Dates	Various dates in December 2025
Times	10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Location	Historic Downtown Pocatello
Cost	Free admission
Nearby Hotels	Book accommodations through major booking platforms
Website	Check Historic Downtown Pocatello events

8) Lava Hot Springs Holiday Festivities and Winter Market

This small Idaho town throws a magical winter celebration every December. The annual holiday parade winds through downtown, and families crowd the sidewalks to watch.

Local businesses, schools, and community groups put together colorful floats to show off their holiday spirit. You’ll catch Santa Claus making his big entrance during the parade.

Kids wave from the crowd while marching bands play seasonal tunes. These Christmas events in Lava Hot Springs bring in folks from all over southeastern Idaho.

The winter market pops up right alongside the parade. Local artisans set up tables filled with handmade ornaments, wooden crafts, and all sorts of festive decorations.

You can shop for unique gifts and support regional makers at the same time. Live musicians wander the area, playing classic carols as you browse.

The Lava Seniors Holiday Market Craft Fair happens at the Community Center. Vendors offer up baked goods, handmade wreaths, and sweet treats.

Proceeds from the fair help out the local Meals on Wheels program. Lava Elementary School hosts craft vendors during their annual festival.

You’ll find both returning and brand new vendors selling holiday merchandise. The gym turns into a bustling shopping spot for the weekend.

Date	Location	Time	Cost	Accommodation	Website
Dec 6, 2025	Downtown Lava Hot Springs	1:00 PM – 7:00 PM	Free	Lava Hot Springs Inn	lavahotsprings.org
Dec 13, 2025	Community & Senior Center	10:00 AM – 4:00 PM	Free	Riverside Hot Springs	idahohighcountry.org

9) Idaho Falls Christmas Craft & Gift Show

You can hunt for handmade treasures at this well-loved holiday market in Idaho Falls. The event sits in a spot that’s easy for locals and out-of-towners to reach.

Local craftspeople fill the place with their best work. You’ll see jewelry, home décor, and seasonal stuff made by skilled hands.

Food vendors tempt you with snacks and treats while you wander from booth to booth. Live music drifts through the venue, adding a festive vibe.

Bring the whole family—kids usually find fun activities while adults shop for unique gifts. You get a chance to support local artists and small businesses.

Many of the items here are things you just won’t spot in regular stores. Lots of folks finish their holiday shopping lists at this market.

Parking is easy, and the venue is accessible for everyone. You’re free to take your time and explore all the booths.

Event Details	Information
Dates	July 12, 2025
Times	9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location	1542 E 73rd S, Idaho Falls
Cost	Free admission
Nearby Hotels	Check Booking.com for accommodations
Website	Contact venue directly

10) McCall Winter Carnival and Market

The McCall Winter Carnival turns this mountain town into a winter celebration every February. Locals started this tradition back in the 1960s to make the long winter a little brighter.

Snow sculptures take over downtown during the carnival. Local artists and volunteers carve out detailed designs from packed snow.

You’ll stroll through the center of town, checking out sculptures—some simple, some surprisingly complex. McCall’s chilly February weather keeps everything frozen and picture-perfect.

The carnival brings live music to outdoor stages. Local bands play all weekend, and food vendors serve hot drinks and hearty meals.

You can catch the parade rolling through downtown, packed with decorated floats and marching groups. Dog sledding demos happen right on the frozen lake, with professional mushers showing off classic sledding skills.

Fireworks burst over Payette Lake on Saturday night, lighting up the snowy sky. The market area buzzes with local vendors selling knitted goods, wooden crafts, and regional foods.

You’ll spot plenty of items perfect for winter gifts or souvenirs. The 2025 carnival runs February 23-25 in a shorter, three-day format now, which replaced the old ten-day stretch but keeps all the best stuff.

Date	Location	Time	Cost	Nearby Stay	Website
February 23-25, 2025	Downtown McCall, Idaho	9 AM – 9 PM	Free admission	Best Western Plus McCall	visitmccall.org