December brings a month of Christmas holiday events. Here is a list of things to consider, arranged in chronological order.
Holiday Matinee Canned Food Drive: Encore presentation of “The Polar Express.” 10 a.m. Nov. 24-25, Majestic 18 Cinemas, 2140 E. Cinema Drive, Meridian. Admission is a can of food for the Meridian Food Bank. No home-canned items.
Saint Alphonsus Festival of Trees: Decorated trees, wreaths and holiday decor, with special family events and visits with Santa. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Nov. 24-26, Boise Centre, 850 W. Front St. $7 general, $5 military, $4 seniors and children 3-12, free for ages 2 and younger, $30 family pass. 208-367-8733, saintalphonsus.org/festival.
▪ Nov. 27: Fashion show and luncheon, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. $70 general, $125 premiere.
Canyon County Festival of Trees: Decorated trees, wreaths and centerpieces, pictures and breakfast with Santa, holiday bazaar, entertainment, silent auction. Benefits Nampa and Caldwell Meals on Wheels. 1 to 7 p.m. Nov. 24, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 25-26, Ford Idaho Center, 16200 Idaho Center Blvd., Nampa. $5 general, $3 seniors and children 12 and younger, $15 family pass. 208-459-0439, canyoncountyfestivaloftrees.com.
▪ Nov. 25: Paint and Sip Night, 7-9 p.m. $40.
▪ Nov. 27: Gala dinner and auction, no-host bar at 5:30 p.m. and dinner at 6:30 p.m. $100.
Winter Garden aGlow: Display of more than 300,000 sparkling lights with special visits from Santa and his reindeer Prancer, local choirs, vendors, more. Complimentary cocoa, cider and cookies (donations encouraged). 6 to 9 p.m. daily (last admission at 8:45 p.m.), Nov. 24 through Jan. 1 (closed Nov. 29 and Dec. 7 for private sponsor nights), Idaho Botanical Garden, 2355 N. Penitentiary Road, Boise. $10 general, $8 IBG members and children 5-12, in advance. Admission is $2 more at the gate, free for ages 4 and younger. 208-343-8649, idahobotanicalgarden.org.
Downtown Boise Tree Lighting: Boise Mayor David Bieter will light the tree during the candlelit celebration. Entertainment provided by Red Light Challenge, the Boise Men’s and Women’s Choruses. Gift tags will surround the tree during the lighting ceremony. Each tag has a wish list item from the Women’s and Children’s Alliance available to anyone willing to fulfill the wish. 5 to 6:30 p.m. Nov. 24, Grove Plaza, N. 8th and W. Main streets, Boise. downtownboise.org. Free.
Alley Repertory Theater’s “The Golden Girls Christmas Extravaganza”: 8 p.m. Nov. 24-25, Dec. 7-9 and 14-16; 2 p.m. Nov. 26, Visual Arts Collective, 3638 Osage St., Garden City. $20 general, $15 students, seniors, military for evening performances, $15 and $10 matinee, at eventbrite.com. Brunch with the Golden Girls, 2 p.m. Dec. 10, $35. Pay-what-you-want preview Nov. 24.
Boise Little Theater’s “A Christmas Story”: 8 p.m. Nov. 24-25, Dec. 1-2 and 8-9; 7:30 p.m. Nov. 30 and Dec. 7; 2 p.m. Nov. 26, Dec. 3 and 9, 100 E. Fort St. $14 general, $11 students and seniors. $16 and $12 at the door. 208-342-5104, boiselittletheater.org.
Stage Coach Theatre’s “The Great American Trailer Park Christmas Musical”: 8 p.m. Nov. 24-25, Dec. 1-2, 8-9 and 15-16; 7:30 p.m. Nov. 30, Dec. 7 and 14; 2 p.m. Dec. 3 and 10, 4802 W. Emerald St., Boise. $20. 208-342-2000, stagecoachtheatre.com.
Nampa Tree Lighting: Nampa Mayor Bob Henry will light the tree. Features Christmas music, a kickoff of the Salvation Army’s Kettle Drive, free hot chocolate and cider and time with Santa Claus after the tree lighting for photos. 5:30 p.m. Nov. 25, 12th Avenue and Front Street, Nampa. Free.
Garden City Tree Lighting: Garden City Mayor John Evans will do the honors. Caroling by the Riverglen Junior High Choir. Light refreshments. 6 to 7 p.m. Nov. 30, Garden City City Hall, 6015 N. Glenwood St. Free.
Boise Christmas Show: More than 300 vendors, visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Dec. 1, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 2 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 3, Expo Idaho, 5610 N. Glenwood St., Garden City. $5 general, $4 seniors, free for children 12 and younger. boisechristmasshow.com.
Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony: Parade begins at dusk and ends with the community tree lighting at Island Park. Line up at 4:30 p.m. Dec. 1, Marsing High School football field, 209 8th Ave. W. marsingcity.com. Free.
Christmas Spirit and Lighting Ceremony: Light show, tree lighting (6 p.m.), pictures with Santa, magician, children’s arts and crafts station, carolers, readers theater performance of “A Christmas Story,” food and drinks available for purchase. 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 1, Four Rivers Cultural Center, 676 S.W. 6th Ave., Ontario. 541-889-8191. Free.
Meridian Winter Lights Parade and Tree Lighting: Parade travels down Main Street and returns on Second Avenue. Meridian Mayor Tammy de Weerd and guests will light the city Christmas tree following the parade (approx. 7:45 p.m.). The free outdoor showing of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” plays at 5:30 and 6 p.m. Hot chocolate stations offer free beverages throughout the route. A Candy Cane Fun Run will start before the parade (6:15 p.m., $5 registration). 6:30 to 8 p.m. Dec. 1, Generations Plaza, Main Street and East Idaho Avenue, Meridian. christmasinmeridian.org. Free.
“ELF The Musical”: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1; 10 a.m., 3 and 8 p.m. Dec. 2, Morrison Center, 2201 Cesar Chavez Lane, Boise. $35-$72.50. Ticketmaster. Limited seating.
Boise Philharmonic: Handel’s Messiah: 8 p.m. Dec. 1-2, St. John’s Cathedral, 807 N. 8th St., Boise. $30 advance, $35 at the door. 208-344-7849, boisephil.org.
Meridian Symphony Orchestra presents “Joy, Love, Peace”: Featuring holiday favorites, principal cellist Lorie Scherer and oboist Valli Howard performing Morricone’s “Gabriel’s Oboe” with the orchestra and special guests Centennial High School Choirs. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1-2, Centennial High School Performing Arts Center, 12400 W. McMillan Road, Boise. $11 general, $9 seniors, students, military, $4 children, available online or at the door. 208-891-2721, meridiansymphony.org.
Opera Idaho’s “Amahl & the Night Visitors”: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1 and 2:30 p.m. Dec. 3, Egyptian Theatre, 700 W. Main St., Boise. $24-$36. Student, senior, child, military, family and group discounts available. (208) 345-3531, operaidaho.org.
Idaho City Christmas Celebration: Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at the Visitors Center from noon to 2 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. with goody bags and photos with the kids. The Boise Basin Library will show “The Polar Express” for free at 2:30 p.m. with refreshments. Tree lighting ceremony at 5 p.m. with caroling and hot chocolate. Dec. 2, Idaho City. 208-392-4159, idahocitychamber.org. Free.
Claus ‘N Paws: Photo opportunities (for a small donation which benefits zoo programs), holiday crafts, face painting, and don’t miss the animal residents receiving their holiday gifts. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 2 (last admission at 4:30 p.m.), Zoo Boise, 355 Julia Davis Drive. 208-608-7760, zooboise.org. Free.
Opera Idaho Children’s Choruses Winter Concert: Opera Idaho Angelus Choir and Children’s Chorus will perform their winter concert inside the Rotunda. 11 a.m. Dec. 2, Idaho State Capitol, 700 W. Jefferson St., Boise. 208-345-3531. Free.
Tuba Christmas: 4 to 5 p.m. Dec. 2, Idaho State Capitol, 700 W. Jefferson St., Boise. music.boisestate.edu/tubachristmas. Free.
Come Together Kuna Community Choir Christmas Concert: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3, Kuna Performing Arts Center, 637 E. Deer Flat Road. Free, but tickets required. 208-850-5784, ComeTogetherKuna@gmail.com.
Eugene Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”: 7 p.m. Dec. 5-6, Jewett Auditorium, College of Idaho, Caldwell. $25-$35 general, $15-$25 children. 208-459-5275, caldwellfinearts.org.
▪ Clara’s Tea Party, 5:30 p.m. Dec. 5-6, Langroise Center, College of Idaho, Caldwell. Face painting, ballet lessons, crafts, treats, and visits by “The Nutcracker” cast. $6, available only with “Nutcracker” ticket purchase. To add on, call 208-459-5783.
Eugene Ballet’s “The Nutcracker Jr.”: 1 and 6 p.m. Dec. 7, Jewett Auditorium, College of Idaho, Caldwell. $12-$20 general, $8-$12 children. 208-459-5275, caldwellfinearts.org.
▪ Clara’s Tea Party, 11:30 a.m., 2, 4:30 and 7 p.m. Dec. 7, Langroise Center, College of Idaho, Caldwell. Face painting, ballet lessons, crafts, treats, and visits by the dancers. $6, available as an add-on to “Nutcracker Jr.” ticket or stand-alone event. 208-459-5783.
Music Theatre of Idaho’s “A Christmas Carol”: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7-9; 1:30 p.m. Dec. 9, Nampa Civic Center, 311 3rd St S. $18-$22 advance, $25 at the door. 208-468-2385, mtionline.org.
Toys for Tots Fundraiser: Featuring Gerry & The Dreambenders, Jake Leg. 6:30 p.m. Dec. 8, Sapphire Room, The Riverside Hotel, 2900 W. Chinden Blvd., Boise. Admission is free with any cash or toy donation (new and unopened) for Toys for Tots. Register at eventbrite.com.
Boise Philharmonic: Holiday Pops: Musically Speaking pre-concert discussions at 6:30 p.m. 208-344-7849, boisephil.org.
Dec. 8: 7:30 p.m., Brandt Center, Northwest Nazarene University, 707 Fern St., Nampa. Musically Speaking pre-concert discussion at 2 p.m. $21.23-$44.34.
Dec. 9: 7:30 p.m., Morrison Center, 2201 Cesar Chavez Lane, Boise. Musically Speaking pre-concert discussion at 6:30 p.m. $22.64-$65.09.
Family Holiday Concert: Performances by Boise State’s orchestra and choral groups, the jazz band and jazz ensemble, the perennially popular audience sing-along with organist Mark Hansen and a special holiday celebration with the Keith Stein Blue Thunder Marching Band. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8, Morrison Center, 2201 Cesar Chavez Lane, Boise. $10 general, $8 seniors, $2 children and non-BSU students. Ticketmaster.
Eagle Country Christmas: Outdoor market, entertainment by kids choirs, free kids activities, Santa, cookie and cocoa tasting, Christmas tree lighting (6 p.m.). 1 to 6 p.m. Dec. 9, Heritage Park, 185 E. State St., Eagle. 208-489-8789.
Christmas at the Cathedral: 4:30 p.m. Dec. 9; 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 10, Cathedral of the Rockies, 717 N. 11th St., Boise.
Ida Ho Ho Benefit Concert: Featuring Lounge on Fire, Pure Ivy, Belinda Bowler, Swillbilly, Steve Fulton and many others. Benefits the Women’s and Children’s Alliance. 6 to 10 p.m. Dec. 13, Visual Arts Collective, 3638 Osage St., Garden City. $12 at eventbrite.com, $15 at the door.
“It’s a Frim Fram 4 Christmas”: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13, Sapphire Room, The Riverside Hotel, 2900 W. Chinden Blvd., Boise. $20 general, $24 preferred. eventbrite.com. $25 and $29 at the door.
Ballet Idaho’s “The Nutcracker”: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16; noon and 4 p.m. Dec. 17, Morrison Center, 2201 Cesar Chavez Lane, Boise. $38, $46 and $61. Ticketmaster.
Wreaths Across America Day: Community is invited to attend the brief outdoor ceremony and then take part in placing the wreaths on the graves and columbarium of more than 4,200 veterans and family members who are interred at the cemetery. 10 a.m. Dec. 16, Idaho State Veterans Cemetery, 10100 N. Horseshoe Bend Road, Boise. To donate a wreath, go to wreathsacrossamerica.org or call 208-995-1640, wreaths4idahovets@gmail.com.
“Holiday Harmony” Christmas Concert and Bake Sale: Presented by Capital City Sound Chorus. Bake sale at 1 p.m. and concert at 2 p.m. Dec. 16, Cathedral of the Rockies, 717 N. 11th St., Boise. $7 at the door, free for children 12 and younger. capitalcitysound.org.
Xtreme Holiday Xtravaganza: Holiday variety show hosted by Curtis Stigers and Jodi Peterson and featuring local musicians, dancers, comedians and community leaders. Benefits Interfaith Sanctuary Homeless Shelter. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 17-18, Egyptian Theatre, 700 W. Main St., Boise. $35 and $50 general, $135 and $150 reserved. egyptiantheatre.net.
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas: 3 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 21, Morrison Center, 2201 Cesar Chavez Lane, Boise. $37.50-$70. Ticketmaster.
This story was originally published November 23, 2017 12:41 PM.