We’ve moved from spooky season to giving season! As we start thinking about all the fall and Thanksgiving fun ahead of us this month, I wanted to highlight some of the biggest family-friendly November events you’ll wanna add to your calendar As always, more details are always on our FREE community events calendar – boisewithkids.com/events
First Thursday in Downtown Boise
When: November 5, 2026, Events typically run from 5:00 – 9:00pm
Where: Downtown Boise
About: Visit Downtown Boise the First Thursday of each month to experience art, shopping, dining, live music, family activities and entertainment in a special and unique way you’ll only find Downtown.
Theater Lab Fall 2026 Performances
When: Only three performances — November 5, 6, and 7th from 7:00 PM to about 8:15 PM
Where: Boise Contemporary Theater
About: BCT Theater Lab, for youth 12-18 years old, is dedicated to the proposition that students are capable of more than we expect. They have a story to tell, and it’s important to listen. Students create brand new plays from scratch and then perform them on our professional stage with all the bells and whistles! Only $10 for students and $17 for adults.
Holiday Makers Market
When: November 6 | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM, November 7 | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Where: Nampa Civic Center
About: Get a head start on your holiday shopping and support local makers while you’re at it! The Nampa Civic Center will be packed with over 100 amazing artisans—think cozy blankets, handmade ornaments, unique pet gear, pottery, paintings, jewelry, and so much more. Admission is free.
Athletic Club Boise vs. Chattanooga Red Wolves Playoff Soccer Game
When: Saturday, November 7 @ 7pm
Where: Athletic Club Boise Stadium located on the Expo Idaho grounds
About: Bring the whole family to cheer our soccer team at home!
Eagle Holiday Bazaar
When: Saturday: 11/07: 9AM – 5PM, Sunday: 11/08: 10AM – 3PM
Where: Eagle High School
About: Each year our Artisans work their craft skills to bring you the highest quality products that you would be proud to give as a gift or keep for yourself. We offer a large variety of products such as handmade cinnamon rolls, BBQ sauce, candies, rugs, quilts, ceramics, glass, jewelry, wooden items, and so much more!
Home Depot Kids Workshop
When: November 7, 2026 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Where: A participating Home Depot near you
About: Home Depot does a free kids workshop each month. In November, come make a Christmas Car Ornament. Be sure to register!
5th Annual Middleton Author Palooza
When: November 7, 2026 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Where: Middleton Community Center
About: Discover new stories, shop local, and find your next favorite book at Middleton’s Local Author Palooza! This is a free, family friendly event with more than 60 local authors, and bookish vendors
Boise State Annual Holiday Concert
When: Nov 12, 2026 @ 6:30 PM
Where: The Morrison Center
About: Celebrate the season with the Boise State Department of Music at our annual Family Holiday Concert. Join us for an evening of winter and seasonal favorites as our talented ensembles bring holiday cheer to the Morrison Center stage. As is tradition, this event will also feature a special performance from the Boise State Blue Thunder Marching Band!
JURASSIC QUEST
When: Friday 11/13: 3p-6p, Saturday 11/14: 8a-8p, Sunday 11/15: 9a-5p
Where: Expo Idaho
About: Life-size dinosaurs are taking over Expo Idaho for three days. Jurassic Quest brings North America’s largest moving, roaring dinosaurs to Boise, from a 60-foot Spinosaurus to a T-rex that looks you right in the eye.
Scentsy Christmas Lights Ceremony
When: November 13, 2026 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Where: Scentsy Campus
About: Come join us at Scentsy Commons for a dazzling light display. Our tenth annual Christmas Lights Ceremony is from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13. We’ll officially turn on the lights with a countdown beginning at 6:15 p.m. Our campus has been wrapped in hundreds of thousands of beautiful lights, including Scentsy’s signature light tunnel, and our 75-foot-tall, light-up Christmas tree! We’re also featuring our Scentsy fragrance Winter Glow. To add to the fun, 12 food trucks will be on-site from 5:30-8 p.m.
PAW Patrol Character Event
When: November 13, 2026 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Where: Sunrise Digger Zone
About: Get ready for a PAW-some adventure! 🚜 Join us for a special character event featuring Chase from PAW Patro! Bring your little pups for an exciting evening of digging, building, playing, and meeting their favorite police pup! Enjoy interactive activities, character meet & greets, and plenty of photo opportunities along the way!
The Village Winter Skate Opens
When: November 14th, 2026 – January 19th, 2027, hours vary
Where: The Village Meridian
About: Outdoor open Skate at The Village opens! Spend a day at The Village skating, shopping, and exploring the fountain and surrounding decorations for the holiday season.
Boise State vs. Oregon State Beavers
When: Saturday, Nov 14, 2026 at 4:00 PM
Where: Albertson’s Stadium
About: Bring the whole family to cheer on the Broncos at home! Find our tips to seeing Boise State Football Games with Kids here.
Idaho Veterans Parade
When: November 14 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Where: Saturday, November 14, 2026 · 10 AM – Downtown Boise
About: Every November, Boise comes together to say thank you. The Idaho Veterans Parade — organized entirely by volunteers — honors the service and sacrifice of every branch of the U.S. Armed Forces and brings the community out to show it. Veteran and military organizations, schools, scout troops, marching bands, and civic groups from across the Treasure Valley are invited to march; everyone else is invited to line the route and cheer them on.
SO|ME Winter Express
When: November 14 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Where: SO|ME Amp in Meridian
About: Celebrate the season with us at our Winter Express, a festive day full of holiday cheer and community spirit. Enjoy photos with Santa, meet Live Reindeer from Sawtooth Reindeer, ride a trackless train, shop unique gifts and handmade goods, and savor delicious bites. The day will feature live music, warm drinks, and plenty of holiday magic for the whole family. Free and open to all—come support local makers and kick off the winter season in style.
Lowe’s Kid’s Club Workshop
When: November 14, 2026 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Where: A Participating Lowe’s Near You
About: All aboard the Holiday Express! Mini builders will create their own Holiday Engine train, complete with festive flair. It’s the perfect seasonal project to celebrate creativity, craftsmanship, and holiday joy. Register Now!
Live Raptor Event
When: November 14, 2026 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Where: Wild Birds Unlimited
About: Ever wanted to come face-to-face with a LIVE bird of prey?! Calling all nature lovers, curious kids, families, and anyone who thinks birds of prey are pretty cool! We’re teaming up with The Peregrine Fund for a special LIVE raptor presentation at Wild Birds Unlimited in Boise, and you’re invited! Get an up-close look at these incredible birds while learning what makes them such amazing hunters, how they survive in the wild, and what we can do to help protect them.
Tiaras, Toffee & Twirls
When: November 14, 2026 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Where: Tutu School in Eagle
About: A high-whimsy holiday preview where little dancers craft magic wands and catch their first glimpse of winter magic.
Gobble Wobble Party
When: November 16, 2026 10:10 am – 11:10 am
Where: The Little Gym Meridian
About: Unleash the potential of words and wiggles at The Little Gym! With Read, Move, & Groove, every page turned is a step, jump, or jive in the right direction. Join us and let your little one’s imagination soar while their feet find the rhythm of adventure.
Annual Tree Lighting
When: November 19th: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Where: The Village Meridian
About: The celebration begins with a spirited holiday show featuring everyone’s favorite Green Grouch, along with a few merry surprises. We’re thrilled to welcome back Oralé as our featured entertainment for the evening. And, of course, the moment we’ve all been waiting for… Santa Claus makes his grand arrival at The Village! Gather around as we count down to the spectacular lighting of our 50-foot Christmas tree, illuminating The Village in all its magical holiday glory! Enjoy memorable photo opportunities with our beloved collection of holiday characters, festive giveaways, lively entertainment, and plenty of surprises throughout the evening.
A Christmas Carol
When: Nov 19 – Dec 06, 2026
Where: The Morrison Center
About: A new Treasure Valley holiday tradition begins this season. Be among the first to experience the world premiere of A Christmas Carol: In Prose, Being a Ghost Story of Christmas by Charles Dickens, adapted for the stage by Gordon Reinhart. This fresh theatrical retelling honors Dickens’ original language while bringing new life to the beloved classic. Filled with wonder, warmth, and the transformative power of the Christmas spirit, it’s an unforgettable celebration for audiences of every generation.
Boise State vs. San Diego State Aztecs
When: Saturday, Nov 21, 2026 at 7:30 PM
Where: Albertson’s Stadium
About: Bring the whole family to cheer on the Broncos at home! Find our tips to seeing Boise State Football Games with Kids here.
Wintry Market
When: Friday Nov 20th from 4-9pm and Saturday Nov 21st from 9am-5pm
Where: The main floor of the Boise Centre West downtown
About: This event is an upscale and inventive indie art, craft and vintage show in Boise every November. Wintry Market consists of innovative and original items produced using traditional art/craft methods by 100+ regional artists & crafters. Kids 12 and under are free.
Shindig Farms Lost in Christmas Opening Weekend
When: Opening Weekend: Nov. 20 & 21, 5PM-10PM
Where: Shindig Farms
About: Over 3 million Christmas lights at the Treasure Valley only walk-through holiday maze. A magical winter experience for families across the Treasure Valley. Illuminated Straw Maze, Santa Meet & Greet, Grinch Time, Giant Christmas Tree, Zip Lines, Festive Mega Slides, Kids Mini Maze, And Much Much More!
Winter Wonderland Festival
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday | November 20-22, 6-9 PM
Where: Caldwell Indian Creek Plaza
About: Downtown Caldwell turns into a scene worthy of a Hallmark movie, glowing under more than a million Christmas lights. Stroll through the illuminated streets with a warm cup of cocoa in hand and soak in the magic all around you.Glide along our ice ribbon—lined with sparkling trees and cozy fire pits. Cross everyone off your holiday shopping list at our market, featuring more than 60 local artisans.Bring the kids for festive photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. For a perfect finishing touch, snuggle under a blanket on a horse‑drawn carriage ride.
2026 Saint Alphonsus Festival of Trees
When: November 25 – 29, 2026, various times
Where: Boise Centre in Downtown Boise
About: The Saint Alphonsus Festival of Trees has become a holiday tradition for Treasure Valley families, bringing the community together each year in a spectacular display of festive decor, music, and entertainment. Celebrating its 42nd year, this event features an incredible variety of Christmas trees, live performances, visits with Santa, and kid-friendly activities like scavenger hunts, an interactive talking tree, and more.
Turkey Day 5k
When: November 26, 2026 @ 9am
Where: Cecil D. Andrus Park in Boise, Memorial Park in Caldwell
About: Welcome to the annual Turkey Day 5k in Boise, Idaho’s favorite Thanksgiving Day tradition. Turkey Day 5K is a whole family fun run designed to kick off your day with fun, energy, and community.
Downtown Boise Tree Lighting
When: Friday, November 27, 2026, 5:00pm – 6:00pm
Where: The Grove Plaza
About: Join your neighbors at this free, all-ages event and kick of the Holiday Season with the annual lighting of Downtown Boise’s Holiday Tree! This nearly thirty year old tradition includes live music from local band, Red Light Challenge, a candle-lighting ceremony, guest speakers, and (of course) the Mayor’s countdown and lighting of the Holiday Tree, which will illuminate the Grove Plaza through the new year.
Winter Garden Aglow
When: Nov 27 – Dec 30, various times
Where: Idaho Botanical Garden
About: Bundle up and wander a Garden glowing with 900,000 holiday lights, from lit-up trees and pathways to the all-new Lake of Lights on Outlaw Field. Kids under 3 are free.
Canyon County Festival of Trees
When: Fri. Nov 27th: 10:00am – 6:30pm, Sat Nov 28th: 10:30am – 5:30pm, Sun Nov 29th: 10:00am – 4:00pm
Where: Ford Idaho Center in Nampa
About: The Canyon County Festival of Trees is a spectacular event that brings our local community together to support the important cause of providing nutritious meals to Canyon County seniors. With wonderful performances by local talent, fun events, and marvelous tree donations from across Canyon County, the 2025 festival was truly magical.
Winter Holiday Market @ Victory Gardens
When: November 27, 2026 10:00 am – November 29, 2026 4:00 pm
Where: Victory Gardens in Meridian
About: Cozy up with winter drinks, explore artisanal vendors, find your perfect Christmas tree, and join our festive raffle. A weekend full of holiday cheer awaits!
Black Friday Toy and Puzzle Swap
When: November 28, 2026 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Where: Library! at Cole & Ustick
About: Help your unused toys and puzzles find a new home and “shop” sustainably on Black Friday weekend
Drop off your gently used puzzles and toys at the Library! at Cole & Ustick Nov 1-25. Please make sure all donations are clean and have all their pieces.
Warhawk Winterfest
When: November 28, 2026 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Where: Warhawk Air Museum
About: Join us for Warhawk Winterfest on November 28th for holiday crafts, a special holiday scavenger hunt, and letters to Santa! Santa will be here from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.! General admission rates apply.
78th Boise Holiday Parade
When: November 28, 2026 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Where: Idaho State Capitol
About: 78th Boise Holiday Parade! Bring the kids and watch floats, horses, holiday costumes, vintage cars, dancers, music, and, of course, Santa!
Smore’s & Shop Small Saturday
When: November 28, 2026 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Where: 1st Street South , Nampa, ID
About: We’ll have s’mores going, shops open, and plenty of reasons to slow down and actually enjoy your holiday shopping. Spend the day supporting local businesses, grabbing gifts, and hanging out in a cozy downtown atmosphere in anticipation for the Christmas Tree Lighting in the evening!
This month is sure to be one full of fall and holiday magic! Did we forget an event? Let us know so we can add it, and submit it to our events calendar here! Have a fantastic start to the holiday season!