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Boise Bucket List: 6 On Your Side's guide to holiday fun

Posted at 4:35 AM, Nov 22, 2017
and last updated 2017-11-22 10:35:30-05

The holidays are here and there are plenty of things to do in Boise to feel in the spirit. Take a look at 6 On Your Side's bucket list of top picks.

Idaho Botanical Garden's Winter Garden aGlow: Volunteers spend more than two months stringing 390,000 lights throughout the garden, and their hard work is beautiful at night.

"We'll have Santa on site a couple days of the week, cocoa and cider, choirs caroling, it's just a really great fun festive vibe," said garden event director Adan Callsen.

Bundle up and walk through Winter Garden aGlow November 23 through January 1. Admission to the colorful light display is $10 for adults and $8 for kids. Gates open at 6:00 p.m. and last admission is 8:45 p.m. The garden is open rain, snow or shine.

Idaho Steelheads: It's hockey season! Cheer on the Idaho Steelheads at Century Link Arena. Next home game is Friday, November 24.

Look at the Christmas trees downtown: Take in the tall views of both the Capitol Christmas tree and the Boise city tree on the Grove Plaza. The Capitol tree lighting ceremony is planned for Monday, November 27 at 5:00 p.m. The Downtown Boise tree lighting is Friday, November 24 from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m.

Visit Bogus Basin: You can ski, snowboard, and snowshoe on the mountain. Or just rest in the lodge. Families will love the new 800 foot tubing hill too. Keep an eye on the Bogus website to find out when the recreation area opens for the season.

Tour a local museum: "If you are feeling cold outside, find something to do inside. Explore a local museum, like the Boise Art Museum.  

Ballet Idaho's The Nutcracker: Tickets are already on sale for Ballet Idaho's annual performance of The Nutcracker December 15 through 17 at the Morrison Center. The music is performed live by the Boise Philharmonic

Shop Local: This Black Friday, shop local. Many Boise stores are also taking part in Small Business Saturday November 25. Stop by your favorite.

Give back to the community:

  • Buy your Christmas tree from the Boise Rescue Mission's tree lot. All sales support the mission's efforts to help the homeless.
  • Attend the Idaho Foodbank's Empty Bowls fundraiser Black Friday on the Grove Plaza.  
  • Stop inside the Boise Centre for Festival of Trees benefiting the Saint Alphonsus Foundation. 
  • Or volunteer for any local non-profit.

We know there are many other places to see and things to do in our area so we want to hear from you. Head to our Facebook page to share your favorite holiday activities in the Treasure Valley.

Happy Holidays!