Christmas is a magical time of year, but sometimes it can be a little overwhelming with dozens of activities to choose from. So we decided to put together a holly jolly Idaho adventure that will help you get into the holiday spirit, yet give you a chance to relax and enjoy this time of year. From attending the Winter Garden aGlow at the Idaho Botanical Garden in Boise to staying at a cozy cabin, it’s an overnight adventure in Idaho that is sure to make even Scrooge himself smile.

The first stop on our holly jolly adventure in Idaho is Winter Garden aGlow, an annual holiday event for the entire family. Located at the Idaho Botanical Garden in Boise, this is one of the best Christmas light displays in Idaho.

The botanical garden is adorned with more than 600,000 twinkling lights for you to walk through and admire. There are also enchanting displays and, of course, free cookies and hot chocolate. As you explore, you’ll feel like you are in a magical winter wonderland. This will easily become one of your favorite holiday traditions.

This holiday light display is the Idaho Botanical Garden’s largest fundraiser of the year and it is packed with activities. Not only can you view all of the bright, twinkling lights, but you can also enjoy live choirs, warm up next to fire pits, and enjoy holiday drinks at the Snow Globe Bar.

Your family will also want to stop by Santa’s cottage display, visit the gingerbread house exhibit, and write letters to Santa. There really is so much to do that you won't want to slow down. If you plan your adventure on certain days throughout the month of December, you’ll even see Santa in the garden.

The Winter Garden aGlow will take place from November 29 to December 31, 2024. Tickets are available online or at the botanical garden. However, when purchasing a ticket, you will select a time slot and several time slots can sell out quickly. It is recommended you purchase your tickets in advance online. There is also a Winter Market that you won’t want to miss from December 13 to December 24, 2024. For more information, you can visit the Idaho Botanical Garden website.

After you explored and enjoyed one of the best Christmas light displays in Idaho, it is time to find a place where you can relax and recharge. Less than 15 miles away, you will find the most charming cliffside log cabin.

This authentic log home was built in the early 1990s, right on the edge of a cliff. The cabin's location provides stunning views, plenty of solitude, and excellent wildlife viewing.

This is a 1,500-square-foot cabin that will comfortably sleep up to seven guests. The log cabin features everything you need for a holiday getaway including a large living room with a beautiful fireplace.

There is also a kitchen and dining room with ample space to prepare any meals. Just make sure you stay long enough to soak in the large jetted tub located in one of the two bathrooms in the cabin.

While the inside of the cabin is certainly cozy and charming, you’ll want to spend some time outdoors. The porch wraps around three sides of the cabin and offers the most spectacular view of the area. It’s the perfect escape from the hustle of the holidays.

It is recommended that during the winter months, a four-wheel drive vehicle with studded snow tires and/or chains is used to reach the cabin as there are some areas of the road that are narrow and steep.

So, are you ready to make the most of the holiday season on this holly jolly adventure? This short, overnight getaway is sure to put you in the Christmas spirit and give you a break from the stresses of the holidays!

Do you have a favorite holiday getaway destination? What other stops would you add to this holly jolly adventure in Boise? Let me know! I'd love to hear from you. And if you are struggling with what to get that travel-loving special someone in your life, check out our gift guide featuring up to 75 gift ideas.