There are many things I love about Christmas but holiday lights are at the top of the list. The bright colors quickly put me in the Christmas spirit and the best Christmas light displays in Idaho are filled with pure holiday magic. Throughout the Gem State, there are many incredible Christmas light shows that deserve a spot on every holiday bucket list but it can be a little overwhelming knowing which light shows deserve your attention. So, as you search for some of the best Christmas lights near me this year, consider the following displays. These are just a few of the best Christmas lights in Idaho.

1. Journey to the North Pole, Coeur d’Alene

If you are in northern Idaho this holiday season, Journey to the North Pole is one Christmas light display you won’t want to miss. This isn't your average Christmas light show in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho either. Rather, you will take a holiday cruise on Lake Coeur d'Alene, where you will see thousands of lights and dozens of displays. Your cruise, offered by Lake Coeur d’Alene Cruises, will take you on a journey to the North Pole and once you reach your destination, you’ll be greeted by Santa who will read off his naughty and nice list. Pay attention to see if you made the cut!

2. Winter Spirit, Lewiston

Located at Locomotive Park is Winter Spirit, one of the best Christmas light displays in Lewiston, Idaho. This city park comes aglow with thousands and thousands of lights. Here, you’ll walk through lighted tunnels, past colorful trees, and by a steam-powered locomotive decked to the nines. There’s a fire that will warm you up on chilly nights and Santa occasionally makes appearances as well.

3. Winter Garden aGlow, Boise

One of the most highly anticipated and best Christmas light displays in Boise, Idaho is the Winter Garden aGlow event held at the Idaho Botanical Garden. While there are thousands of twinkling lights and dozens of displays to admire, you can also enjoy Christmas cookies and hot chocolate during your visit. Don’t forget to check out the gingerbread village and write letters to Santa as well. Believe us, even the grumpiest Scrooge will have a smile on his face.

4. Winter Wonderland, Caldwell

During the holidays, Indian Creek Plaza in Caldwell comes alive with more than one million lights — it’s easily one of the best light displays in Treasure Valley. Walk through the tunnel of lights and admire the trees adorned with colors during your visit but just make sure you give yourself plenty of time to go ice skating and say hi to Santa if he is in town. This is one family-friendly Christmas light display in Caldwell, Idaho you’ll be sad to miss.

5. Christmas in Color, Roaring Springs Waterpark, Meridian

Christmas in Color may be one of the best drive-thru Christmas light displays in Idaho. During this impressive show, you’ll drive through one million lights that are synchronized to music. You’ll be able to stay warm in your vehicle and close to the people you love. As you drive, keep your eyes out for giant snowmen, lighted tunnels, candy canes, and more — you never know what you will see during this impressive display.

6. Idaho Festival of Lights, Preston

Some of the best Christmas festivities are found in Idaho's small towns and that’s certainly the case with the Idaho Festival of Lights. These Christmas lights in Preston, Idaho are sure to impress Scrooge himself. If you really want to feel the holiday spirit, make sure to attend the light parade and an afternoon of activities on Main Street, which includes a fun run, visits with Santa, and a fireworks show.

What other Christmas light displays in Idaho would you add to this list? Are there any that you consider to be pure holiday magic? Do you find yourself often searching for the best Christmas lights near me? Let me know! I'm always looking for new places to visit during the holidays.

And if you are looking for a fun holiday getaway, consider creating a road trip to see many of these light displays. Just make sure you are prepared for the drive and that you don’t forget delicious car-friendly snacks!