There are few things more magical during the Christmas season than seeing thousands of colorful lights twinkling on homes, businesses, and trees, transforming the state into a winter wonderland that the whole family can enjoy. With the ground flocked in a frosty coat of white snow and the landscape adorned with shimmering bulbs, wreaths, and festive pine trees, every moment during this final part of the year is made for memory-making. Why not get in the holiday spirit with a visit to some of the best Idaho Christmas lights? Whether set to classic holiday tunes or choreographed to something a little more modern, both drive-by and walking events are around every corner in the Gem State, and everyone is guaranteed to add a little extra magic to an already picture-perfect time of year! Grab some hot cocoa, bundle up, and get ready to be impressed.

1. Winter Garden aGlow, Boise

Every holiday season, Idaho's largest botanical garden transforms from a colorful retreat of flowers and arbors into a dazzling display of shimmering lights. Rather than viewing lights from afar, Winter Garden aGlow lets you stroll right through and interact with the holiday glow. More than 500,000 lights are hung around the gardens with the promenade, gazebo, and archways framed with lights. The Winter Garden aGlow in Boise is certainly one of the best Christmas events in Idaho.

2. Winter Spirit, Lewiston

As you search for the best Christmas lights in northern Idaho, Winter Spirit in Lewiston is truly special. The historic downtown community of Lewiston lights up with interactive displays and colorful spectacles in Locomotive Park. A toasty fireplace welcomes visitors and the area is filled with lights in every color imaginable — over half a million of them, to be exact. Plus, Santa always makes an appearance!

3. Scentsy Commons, Meridian

You might not know it by day, but Scentsy is the place to be in the Treasure Valley this Christmas season! Spend your night with festive music, holiday-themed refreshments, and a feast for the senses as you walk through one of the best Christmas light displays in Idaho. In fact, more than 450 trees are lit up and covered in approximately 43 miles of Christmas lights. Plus, you must stop and admire the 75-foot tall Christmas tree. It's incredible!

4. Winter Wonderland, Caldwell

The city of Caldwell ushers in the Christmas season with its annual Winter Wonderland event at Indian Creek Plaza in downtown Caldwell. Not only will you see thousands of twinkling lights, but you may also see carolers and the big man himself. Once you visit, you'll quickly realize why this is considered one of the best Christmas light displays in Idaho.

5. Journey to the North Pole, Coeur d'Alene

Lake Coeur d'Alene Cruises features Journey to the North Pole, a spectacular holiday cruise on the water. You will see hundreds of Christmas light displays out on the lake, while enjoying a drink of hot chocolate. Once you reach the North Pole, young children can listen to hear if Santa reads their name on the "nice" list. Plus, you can end the night with a beautiful firework display.

6. Boise Christmas Light Trolley Tours

If bundling up the family for a classic driving tour of the city's best residential displays is more your style, Boise offers multiple trolley tours for every budget and group size. This is a terrific way to view some of the best Christmas lights in Boise. However, you will need to make reservations in advance.

7. Idaho Festival of Lights, Preston

Small town Idaho does Christmas right with its own Festival of Lights in downtown Preston. A parade, bed races, live entertainment, and thousands of colorful lights mark this traditional event. If you are in southern Idaho and are searching for the best Christmas light display, this is the place to go.

How many of these Christmas light displays have you been to? Are there any other Christmas events in Idaho we should know about? Let your fellow readers know in the comments!

If you are searching for a fun and unique thing to do during the holiday season in Idaho, check out this Christmas straw maze in Burley.