The holidays are definitely the most magical time of the year, and while we do every season right, Christmas in Idaho really shines! From awe-inspiring light festivals and visits with Santa to hot chocolate and sleigh rides, experiencing everything in one season simply isn't possible - but that doesn't mean you can't try anyway! When it comes to this season’s festivities, however, these delightful towns really capture the spirit of Christmas in all of its twinkling, frosty beauty. Take a look at eight of the most enchanting, magical, and best Christmas towns in Idaho.
Lewiston's annual Winter Spirit Festival is one of Idaho's most unique, can't-miss holiday extravaganzas. What started out as a humble 30-foot decorated Christmas tree outside of Locomotive Park is now a festive community event sparkling with interactive displays and colorful spectacles, where over half a million lights dance, sing, and twinkle to music. But the Christmas season doesn't end there! The community is filled to the brim with even more festive spirit - cookies with Santa included! We can't get enough of this adorable Idaho Christmas town, and we think you won't either!
From the delightfully picturesque town that hosts Idaho's Winter Carnival every year comes some rather spectacular beauty every holiday season. Twinkling lights adorn every home, bringing to life the snow-covered, quintessential mountain charm that this lakeside wonderland has come to be known for. In short, McCall seems to celebrate Christmas all winter long! It's easily one of our favorite Christmas villages in Idaho, so come see why!
The most unique town in Idaho certainly doesn't hold back when it comes to the Christmas season. Wallace's Season of Lights means the hosting of the Yuletide Lighting Festival, a picture-perfect blanket of snow glittering over the landscape, a festive parade, and the quintessential neighborly spirit that earned this vibrant little city Hometown USA recognition.
It's only natural for the state capital to go all-out when it comes to the most festive time of year, and Boise is no exception. In addition to the Winter Garden aGlow light festival at the Idaho Botanical Garden, downtown features the delightful Festival of Trees in the Grove, a towering Christmas tree in front of the capitol building, twinkling lights swooped across intersections, and plenty of live entertainment to make every day of yuletide one to remember. Boise does Christmas in Idaho right.
For a near-guaranteed white Christmas in Idaho, Coeur d'Alene is a breathtaking destination already. But in addition to the Downtown Coeur d'Alene association's gorgeous lights decorating the heart of this lakeside city, the Coeur d'Alene Resort's show on the water is absolutely breathtaking, featuring the tallest living Christmas tree in the world. Toss in a stunning night cruise to the North Pole with Coeur d'Alene Cruises and you have a magical Christmas town that's hard to beat!
Christmas comes in all shapes and sizes when it comes to city celebrations, but Meridian does it right. Featuring ice skating in the Village surrounded by quaint gingerbread house decor, glorious fountain light shows, stunning lighted trees throughout downtown, near-daily Santa visits, and much more, Meridian takes charming to a whole new level. Christmas towns in Idaho are awesome, and Meridian is even more awesome than that.
It makes sense that one of Idaho's most beautiful Christmas towns is in its most luxurious skiing destination. If the scenic backdrop of the snow-capped Pioneer Mountains overlooking the picturesque valley below isn't enough, the daily celebrations at the Sun Valley Resort, ice skating festivals, and North Pole-inspired downtown decorations will change your mind. Plus, Christmas Eve fireworks, anyone?
8. Rupert, a.k.a. Christmas City
Few would expect Christmas City, USA, to be located in humble Idaho, but surprise! While you may not find a whole lot of snow here, depending on the year, this tiny town in southern Idaho goes all-out for the holiday season with one of the most fantastic light shows you'll find in the entire state. Supposedly, back in 1964, Rupert decided it was time to make a name for itself when it came to Christmas, and as the community came together to fund the effort over the years, their winter festival grew until the title of "Christmas City" was made official in 1987. Mission accomplished!
Although this itty-bitty community has an important historical role, the tiny town of Santa near St. Maries isn't much more than a few homes on a pretty piece of Idaho's timbered landscape. But come winter, the local post office receives thousands of letters to St. Nick every year from all across the country, which are postmarked with a special Santa stamp.
Whether it's a small hometown celebration or a grand affair, Idaho knows how to make the holiday season spectacular! What's your favorite of the best Christmas towns in Idaho? Tell us about it in the comments!
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
If you have been reading my articles for a while now, you know that I love the small towns that dot Idaho. These towns are not only packed with friendly faces and irresistible charm but they are also home to some of the best hidden gems and must-visit attractions. Melba, Idaho is one of these small towns. This town is small — so small that you might blink and miss it. But it’s home to many tourist attractions, restaurants, and shopping that make it a town in Idaho that’s worth exploring.
Tucked away in the Snake River Valley, just a short drive from Boise, lies Melba. This is a farming community where approximately 600 individuals call home.
Melba is known as the “Seed Heart of America” as the farmers here grow a variety of seed crops including onions carrots, corn, alfalfa, and more.
a shot facing south, near the soda wildfire in Idaho. This area is adjacent to the wildfire, and remained intact.
But it is not just the rich agricultural roots that you'll notice as you drive into town, it's also the area's history. This small Idaho town was established in 1912 and over the years has captured the hearts of many.
Melba is a fabulous destination if you wish to spend a little time outdoors. In fact, it is home to one of our favorite Idaho viewpoints — Dedication Point Overlook. Part of the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area, you can take a short 0.5-mile loop trail to capture gorgeous landscape views and see incredible birds in action. It is beautiful here and you’ll certainly want to take your time when you visit.
Tess W./AllTrails
You may also want to spend some time at Cleo’s Ferry Museum and Nature Trail where you’ll spot animal sculptures, birdhouses, peacocks, and more. I also recommend Celebration Park, which is the only archaeological park in Idaho.
Celebration Park is home to a collection of petroglyphs as well as hiking, boating, and fishing opportunities. It is also where you will find Guffey Bridge, a historic bridge from the late 1800s. It is now a pedestrian bridge that is truly spectacular.
Historic Guffey Bridge
Of course, when hunger strikes on your adventures in this small Idaho town, there are plenty of fabulous places to eat including Buck’s Saloon and Steakhouse, Tacos El Centro, cook’s Two Hold Bar and Grill, and Extreme Pizza. There’s something for every craving.
Melba, Idaho may be small but it’s packed with all types of adventures and you never know what you will find here. It’s a town that is certainly worth exploring.
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For more information on this small town in Idaho, visit Melba, Idaho’s official website.
Have you ever visited Melba? What did you think of this small town? What are some of your favorite things to do in Melba? Let us know. And if your visit to Melba is part of a road trip, make sure to pack some of our favorite car-friendly snacks for the journey. You won’t regret it!
