Entry No. 24 — the Boise file — filed under: outdoor

Winter Garden aGlow at Idaho Botanical Garden

Each winter the Idaho Botanical Garden, set on the grounds of the old state penitentiary, strings more than 850,000 lights across its 33-acre grounds, much of it hand-strung by staff and volunteers. The result is a walk-through light environment threading through garden beds, with a model train display winding through the bulbs and warm drinks along the way. It runs only from late November through New Year's Eve and, now in its 29th season, is one of the city's oldest holiday traditions.

The move: Bundle up for an evening lap through the glowing garden paths, splitting a free cup of cocoa and hunting for the train.

• 📍 Boise (Old Penitentiary district)
• 💸 $$
• ⚡ Up for anything
• 🌗 Indoors

Where: 2355 Old Penitentiary Road, Boise, ID 83712

Hours: Added 2026-06-24 — confirm current hours before you go.

⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Proof: source 1 · source 2 · source 3 · source 4

last checked: 2026-06-24