Things to Do in Boise in December

December Weather in Boise

-1°C (30°F) High Temp

-11°C (12°F) Low Temp

25 mm (1 inch) Rainfall

75% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Skiing at Bogus Basin opens mid-December with 14 km (8.7 miles) of runs just 30 minutes from downtown - locals get season passes for $450 and hit the slopes after work
Christmas markets and holiday events peak from December 15-24, including the free Zoo Boise Holiday Lights display with over 200,000 LED lights
Crystal clear mountain views of the Sawtooth Range - winter air provides visibility up to 160 km (100 miles) on clear days, perfect for photography
Indoor brewery and coffee culture thrives in winter - Boise has 25+ craft breweries within city limits, many with heated patios and fire pits

Considerations

Freezing temperatures mean outdoor activities require serious cold-weather gear - expect to spend $200-300 on proper winter clothing if you don't own any
Snowstorms can close I-84 and mountain passes with 6-12 hours notice, potentially trapping you in the valley or canceling day trips
Many outdoor attractions like Table Rock trails become inaccessible due to ice and snow, limiting hiking options to lower elevation paths

Best Activities in December

Bogus Basin Skiing and Snowboarding

December marks opening season at Idaho's closest ski resort, just 26 km (16 miles) from downtown Boise. Fresh powder typically arrives by mid-December with temperatures between -6°C to -1°C (21-30°F) - perfect for maintaining snow quality. Locals ski here after work thanks to night lighting until 9pm. December offers the best value before holiday pricing kicks in.

Booking Tip: Day passes cost $55-75 in early December, jumping to $85+ during Christmas week. Rent equipment in Boise ($35-45/day) rather than on-mountain ($50-60/day). Book lessons 5-7 days ahead during December. Check current snow conditions and lift tickets in booking section.

Downtown Boise Winter Walking Tours

December's crisp air and holiday decorations make downtown exploration ideal. The Historic District and Freak Alley Gallery (largest mural in Northwest) are best experienced when temperatures stay below 2°C (36°F) - you'll walk comfortably without overheating. Local architecture tours highlight Victorian mansions with Christmas decorations.

Booking Tip: Self-guided tours are free via Boise Parks & Rec app. Guided historical tours cost $15-25 per person and run 90 minutes. Book weekend tours 3-4 days ahead. Weekday tours often available same-day. See current guided options in booking section below.

Idaho Botanical Garden Winter Illumination

December transforms the 20-hectare (50-acre) garden into Idaho's largest light display. Over 350,000 lights create themed areas including the Magic Carpet Ride tunnel. December weather is perfect for outdoor light viewing - cold enough that lights appear brilliant against dark winter skies, but manageable with proper clothing.

Booking Tip: Tickets range $12-18 for adults, with premium nights (weekends, Christmas week) costing more. Buy online 10-14 days ahead to guarantee entry - December sells out most evenings. Sessions run 5pm-9pm. Timed entry reduces crowds to manageable levels.

Snake River Canyon Winter Photography Tours

December offers the clearest visibility for photographing the Snake River Canyon and Shoshone Falls (known as Niagara of the West). Low humidity and stable high-pressure systems provide crystal-clear conditions. The 65-meter (212-foot) waterfall often partially freezes, creating unique ice formations impossible to see other months.

Booking Tip: Photography workshops cost $125-175 for 4-hour sessions. Independent visits to Shoshone Falls Park cost $5 vehicle entry. Best light occurs 10am-2pm in December due to low sun angle. Book workshops 7-10 days ahead. Check current tour availability in booking section.

Boise Foothills Winter Hiking

Lower elevation trails like Camel's Back Park and Polecat Loop remain accessible in December while higher trails close. These 3-5 km (2-3 mile) routes offer mountain views without technical winter gear. December's stable weather patterns mean fewer surprise storms compared to January-February.

Booking Tip: Self-guided hiking is free with dozens of trailhead options. Guided winter nature walks cost $25-35 per person through local outdoor education groups. Microspikes ($25-35) are essential for icy sections. Book guided hikes 5-7 days ahead, especially weekends.

Sun Valley Day Trips

December road conditions allow reliable day trips to Sun Valley, 2.5 hours northeast. America's first destination ski resort offers world-class skiing and upscale mountain town atmosphere. December provides optimal conditions before peak season crowds and pricing arrive in January.

Booking Tip: Day trip packages including transportation and lift tickets cost $150-200 per person. Independent driving requires 4WD/AWD and emergency kit. Check I-75 mountain pass conditions before departure. Book day packages 10-14 days ahead. See current Sun Valley tour options in booking section.

December Events & Festivals

Early December through early January

Zoo Boise Holiday Lights

Over 200,000 LED lights transform the 11-hectare (28-acre) zoo into a winter wonderland. Walk-through displays include animated light shows synchronized to music. Many animal exhibits remain open with cold-weather viewing areas.

First Thursday of December

First Thursday Downtown Art Walk

Monthly art walk continues through December with 40+ participating galleries and studios. Holiday-themed exhibitions and local artist markets line downtown streets. Indoor venues provide warm respites between gallery visits.

Mid to late December

Boise Philharmonic Holiday Concerts

Traditional holiday concert series at Morrison Center features full orchestra performances of seasonal classics. December programming includes family-friendly matinee performances and elegant evening shows.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Insulated waterproof boots rated to -15°C (5°F) - sidewalks ice over frequently and you'll walk on snow daily

Layering system: merino wool base layer, fleece mid-layer, waterproof shell - temperature swings 10°C (18°F) between morning and afternoon

Warm hat covering ears - heat loss through head is significant in -10°C (14°F) morning temperatures

Waterproof gloves with phone-compatible fingertips - you'll need dexterity for photography and navigation

Sunglasses and SPF 30+ sunscreen - snow reflection doubles UV exposure even with winter's low UV index of 2

Portable phone charger - cold weather drains batteries 40% faster than normal

Microspikes or yaktrax for shoes - essential for hiking trails and icy sidewalks, cost $25-35 locally

Wool socks (avoid cotton) - feet stay warm and dry during outdoor activities lasting 3+ hours

Down jacket rated to -20°C (-4°F) - December nights drop well below freezing regularly

Emergency car kit if driving - blanket, water, snacks, jumper cables, ice scraper mandatory for mountain roads

Insider Knowledge

Locals shop at Edwards Greenhouse (family-owned since 1973) for the best Christmas trees - they cut fresh Noble Firs for $8-12 per foot and know which varieties last longest in dry Idaho air

Free parking downtown switches from metered to holiday-free starting December 20 - save $8-12 daily during Christmas week by timing your visit right

Bogus Basin offers $35 twilight ski passes starting at 1pm - locals use these for after-work skiing since lifts run until 9pm with full mountain lighting

The Morrison-Knudsen Nature Center keeps heated viewing areas open year-round - perfect warm-up spot during winter photography sessions along the Boise River

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating how cold it gets - tourists pack for fall weather and suffer through -10°C (14°F) mornings without proper winter gear

Planning mountain day trips without checking road conditions - I-84 and Highway 21 close with 2-6 hours notice during snowstorms

Assuming summer hiking trails stay accessible - popular spots like Table Rock become dangerous ice sheets requiring technical equipment most tourists don't have