Try McCall Idaho’s Winter Carnival for Christmas

One of the best Christmas carnivals in Idaho actually takes place after Christmas in January, set in the city of McCall. It makes sense- the carnival’s central theme is snow, and that is when there is the most of it lining the small city streets. The McCall Winter Carnival is so much fun for both kids and adults. The entire month is a celebration to give thanks to winter, since snow and cold weather shape much of the community here. There are all kinds of events that you can participate in, or just go and check out.

Definitely one of the coolest things are the snow sculptures that members of the community (and peoples that come just to compete,) build right in town. They are amazing – incredibly detailed and artistic. Most are of things that you’ll immediately recognize: scenes and characters from Disney movies, animals, huge sculptures of Christmas themes. Some people are just there to have fun, and sometimes, groups of kids will be hard at work on their creation. And then, some of the sculptors can take their work pretty seriously: chiseling away, and pouring water every few minutes to maintain the icy surface (and keeping an eye on you, if you get too close.) But the results are awesome. Awards are given out to the ones deemed the best, although I don’t really know how they decide. They last for awhile with the cold conditions in McCall, but the artists must be disappointed when they start to melt.

Other events include a snowman building contest, a snowmobile fun run, snowshoe golf, and sled dog pulling. The “Little Ski Hill touch light Parade” is a fun thing to go and watch on the tiny lift area just off of Brundage. You can grab a tube (or rent one) and fly down the hill at the local sledding area. Or you can do some great skiing, either at the Little Ski Hill, or at Brundage, which gets amazing snow. Tamarack, a luxury ski resort that opened only recently, is just a few miles away in Donnelly.

There are also plenty of non-snow related activities and events. The Winter Wine Festival and Auction is a fun place to mingle, and raises money for the Special Olympics. You can also get some nice wines here, some of which are from the region. There are a few different dances, including a masked ball. Food events include a pancake breakfast and a spaghetti dinner. Local Theatre performances run throughout the month, offering plays and performances with seasonal themes. The local senior center is really active in the festival, putting on breakfasts, lunches, and bingo nights – I’ve never been, but I can swear that I’ve heard twenty somethings attest that the Grand Bingo night was actually really fun, so I guess you never know. There are quite a few parades, including the Mardi Gras Grand Parade, which is really fun to watch.

McCall is absolutely beautiful: it is wooded, snowy, and right near the lake (It is also fantastic in the summer, when you can go boating or just stay cool, away from the hot Boise weather.) You’ll love taking in the scenery, and if you get sick of the festival, there are so many activities at your doorstep that you won’t get bored. The town has some cute little stores and good places to eat or grab a good beer. Make sure to bring your skis or your snowboard, however: you won’t want to miss out on the January snow in McCall.