The Winter Garden Aglow Festival in Boise’s Botanical Gardens

The Boise Botanical Gardens are a gorgeous attraction during the summer, but who would have thought that they’d be as gorgeous in the dead of winter? If you drive out towards Lucky Peak, turn off on the road that leads to the historic Old Penitentiary. The Botanical Gardens are located near the old quarry, in a vast and beautiful location just under the foothills. The decorators and curators of the Garden do a fantastic job of transforming the place into a breathtaking winter wonderland, with thousands of lights and holiday colors. Most of the plants (other than the shrubs) will be gone for winter, but in their place are twinkling lights, strung all around and artfully arranged. You won’t find a more perfect lighting arrangement in the city. The garden is open during the evening hours from the end of November through the beginning of January (there will be certain dates that it will be closed; you should call beforehand to make sure that it will be open.) It is a great place to go to jumpstart your enthusiasm for the season.

This is a great place to go for a romantic date. The atmosphere is so beautiful and you can wander all around the garden, just the two of you, taking in the night. Or, you can give the evening a completely different spin, and come as a family (it closes by 9:00, so you won’t have to worry about the kids staying out too late.) Wandering around the garden is incredible: all the arches and the covered overhanging folly are glowing with white lights. You can get amazing views of downtown Boise from the Upper garden, so make sure to bring your camera (with a flash.)

The evening is further accented with holiday cheer by the playing of holiday music every night. However try to schedule your visit in on an evening that features a live performance. The Botanical Gardens arrange performances on several dates by local music acts. You can hear carolers (and join in,) local and professional choirs, and soloists, as well as instrumental acts. Some nights feature local school choirs, which are fun to go see and support – and they are usually surprisingly good. And they sing all of your Christmas favorites, which is fun for the family.

In the weeks before Christmas, the Garden has Santa Claus on hand, and on special evenings, Santa may even be joined by a reindeer. (Again, bring a camera!) The event costs next to nothing. Adults can get into the Garden for five dollars, and older children for three dollars. Children under four get in for free. You may make an additional donation and help yourself to holiday cookies, as well as hot apple cider, hot chocolate, or wine. This will help keep you warm in the wintry night (make sure to dress warm.) However, if you do get cold, the Botanical Gardens have fires running in several different places, which only add to the great atmosphere. This is a great, inexpensive way to celebrate the upcoming holidays with the people that you love.