Statewide Idaho Events – November 2026
November brings the start of the holiday season to Idaho, with lakeside light shows, festivals of trees and the first ski runs of winter. Here's where to celebrate across the state this month.
Northern Idaho
North Idaho Events Fairs & Markets
Spotlight Event: Coeur d'Alene Holiday Light Show & Lighting Ceremony Parade
November 27th, 2026 | The Coeur d'Alene Resort and Downtown Coeur d'Alene, ID
Coeur d'Alene kicks off the holidays the day after Thanksgiving with one of the region's biggest winter traditions. The 34th Annual Lighting Ceremony Parade sends glowing entries down Sherman Avenue from 5 to 6pm. Then The Coeur d'Alene Resort turns on more than 1.5 million lights along the lake, and fireworks follow over the water. Arrive early to find parking and a good spot to watch. If you'd like a closer look at the lights, the resort's Journey to the North Pole cruises run from November 26 through January 3. Tickets are $30.50 for adults, $29.50 for seniors 55+ and $15 for kids ages 6 to 12. Children 5 and under ride free.
Southwestern Idaho
Spotlight Event: Canyon County Festival of Trees
November 27th – 30th, 2026 | Ford Idaho Center – 16200 N Idaho Center Blvd, Nampa, ID 83687
A Treasure Valley tradition since 1993, the Canyon County Festival of Trees fills the Ford Idaho Center with decorated trees, vendor booths, live entertainment and visits with Santa over Thanksgiving weekend. The festival is open Friday from noon to 5pm and Saturday and Sunday from 10:30am to 5pm. Admission at the door is $15 for adults and $10 for seniors 62+ and children ages 4 to 12. Kids 3 and under get in free. On Friday evening there's also Cookies with Santa ($20, reservations required). Proceeds support Canyon County Meals on Wheels programs. The weekend ends with a gala and auction on Monday, November 30, which requires tickets in advance.
Southern Idaho
Spotlight Event: CSI Annual 5K Turkey Trot & Walk for GNED Students
November 26th, 2026, 8:00am | College of Southern Idaho event – Twin Falls, ID
Start Thanksgiving Day on the move with the College of Southern Idaho's annual 5K Turkey Trot & Walk. The event starts at 8am, and since you can run or walk the course, it works for many ages and fitness levels. The event supports CSI's GNED students, so your morning miles also go toward a good cause. It's an easy way to get some fresh air and work up an appetite before the holiday meal. Late-November mornings in the Magic Valley can be chilly, so dress in layers. Check the Visit Southern Idaho events page for registration, fees and starting line details before race day.
Central Idaho
Spotlight Event: Sun Valley Opening Day
November 26th, 2026, 9:00am | River Run Base Area, Bald Mountain – Ketchum, ID
Sun Valley opens its 91st winter season on Thanksgiving morning with a celebration at the River Run base area of Bald Mountain. Starting at 9am, there's free hot cocoa, live music and food and drinks for sale. That makes it a fun stop even if you aren't skiing. Skiers and snowboarders get their first chance of the season to ride Baldy. How much terrain opens depends on mountain conditions. Check Sun Valley's Opening Day page for the full schedule and the Sun Valley app for live trail updates before you head up. It's a festive start to winter in the Wood River Valley.
Eastern Idaho
Spotlight Event: DWI Idaho Falls Festival of Trees
November 16th – 20th, 2026 | Elk's Lodge – 640 E. Elva St., Idaho Falls, ID
The DWI Idaho Falls Festival of Trees celebrates its 60th anniversary this year with the theme "Timeless Traditions." For five days, the Elk's Lodge fills with decorated full-size trees from 4 to 9 feet tall, plus mini trees, door displays and fireplace mantle displays. Many of the items are for sale. Grandma's Kitchen serves food, and craft booths make it easy to start your holiday shopping. Proceeds benefit people with disabilities in the greater Idaho Falls area through Development Workshop Inc. Hours and 2026 ticket prices were not yet posted when this roundup was written, so check the festival page before you go.
