Downtown Tree Lighting & Holiday Market

Bring your friends and families to experience the timeless magic of the holiday season at the Idaho Falls Downtown Development Corporation’s (IFDDC) annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Market.

This is a day that feels like a classic holiday film, where twinkling lights and the spirit of the season fill the air, hosted by IFDDC in partnership with the Farmers Market and the City of Idaho Falls. Join us downtown the Saturday before Thanksgiving, November 22 for an afternoon full of holiday cheer!  

• Begin your day by gift shopping in your favorite downtown boutiques, sipping coffee at one of the many coffee shops, or enjoying a savory meal at one of the many downtown eateries.
• The Holiday Farmers Market will take place from 4-8 PM on Memorial Drive where you’ll discover holiday gifts, food, and beverages from over 100 vendors.
• Complimentary horse-drawn trolley rides will delight children of all ages from 3-5 PM, beginning and ending at the Civitan Plaza located at Park Avenue and B Street. The trolley rides will continue at the Civitan Plaza on Saturday Nov. 29, Dec. 6, Dec. 13, and Dec. 20 from 1-3 PM.
• The evening will culminate with the Tree Lighting Ceremony and Santa visits beginning promptly at 6 PM at the Broadway Plaza, located near the corner of Broadway and Memorial Drive.   

The 6 PM Tree Lighting Ceremony is where the magnificent Bank of Commerce and Kiewit “Idaho’s Brave” Christmas tree will be adorned with a constellation of beautiful ornaments and lights as a tribute to each branch of the military. As a poignant reminder of their sacrifice, special gold star ornaments with purple ribbons recognize the courageous soldiers who died in action and the blue and red ribbon ornaments pay tribute to those who died while serving our country.

The Color Guard will ceremoniously post the colors as the beautiful voice of Carmen Peters, National Guard Survivor Outreach Services Coordinator, sings our National Anthem. Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Idaho Falls Mayor Rebecca Casper will arrive in style on the Farr’s Candy antique fire engine. Together, they will illuminate the night, flipping the switch that brings the 20-foot tree and the Friendship Gardens to a dazzling, brilliant light.

Take a picturesque ride on a horse-drawn trolley, warm your hands with a cup of rich hot cocoa, capture a cherished family photo with Santa, honor Idaho’s military, and stroll through downtown and the Holiday Farmer’s Market for unique gifts and seasonal treats. Complete the evening by dining in one of our many unique downtown restaurants. 

This is more than an event; it's a cherished tradition, a perfect evening for making memories with your family and beginning the holiday season with a touch of old-fashioned cheer. 

We give special thanks to all of partners, donors, and sponsors who made every element of this event possible: The Bank of Commerce, Kiewit, The Broadway & Oppenheimer Development Corporation, Sandhill Media, 100 Proof Hospitality (Snake Bite, Park & A Italia, & XVIII), BOSS Realty, Devcon, Taylor Farms, Farr’s Candy, Pro-Rental, The Heart, Idaho Falls Farmers Market, and the City of Idaho Falls.