Downtown Tree Lighting & Holiday Market

The Idaho Falls Downtown Development Corporation (IFDDC), in partnership with the Farmers Market and the City of Idaho Falls, invites families and friends to experience the timeless magic of the holiday season at the Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Market on Saturday, November 22.

The day is set to feel like a classic holiday film, filling downtown with twinkling lights, festive cheer, and a spirit of community.

The celebration begins with an invitation to shop and savor the season throughout downtown Idaho Falls. 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 Market will run from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Memorial Drive where guests will discover more unique gifts, food, and festive beverages from over 100 local vendors. This expanded market is the perfect spot to check off your holiday shopping list.

Complimentary downtown horse-drawn trolley rides will begin November 22 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Delight children and adults alike with a picturesque ride, starting and ending at the Civitan Plaza (Park Avenue and B Street). Trolley rides will continue subsequent Saturdays: Nov. 29, Dec. 6, Dec. 13, and Dec. 20 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, beginning and ending at Civitan Plaza.

The evening will culminate with the beloved Tree Lighting Ceremony and a visit from Santa & Mrs. Clause, beginning at 6:00 PM at the Broadway Plaza (near the corner of Broadway and Memorial Drive).

“We’re not only lighting up a tree, but we’re also lighting up downtown – the heart of our city,” states Kerry Hammon, Executive Director, IFDDC.

The magnificent Bank of Commerce “Idaho’s Brave” Christmas tree will be the centerpiece, adorned with beautiful lights and ornaments as a powerful tribute to each branch of the military.

Idaho Falls Parks & Recreation will light up the Friendship Gardens, located at Memorial Drive and Broadway.  Thanks to volunteers from Phoenix Rising Community Re-entry Center, the trees along Memorial Drive will also sparkle brightly for the holiday season.

Together, they will illuminate the 20-foot tree, the Friendship Gardens, and Memorial Drive in a dazzling, brilliant light.

"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," says Hammon. "We are especially honored to have the 'Idaho's Brave' tree as a way to recognize the profound sacrifice of our service members, including the special gold star ornaments for those who died in action."

The Color Guard will ceremoniously post the colors as Carmen Peters, National Guard Survivor Outreach Services Coordinator, sings the National Anthem. Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Idaho Falls Mayor Rebecca Casper will arrive in style shortly before 6:00 PM on the Farr’s Candy antique fire engine.

Attendees are encouraged to warm their hands with hot cocoa, take a trolley ride, shop locally, capture a cherished family photo with Santa, and honor Idaho's military. Complete the evening by dining in one of downtown’s many unique restaurants.

The IFDDC gives special thanks to all partners and sponsors who made every element of this event possible:

The Bank of Commerce, Kiewit, Idaho Falls Farmers Market, City of Idaho Falls, 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-Rentals & Sales, Trident Security, and The Heart