Magic Valley Holiday Events Return
Seven traditions in Twin Falls and Burley start this week, with free meals and charity drives.
By Justin Brooks ·
About 3,300 people traveled to Filer last year for the Christmas in the Nighttime Sky event. This tradition marks the official start of the holiday season in the Magic Valley. It takes place on Friday, Nov. 27, at the Twin Falls County Fairgrounds. Organizers moved the event from Kimberly Nurseries to this location last year to accommodate larger crowds. Attendees receive a free chili and Idaho potato dinner from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Santa makes an appearance, and a fireworks show choreographed to Christmas music from KOOL 96.5 begins around 7:30 p.m. Admission costs one new, unwrapped toy per family. These gifts are distributed to children in need throughout the region.
The Festival of Lights Parade will roll down Main Avenue in downtown Twin Falls on Friday, Dec. 4. The procession starts at 6 p.m. and travels from Dierkes Street to Jerome Street. Immediately after, the tree lighting occurs at the Downtown Commons across from City Hall. Local police often close roads as early as 3 p.m. in previous years. Vehicles left on Main Avenue risk being towed. Residents are advised to arrive early. Many choose to wait for the parade at O’Dunken’s to stay warm and eat dinner.
Orton Botanical Garden at 867 Filer Ave. W. in Twin Falls hosts Christmas in the Garden from Nov. 27 through Dec. 30. Evening hours are 6 to 10 p.m., with last admission at 9:30 p.m. The cost is $7 for adults, while children 12 and under enter free. Garden paths are covered in gravel. Staff note that only motorized wheelchairs should be used for mobility. A porta-potty is available on site. The garden is currently seeking volunteers to help install lights in November. Interested individuals can call (208) 734-7959.
The Burley Halloween Straw Maze transforms into Lost in Christmas starting Friday, Nov. 27. The venue is located at 845 E 500 S in Burley, near Exit 216 on Interstate 84. Hours are 5 to 10 p.m. Admission is $10 on Fridays and weeknights during the Dec. 21 to 23 window. Saturday admission is $12. The site is closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The final nights of operation are New Year’s Day and Saturday, Jan. 2. Beyond the lit maze, visitors can use giant slides, a zip line, and view holiday movies. A straw Christmas tree stands in the field. Most guests spend about an hour in the maze and another hour on other attractions.
Rupert Square Events will host a Christmas Market on the historic square in Rupert. The market opens Nov. 27 and 28, then returns Dec. 4 and 5. Vendor spots are already filled for these dates. The City of Rupert has not yet released the full schedule for the rest of the season. Grace Church at 100 N. Meridian Road in Rupert will hold a drive-thru live nativity on Dec. 10 and 11. The event runs from 6 to 8 p.m. Visitors stay in their cars and drive past stations depicting the birth of Jesus. The event is free and requires no registration.
The Living Nativity of Twin Falls is a tradition for many local families. Last year, it took place Dec. 11 through 13 at 1267 Madrona Street North. The event featured live animals, costumed participants, a marketplace, and a nativity scene. Hours were 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Admission was free, and visitors were encouraged to bring a canned food item for local food pantries. Organizers have not yet announced if the 2026 event will proceed. They typically host the event on a local family's property.
