A Very Caldwell Christmas

Celebrate Local

BY HEATHER HAMILTON-POST

Starting the week before Thanksgiving until the first week of January, downtown Caldwell becomes even more magical--a true winter wonderland, complete with a million lights (actually, there are over a million), an ice skating rink, and a singing Christmas tree. Exactly as picturesque as it sounds, Caldwell is truly alive as the weather turns, even amidst a pandemic--and hey, the right mask is both a stylish and warm accessory.

Downtown Caldwell, once something of a ghost town in a sleepy Idaho city, has experienced significant growth and much needed renovation in recent years, bringing a host of great retail and dining experiences, including some Boise favorites like Rediscovered Books and Flying M Coffee. The city’s Indian Creek Plaza serves as a gathering place year round, but in the cooler months, it attracts families, couples, and anyone looking for a good time from around the state. “Our goal is really to bring it back to the downtown core, and bring it back to this area. It's a nice central hub,” explains Destination Caldwell’s Sarah Gross.

Caldwell’s downtown carries the kind of charm that doesn’t exist in many areas of the country--historic, rustic, and draped in the Idaho friendliness we sometimes forget about until an out-of-town auntie gushes about how pleasant our people are. Throw a bunch of holiday lights on the six blocks that make up Indian Creek Plaza and the long stretch of trees that line the public golf course, along the bridges, around the remnants of nearby vineyards, and you’ll never want to leave. Gross says that initial efforts to daylight the creek really sought to involve the greater town of Caldwell to create a community space with use potential throughout the year. From summer’s Indian Creek Festival to the variety of celebrations held at the plaza all year round, Caldwell’s vision is indeed a reality. “The Winter Wonderland Festival is a really fun one,” she says. “When they turn the lights on, it's a really big deal. And then we open the ice skating ribbon.” Like many of Caldwell’s other public celebrations, the Winter Wonderland Festival centers around Indian Creek, and the lights establish the same momentum as the water, creating tunnels glittering with trains, reindeer, and any variety of holiday cheer. And after you see the lights, rent some ice skates and spin your sweetie around the ice ribbon, which winds around the plaza’s lights and often-occupied stage. If you’re feeling especially festive, Gross recommends Creekside Mallow Co., which offers handcrafted marshmallows, perfect for sitting atop a mug of hot cocoa. “There’s a lot of places to eat and celebrate and just be,” she says. “It’s really beautiful. It’s just a bustling city and a fun place to live.” Should you desire to continue your celebration in the 2C, the folks at Destination Caldwell recommend Silverhawk Aviation, a local flight school that also offers helicopter tours and charters with a bird's eye view. And if you think Caldwell’s light show is incredible from the ground, you’ll love the view from the top. If you’re so inclined, you can see Boise too--including the famous blue turf at Boise State University, which will soon again host sporting events. This year’s holiday season might not look exactly like those of years past, but Caldwell is working hard to provide a safe way to enjoy all of your holiday favorites. “This community is fantastic. I just can't say enough about the people here and those you meet at events. It’s just all about community, and it’s really fun to see everyone embracing the events downtown. With so many great festivals, it's a really fun time to check it out,” says Gross. For the congeniality of a small town with the variety of one much larger, bundle up and head toward the lights.

Kids will enjoy the many activities offered.

Photos courtesy of Destination Caldwell.