Illustration of a child whispering a wish to Santa in an armchair by the fireplace while an elf holds a list (Nampa Christmas Tree Lighting & Shop Small Saturday)

Nampa Christmas Tree Lighting & Shop Small Saturday

2026 dates not announced yet. Details are from 2025.

Nampa invites the community to celebrate the start of the holiday season at the annual Christmas Tree Lighting event. This festive occasion coincides with 'Shop Small Saturday,' encouraging support for local businesses. Enjoy entertainment, free s'mores, carriage rides, and the magical moment the tree lights up. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be present for photos, and the Salvation Army will host 'The Battle of the Bells' charity drive.

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Plan Your Visit

Last year

Tickets

FREE

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

Downtown Nampa

Food & Drink

Free hot chocolate, free s'mores, vendor booths with festive food and beverages.

Parking

Free parking is available in the Downtown Garage all day on November 29, located at the corner of 11th Avenue South and 3rd Street South.

Accessibility

Carriage rides are available for guests with special needs from noon to 1 p.m.

Going?

Location

Downtown Nampa · Nampa, ID Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families, holiday shoppers, community members

Vibe

Festive, community-oriented, cheerful

Energy Level

Low to medium

Photo Friendly

📷 📷 📷 📷 📷 (4/5)

Weather Sensitivity

High

Tips & Advice

  • Arrive early for the carriage rides, as they are on a first-come, first-served basis and have limited availability.
  • Check the Nampa Farmer's Market 'Winter Wonderland Market' schedule for specific vendor offerings, as it runs until 7:30 p.m.
  • Bring a donation for the Salvation Army's 'Battle of the Bells' or take an angel tree tag to support a local child or family in need.
  • Consider visiting the Nampa Public Library between 1:00 PM and 1:30 PM for Mrs. Claus's story time before the main tree lighting.
  • Take advantage of the free parking in the Downtown Garage to easily access all the downtown festivities.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Shop Small Saturday
  • FREE Smores
  • FREE carriage rides
  • The Battle of the Bells charity event
  • Winter Wonderland Market

Links & Contact

Run by City of Nampa

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their website.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does the Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony begin?

Entertainment begins at 5:00 p.m., with the official tree lighting at 6:00 p.m.

Where can I take photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus?

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available for photos inside the Nampa Train Depot immediately following the tree lighting.

Are there any activities for children?

Yes, Mrs. Claus will be reading stories at the Nampa Public Library, and free s'mores will be available.

Is there parking available?

Yes, free parking is available all day in the Downtown Garage, located at the corner of 11th Avenue South and 3rd Street South.

What is 'Shop Small Saturday'?

'Shop Small Saturday' is a nationwide movement to celebrate and support local small businesses, and many downtown Nampa businesses will be open late.

Browse Christmas in Nampa

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

Contributors & Updates

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