Every year I tell myself I'm going to "do the holidays right." And every year it's suddenly December 23rd, and my big festive moment is driving past someone else's inflatable Grinch on the way to Costco. (The new South Meridian one, obviously. I have priorities.)
Not this year. This year I did my homework. Meridian has quietly turned into one of the best places in the Treasure Valley to spend a winter night out, and a lot of it is free. Here's my game plan, in calendar order, so you can steal it.
Scentsy Commons Christmas Lights: Opens Fri, Nov 13
This is the big one. The 10th annual Scentsy Commons Christmas Lights Ceremony flips the switch this Friday. Things get going at 6 p.m. and the countdown starts at 6:15. [1]
What you're walking into: a 75-foot lit-up Christmas tree, hundreds of thousands of lights across the campus, and the walk-through light tunnel that's basically Meridian's official holiday photo backdrop. [1] Admission is free, and 12 food trucks will be serving tacos, barbecue, pizza, churros and donuts from 5:30 to 8 p.m. [1]
Man of Meridian tip: It's all outside, so wear the ugly beanie. No pets, alcohol or smoking on campus. If crowds aren't your thing, skip opening night. The lights stay on every night from sunset to sunrise through Jan. 18, 2027. [1]
📍 Scentsy Commons, 2701 E. Pine Ave.
The Village: Ice Rink, Tree Lighting & Santa
The rink opens Tue, Nov 17 and runs through Jan. 19, weather permitting. Hours are Mon–Fri 3–9 p.m., Sat noon–9 and Sun noon–6. Skate sessions are capped at 30 minutes because it gets busy, so book a spot online first. [2]
I'll be honest: the last time I was on skates, I hugged the wall like it owed me money. But DJ Nites on the Ice (Fridays 4–8 p.m., Nov 20 through Jan. 15) might be enough to get me back out there.
The tree lighting is Thu, Nov 19, 6–8 p.m. Oralé is back as the entertainment, a certain Green Grouch is doing a holiday show, Santa makes his grand arrival, and they'll count down to lighting the 50-foot tree. (The rink is closed that night.) [2]
Photos with Santa run Nov 20 – Dec 24, and the prints are handed to you on the spot.
📍 The Village at Meridian, Eagle Rd. & Fairview Ave.
Christmas in Color at Roaring Springs: Opens Fri, Nov 20
For those of us who believe holiday cheer is best enjoyed with the heated seats on. Christmas in Color has moved to the Roaring Springs parking lot. It's a drive-through show with millions of lights synced to Christmas music on your car radio.
It's priced per vehicle, and the Classic Pass starts at $34.99. Tickets are online only and sold by time slot. Pack the car to get your money's worth.
📍 Roaring Springs, 400 W. Overland Rd.
Winter Lights Parade & Downtown Tree Lighting: Fri, Dec 4
This is my favorite night of the year in Old Town. The city's Christmas in Meridian Winter Lights Parade starts at 7 p.m., with pre-parade activities from 5:30. Expect free hot cocoa stands, watch parties along the route, and ornaments to take home. [3]
Rick & Carly from 96.1 BOB FM are hosting with Mayor Simison at the main stage at Idaho & Main, where Santa helps light the city tree in Generations Plaza. [3] This year's Grand Marshal is Meridian's own Christine Turpin, the first Idahoan to swim the English Channel solo. [3] Meanwhile, I get winded carrying in the groceries, so I'll be cheering extra loud.
Tip: Up to 50 brightly lit floats will be in the parade. Get there early for a good spot, and check the city's page for road closures and parking. [3]
Children's Winterland Festival: Sat, Dec 12
If you have little ones, put this on the fridge. It's a free festival at Meridian Homecourt (936 Taylor Ave.) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with Christmas crafts, games and a photo with Santa.
The Man of Meridian's Verdict
If you only do one thing, make it Scentsy on a weeknight: free, gorgeous, and done in an hour. If you do two, add the Winter Lights Parade, because nothing beats Old Town with a cocoa in your hand. If you're doing all of it, I'll see you at the rink. I'm the guy by the wall.
I'll be out reporting from as many of these as my knees allow. Merry Meridian, everybody.
— The Man of Meridian