Boise Holiday Parade

The Boise Holiday Parade is a decades-long downtown tradition that kicks off the season the Saturday after Thanksgiving. For about 90 minutes, marching bands, decorated floats, historic vehicles, dance troupes, veterans and community groups wind through the streets of downtown, capped by an appearance from Santa Claus. Families line the curbs bundled up against the late-November chill to cheer, wave and get in the holiday spirit. It is entirely free to watch from the public route, making it an easy, budget-friendly kickoff to the holidays. Arrive early to claim a good curbside spot, bring blankets and warm drinks, and dress for cold morning weather. Downtown transit and garages make access easier than street parking.