Downtown Boise Association's (DBA) Holidays in the City begins Thanksgiving weekend with the City's Holiday Tree shining brightly in the heart of Downtown Boise. Additionally, DBA's Winter Window Walk, Shop Small Saturday, and December's First Thursday round out the kick-off to the holiday season in Downtown Boise.

The holiday tree is up! Finally, after some well-documented mishaps, the City's tree stands tall. It will be shining brightly in The Grove Plaza the whole holiday. Gift tags supporting the Women's and Children's Alliance adorn the garland surrounding the tree. It will be available for the public to choose from beginning Friday, November 26. The gifts must be placed at WCA during the times specified on the tags. The giving tree partnership between WCA and DBA is a long-standing tradition in Downtown Boise.

The City of Boise's Holiday Tree is sponsored by Idaho Central Credit Union and the City of Boise. Carol Guthman of Boise donated it. She says that she genuinely appreciates the opportunity to share her tree with the community and wanted "to share that joy with Boise this year." More than 5,000 lights will adorn the approximately 45-foot cedar.

This year's Winter Window Walk is a fun way to engage with Downtown Boise. First, to view local art and festive storefronts. Then, the community can stroll through town. Take in participating businesses' holiday displays, and vote on favorites using the QR codes found in each window. A representative of Idaho Trust Bank stated, "Idaho Trust Bank is thrilled to sponsor this year's Winter Window Walk. The local art scene is a part of what makes Boise so special. We are proud to contribute to it in this way." Winning displays receive bragging rights and social media glory!

Shop small and local this holiday season! Rediscovered Books owner Laura DeLaney says, "Shopping local lifts up everyone, keeps our town unique, and above all, it makes our community stronger." Participating businesses will host specials and are ready to welcome the public. They will also be stamping Shopping Passports – available at participating businesses or to download at downtownboise.org. Shoppers will complete the passport by visiting a minimum of six shops. After visiting, they will return it to Rediscovered Books downtown by closing time on November 27, 2021. In addition, shoppers will enter to win one of three $100 Downtown Boise Gift Cards.

Social posts should include #shopsmallboise.

Businesses in Downtown Boise are ready to welcome the public for shopping and holiday spirit as they gear up for visitors looking for a unique gift or experience. Visit individual business listings at the First Thursday page on downtownboise.org to see what participating businesses have in store. In addition, December 1 Thursday will be extra festive with The Boise Choruses, comprised of the Boise Gay Men's Chorus and the Boise Women's Chorus caroling throughout downtown. Discover something new, visit an old favorite, or stroll through town and catch carolers in the act as Downtown Boise celebrates our community.

Holidays in the City are made possible with the help of their partners and sponsors. Including Idaho Central Credit Union, D.L. Evans Bank, Idaho Trust Bank, City of Boise Mayor's Office, Boise City Forestry, Women's and Children's Alliance, Quality Electric, Rediscovered Bookshop, Idaho Small Business Development Center, Buy Idaho, Small Business Administration, Boise Farmers Market, American Express, and the members and merchants of the Downtown Boise Association. More information can be found at downtownboise.org. Also, follow Downtown Boise on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.

For a calendar of all the family-friendly Holidays in the City events in Downtown Boise this season, go to downtownboise.org/holidays.