Things to Do in Boise in January 2020

Post-Christmas blues got you down? There are enough events on the Boise calendar this month to get your spirits back up, no matter what kind of activity floats your boat.

January in Idaho is the coldest month of the year, but it's also the month of classic events and entertainment like the McCall Winter Carnival, basketball games, film festivals, and many other reasons to get out of the house and experience Boise.

January is a popular month in Idaho to take in the beauty of winter, get outside (despite the temperatures), and savor a slower pace before the busy days of spring and summer. Here are the must-do events you should have on your calendar this month in Boise.

Skiing, Tubing, and the Gladerunner Mountain Coaster | Bogus Basin

All month

For many winter sports enthusiasts, January and February are exciting months. Whether you're a ski bum or looking for something a little tamer, you can head up to Bogus Basin this month and ski, sled, tube, snowboard, or ride the Gladerunner Mountain Coaster. A short drive up the mountain makes for a perfect day of family fun, and bonus: Bogus Basin tends to stay above the clouds and sunny, even when the valley below is dealing with inversion. Learn more.

Tubing and Skiing at Eagle Island

All month

With snow machines, a beautiful location, and a “magic carpet” to get you up the slope, Eagle Island State Park has it all. Just a short drive from Boise, Eagle Island's skiing, tubing, and snowboarding hill are operational throughout the winter until late February, making it an ideal activity for families and groups.

New Year's Resolution Run | Treasure Valley YMCA

January 1

The YMCA's annual New Year's Resolution 5k will help you start 2020 off on the right foot. The course begins at the Ram Restaurant near the greenbelt. Kick your New Year's Resolution off right away and set the tone for a healthy, active 2020!

Great Polar Bear Plunge | Lucky Peak State Park

January 1

Feeling generous and a little crazy? Join hundreds of participants in this year's annual Great Polar Bear Plunge for an icy dip in the Lucky Peak Reservoir. It's all for a good cause, of course: proceeds benefit Idaho's Make-a-Wish foundation that grants the wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses.

Boise State Basketball Home Games | Taco Bell Arena

January 1, 4, 8, 11, 15, 18, 25, 29

Both the women's and men's Boise State Broncos basketball teams slide into the New Year with the number one spot in the Mountain West Conference. Catch a home game at Taco Bell Arena this month and cheer on the orange and blue. View the men's schedule here and the women's schedule here.

First Thursday | Downtown Boise

January 2

Downtown Boise is the place to be every first Thursday of the month. Downtown merchants offer a range of discounts, specials, events, and programs on the first Thursday of every month, giving you a chance to experience local businesses in a unique way. Catch the after-Christmas sales and support local businesses at the same time. Learn more.

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl | Albertsons Stadium

January 3

The host of 26 different universities, the fan-favorite Famous Idaho Potato Bowl is back for its 23rd year in January. Grab your tickets and join the tradition of the longest-running cold weather bowl game in college football. Learn more.

Idaho Sierra Club Presents Wild & Scenic Film Festival | The Egyptian Theater

January 3

Experience the majesty and beauty of our outdoors with the 17th annual Idaho Sierra Club's Wild & Scenic Film Festival. This event features 10 films that will inspire, equip, and inform you with stunning cinematography and timely calls to action.

Guided Historic Depot Tour | Boise Depot

January 5 & 19

In 1925, the Boise Depot was one of the most recognizable icons in our area, and it remains so today. The Depot is an ideal spot to get a glimpse into the valley's past as well as a bird's eye view of Boise's present. Beginning at noon and 1:30 p.m., free guided tours are available first and third Sunday of each month. Learn more.

Paint With Penguins | Zoo Boise

Jan 14 & 29

This exclusive fundraising event at Zoo Boise lets you do something completely remarkable: paint and sip (or snack at the kids' event) with the zoo's resident Magellanic penguins. You'll get to take home a painting the penguins have added their own special touch to and make a lasting memory. Kids 6-12 welcome with an adult at the kids' event. Learn more about Paint With Penguins on January 14th here and January 29 here.

Idaho Steelheads Home Games | CenturyLink Arena

January 15, 17, 18, 31

Hockey season is still in full swing, so grab a few friends and head down to CenturyLink Arena to root for the Idaho Steelheads at one of their four home games this month. Steelheads games are invigorating and thrilling—and don't forget the beer and food that go along with a hockey game. Learn more.

Jerry Seinfeld Live | Morrison Center

January 16

Jerry Seinfeld has been hailed for his uncanny ability to joke about the little things in life that relate to audiences everywhere. Join Seinfeld at the Velma V. Morrison Center for the Performing Arts in Boise as he performs his signature stand-up routine.

Filmed By Bike | Egyptian Theater

January 17

For cyclists and biking enthusiasts, the Filmed By Bike independent film tour is a must-see. Visit the historic Egyptian Theater in downtown Boise and watch the best biking films of the year. This Portland-based film festival is always popular during its stop in Boise, especially as the city continues to solidify its reputation as a bike-friendly haven.

McCall Winter Carnival

January 24-February 2

The annual McCall Winter Carnival is a celebration of all things winter and the perfect escape from home if you need it. Take a scenic drive to McCall, a haven of outdoor adventure all year long, and view the famous ice sculpture competition. Find a cozy cabin or hotel to stay in and join over 60,000 people who visit McCall for the festival every year. Learn more.

Idaho Remodeling & Design Show | Expo Idaho

Jan 25 & 26

Ready to make your dream home a reality? Visit Expo Idaho on January 25th and 26th to see all the newest trends in interior and exterior design and architecture featuring a keynote address from HGTV's Boise Boys. Over 100 vendors will showcase everything from kitchen design to landscape layouts. Get inspired and leave with the know-how to get the job done. Learn more.

Ice Skating | The Village at Meridian

Through January 26

Get some hot cocoa at the Village and then brave the cold for a classic winter activity: ice skating. The rink at the Village at Meridian offers a family-friendly group activity, and best of all, you can get dinner or watch a movie afterward. Learn more.

Pop Up Park | Edwards Greenhouse

Date TBA

Every year, Edwards Greenhouse on the North End of Boise shares a wonderful gift with the community: their free (and very popular) Pop Up Park. While it's cold and gloomy outside, it's warm and springy inside the greenhouse, and Edwards provides the sod and growing things to get you through till spring. This year's dates haven't been announced yet, but the event is generally held during the last week of January. Learn more.

Whether you're a winter sports-lover or more of an “indoorsy” type, there's plenty to entertain you this January in Boise. What's on your calendar?

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