Christmas in Meridian – Activities and Events

Boise is doing a lot to celebrate the holidays as well, check out my post about Events and festivities for that here. Meridian is inviting you to come celebrate with a variety of safe and fun holiday activities, Meridian just released this list in a press release:

Santa’s Mailbox (Nov. 25 – Dec. 17)
Children are encouraged to drop a letter to Santa into Santa’s Mailbox outside Meridian City Hall. Letters with a legible return address (maybe help the kiddos out with that part) that are placed in the mailbox through December 17 will receive a response in the mail from Santa before Christmas. The festive red Santa’s Mailbox will be located along Broadway Avenue near Meridian City Hall’s outdoor plaza at 33 E. Broadway Avenue in downtown Meridian. Presented by Meridian Parks and Recreation.

Zoom with Santa (Registration opens Nov. 26)
New this year, Santa will be available by appointment to virtually meet with children via Zoom. Parents or guardians can go online to register their child for a 3-4 minute private virtual meeting with Santa. You must reserve a spot to partake. Detailed information and appointment sign-ups can be found at christmasinmeridian.org. Presented by Meridian Parks and Recreation.

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Virtual Christmas Tree Lighting – A Facebook Live Event (Dec. 4)
The City of Meridian’s official Christmas tree will be lit on Friday, December 4. The tree lighting will be streamed live on the City of Meridian’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MeridianIdaho. This is a virtual event and not for in-person attendance. Once lit, the 40-foot blue spruce donated by a Meridian family, can be viewed nightly in Generations Plaza at the corner of N. Main Street and E. Idaho Avenue throughout the holiday season. Presented by Meridian Parks and Recreation.

Downtown Business Decorating Contest (Dec. 4 - 20)
Meridian's downtown businesses will compete for the People’s Choice Award in the annual Meridian Downtown Business Decorating Contest. The public can visit each business at their own convenience and vote online for their favorite Christmas decorations from Dec. 4 – 20. A downloadable map of participating businesses, along with the ballot, can be found online at meridiandowntown.org. Winners will be announced on December 21. Presented by the Meridian Downtown Business Association.

Winterland In the Bag (Dec. 12)
Also new this year, Meridian Parks and Recreation and All American Insurance are teaming up to hand out free Christmas bags filled with holiday craft projects and other small treats suitable for young children. The bag giveaway is on Saturday, December 12, from 10:00 am until Noon or while supplies last, outside the Meridian Community Center located at 201 E. Idaho Avenue in in downtown Meridian. Bags will be distributed to the first 500 children on a first come first served basis. Families are asked to follow the event signs and to remain in their vehicles. Learn more at christmasinmeridian.org. Presented by Meridian Parks and Recreation and All American Insurance.

Meridian Ornament Drop (December 12 & 13)
The Meridian Arts Commission is putting a festive twist on their popular annual Meridian Art Drop by hosting the First Annual Meridian Ornament Drop. Residents of all ages and artistic abilities are encouraged to make handmade Christmas ornaments to “drop” in downtown Meridian on December 12 or 13 for others to find and keep as a gift. Ornaments can be hung from trees, propped on window sills, or placed in any number of creative locations for someone else to find. Those lucky enough to find an ornament (only one per person, please) are encouraged to post a photo of it on social media using the hashtag #meridianornamentdrop. Details and the Ornament Drop form can be found at christmasinmeridian.org. Presented by the Meridian Arts Commission.

Christmas at the Little Free Library -- Visit the Little Free Library book exchange box located in Meridian City Hall’s outdoor plaza. It will feature Christmas and winter-themed books throughout the entire month of December. Choose a book or two for your family to enjoy, or drop off some holiday books for others to enjoy. Presented by Meridian Parks and Recreation

Other Holiday Happenings in Meridian
Looking for more? A variety of other holiday activities and events, ranging from Christmas bazaars to ugly Christmas sweater contests to a map of Meridian’s best Christmas lights, can be found on the City of Meridian’s Community Calendar at www.meridiancity.org/calendar or by accessing the Christmas in Meridian website at www.christmasinmeridian.org.

Well hopefully that gives you some fun inspiration for you and your family. Thank you Meridian for all of the wonderful activities!