Best Idaho town to visit for Christmas? This ‘idyllic’ spot made HGTV’s list
An Idaho mountain town known for its stunning scenery is one of the top spots in the nation to visit for Christmas, according to HGTV.
The cable network recently released its list of 50 Favorite Small Towns to Visit for Christmas, showcasing a single destination in each state.
“Practically every American town celebrates Christmas in some way, but these small towns all across the country stand out for holiday traditions and vibes that are worth a trip with the family,” HGTV contributors Joe Sills and Meredith Rosenberg wrote in a Nov. 17 article.
“Each one delivers major holiday spirit, from magical sleigh rides to impressive light shows,” HGTV said, promising a “storybook Christmas filled with candy canes, hot chocolate and Santa.”
Here’s where to go in Idaho:
What makes McCall the best Idaho town for Christmas?
“McCall offers an idyllic, outdoor setting for travelers unbothered by winter weather,” HGTV said, making it a perfect spot for a holiday visit.
The former logging town about 100 miles north of Boise sits on the southern shore of Payette Lake and is “bordered by towering, pine-covered mountains averaging 8,000 to 9,000 feet tall,” the city of McCall said on its website, making it a popular “destination for outdoor recreation and adventure enthusiasts.”
In particular, the McCall area attracts skiing and snowmobiling enthusiasts with its steady snowfall and nearby attractions including Brundage Mountain Ski Resort and Tamarack Ski Resort.
About 3,800 residents call McCall home year-round, according to U.S. Census Bureau data, but the city says McCall’s population swells with visitors during Christmastime and the summer.
Winter Carnival has snow sculptures, Mardi Gras Parade
Although HGTV hailed McCall one of the nation’s best destinations for Christmas, the biggest winter event happens after the holiday.
The McCall Winter Carnival is a “festive and fun-filled event for visitors of all ages complemented by an array of outdoor activities like sledding, fat biking and skiing,” HGTV said.
The annual celebration runs Jan. 30 through Feb. 8 in 2026.
The McCall Winter Carnival features “dazzling snow sculptures, vibrant local art, live music” and “a vendor court overlooking Payette Lake,” according to the McCall Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau.
There’s also a “full slate of festive events to brighten the snowiest season,” including the Mardi Gras Parade, organizers said.
Where are the top holiday destinations in the West?
Here are the top places to visit during Christmastime in the western United States, according to HGTV:
- Arizona: Flagstaff
- California: Solvang
- Colorado: Breckenridge
- Idaho: McCall
- Montana: Whitefish
- Nevada: Virginia City
- Oregon: Silverton
- Washington: Leavenworth
