By Steve Smede
MOUNTAIN RIVER RANCH www.mountainriverranch.com If you’re looking for a great way to celebrate the snowy season with some Western flair, this entertaining excursion is tough to beat. Winter shows at the ranch’s Meadow Muffin Theater feature country music by the Teton Riders and delicious beef dinners. Check out the calendar on the website for dates, times and booking options. If you want to make a weekend of it, the ranch also has great lodging options.
LABELLE LAKE www.icepalacelabellelake.com In warmer months, this Rigby area destination is known as a top-notch wedding and family reunion venue. Come December, however, it’s all about the Labelle Lake Ice Palace. This attraction features a festive celebration of lights, ice formations, entertaining winter wonderland characters, sledding and horse-drawn sleigh rides. It’s a visual stunner, so don’t forget your camera!
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN www.downtownidahofalls.com Our city’s cultural center launched the holidays this year on Nov. 19 at The Broadway Plaza, featuring a patriotic veteran’s memorial tree at its center to honor the nation’s military. If you missed the annual tree-lighting ceremony and other festivities, don’t fret. You can still catch free trolley rides around the district on Saturdays 1-4 p.m. through Dec. 17. As in past years, Civitan Plaza (Park Ave. and B Street) still hosts a mini forest of festive trees decorated by local schools and other groups.
THE CHRISTMAS RIVER www.thechristmasriver.com Based out in Menan, this destination is known to many as “The Haunted River,” which runs from late September through October. In its Yuletide transformation, the property features lights, music, hot cocoa by the fire and festive characters (Santa, the Grinch and many more). It’s all assembled in a charming village setting with surrounding trails that offer self-guided tours safely lit by lanterns.
OWENS FAMILY LIGHTS www.owenslights.com You can find spectacular holiday displays by just prowling the neighborhoods around Idaho Falls, but it’s hard to beat the Yuletide extravaganza at 1385 Lowell Drive. The Owens family has been sharing their Christmas creativity for years with presentations set to music. The show is expected to run 30 minutes long and repeat continuously throughout the evening. Plan your driveby between 5-10 p.m. from now through New Year's Eve, starting on the hour and half hour.