Meridian, ID – Tis the season for fun and festivity as the City of Meridian rings in the holidays with an exciting variety of Christmas in Meridian activities.

Santa’s Mailbox (November 23 – December 17)
Children are encouraged to drop a letter to Santa into Santa’s Mailbox outside Meridian City Hall beginning Thursday, November 23. Letters with a legible return address that are placed in the mailbox through Sunday, 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. Produced by Meridian Parks and Recreation.   

Winter Lights Parade and Tree Lighting (Friday, December 1)
Meridian’s signature holiday events - the Winter Lights Parade & Christmas Tree Lighting – will take place the evening of Friday, December 1! This year’s theme is Growing Traditions, looking at the rich agricultural heritage of our valley. Families are invited to line the streets of downtown Meridian to enjoy the parade which will begin at 7 pm. The City of Meridian’s official Christmas tree will be lit in Generations Plaza immediately following the parade. Come early to watch “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” projected next to the mainstage at Idaho Avenue and Main Street. This year’s Grand Marshal will be the Zamzow Family and the parade will be commentated by Michelle Heart of 107.9 Lite FM and Meridian Mayor Robert Simison. A variety of food trucks will also be located in downtown Meridian on this evening. Produced by Meridian Parks and Recreation
 
Note: Roads will be closed to accommodate the parade route. For more about the parade route, road closures and locations of food trucks, visit meridiancity.org/winter-lights-parade.

Ornament Drop and Seek (December 1- December 9)
The Meridian Arts Commission is putting a festive twist on its popular annual Meridian Art Drop by hosting the Meridian Ornament Drop and Seek. Residents of all ages and artistic abilities are encouraged to make handmade Christmas ornaments to “drop” in downtown Meridian between Dec. 1-9 for others to find and keep as a gift. Ornaments can be hung from trees, propped on windowsills, or placed in any number of creative locations for someone else to find. Those lucky enough to find an ornament (only keep 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 meridiancity.org/ornamentdrop. Produced by the Meridian Arts Commission.
 
Shop Meridian Downtown Night (Tuesday, December 5)
Meridian Downtown will be bustling with activity for a festive shopping experience on Tuesday, December 5, from 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm. Businesses will be staying open late, offering holiday specials, pop-up vendors will be displaying their wares, and local restaurants will be serving delicious food and drink. The Initial Point Gallery on the third floor of Meridian City Hall will also be open to the public during this evening. Admission is free. For more information and who will be open, visit meridiandowntown.org/shopnight Presented by the Meridian Chamber of Commerce. 

Children’s Winterland Festival (Saturday, December 9)
Families will want to bring the little ones out to the Meridian Children's Winterland Festival on Saturday, December 9, from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm, at the Meridian Boys & Girls Club Gym (911 N. Meridian Road), to capture the holiday spirit! This event features a variety of Christmas-themed games, crafts and activities. Kids can also enjoy visits with Santa. Admission to this event is free, but we ask that you bring along a cash or canned food donation for the Meridian Food Bank! Learn more at meridiancity.org/christmasinmeridian Produced by Meridian Parks and Recreation.  

Salvation Army Angel Tree Toy Drive (Nov 22 – Dec. 11) – As it does each year, the City of Meridian will host a Salvation Army Angel Tree toy drive at Meridian City Hall. A Christmas tree hung with gift request tags will be set up inside Meridian City Hall’s main lobby. Anyone who wishes to participate can stop by and choose one or more wish tag to shop for or they can simply bring any new, unwrapped toy(s) suitable for a child between the ages of 0-12 to place in the Angel Tree toy collection bin inside Meridian City Hall’s main lobby. Presented by the Salvation Army and 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 living nativity scenes to an interactive map of Meridian’s best Christmas lights, can be found on the Christmas in Meridian website at meridiancity.org/christmasinmeridian. The public is welcome to add holiday events to the community calendar, as well!