Meridian families and visitors will have a new reason to bundle up this winter. Beginning Friday, November 20, Roaring Springs Water Park will open its parking lot for a holiday light extravaganza titled Christmas in Color. The event transforms the familiar summer venue into a winter wonderland of synchronized lights and music, providing a safe, outdoor activity for all ages.
What to Expect
Guests will drive through the illuminated parking area, where rows of colorful LED displays line the lanes. A curated Christmas playlist plays in sync with the light patterns, creating a festive atmosphere that can be enjoyed from the comfort of a vehicle. The water‑park slides themselves will remain closed until the summer months, but the heated lot ensures visitors stay warm while they admire the decorations.
Family‑Friendly Holiday Fun
“Christmas in Color” is designed as a family‑oriented outing. Whether you’re looking for a date night idea, a kid‑friendly adventure, or simply a way to break the monotony of indoor holiday preparations, the drive‑through offers a low‑stress, socially distanced option. The event also provides an opportunity for local businesses to attract holiday shoppers and for the community to gather around a shared celebration of the season.
Ticket Information
Tickets are available online through the Roaring Springs website. Prices are modest, and advance purchase is encouraged to avoid lines on opening night. The event runs nightly through December, with each evening featuring the same light and music program.
Location and History
Originally staged at the Expo Idaho Fairgrounds parking lot, the holiday light display moved in recent years to the more central Meridian location of Roaring Springs. The shift has made the event more accessible to residents of Boise, Meridian, and surrounding Canyon County communities.
Community Impact
Local officials have praised the initiative as a way to boost winter tourism and support the regional economy during a traditionally slower season. By repurposing the water‑park’s infrastructure for a holiday attraction, Roaring Springs demonstrates creative use of public‑private partnership resources, aligning with the community’s values of family togetherness and seasonal celebration.
Plan Your Visit
Visitors should plan for typical winter weather and allow extra travel time for traffic, especially on weekends. The lot will be heated, but dressing in warm layers is recommended. Food vendors are not operating on site during the light display, so consider bringing snacks or stopping at nearby restaurants before or after your drive‑through.
For the latest updates, ticket purchases, and detailed event hours, please visit the official Roaring Springs website.
Original reporting: 580 KIDO Talk Radio (Boise) — read the source article.
