Happy Tuesday, Boise. In today’s edition: Rat control plan, Boise Christmas Show, Breakfast with Santa, and more.

Let’s get to it — Cait Baker

📰 In the news

From sightings to statutes: Rat infestations are surging in Idaho’s Treasure Valley as residents organize and Ada County’s pest chief pursues legislative authority and an app to coordinate control and avert a ‘rat apocalypse’ — see what’s being proposed.

Fresh spins on literary spaces: Two Boise-area bookstores mix sipping and stirring, with The Book Lounge planning a Meridian lounge with drinks in early 2026 while Cooks & Books hosts classes and cookbook clubs — get all the details.

Church weighs neighborhood options: Cathedral of the Rockies has applied to turn a Boise North End lot into 36 church-only parking spaces, citing growth and lost spots, with paving possible by late spring 2026 — read the full story.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Scams are rampant: My step-dad recently got a call from someone pretending to be his grandson, all beat up and asking for bail money. They knew his grandson’s name, how old he is, and what city he lives in. How? Data brokers. They sell your info to anyone willing to pay for it (yup… anyone). Incogni removes your info from all of those sites so scammers can’t use it against you. Cyber Monday discounts are available all week — check ’em out here.

Highlights this week

• Single mothers and widows receive Christmas gifts
• Shop the Bizarre Bazaar with Krampus
• Get free Santa photos, benefit survivors
• Rock out at Treefort for Good Gala
• Pack holiday gift bags for seniors joyfully
• Need new windows? Check out RBA’s latest deals

🫶 We got your back

Treasure Valley staple evolves: Boise favorite Tango’s Empanadas is relocating after 19 years on N. Orchard, shifting a few blocks to 295 N. Orchard in the next couple of months. Expect more parking and a few new empanadas, says co-owner Mama Bremmer. The original remains open for now. They also have a Meridian outpost and a roaming food truck. Get all the details.

Community composting made easier: Boise has expanded its compost program beyond curbside carts, adding two new food-scrap drop-off sites at Shoshone Park and Marianne Williams Park. Now four sites citywide serve residents of apartments and condos. 300-plus people have already signed up. All scraps, including meat and dairy, become compost at city giveback sites, so please keep trash out. Read the full story.

Weeknight burrito hero: When you need something hearty without fuss, Parrilla Grill rolls hefty, flavor-packed burritos, from Kurobuta pork and Double R Ranch steak to blackened salmon, with salsas that actually pop, so dinner happens fast and your kitchen stays clean, not a tortilla crime scene.

An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial fee just to be seen to x-rays, surgery, medicine, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could get up to 90% cash back on your vet bill with this pet insurance plan.

Wellness on easy mode: Most probiotics don’t work because they dissolve too early. Seed’s double capsule design means all the right stuff gets delivered to all the right places… at the right time. After decades of gut issues, it’s one of the few things that’s actually helped. Their Daily Essentials Duo covers nutrient gaps and supports everyday health + it’s 40% off right now so it’s a great time to give it a try.

📆 Around town this week

All events are subject to change without notice. This is entirely outside our control. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.

This week

🎨 Olive Oil Decanter Painting Workshop in Hidden Springs| Tuesday (12/2) at 6:30pm – Nothing says peak Hidden Springs like a laid-back workshop where you paint your own olive oil decanter, beginner friendly, no art school required. Make a classy holiday gift, or keep it for your counter, and finally upgrade from the store-bought plastic pourer.

🎵 December First Thursday: Art as Song; Song as Art @ Jack’s Urban Meeting Place (JUMP) | Thursday (12/4) at 5:00pm – First Thursday at JUMP means art and music swapping places, and yes, it actually works. BOSCO artists and ISA songwriters pair up for live performances, artist demos, and a gallery you can actually stroll, with refreshments, zero cover, and plenty of proud Idaho vibes.

🍷 Jingle + Glow @ Proletariat Wine Company | Thursday (12/4) at 6:30pm – Round up your besties for a $20 girls’ night out packed with light bites, bubbles, and zero-pressure mingling. Sip wine or mocktails, make a few new friends, then wander through the complimentary experiences and shopping like it’s your own private holiday market.

🎁 Boise Christmas Show @ Expo Idaho | Friday (12/5) at 11:00am – If your holiday shopping list is longer than the Greenbelt, this is your one-stop sprint: 225 vendors, Santa and Mrs. Claus, and enough fudge samples to ruin dinner. Bring a five, a tote bag, and your patience, leave with gifts, crafts, and your sanity.

❄️ Snow Globe @ TRICA | Friday (12/5) at 4:00pm – Bring the crew to TRICA’s Snow Globe, a cozy winter wonderland full of hands-on art, whimsical activities, and magical theatrical moments. It’s kid-focused, grown-up friendly, and ideal when you want creativity, delight, and zero weather drama. They create, you breathe.

This weekend

🎅 Breakfast with Santa @ Zoo Boise | Saturday (12/6) at 8:30am – Kick off the day at Zoo Boise with a breakfast buffet, Santa face time, kid crafts, and animal encounters, then roam the zoo at your own pace. It is the rare outing that delights the littles or grandkids, and still gives you an afternoon back.

🛍️ The Capital City Public Market Holiday Market @ The Grove Plaza | Saturday (12/6) at 10:00am – Skip the panic scrolling and hit the holiday market at The Grove Plaza, rain or shine. Locally made gifts, custom crafts, and free gift wrapping mean you look thoughtful with minimal effort, and Santa and Mrs. Claus swing by on closing day for the nostalgia.

🎶 Crowdsource Choir: A Noisy Boise Holiday Singalong @ Jack’s Urban Meeting Place (JUMP) | Saturday (12/6) at 7:00pm – This time, the crowd is the choir—no auditions, no sheet music, just you, your friends, and a roomful of Boise voices belting out holiday bangers and feel-good anthems. All ages are welcome, there’s a bar for liquid courage, and the whole night walks the line between concert and chaotic singalong in the best way.

🎩 The Wizard’s Winter Ball @ Amelies Restaurant and Event Center | Saturday (12/6) at 8:00pm – Feel like trading winter blahs for a little magic? The Wizard’s Winter Ball is back, bigger than last year, with dinner, dancing, games, a whimsical photo booth, and mischievous drink specials. Dress as witch, wizard, or plain fancy, and grab early tickets before they vanish.

🎅 Santa @ Jordan’s Garden Center and Seasonal Market | Sunday (12/7) at 12:00pm – Bring the kids and your inner child to Jordan’s Garden Center for a free Santa visit in a proper winter wonderland. Snap photos, spill wish lists, then wander the forest of Christmas trees, grab s’mores and hot sips, and say hi to the farm crew.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🎶 Live music & entertainment

• 12/3 MJ the Musical @ Morrison Center – 7 pm
• 12/4 Atreyu: The Curse Tour @ Treefort Music Hall – 6 pm
• 12/4 Béton Armé and more @ Shrine Social Club – 7 pm
• 12/4 Jesse Roper @ The Sapphire Room – 7 pm
• 12/5 The Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery Dinner Show @ The Riverside Hotel – 7 pm
• 12/5 The Cheap Laughs Comedy Show! @ Liquid Lounge – 8 pm
• 12/5 Josh Wolf: The Campfire Tour @ Knitting Factory – 8 pm
• 12/6 The Krampus Cabaret! @ Neurolux – 9 pm

🏠️ This house is wild

Listed by: Justin Mccarthy (NextStep Real Estate Advisors)

A 2025 studs-up reinvention, this 3,520 sq ft four-bed, 4.5-bath has two main-level suites, a vaulted great room, and a sunshine-catching dormer. The primary suite flaunts a wet-room bath and walk-in closet, the Thermador kitchen pairs with two laundry zones, and covered porches wear cedar tongue and groove. Finished basement with a wet bar. All new roof, windows, PEX, 200-amp underground electric, HVAC, and insulation to Energy Star standards.

Select finishes remain customizable. Landscaped grounds with sprinklers, a workout or office that can convert to a fifth bedroom, and the comfort of a new build in an established neighborhood.

Take a peek inside →