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The

McCall Life

If Christmas had a hometown, it might just be McCall, Idaho.

December 9, 2025

Hello, friends!

Welcome to my musings on all things McCall, Idaho, Real Estate, short-term rentals and agent tools & resources.

MEET RAGAN

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Snowy streets, twinkle lights reflecting off the lake, steaming hot springs, and that cozy small-town energy that makes you want to slow down and actually enjoy the season. That’s the McCall my family and I get to live in every day—and the McCall I want to share with you.

Which is exactly why I created “A Guide to Christmas in McCall, Idaho”— a locals-only style guide you can’t get from Google or a travel brochure.

And yes, you can absolutely grab it for free here.

Cozy snowy street in downtown McCall, Idaho at Christmas, with twinkling lights, decorated cabins, and a couple walking toward a glowing tree—capturing the charm of holiday shopping, dining, and winter activities in this mountain town

Get My Insider Christmas in McCall Guide

I’m a McCall Idaho Realtor who spends every December chasing fresh snow, testing out activities, and saying “we have to remember this for next year” after every winter day. Eventually, I stopped keeping all those ideas in my head and built a guide I now send to friends, clients, and families visiting for the holidays.

Now I’m opening it up to you.

When you download the guide, you’ll get:

  • A beautiful, easy-to-use PDF you can pull up on your phone while you’re in town
  • Clickable links to local resources, businesses, and experiences
  • A holiday game plan that makes you look like you’ve known McCall for years

No endless scrolling. No “where should we go now?” arguments. Just a ready-made plan so you can step off the highway and straight into the magic.

What’s in the guide?

Inside the guide, you’ll find carefully curated:

  • Winter activities for all ages (from high-energy to slow + cozy)
  • Places to eat that feel special but still kid- and group-friendly
  • Local coffee spots that double as hangouts, workspaces, or warm-up stops
  • Gear rental intel so you don’t overpack or panic-buy when you arrive
  • A December events snapshot so you can time your trip around can’t-miss moments

If you like the idea of landing in town with a plan dialed in, this guide is your shortcut.

Who This Christmas in McCall Guide Is Perfect For

You’ll love this guide if you are:

  • Planning a holiday trip and don’t want to waste a single snow day
  • Hosting friends or family in McCall and need a go-to activity roster
  • A local who just wants a fresh list of ideas to make December feel special again

Whether you’re coming for a week, a long weekend, or a scouting trip to see if McCall could be your next home, or home away from home, this guide will make your time here smoother and more memorable.


About Me

I’m Ragan Erickson, a McCall, Idaho–based Realtor® and short-term rental coach helping people build wealth and memories through real estate. After moving from Southern California’s mountains to Idaho’s, I turned my love for small-town living and data-driven investing into a business that helps others do the same.

On my blog, you’ll find tips for buying and selling in McCall, launching profitable short-term rentals, and designing a lifestyle you don’t need a vacation from. Whether you’re dreaming about your first cabin, an STR portfolio, or a full-time move to the mountains, you’re in the right place.

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📌 Also on Facebook | Pinterest | YouTube for more McCall real estate + STR tips!

What are the best things to do in McCall, Idaho at Christmas?

McCall turns into a full-on snow globe at Christmas. People come for skiing and snowboarding, snowshoeing, hot springs, festive lights downtown, cozy restaurants, and time on the lake shore in the snow. There’s a lot packed into a small town, which is why I created A Guide to Christmas in McCall, Idaho—a free guide that lays out my favorite holiday activities, routes, and must-do experiences so you don’t miss anything while you’re here.

Is McCall a good place for families to visit over the holidays?

Yes, McCall is one of the most family-friendly mountain towns you’ll find. Kids can sled, skate, play in the snow, grab cocoa in town, and still be close to your cabin or hotel for nap time. Parents love that everything is nearby and easy to navigate in winter. In my Christmas in McCall guide, I include family-tested ideas that keep everyone happy (and tired in the best way) without spending hours planning.

What can I do in McCall in winter if I don’t ski or snowboard?

You definitely don’t have to ski to enjoy McCall in December. Think: hot springs, snowshoe trails, sleigh rides, scenic drives, coffee shop hopping, holiday shopping downtown, and just walking the snowy streets along Payette Lake. My free Christmas guide highlights plenty of non-ski activities and cozy stops so non-skiers and skiers can both have a magical trip.

When is the best time to visit McCall for Christmas events and lights?

Most people aim for mid-December through New Year’s for peak holiday vibes in McCall – twinkle lights, decorated storefronts, and a good chance of fresh snow. Some events are very date-specific, while others run the whole month. Because these can change each year, I keep my Christmas in McCall guide updated and send it by email so you have current links and timing when you download it.

Where should I stay in McCall over the holidays—hotel, cabin, or vacation rental?

All three can work, depending on your style. Hotels are great if you want easy access and amenities, while cabins and vacation rentals feel extra cozy and are perfect for groups or families. As a McCall Idaho Realtor who also coaches people on short term rentals for beginners, I see firsthand which areas visitors love most in winter. If you need help, just email me at ragan@yahooidaho.com and I’ll point you in the right direction.

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About RAGAN

I’m Ragan — a hospitality girl turned tech nerd who swapped pouring wine for building smart marketing systems. I co-founded a SaaS company for wineries, fell in love with AI, and now help others use it to make the real estate process and short term rental business feel easier and more human, ironically. Mom of two teenage girls, wife, AirBnb Superhost, and total pickleball addict.

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