CBH HomeFest transforms the typical open house into a holiday celebration that families will remember. Running Fridays and Saturdays from early November through December 12, this six-week event invites Treasure Valley residents to tour 15 festively decorated model homes across four communities—no appointment necessary. It’s Idaho’s biggest homebuying event of the year, and it’s designed to make exploring new homes feel like a seasonal outing rather than a chore.
Hosted by CBH Homes, a builder with over 34 years of experience and a reputation as Idaho’s #1 homebuilder for 19 years, HomeFest blends holiday cheer with practical homebuying opportunities. Visitors can walk through fully furnished models, compare floor plans, and meet the CBH Homes team—all while enjoying free activities, giveaways, and festive treats. It’s an approach that turns a major financial decision into a low-pressure, enjoyable experience.
What Is CBH HomeFest?
CBH HomeFest is a seasonal event that combines open houses with holiday festivities across four Treasure Valley communities: Jack’s Place in Nampa, Topaz Ranch West in Caldwell, Centerville in Meridian, and Southridge in Meridian. Each location features several model homes decorated with unique themes—from “Candy Cane” and “Gingerbread” to “NYE Glitter and Gold”—offering a visual treat for anyone interested in new home design.
The event is free and open to the public, with no appointment needed for home tours. In addition to exploring homes, attendees can reserve free holiday card photos, enjoy live music, sip hot chocolate, and participate in activities like face painting and letters to Santa. Saturdays also feature food trucks from 1–3 p.m., making it easy to spend an afternoon with the whole family.
What Stands Out
Festive Model Homes
Each of the 15 model homes is professionally decorated for the season, with themes that range from cozy Christmas scenes to elegant New Year’s Eve parties. This makes touring the homes feel like visiting a holiday display rather than a sales pitch.
Free Family Activities
From free holiday photos and stocking embroidery to face painting and giveaways, there’s something for every age. The Elf on the Shelf activity and letters to Santa add extra magic for kids.
Generous Buyer Incentives
For those ready to buy, CBH Homes offers up to $50,000 in extras on new homes, which can be applied toward interest rate buy-downs, landscaping, appliances, and more. The promotion also includes a refrigerator, washer, dryer, and a Traeger grill.
Who It’s For
CBH HomeFest is ideal for anyone in the Treasure Valley considering a new home purchase, especially families who want to involve their children in the process. The festive atmosphere reduces the pressure of house hunting, making it a great entry point for first-time buyers or those exploring options.
It’s also perfect for holiday enthusiasts who enjoy touring decorated homes and participating in seasonal activities—even if they’re not ready to buy. The event is designed to be inclusive, with free admission and no purchase required to enjoy the festivities.
Pricing and Availability
CBH HomeFest is free to attend. Homebuyer extras are tied to specific home price ranges: up to $50,000 on homes priced $750,000 and above, up to $40,000 on homes between $500,000 and $749,999, up to $30,000 on homes between $400,000 and $499,999, and up to $20,000 on homes priced $399,999 and below. Restrictions apply, so visitors should review the full terms on the CBH Homes website.
The event runs every Friday from 4–7 p.m. and Saturday from 1–4 p.m. through December 12. Free holiday photo appointments can be reserved in advance, and food trucks are available on Saturdays from 1–3 p.m.
What Makes It Worth Considering
CBH HomeFest stands out because it reimagines the homebuying experience as a celebration. Instead of a sterile open house, visitors get a warm, holiday-infused event that encourages them to linger, ask questions, and imagine life in a new home. The combination of festive decorations, free activities, and substantial buyer incentives makes it a compelling option for anyone in the market.
For those not ready to buy, the event still offers value through entertainment and the chance to explore different floor plans and communities. The no-pressure environment, supported by friendly staff and a fun atmosphere, helps demystify the homebuying process.
Verdict
CBH HomeFest is a delightful, low-pressure way to explore new homes during the holidays, with festive fun and significant buyer bonuses that make it a standout event for Treasure Valley residents.
Frequently asked questions
Fridays from 4u20137 p.m. and Saturdays from 1u20134 p.m., running from early November through December 12.
No appointment is needed to walk through the homes; they are open to all during event hours.
Free holiday card photos, face painting, stocking embroidery, live music, hot chocolate, desserts, food trucks, and more.
Photo appointments can be booked in advance online through the CBH HomeFest website.
Buyers can receive up to $50,000 in extras on select homes, applicable toward rate buy-down, landscaping, appliances, and more.
Yes, restrictions apply; full details are available on the CBH Homes website.
Yes, the event spans four Treasure Valley communities: Jacku2019s Place, Topaz Ranch West, Centerville, and Southridge.
