Ready? Where : Salt Lake City. And the fun doesn't stop on Christmas Day. St. George is a city on the southwest corner of the Arizona border and is known for its recreational opportunities all year round. For more information, see our Privacy Policy. During the holiday season, Utahs Hogle Zoo lights up with over 200 lighted animal and holiday-themed displays in the evenings. Lights on at 6:30 pm. To watch or not to watch that is the question. Southern Utah is home to two high-elevation ski areas that contain generous helpings of what we call (with authority) The Greatest Snow on Earth. Located in close proximity to Deer Valley, Park City Mountain Resort is notably one of the most popular tourist attractions for outdoorsy families vacationing in Utah. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Town Hall (435) 425-3600 Fax (435) 425-3603 P.O. So you can do this adventure after Christmas, too. Hiking, Non-ski Winter Activities, Scenic Drives/Road Trips, Ski and Snowboard, Stargazing. Live Nativity at Christmas Celebration: Dec. 15 at 6:00 and 7:30 pm FREE. Written December 6, 2020. Let us know if we are missing your favorite Christmas activity by sending us an email: info@utahsadventurefamily.com, Christmas in Downtown Tree Lighting and Parade (Logan): November 27 at 4:30-7:30 (4:30 Santa arrives, 5:30 Tree Lighting, visits with Santa until 7:30 FREE. Additional holiday events at Thanksgiving Point abound, so be sure to check for the events that best fit your family and budget. Its a season full of activity. Adventurous nature lovers will love the trails that lead to rocky and sandy state parks. George, UT 84770(435) 673-3617. Icicle artisans spend the winter building the castles through magic and science. Pleasant fall wraps Utah in colorful foliage along the scenic drives. What if you and/or the kids are caught somewhere between feeling confident on the slopes and too energetic to go snowshoeing? 90 South West Temple Time slots are available every half hour, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. And the fun doesnt stop on Christmas Day. A Babe is Born (Lehi): Dec. 17-22. From delicate river-fed ecosystems to crimson-hued rock buttresses, this magical landscape is awash in history, dating back thousands of years to the original Native American settlers to whom these places were sacred. The house makes perfect photo ops inside and outside, but make sure you contact the current owners of the house first before you go beyond the white picket fence. The market is open from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. for one weekend only in December as local and visitors alike get into the spirit of the holiday season. We look for fun, easy adventures throughout the state of Utah and beyond. Zootah Christmas Lights: (Logan): November 27-Dec.18 (Th, F, and Sat). Let it all go on a walk through the Ice Castles in Midway. Learn about the cool places to kite ski in Utah, grab your equipment and go! Recommended Hotel Nearby: Kimpton Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City, 195 W Center StreetCedar City, UT, 84720(800) 752-9849. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Ledgestone Hotel Vernal. We were there in late December 2021 and it was chilly but not particularly cold during the day. Utah hotels near Lake Powell can be found scattered from north to south, with the southern end being the most active for one of the major activities on Lake Powellhouseboating. Thanks for @Stgeorge_Kids for giving us a few ideas for the St. George area. Friday-Monday1-7 pmthrough Dec. 20. The Utah State Capitol sits atop Salt Lake Citys Capitol Hill, which overlooks the capitals downtown area. If youre visiting Utah any time from June to early October, the festival hosts the summer-fall tradition of plays, Greenshows, seminars, camps, and classes at Cedar City. Whether you come to ski or snowboard, to mountain bike Slickrock in Moab Utah, to take a summer whitewater rafting splash down Cataract Canyon, or to visit the Old West with a tour of outlaw hideouts and stickups, Utah has adventure waiting. There are several trails to hike, thousands of geological wonders to photograph, sites to camp for the night and watch the stars, areas to ride horses, ranger-led programs to enjoy from spring through fall, and so much more to expect at Arches National Park. Home to an intricate six-spire temple, Temple Square has been a famous destination for both tourists and locals admiring its beauty as the heart of the worldwide Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-Day Saints. You can explore by location, what's popular, our top picks, free stuff. Spending some time on the ice rink might bring that magical vibe of the holiday season. Find out tips for riding and the best places to explore in Utah. 69 p.m.The week of Christmas, wagon rides on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, December 2022. This year we organized our list by county to help you more readily find activities near your home. When the Utah sun becomes unbearable, head over to one of Kanabs cool places, literally and figuratively. As if our 45 state parks, six national monuments and five national parks aren't cutting it? The Great Salt Lake may sometimes be called Americas very own Dead Sea, but unlike the actual Dead Sea, a treasure trove of life thrives in this lake. Outlets at Traverse Mountain Virtual Tree Lighting(Lehi): November 20 @ 5:30 pmFREE. 6 followers 6 connections. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Red Hills, 2200 Cow Dung RoadHanksville, UT 84734(303) 984-9346. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Marriotts MountainSide, Related: Best Ski Resorts in Utah for Families. Or feel the "freedom" at The Gateway and City Creek Center, two local malls also known for providing free, fun events. Well, you should absolutely watch Utah Shakespeare Festivals world-class outdoor performances for an unforgettable time! It's one of the state's top snowmobiling destinations. Located 25 minutes away from Park City, Bear Ridge Adventures also offers authentic dog sled tours on scenic private property. The Park City Mountain Resort Alpine Coaster is an elevated track featuring toboggan-style cars that take you through more than . Gingerbread House Scavenger Hunt (Logan): Dec. 6-25, 2021 FREE, Parade of Gingerbread Homes (Logan): Dec. 4-31. The expanse that is Bonneville Salt Flats is so vast and flat and white the area feels otherworldly. More info here. As daytime shredders check-out between 3 and 4 p.m., a new ski shift begins. Capitol Reef National Park Get gazed and confused staring out at one of Utah's trippiest landscapes, a hodgepodge of rounded white domes, jutting spires and even a landlocked version of a tropical reef. Instead of having yet another movie night, try a backyard bonfire with hot chocolate and smores. Spanning over a massive area of 21 acres, Red Butte Garden is the largest botanical garden in the Intermountain West offering enchanting colors of blooms and the most romantic scenery for couples. Brilliant. Here are a few of the most popular places to go, from north to south: "City Slicker" trail at Soldier Hollow in Heber Valley, Another winter activity with seemingly endless boundaries, cross country skiing is one of the best ways to soak up Utahs wide open spaces. Night in Bethlehem(Pleasant Grove): November 26-29 and December 2-4 reserveFREEtickets ahead of time. Private Utah High Country Rafting Adventure from Provo. Copyright 2023 Utah Office of Tourism. Deer Valley. Alpine Living Nativity (Alpine): Dec. 2-4, 10-11. Learn more about why Bryce Canyon and the surrounding areas are the perfect place for winter hiking, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Get off at Historic Union Station and choo choo! Evermore Park Aurora Winter Festival:Pleasant Grove. Sunsets and sunrises further enhance the colors of this surreal spectacle, so come early or stay for the night. As youre mapping out your winter trip through southeastern Utah, consider adding the following parks and natural wonders to your itinerary. In Utah, skiing is just where winter begins. Where: Snow banks, backyards, fields, parks. Youre about to be even more inspired when you watch the Clark Planetariums amazing IMAX films. Christmas at the Orchard: Orem Nov. 16-Jan. 2 from 5-11 PMFREE, Spanish Fork Lights: Spanish Fork November 25-Jan. 1, Salem Pond Lights: SalemNov. 26-Jan. 1 FREE, Shepherd Family Christmas Lights: Spanish Fork. Sledding is a winter classic that every kid has gotta try at least once. Payson Community Creche: (Payson): Dec. 3 & 4 from 4-9 pm. Who wouldve thought that amidst a rocky desert landscape with cities inhabited predominantly by Mormons a grand Hindu temple would rise? Christmas In Dixie Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony (Washington): November 29 at 6-8 pm at Veterans Park. 4:30-8:00 pm at Zootah with reindeer encounters. Youre there. For maps and assistance, theres a visitor center. Nov. 19-Jan 1. Things can be a little quieter down here this time of year. It's quaint and cute just like Midway. Start making summer vacation plans today. Experience more peace, quiet and solitude. The Bonneville Salt Flats cover 30,000 acres of white salt crust one the western edge of the Great Salt Lake. For more information, see our Privacy Policy. Ice skating is a favorite winter activity among Salt Lakers. A museum where kids can touch and play with everything! Candlelight Christmas at This is the Place Heritage Park: Dec. 7-23 from 5-9 PM. Finally! Where: Various locations on the Wasatch Front andPark City. Stay up to date by subscribing to one of our Newsletters. For a more unforgettable experience, book a tour with a Navajo guide! Shop for ski gear like a local. Learn more and plan your visit! Tickets include sleigh ride, cocoa, and sledding hill. Things to Do in Sandy, Utah: See Tripadvisor's 12,193 traveler reviews and photos of Sandy tourist attractions. North Pole Festival: Rio Tinto Stadium. A New Peace on Earth presentation projected on ceiling of Tabernacle. Nov. 29-Dec. 4. I think theres live music as well. Admission is free to this annual Christmas market in Salt Lakes Foothill District. Let your kids get soaked in the Waterworks section or break out of jail in Kidopolis. Next Group. Next Group. Christmas Town Utah(Helper): No dates yet. Today the park is a natural marvel well loved by adventurers who want to witness the grandeur of its dramatic sandstone formations in person. The Salt Lake Tabernacle will have a unique Peace on Earth Christmas Nativity. Join to view profile . Cross-country skiing Utah is awesome! Thousands of people each day enjoy Utah's famous backcountry the areas outside of ski area boundaries. There are plenty of things to do in Northern Utah when you're in Ogden. Copyright 2023 Deseret News Publishing Company. Hardcore hikers and climbers brave Zion National Park for its challenging terrains, while families come for outdoorsy trips and easy trails. Santas Arrival at Station Park(Farmington): November 26 @ 9-11 AM. Follow this itinerary for a week-long winter road trip across the snow-covered desert of Southeastern Utah. Utahs award-winning waters hold some of the best ice fishing in the country, and with so many large lakes and reservoirs, its easy to grab your gear and join in. Within this natural sandstone cave in southern Utah is a natural history museum boasting a bar and fluorescent minerals. Wide open vistas, historic main streetsand storied Olympic venues. A Sundance ski vacation is the perfect blend of Utah ski bliss and the year's most promising films. We all have been entranced by the existence of dinosaurs at some point of our lives. While Utah's Greater Zion offers a few hundred trails, weve highlighted seven of the best hikes in the state's southwestern corner, from deep canyons to high peaks. Imagine an old-fashioned theater experience, with costumed vendors all around selling snacks and drinks. Located on the border between Colorado and Utah, where Green and Yampa Rivers meet, the Dinosaur National Monument is an outstanding area of over 800 paleontological sites. North Pole Express(Heber) Nov. 22 Dec. 23. Visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance. FREE, Brigham City Christmas Village (Brigham City): Dec. 2-Jan. 3 Located at 1 South Main street in Brigham CIty. This insider's guide video highlights their unparalleled access to both the outdoors and the city's "fun counterculture vibe" at the foot of the mighty Wasatch Mountains. Macys Candy Windows(SLC): No dates yetFREE, Gardner Village Elves(West Jordan): Nov. 20- Dec. 31FREE. Think of them more like community hubs where staff and volunteers teach free workshops on reading, art, computers, legos, yoga, storytime and more. Get some ideas from our road tripitineraries, bucket lists and family-friendly hikes. Plan a winter Southeastern Utah trip. One can of food per person donation encouraged. Built in 2011, this modern museum has a collection of exotic butterflies, minerals and indigenous masterpieces. I will move on . Santas Grand Arrival at University Place: November 26 @ 9:30 am (Santa arrives via helicopter), Salem Pond Christmas Lighting(Salem): November 26 @ 6-9 PM. Whether youre a geek or an adventurer, this national monument has so much in store for you. The Red Butte Garden is a beautiful and picturesque destination located in the foothills of the Wasatch Range in Salt Lake City. Either choice is good, or even better, try out both. The Clark Planetarium opened way back in April 2003, replacing the historic Hansen Planetarium under a grant from the Clark Foundation. The Gallivan Center, an outdoor skating rink, falls within the free-fare zone of Salt Lake's public transportation.This means on chilly nights families can opt for a short ride on the TRAX light rail from this . Young Living Farm Country Christmas: Nov. 26-Dec.22 from 6-9 pm. Holiday Choices Are Abundant in Salt Lake City, 10 Best's Top Freebies in Salt Lake City: Highly Recommended, Regardless of Budget Size, 10 Best's Top Choices for Salt Lake's Mormon - and Minority - Historic Sites, Salt Lake City's Best Kid-friendly Attractions: Just as Fun for Adults as for the Wee Ones, History, religion, and bizarre landscapes: sightseeing as diverse as it is interesting, Salt Lake City's top activities, in any season, Photo courtesy of The Grand America Hotel, Photo courtesy of Park City Mountain Resort, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Red Hills Desert Garden Lights(St. George): Nov. 26-Jan. 2 at 5-10 pm. When you get the chance to visit during the spring, you can witness over 500,000 vibrant flowers bloom in various colors all at the same time! No matter what kind of winter adventure youre looking for, youre sure to find it in Ogden. Needless to say kids love it! Weve collected 11 iconic Christmas events for you and your family to embrace this holiday season. Theres no better way to experience a bit of everything Utah offers. As you visit, be prepared to keep these special places Forever Mighty. Dan Craner, Festival of Trees executive board member, puts signs on trees for the 51st annual Festival of Trees at the Mountain America Expo Center in Sandy on Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021. Ski Southern Utah: High Alpine Trails + Red Rock Wonder. Ski tracks wind through millions of acres in the national forests across the state, and can even befound in the higher elevation regions of Southern Utah like Bryce Canyon and the Manti-La Sal Mountains. You can spend a day or a whole week here exploring the myriad trails, each offering their own sights, sounds and adventures. Experience a world unlike anything youve ever imagined in the high desert mountains and plummeting canyons of south-central Utah. Utahs windswept beauty, however, doesnt stop there. Experience Exciting Events Every Day of the Year! For adult beverages head to the Gibson Girl Lounge, and for something truly special with the family make a reservation for Afternoon Tea in The Lobby before checking out the displays. This beautiful event brings the light and joy of the holiday season to the South Valley. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Canyons Boutique Hotel A Canyons Collection Property, Interstate 80Wendover, UT 84083(801) 977-4300. It is a fundraising event for the Primary Childrens Hospital, too. See All 131 Things To Do in Utah Cool Places to Eat & Drink in Utah Huntsville, Utah Shooting Star Saloon Eat burgers beneath gargantuan taxidermy and thousands of dollar bills in Utah's. Watch current conditions, as unsettled winter weather can bring storms. Star of Wonder opens this week at the West Valley Performing Arts Center. 10. In downtown Salt Lake, the city lights the streets with holiday-themed displays. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Plus Greenwell Inn Related: Best Family Hotels in Utah Related: Things to Do in Moab 10. How about you take that fascination to the next level by going where dinosaurs once roamed? Take a road trip from Capitol Reef to Bryce Canyon and enjoy the best of Utah landscapes during its quiet season. At its end, this leads to the Narrows area, which involves a more strenuous and adventurous . Here are the details on local pros who can help get you the gear or guide your adventure. Just make sure you do it before Dec. 24 since hes pretty busy that day. Arches National Park has been frequented by humans since 10,000 years ago, as evidenced by petroglyphs and artifacts found in the area. Youll step into two national parks, three state parks, and all the scenic winding roads your heart could desire. Now you can start planning your holiday season. Find popular Nordic trailheads in the north, high altitude serenity in central Utah and miles of regularly groomed trails in the south. Throughout the season, nights and shaded areas are quite chilly, while exploring in the sunshine can be delightful. FREE, Ogden Electric Light Parade: November 27 @ 5:30. Recommended for Things to Do in December because: The City Creek Center is a gorgeous large mall wtih all the top stores such as Michael Kors and Tiffany and Co. Jennifer's expert tip:. The historic park transforms for the season with costumes, decorations, treats, sweets, and arts and crafts of all kind available for purchase. See red rock hoodoos coated with a dusting of snow against a stunning scenic backdrop on an unforgettable winter visit to Bryce Canyon National Park. In Utah, a Pueblo name that means people of the mountains, well show you how to take a break from whatever work, weather, the world or just about anything else throws at you. At the Utah Olympic Park in Park City, you can learn all about our Olympic heritage, watch future Olympians train for competition and reach over 60 mph on the Comet Bobsled Ride. In fact, its the only warm water scuba destination in the continental United States. Where: Utahs family-friendly ski resorts. FREE. Experience more peace, quiet and solitude. The real Up house was built in 2011 by Bangerter Homes with permission from Disney. A new walk-thru light display. Visitors and locals alike flock to this annual performance of William Christensens The Nutcracker, which highlights the incredible full-length choreography of this classic childrens story. With a little extra planning, good layers, and the right equipment, however, you can enjoy Utah's national parks in the solitude of winter. Come enjoy More Mountain Time, whether it is on a ski slope, a snowshoeing trail or in an alpine spa destination. Join ski cat driver Kevin Irons on a day's adventures to Lightning Ridge at Powder Mountain, complete with pizza bribery, remote access and lots of powder. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection By Hilton, US Highway 160 & US Highway 163Monument Valley, UT 84536(928) 871-6647. A lot of the fun things to do in Utah are in Moab, such as off-roading, hiking, and even whitewater rafting. Tucked into the country atmosphere of a town called Midway is a fun activity that appears each winter out of thin airor, we should say, out of thin ice. Stroll through the re-created Utahn terrain and fall in love with desert flora. Nativity in the Glen(SLC): Dec. 3 from 6-9 PM. Taking Zion Canyon Scenic Drive in an SUV is the best way to see the huge canyon vistas. Since hosting the 2002 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, in many ways the Olympic spirit and world-class athletes that seized Utah have never left. Discover three world-class ski resorts located just 20 minutes from downtown, and enjoy 450 inches of powdery snow each season. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Home2 Suites by Hilton Salt Lake City-East, 300 Wakara WaySalt Lake City, UT 84108(801) 585-0556. Christmas in the Canyon(St. George): Nov. 26 Dec. 23 at 6-9 PM. Fun times for kids who like trains. Looking for things to do in Utah? Tour around the 19th-century temple and surrounding architectural wonders as you take a trip back in time to the historical events and the religion that shaped the city. But do know that theyre busy during this time, especially if you see them in space suits, so dont go about approaching the station without permission. All Rights Reserved, 11 Utah Christmas events you might want to check out this year, The 2023 Utah Legislature has wrapped. Previous Group Recreational opportunities and gorgeous scenery also await, and sunsets here turn skies into a kaleidoscope of colors. With a little extra planning, good layers, and the right equipment, however, you can enjoy Utah's national parks in the solitude of winter. Actually, deals are everywhere, with free events taking place throughout Utah. Built in 2011, this modern museum has a collection of exotic butterflies, minerals and indigenous masterpieces. For tickets and reservation information, click HERE! BIG IRON TOUR CO. - Veteran & Locally Owned Off-Road Tour Company. Get into the holidays by walking through one of Salt Lakes most elegant hotels. Spring boasts active wildlife and blooming flowers. Characterized by red rocks and natural amphitheaters carved by frost weathering and stream erosion, Bryce Canyon attracts almost three million visitors every year. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Plus Wendover Inn. If you dont feel like trudging up a hill 17 times (itisgood exercise though) head up to Woodward Park City to their state-of-the-art tubing lanes. Tickets required, Christmas on the Farm Live Nativity(Cedar City): Dec. 6, & 13 at 6-8 PM. Since the dawn of time, families have been balling up snow and throwing it at each other. Snowmobile vacations are popular outdoor adventures. Temple Square Lights: SLCFREE Limited Lights due to construction. North Pole Express at Thunder Junction (St. George): Every Friday, Saturday, and Monday for the first 3 weekends in December from 6-8 PM. Utahsstateandnational parkswill be thawed out before you know it! Tickets are $5/person. FREE, East Salt Lake Valley Christmas Light Drive: 6 stops in Draper and Sandy that you can do all in one night. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Quality Inn Payson I-15, 13218 S Herriman Rose BoulevardHerriman, UT 84096. A Pioneer Christmas: Provo Pioneer Village on Dec. 17, 18, and 20 from 5-8 pm. Eagle Point is a Utah favorite location. Many tickets are already on sale and some events begin before Thanksgiving, so we want to share our big list of Christmas Activities Utah 2021 out to you as soon as possible. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Comfort Suites St George University Area, 301 Wakara WaySalt Lake City, UT 84108(801) 581-6927. Deals likeAltaSki After 3,Brightonnight skiing, Ski Utahs heavily discounted passes for 5th and 6th graders, and the fact that most resorts let young kids ski for free can make skiing affordable again. Utah is a family-friendly place (highest birth rate in the nation, heh heh) so we have a kid-friendly infrastructure ready for long, dark winter days. Completed in 1998, the Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple was inspired by Rajasthani architecture from India and caters to the Hindu population of Utah. Red Hills Desert Garden is a cute introduction to Utahs grand, out-of-this-world terrain. Moving from city to summit doesn't take long. Theater nerd or not, youll find that witnessing the Shakespeare Festival can be surprisingly one of the best things to do in Utah. A Christmas Story - CenterPoint Legacy Theater- Centerville - $19.50-25 Gingerbread House Competition - Bountiful ($5 admission for kids, includes Santa photo) Ice Bumper Cars - Farmington (outdoor) Santa at Layton Hills Mall - Layton Santa Breakfasts - Station Park- Farmington South Davis Rec Center Ice Skating - Bountiful (indoor rink) Showings run every 15 minutes from 4:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. The 2002 Winter Olympics helped put Utah on the map, and the 2014 Olympics in Sochi, Russia, proved that Utah is a hub for Winter Olympic glory with Utahns collecting 11 medals. There are thousands of books to explore, fireplaces on all four floors, an art gallery, a coffee shop, a spiral grand staircase, and three glass elevators. Theres a vegetarian buffet afterwards, a brief session of kirtan in the temple room, a visit to the gift store, and a tour around the grounds. Southern Utah comes alive in winter with unexpected experiences for those who are well-prepared and solitude for those who want to expand their view. Have you ever been helplessly curious about what lies beyond our skies? Landscaping and gardening workshops are also offered here, so if you dont know what to do in Utah this weekend, consider signing up. And the 2021 holiday season offers a slew of new activities for you and your family. Featuring fossils, dinosaur bones, minerals, insects, plants, and Native American artifacts all discovered from Utah and the American West, the Natural History Museum of Utah is a worthwhile escape into the ancient past. Lights and a Nativity, Larry H Miller Christmas Carole Sing-Along: December 13 at 7:00 pm (doors open at 6:00 pm) FREE, Candy Windows(South Jordan): FREE (no dates yet). The Bonneville Salt Flats are among the most interesting things to see in Utah, but the conditions here can be quite extreme, so come prepared. The Salt Lake City Public Library is one of the most stunning works of modernist architecture, designed by internationally acclaimed architect Moshe Safdie. Natural History Museum of Utah. Cant decide where to go in Utah with your other half? Young Living Family Farm Country Christmas (Mona): Wagon Rides and Light Display. Winter rewards hikers with stunning sights of stalactites and snow covered mountains. The crew typically carries out their simulations during winter months, and youre welcome to take photos from a distance. The Natural History Museum of Utah is a grand museum found within the University of Utahs research park. . Zion offers horseback riding, glamping, scenic drives, nature walks, picnic sites, and lodging. Pretty simple. FREE. It's just a natural way to release that pent up winter energy. Its our chance to sparkle as the streets light up with celebrations and joy. This colossal national monument makes a lovely endless playground for off-roaders, canyoneers, and hikers.