Christmas Town Utah(Helper): No dates yet. Evermore Park Aurora Winter Festival:Pleasant Grove. Temple Square Lights: SLCFREE Limited Lights due to construction. I think theres live music as well. With its iconic reddish and tan-colored canyon walls, desert, woodlands, and forests, this massive national park has a wealth of sights to offer. St. George Town Square Tree Lighting: November 29 at 6 8 pm FREE Santa will be here! Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection By Hilton, US Highway 160 & US Highway 163Monument Valley, UT 84536(928) 871-6647. Ride the glass elevator toward the rooftop for a panoramic view of the entire library and an arguably more beautiful sight of the whole citys mountains once you reach the sky deck. Passes to ski and snowboard resorts are expensive, but dont give up yet, powder pauper. Imagine a desert of peach-pink sand surrounded by rust-colored cliffs and contrasted by pastel blue skies. 69 p.m.The week of Christmas, wagon rides on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, December 2022. On December 21st, 2021, from 7:30 p.m. - midnight, enjoy Irish song and dance infused with history and humor in this family-friendly experience set against photographic images as the backdrop. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western PLUS Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel, 210 E 400 SSalt Lake City, UT 84111(801) 524-8200. Additional holiday events at Thanksgiving Point abound, so be sure to check for the events that best fit your family and budget. Whether you are a participant or spectator, the calendar is bursting with celebrations, festivals and athletic events - providing plenty of things to do for everyone, no . Dates beginning Nov. 26, 2021 on Fridays & Saturdays. Walk around downtown and vote on your favorite gingerbread creations. They believe dog sledding is a great way to dive in and get to know more about mushing, the hard-working huskies, and dog sledding. November 26-Jan. 2. Things To Do Lodging Tours & Guides Deals Events Store Maps & Brochures Share Events So, you're looking for things to do in Utah . During the holiday season, Utahs Hogle Zoo lights up with over 200 lighted animal and holiday-themed displays in the evenings. All rights reserved. Stroll through the re-created Utahn terrain and fall in love with desert flora. Things To Do in Salt Lake in Winter Ice Skating. The holiday market is only open for one weekend in December and it's this weekend, from Dec. 1 to Dec. 4. Park City is the epicenter, but Sundance venues can also be found in Salt Lake City, Ogden and at Sundance Mountain Resort. Recreational opportunities and gorgeous scenery also await, and sunsets here turn skies into a kaleidoscope of colors. Whether youre in northern or southern Utah, as long as there is snow there is very likely an outfitter that can rent the gear you need; or better yet, guide you to their favorite spots. Tickets required. Best time of year to visit Utah. AndShesDopeToo is a worldwide adventure community of women run by Jennifer and Taylor Killian from Ogden, Utah. Everyone in the family will get fired up about this one. Follow this itinerary for a week-long winter road trip across the snow-covered desert of Southeastern Utah. For most travelers, Southern Utah winters prevent comfortable camping, and occasional snowfall can make outdoor adventure a little more challenging. Outlets at Traverse Mountain Virtual Tree Lighting(Lehi): November 20 @ 5:30 pmFREE. 1 Zion Park BoulevardState Route 9Springdale, UT 84767(435) 772-3256. From sliding down gentle slopes to racing down 1,200 foot lanes, there is tubing for everyone in Utah. Tickets required, Christmas on the Farm Live Nativity(Cedar City): Dec. 6, & 13 at 6-8 PM. The gorgeous temple sits on a 15-acre landscape featuring outdoor stages, a large pavilion, a lake and waterfall, and a few animals. 10. For more information, see our Privacy Policy. Midway Tree Lighting Celebration: November 27 @6:15-9 pmFREE. Keep the contradictions going by cruising along the Waterpocket Fold, a water-free buckle of land that serves as the backbone of the park. Lights on at 6:30 pm. 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. How's that for a Utah family winter activity? Use that energy to build a snow fort. Adventurous nature lovers will love the trails that lead to rocky and sandy state parks. You can save a whole lot of money on accommodations by pitching a tent and camping at one of Zions three campgrounds too. Previous Group Lay back and watch the scenery as you and your kids glide down the longest tubing hill in Utah then take the magic carpet back up. Lights on Wakefield: This event is currently not happening because of changes in city ordinances. Thinking about the Dead Sea sounds scary, but the Great Salt Lake is actually popular for swimming, sunbathing, sailing, wildlife viewing, kayaking, and more! Copyright 2023 Deseret News Publishing Company. Where: Various locations on the Wasatch Front andPark City. Tickets must be purchased in advance at the St. George Leisure Services Office, starting Nov. 22nd, 2021. Start making summer vacation plans today. All rights reserved. Non-ski Winter Activities, Ski and Snowboard. Utahsstateandnational parkswill be thawed out before you know it! This year there will be displays and limited lights (due to construction). To watch or not to watch that is the question. Experience Exciting Events Every Day of the Year! Average temperature in Southern Utah (St. George): highs 63 / lows 40 degrees F. The average December snowfall in the Southern part of Utah: Moab (Arches/Canyonlands) - 2 days / 3.5 inches. Time: 2-3 hours. Next Group. Enjoy this beautiful marble structure and the majestic views of snow-capped mountains in the background. Let your kids get soaked in the Waterworks section or break out of jail in Kidopolis. The Midway Ice Castles are sculpted entirely from ice and span several acres of space, enough to pack in tunnels, ice slides, and magical spaces that kids and adults alike are sure to love. Camping & Backpacking, Climbing & Canyoneering, Cycling, Fishing, Glamping, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Non-ski Winter Activities, Scenic Drives/Road Trips, Stargazing. But that's just the beginning. Sledding is a winter classic that every kid has gotta try at least once. These special walking tours include hot chocolate and cookies for saleas guests and visitors to the hotel observe these displays. Stay up to date by subscribing to one of our Newsletters. Previously a prehistoric lake that once covered a large area of Utah millions of years ago, the Great Salt Lake is the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere. With funding from NASA, the Mars Society has been preparing for the hypothetical future when human civilization will have to expand to Earths next-door neighbor. Benson Grist Mill Lighting and Live Nativity: Nov. 29 from 6-8 pm. 1661 East Murray-Holladay Road (4800 South), Where: Various locations in Salt Lake City. Live Nativity and Luminary Walk: Clark Historic Farm in Grantsville. Capitol Reef - 1.8 days / 2.2 inches. Catch a virtual workshop, join a book club or check out an audiobook. Cocoa and cookies provided. Then add color with snow paint. Ready to experience snowshoeing in Utah? Get some ideas from our road tripitineraries, bucket lists and family-friendly hikes. In the winter months, Utah's five national parks and their surrounding country are full of solitude and with an adventurous spirit to shrug off mild doses of moody weather you can count on having red rock country all to yourself. Saltwater is highly corrosive, and soft mud lies beneath the layer of salt crust. It's like going from the bottom of the ocean to the canopies of the Amazon Rainforest in one day. Kid-friendly activities include daily parades, a live nativity, a gnome festival, and more. 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. Hiking, rafting, and camping are some of the most popular activities at Dinosaur National Monument. Where : Salt Lake City. Nestled in the junction of the Colorado Plateau, Great Basin, and Mojave Desert regions, Zion National Park has an abundance of unique landscapes and biodiversity. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Inn Kanab, Related: Things to Do in Zion National Park, See Ticket Price for Tour that Includes This Activity. 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. If youre curious about the extravagance of Hindu festivals, you can also join the temples grand celebrations of Holi and Diwali! Town Hall (435) 425-3600 Fax (435) 425-3603 P.O. Think of them more like community hubs where staff and volunteers teach free workshops on reading, art, computers, legos, yoga, storytime and more. . Dont miss the cliff wall at Carnegie Quarry, where more than 1,500 dinosaur fossils are embedded, frozen in time even after millions of years. George, UT 84770(435) 673-3617. Suggested Read: 10 Museums In Washington DC For An Insight Into The American History. No list of the best places to visit in Utah is complete without a visit to Zion National Park. Thousands of people each day enjoy Utah's famous backcountry the areas outside of ski area boundaries. Plan a winter Southeastern Utah trip. Payson Community Creche: (Payson): Dec. 3 & 4 from 4-9 pm. West Jordan, Utah, United States. Utahs 800+ miles of groomed trails offer winter snowmobiling fun for all find out more! 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. Its a contender for ultimate winter family photo, and a winter wonderland the kids wont soon forget. For Sparta! The crew typically carries out their simulations during winter months, and youre welcome to take photos from a distance. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Plus Greenwell Inn Related: Best Family Hotels in Utah Related: Things to Do in Moab 10. Christmas in the Canyon(St. George): Nov. 26 Dec. 23 at 6-9 PM. Young Living Family Farm Country Christmas (Mona): Wagon Rides and Light Display. Imaginorium: Nov. 29-Dec. 23, M-Th 4-9 pm and F-Sat 4-10 pm. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Plus Wendover Inn. FREE hot chocolate and doughnuts and wagon rides. You must reach Springdale in Utah to lodge and explore the high canyon walls, Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, and forest. See All Itineraries Previous Group The Galliavan Center offers ice skating opportunities, bringing you closer to the wintry season. Pro tip: At the Main Library in downtown Salt Lake City you can take a ride in the glass elevator to the roof, observe the dormant beehive, then walk down the swooping steps to the courtyard. This review is the subjective opinion of a . As the largest national park in Utah, Canyonlands provides a variety of winter adventures, including winter hiking and stargazing. Friday-Monday1-7 pmthrough Dec. 20. Take a contemplative walk around the grounds and catch the hourly docent-led tours inside the Utah State Capitol. Get into the holidays by walking through one of Salt Lakes most elegant hotels. Fun times for kids who like trains. Ski Southern Utah: High Alpine Trails + Red Rock Wonder. Anna and Elsa fans will appreciate the frozen wonderland all lit up at night in blue and pink. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Little America Hotel Salt Lake City, 311 West 8500 SouthSpanish Fork, UT 84660(801) 787-1510. Zoo Lights: SLC Dec. 3-23, 26-31 from 5:30-9:30 pm. The warm pink sand of Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is naturally formed out of the erosion of Navajo sandstone surrounding the park. The Grand StaircaseEscalante National Monument is the largest national monument in the United States and the most remote in the country. Copyright 2023 Utah.com. Of Utah's 15 resorts, 10 are within an hour of the Salt Lake City International Airport. U.S. Olympic Team Trials Speed Skating December 17-19, 2021, 11 am-9 pm Utah Olympic Oval, Kearns. Moving from city to summit doesn't take long. Each year artists hand-place thousands of icicles to create magical castles, sculptures and playgrounds that shine bright in front of a rainbow of LED lights. A New Peace on Earth presentation projected on ceiling of Tabernacle. On the ArizonaUtah state line sits a unique landmark within the territory of the Navajo Tribal Nation. And you can visit Santa as part of your admission price to Zoo Lights. It's quaint and cute just like Midway. Your kid likes trains? The holiday market is only open for one weekend in December and its this weekend, from Dec. 1 to Dec. 4. Kids will have a swell time at the St. George Childrens Museum. The top-rated Utah Shakespeare Festival has been offering widely acclaimed Shakespearean and contemporary theater shows to locals and tourists in Utah since 1961. The holiday season is here again, and theres no question that people will be enjoying the outdoors after spending much of the 2020 holiday season indoors. Hiking, Non-ski Winter Activities, Scenic Drives/Road Trips, Ski and Snowboard, Stargazing. How to Visit Southern Utah in Winter Tickets sell out quickly for this limited engagement event, so make sure to buy your tickets well in advance. Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is home to tons of great stuff to do in Utah, such as sandboarding, ATV riding, camping, hiking, star gazing, wildlife watching, horseback riding, and more. Afterwards, try ice skating at the Midway Ice Rink. Brilliant. The Utah State Capitol sits atop Salt Lake Citys Capitol Hill, which overlooks the capitals downtown area. From pink desert sand and castle-like Mormon temples to glowing rocks and Hindu architecture, Utah is actually and unbelievably underrated. While winter weather in Southern Utah can be mild youll still need to deal with cooler and widely fluctuating temperatures as well as intermittent rain and snow. Go as far as you want on Little Cottonwood Trail up Little Cottonwood Canyon. Definitely one of the must see tourist spots in Utah that you shouldnt miss! Nativities Nativity in the Glen (SLC): Dec. 3 from 6-9 PM. Zoo Lights: SLC Dec. 3-23, 26-31 from 5:30-9:30 pm. Bryce Canyon - 5.7 days / 15.3 inches. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Marriotts MountainSide, Related: Best Ski Resorts in Utah for Families. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Grand America Hotel, Related: Best Things to Do in Salt Lake City, 1345 Lowell AvenuePark City, UT 84060(435) 649-8111. Use code AdventureFamily15 to save 15% off tickets. Where: Utahs family-friendly ski resorts. Landscaping and gardening workshops are also offered here, so if you dont know what to do in Utah this weekend, consider signing up. 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. Need winter break ideas? Zootah Christmas Lights: (Logan): November 27-Dec.18 (Th, F, and Sat). Explore the solar system, black holes, alien landscapes, and distant galaxies through interactive and mind-churning exhibits and activities at the planetarium. The Grand America hosts walking tours for the holiday season that show off new displays in windows for the holiday season. FREE. Here are just a few of our favorite annual holiday events to check out here in Salt Lake. A new walk-thru light display. Ut ah Popular in Utah See more RootsTech After Party for Young Adults RootsTech After Party for Young Adults The only challenge is deciding if you want to stay in a slope-side lodge or a hotel in the city. A lot of the fun things to do in Utah are in Moab, such as off-roading, hiking, and even whitewater rafting. The red-orange desert scenery and iconic buttes of Monument Valley have been featured several times in films, music, video games, commercials, and TV shows. Imagine an old-fashioned theater experience, with costumed vendors all around selling snacks and drinks. Come enjoy More Mountain Time, whether it is on a ski slope, a snowshoeing trail or in an alpine spa destination. Tree will be lit at 6:00. 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. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Canyons Boutique Hotel A Canyons Collection Property, Interstate 80Wendover, UT 84083(801) 977-4300. Discount code adventure15 to save 15% off tickets. Tickets include sleigh ride, cocoa, and sledding hill. You and your family can head over to check out the lights. The classic, winter tradition of finding the perfect hill from which to launch a tube or sled is alive and well in Utah. 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. Skip the crowded peak season and embrace the quiet of a winter visit to Arches National Park. The Clark Planetarium opened way back in April 2003, replacing the historic Hansen Planetarium under a grant from the Clark Foundation. Lightwalk at Liberty Park: SLC Dec. 3-18 from 5-10 pm. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Home2 Suites by Hilton Salt Lake City-East, 300 Wakara WaySalt Lake City, UT 84108(801) 585-0556. Stroll around the garden and encounter different plant collections and themed gardens. Our favorite Christmas adventure! Needless to say kids love it! When Maren and Racer Gibson started rescuing huskies and malamutes over 20 years ago their intention very likely wasnt to make a profit or start a business. Guests are invited to make s'mores, sip hot chocolate, and explore the 135-foot tunneled walkway. Breakfast With Santa December 5,12,19, 2021, Multiple Times Zermatt Mountain Resort, Midway A local favorite for celebrating the season, families can enjoy breakfast with Santa and other holiday characters on select days in December at this annual holiday event in Salt Lake. 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. Bonus: you can ride the carousel and sometimes see a few animals. Hiking in winter is perfect for getting the family out of the house and into the crisp fresh air. West Salt Lake Valley Christmas Light Drive: We created this list with 8 awesome stops in the West area of Salt Lake valley. Channel your inner figure skater as you race and twirl around the rink. People can bid on trees, wreaths, quilts and more at FestivalofTreesUtah.org. Let it all go on a walk through the Ice Castles in Midway. 10. Aside from having The Greatest Snow on Earth, what sets Utah apart from other skiing locations is the easy access. Youll get to see firsthand how much the dogs love being on the team and pulling guests on the sleds. Christmas on the Farm(Cedar City): November 26-27, Dec. 4, 8, 11, & 15, at 10-4. 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. Salt Lake during the holidays? Youll find holiday markets, festivals, concerts, pop up bars, dance performances, musicals, and more to celebrate the holiday season in Salt Lake. Resting at the bottom of a 55 foot-tall crater in Midway, Utah there is a warm pool of geothermal waters that is perfect for swimming, relaxing and even diving year round. Recommended Hotel Nearby: SpringHill Suites by Marriott Salt Lake City Draper, 350 State StreetSalt Lake City, UT 84103(801) 538-1800. Copyright Family Destinations Guide 2023. Explore snowshoeing. A museum where kids can touch and play with everything! Lace up and get skating! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Theres a live nativity and display of small nativities in Payson. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Salt Lake Marriott Downtown at City Creek, 110 400 WSalt Lake City, UT 84101(385) 468-7827. Loveland Living Planet Aquarium brings together the critters from South America, Utah, the Antarctic, Asia, and all of the earths oceans. Provo River Cruise(Provo) Dec. 1-23. Built in 2011, this modern museum has a collection of exotic butterflies, minerals and indigenous masterpieces. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Ramada by Wyndham Cedar City. Whether youre glamping or choosing a simpler option, yurt camping in Utah during the wintertime is a fun, unique experience you wont want to miss out on. 4.5 /5 (805 reviews) Lake Powell is part of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Most of the famous sights in Salt Lake City are all within the area of this gorgeous square, such as world-class restaurants, parks, and breathtaking infrastructures. By clicking "I Agree", you consent to the use of cookies. The Natural History Museum of Utah is a grand museum found within the University of Utahs research park. Nighttime is the right time for skiers and boarders seeking solitude on the piste. Less than an hour's drive from Salt Lake City, Heber Valley is the perfect Utah snowmobile base camp for newbies and experienced riders alike. As youre mapping out your winter trip through southeastern Utah, consider adding the following parks and natural wonders to your itinerary. 4:30-8:00 pm at Zootah with reindeer encounters. You can now visit the iconic house from the tear-jerking film Up at 13218 Herriman Rose Boulevard in Herriman, Utah. Find your sense of adventure and awe in the vast yet intricate swaths of desert from Arches National Park to Monument Valley.