Its a season full of activity. 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:. Nov. 19-Jan 1. Anna and Elsa fans will appreciate the frozen wonderland all lit up at night in blue and pink. Ready? Find out tips for riding and the best places to explore in Utah. For more information, see our Privacy Policy. For more information, see our Privacy Policy. Want to avoid the Utah national park crowds? More details on their event post. found in the higher elevation regions of Southern Utah, Fresh Tracks in Kamas Utah's Snowcountry, Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity. 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. Nativity in the Glen(SLC): Dec. 3 from 6-9 PM. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Home2 Suites by Hilton Salt Lake City-East, 300 Wakara WaySalt Lake City, UT 84108(801) 585-0556. Now you can start planning your holiday season. North Pole Express at Thunder Junction (St. George): Every Friday, Saturday, and Monday for the first 3 weekends in December from 6-8 PM. Free cookies and hot cocoa. The holiday market is only open for one weekend in December and it's this weekend, from Dec. 1 to Dec. 4. Cant decide where to go in Utah with your other half? Among the many venues that host free events are The Gallivan Center, Pioneer Park, and Temple Square. 4x4 Half-Day Adventure at Canyonlands National Park. Use code AdventureFamily15 to save 15% off tickets. Explore snowshoeing. Bonus: you can ride the carousel and sometimes see a few animals. Sunsets and sunrises further enhance the colors of this surreal spectacle, so come early or stay for the night. Deer Valley. During the holiday season, Utahs Hogle Zoo lights up with over 200 lighted animal and holiday-themed displays in the evenings. Things To Do Lodging Tours & Guides Deals Events Store Maps & Brochures Share Events So, you're looking for things to do in Utah . 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. Adventurous nature lovers will love the trails that lead to rocky and sandy state parks. Browse through the museums artifacts, and enter the teepee to check out the black-lit room that features glowing minerals and paintings. 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. Discover some of the most picturesque places to photograph in Southern Utah, and learn some tips for how to shoot and travel responsibly. You can explore by location, what's popular, our top picks, free stuff. For Sparta! Young Living Farm Country Christmas: Nov. 26-Dec.22 from 6-9 pm. From sliding down gentle slopes to racing down 1,200 foot lanes, there is tubing for everyone in Utah. All rights reserved. People can bid on trees, wreaths, quilts and more at FestivalofTreesUtah.org. A New Peace on Earth presentation projected on ceiling of Tabernacle. Moderate crowds and temperatures in April-May and September-October make these months the best time to visit Utah and its national parks. 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. Bikers, hikers, campers, and families come here in throngs for its spring and fall excitement. Within this natural sandstone cave in southern Utah is a natural history museum boasting a bar and fluorescent minerals. FREE, East Salt Lake Valley Christmas Light Drive: 6 stops in Draper and Sandy that you can do all in one night. Performances are held throughout the month of December, with special matinee performances every weekend at discounted prices. Stay for the sunset; its heavenly here. Experience snowshoeing the greatest snow on Earth. For maps and assistance, theres a visitor center. Red Hills Desert Garden is a cute introduction to Utahs grand, out-of-this-world terrain. The Cox Performing Arts Center is located at 225 S. 700 East, St. George, UT 84770. No matter your level of adventure, you will find good reason to save some time for a day away from the resort. Alpine Living Nativity (Alpine): Dec. 2-4, 10-11. 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. Adventure, Hiking, History and Heritage, Native American, Non-ski Winter Activities, Scenic Drives/Road Trips, Stargazing. Park City is one of the most popular destinations for cross country skiers, although Nordic centers can be found all over Northern Utah. Non-ski Winter Activities, Ski and Snowboard. Experiencing the peace of canyon country in the winter is an attraction of its own. Time: 2-3 hours. Tickets are available atwww.starofwonder.comand the show runs Dec. 4-11. Cost: $9.95-$14.95 per person. Here are the details on local pros who can help get you the gear or guide your adventure. Recommended Hotel Nearby: University Guest House & Conference Center, 12033 Lone Peak ParkwayDraper UT, 84020(801) 355-3474. Take a road trip from Capitol Reef to Bryce Canyon and enjoy the best of Utah landscapes during its quiet season. Gingerbread House Contest Display (Brigham City): Dec. 2-Jan 3. Walk through time on a switchbacking boardwalk through the fossil record at the Natural History Museum of Utah. Utahs Wasatch Mountains are a popular destination. Dinosaurs and Native Americans from millions to thousands of years ago once occupied this cave, leaving behind a trail of fossils, footprints, pottery, art, and more, all displayed at the natural history museum inside. At its end, this leads to the Narrows area, which involves a more strenuous and adventurous . Recreational opportunities and gorgeous scenery also await, and sunsets here turn skies into a kaleidoscope of colors. Everyone in the family will get fired up about this one. Let it all go on a walk through the Ice Castles in Midway. Tickets required. George, UT 84770(435) 673-3617. Dinosaur National Monument Extreme Sports Events Fishing Golfing Hiking & Backpacking Horseback Riding Hunting Canoe & Kayak Mountain Biking Museums Old West Mormon River Rafting Rock Climbing Shopping Skiing Snowmobiling Spas Stand Up Paddle Boarding Utah Olympic Park Latest Articles & Itineraries Travel Guides and Brochures View Brochures Athletes still train here, and ski schools in Utah resorts might be the start of a future Olympians career. Santas Arrival at Station Park(Farmington): November 26 @ 9-11 AM. BIG IRON TOUR CO. - Veteran & Locally Owned Off-Road Tour Company. Mon, Fri, and Sat from November 26December 22. Moqui Caves temperatures never go beyond 65 degrees, and theres a nice outdoor cafe that serves refreshing snacks and cold drinks. One can of food per person donation encouraged. 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. 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 . Take a contemplative walk around the grounds and catch the hourly docent-led tours inside the Utah State Capitol. Even the interior of the house from wallpaper to furniture is a complete replica from Carl and Ellies home in the film! Nov. 29-Dec. 4. Find your next ride here. 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. Family Destinations Guide is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. So if youre looking to warm up and slow down at the same time, be sure to pack your swimsuit on this winter trip. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Ledgestone Hotel Vernal. Rileys Family Christmas(Genola): Monday, Friday, & Saturday starting November 29 from 5:30-8:30. 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! Navajos have been here since AD 1,400. If youve been dreaming of Martian-like deserts, rust-colored gargantuan rock formations, and blooming succulents for your next vacation, Utah is your best bet. If youre planning a family trip this year, consider Midways Ice Castles a must-see. Shop for ski gear like a local. A lot of the fun things to do in Utah are in Moab, such as off-roading, hiking, and even whitewater rafting. Learn more and plan your visit! More than 6,000 lights illuminate a milelong walk through the Ashton Gardens at Thanksgiving Point. Stroll through the re-created Utahn terrain and fall in love with desert flora. Not only does it guarantee a great time for skiers; it also offers non-skiers and snowboarders lots of chances to frolic in the snow. More than 200 lighted animal and holiday-themed displays illuminate the holiday season. Ride the Heber Valley Railroad with Santa. Guests are invited to make s'mores, sip hot chocolate, and explore the 135-foot tunneled walkway. A Sundance ski vacation is the perfect blend of Utah ski bliss and the year's most promising films. Copyright 2023 Utah Office of Tourism. Today the park is a natural marvel well loved by adventurers who want to witness the grandeur of its dramatic sandstone formations in person. But that's just the beginning. The ski lift may be closer, but the Provo River, one of the best fisheries in Utah and the country, is mere minutes down the road from Sundance Mountain Resort. The real Up house was built in 2011 by Bangerter Homes with permission from Disney. Experience more peace, quiet and solitude. Zootah Christmas Lights: (Logan): November 27-Dec.18 (Th, F, and Sat). Finding Helper at a time when she needed it the most, landscape artist Anne Kaferle has put down roots in Utah, thanks to plein-air painting and the healing power of time alone in the landscape. And the 2021 holiday season offers a slew of new activities for you and your family. Since the dawn of time, families have been balling up snow and throwing it at each other. To put it simply, the riding in Utah is epic. Next Group. 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. Today at 6:30 PM Keller Williams Realty Logan, UT Master Magic Class Master Magic Class Tomorrow at 5:00 PM + 45 more events The Book Table Logan, UT 2023 UACEP Conference & Members Meeting - March 6-7 2023 UACEP Conference & Members Meeting - March 6-7 Tue, Mar 7, 9:00 AM Utah State University - Taggart Student Center Logan, UT You must reach Springdale in Utah to lodge and explore the high canyon walls, Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, and forest. . And the fun doesnt stop on Christmas Day. Afterwards, try ice skating at the Midway Ice Rink. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western PLUS Rubys Inn, 13312 West 1075 SouthMagna, UT 84044(801) 828-0787. Learn more about Utah's Olympic legacyand best spots to relive the games. Lace up and get skating! Here are just a few of our favorite annual holiday events to check out here in Salt Lake. 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. you got this. Find popular Nordic trailheads in the north, high altitude serenity in central Utah and miles of regularly groomed trails in the south. Experience more peace, quiet and solitude. Written December 2, 2022. . Admission is free to this annual Christmas market in Salt Lakes Foothill District. The performances will happen throughout December. Kaylin Richardson, Olympic athlete, and a friend share their favorite Park City experiences to encourage you to add the city's culture-enriched valley, scenery, food, art and access to all-season adventure to your bucket list. Loveland Living Planet Aquarium brings together the critters from South America, Utah, the Antarctic, Asia, and all of the earths oceans. 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. Gingerbread house contest entries on display at the Brigham City Christmas Village. Youll get to see firsthand how much the dogs love being on the team and pulling guests on the sleds. . Utahs windswept beauty, however, doesnt stop there. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Inn Kanab, Related: Things to Do in Zion National Park, See Ticket Price for Tour that Includes This Activity. Start making summer vacation plans today. 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. Families, on the other hand, have an endless array of cultural institutions to choose from. Enjoy winter hikes, scenic drives and some of the best stargazing in the world. Liberty Park is popular for hosting food . 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. This review is the subjective opinion of a . Bring the kids and countdown to the New Year (well before midnight) with a special lighted countdown display. Spending some time on the ice rink might bring that magical vibe of the holiday season. Then add color with snow paint. No matter your level of adventure, you will find good reason to save some time for a day away from the resort. If you cant make it to Christkindlmarkt, head for the Holiday Market at Rio Grande where local vendors offer up their wares. Camping & Backpacking, Hiking, History and Heritage, Non-ski Winter Activities, Scenic Drives/Road Trips, Stargazing. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Cathedral Valley Inn, 375 Red Hills ParkwaySt. Suggested Read: 10 Museums In Washington DC For An Insight Into The American History. A lot of the fun things to do in Utah are in Moab, such as off-roading, hiking, and even whitewater rafting. 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. FREE. Live Nativity at the Orchard (Orem): December 10 from 6-8 pm. Completed in 1998, the Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple was inspired by Rajasthani architecture from India and caters to the Hindu population of Utah. You and your family can head over to check out the lights. For most travelers, Southern Utah winters prevent comfortable camping, and occasional snowfall can make outdoor adventure a little more challenging. December 2-12, 2021 Utah Motorsports Campus, Grantsville. Where: Various locations along the Wasatch FrontUtahs new and improved public swimming pools are basically playgrounds. 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. Such is the serendipitous landscape of Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, a huge sandy playground for outdoor adventurers. For tickets and reservation information, click HERE! The top-rated Utah Shakespeare Festival has been offering widely acclaimed Shakespearean and contemporary theater shows to locals and tourists in Utah since 1961. Use the search tool below to see what holiday events you can enjoy during your next winter visit and create new traditions for your family this year. Thirteen snowboarding resorts are positioned perfectly for dumps of fluffy powder all winter long. Miscellaneous Young Living Family Farm Country Christmas (Mona): Wagon Rides and Light Display. Park City Mountain Resort is the largest ski resort in the US! Then add some ice sculpture gargoyles to intimidate the enemy. Winter rewards hikers with stunning sights of stalactites and snow covered mountains. 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. Imagine an old-fashioned theater experience, with costumed vendors all around selling snacks and drinks. Find the perfect spot to sit down, and enjoy all the different things in this library thatll keep you occupied for hours and hours. They bloom during the spring, by the way! Park City is the epicenter, but Sundance venues can also be found in Salt Lake City, Ogden and at Sundance Mountain Resort. Are you ready for Christmas activities? Capitol Reef - 1.8 days / 2.2 inches. Contact Info. In a really good way. All rights reserved. Utah's metropolitan areas are situated right by our snow-packed mountains, offering visitors unparalleled access. Explore all the different shelves offering some of the best books, stories, and novels. A lovely spot to learn to skate while enjoying pop music, The Gallivan Center offers skating throughout the winter months along with ice skate rental included for just $5 on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western PLUS Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel, 210 E 400 SSalt Lake City, UT 84111(801) 524-8200. Take a cruise on the Provo River and Santa rows up in a row boat. Ready to experience snowshoeing in Utah? Get discounts on lift tickets. 4:30-8:00 pm at Zootah with reindeer encounters. The Natural History Museum of Utah is a grand museum found within the University of Utahs research park. On Dec. 21 and Dec. 22, the Utah Symphony will perform the score to Home Alone, by John Williams. Christmas in the Canyon(St. George): Nov. 26 Dec. 23 at 6-9 PM. Visit Hogle Zoo in the Winter: Tips for Families, Christmas in Downtown Tree Lighting and Parade, West Salt Lake Valley Christmas Light Drive, East Salt Lake Valley Christmas Light Drive, Larry H Miller Christmas Carole Sing-Along, Benson Grist Mill Lighting and Live Nativity, Outlets at Traverse Mountain Virtual Tree Lighting, Santas Grand Arrival at University Place, Young Living Family Farm Country Christmas, Christmas In Dixie Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, Hedgehog Electric Christmas Light Display Map, Picture This Utah: An Interactive Photo Experience, What to Expect When Visiting Historic Nauvoo, Joseph Knight Home and Josiah Stowell Home, FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM FOR ADVENTURES ALL YEAR. Their boat launch is perfect for families who want to motor or sail atop the salty waters. Get some ideas from our road tripitineraries, bucket lists and family-friendly hikes. You can also watch scientists as they prep new specimens and be a paleontologist for a day at the dinosaur dig! As youre mapping out your winter trip through southeastern Utah, consider adding the following parks and natural wonders to your itinerary. Written December 6, 2020. Forever Mighty. Since we live in Utah County, you will notice that we have visited many more spots in Utah and Salt Lake counties. Whether youre a geek or an adventurer, this national monument has so much in store for you. However, the tough choices arent over yet. 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. Written October 2, 2021. You can now visit the iconic house from the tear-jerking film Up at 13218 Herriman Rose Boulevard in Herriman, Utah. Use code LEHIMOMs to save 20% off. So you can do this adventure after Christmas, too. No list of the best places to visit in Utah is complete without a visit to Zion National Park. Nov. 18-Jan. 1, Saratoga Springs Christmas Light Drive: 8 different houses in one nightFREE, Engh Family Christmas Lights: Saratoga SpringsFREE, A Very Merry Meridian: Saratoga SpringsFREE, Lehi Christmas Lights: Lehi (11 different houses pretty close to each other)FREE, Edwards Family Lights Show: Pleasant GroveFREE, Pleasant Grove Christmas Lights:9 Houses in one night. Our favorite Christmas adventure! Walk around downtown and vote on your favorite gingerbread creations.