Written December 2, 2022. . Among the many venues that host free events are The Gallivan Center, Pioneer Park, and Temple Square. Whether youre a geek or an adventurer, this national monument has so much in store for you. I'll be graduating with my associate's degree in December of 2021 after 2 years of school. 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. 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. Discover three world-class ski resorts located just 20 minutes from downtown, and enjoy 450 inches of powdery snow each season. When the Utah sun becomes unbearable, head over to one of Kanabs cool places, literally and figuratively. This desert is dramatic. Stroll through the re-created Utahn terrain and fall in love with desert flora. 131 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Utah - Atlas Obscura Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity. Dec. 11-24. As youre mapping out your winter trip through southeastern Utah, consider adding the following parks and natural wonders to your itinerary. Eagle Point is a Utah favorite location. 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. Copyright 2023 Deseret News Publishing Company. Since the dawn of time, families have been balling up snow and throwing it at each other. Lightwalk at Liberty Park: SLC Dec. 3-18 from 5-10 pm. Youre about to be even more inspired when you watch the Clark Planetariums amazing IMAX films. Yes, Temple Square in Salt Lake City is open for the Christmas season. Now you can start planning your holiday season. 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. 10 Fun Things to Do in Utah March 2023 | Expedia But Take an epicurean trip across the state to try all of Utahs capital is so much more than just We use cookies to improve your experience on Utah.com. Young Living Family Farm Country Christmas (Mona): Wagon Rides and Light Display. Encompassing almost 36,000 acres, the monumental splendor of Bryce Canyon National Park has long been recognized by man for thousands of years. Use code LEHIMOMs to save 20% off. It takes up part of Arizona and southern Utah. Nighttime is the right time for skiers and boarders seeking solitude on the piste. Now those visiting Park City can experience the snowy wilderness like never before as theyre pulled on a sled behind a team of 10 energetic pups. From pink desert sand and castle-like Mormon temples to glowing rocks and Hindu architecture, Utah is actually and unbelievably underrated. Gingerbread House Display: University Place Mall in Orem. Miscellaneous Previous Group Camping & Backpacking, Hiking, History and Heritage, Non-ski Winter Activities, Scenic Drives/Road Trips, Stargazing. Throughout the season, nights and shaded areas are quite chilly, while exploring in the sunshine can be delightful. Cedar City - 5.5 days / 13.2 inches. 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. More than 6,000 lights illuminate a milelong walk through the Ashton Gardens at Thanksgiving Point. It's like going from the bottom of the ocean to the canopies of the Amazon Rainforest in one day. You and your family can head over to check out the lights. 1661 East Murray-Holladay Road (4800 South), Where: Various locations in Salt Lake City. Things to Do for Christmas in St. George, Utah - Jackie Ruden Realty Team Fine, here's a plethora of Utah events to keep you feeling fulfilled. The Bonneville Salt Flats cover 30,000 acres of white salt crust one the western edge of the Great Salt Lake. St. George Gingerbread House Parade (St. George): Nov. 29-Dec. 11 Different businesses have gingerbread houses on display. 25 Best Things to Do in Utah Fun Activities & Stuff to Do! Tickets are available atwww.starofwonder.comand the show runs Dec. 4-11. Its a contender for ultimate winter family photo, and a winter wonderland the kids wont soon forget. 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. Pretty simple. Utah Winter Activities & Things To Do in Winter | Visit Utah Follow this itinerary for a week-long winter road trip across the snow-covered desert of Southeastern Utah. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western PLUS Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel, 210 E 400 SSalt Lake City, UT 84111(801) 524-8200. Best of all, you wont need to worry about checking your snowshoeing gear at the airport (although it would be much easier now). When winter blasts its arctic forcefield, the Utah ice castles a frozen fairytale of ice and snow emerge on an acre of land at Soldier Hollow Nordic Center in Midway. As youre mapping out your winter trip through southeastern Utah, consider adding the following parks and natural wonders to your itinerary. Adventure, Hiking, History and Heritage, Native American, Non-ski Winter Activities, Scenic Drives/Road Trips, Stargazing. Soak up incredible views along the parks scenic drive or gear up and head out on a wintry hike. 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. It spans over a million acres, dates back to 200 million years in the distant past, and bears an incredible wealth of fossils and artifacts. U.S. Olympic Team Trials Speed Skating December 17-19, 2021, 11 am-9 pm Utah Olympic Oval, Kearns. 4x4 Safari Excursion in Arches National Park. 101+ Fun Things To Do During Christmas In Utah - So Festive! Free Events & Activities in Salt Lake City, Utah Your browser is not supported for this experience.We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. 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. Everyone in the family will get fired up about this one. Check out the retired engines and cabooses outside and head inside to watch some model trains doing their thing. From snowmobiling to skiing, snowshoeing to sledding and fishing, Bear Lake in the winter is everything youll want from your next winter vacation. Tubing is the answer. And the fun doesnt stop on Christmas Day. Utah heli skiing and snowboarding are perfect for those who want to ride some of the best backcountry in the world. Arches National Park has been frequented by humans since 10,000 years ago, as evidenced by petroglyphs and artifacts found in the area. FREE. North Pole Festival: Rio Tinto Stadium. 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. November 26-Jan. 2. 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. Icicle artisans spend the winter building the castles through magic and science. Hedgehog Electric Christmas Light Display Map: this map of St. George Christmas Lights isnt out yet, but we will update this link once it is readythe link currently goes to the 2020 list. Then add color with snow paint. And camping is an excellent option for those who want to explore the lake at a leisurely pace. Or feel the "freedom" at The Gateway and City Creek Center, two local malls also known for providing free, fun events. Contact Info. The top-rated Utah Shakespeare Festival has been offering widely acclaimed Shakespearean and contemporary theater shows to locals and tourists in Utah since 1961. If you're into thrills, and wondering what to do in Park City, Utah, try the Utah Olympic Park bobsled ride aptly called "The Comet" - one of the longest slides in the world, with over 3,000 feet of fast and furious gliding and sliding. Utah Travel Industry Website, Printable Road Trip Activity Book For Kids, Monument Valley | Highway 163 Scenic Drive, Places to Stay Near Coral Pink Sand Dunes, Utah Valley Adventures for Every Type of Summer-er, Urban Wall Crawl: Murals in Salt Lake City. If theyre not in space suits, however, you can go ahead and ask for a brief tour. Deer Valley. Run Run Reindeer 5K Race! A New Peace on Earth presentation projected on ceiling of Tabernacle. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Little America Hotel Salt Lake City, 311 West 8500 SouthSpanish Fork, UT 84660(801) 787-1510. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Red Hills, 2200 Cow Dung RoadHanksville, UT 84734(303) 984-9346. 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. The Salt Lake City Public Library is one of the most stunning works of modernist architecture, designed by internationally acclaimed architect Moshe Safdie. A lot of the fun things to do in Utah are in Moab, such as off-roading, hiking, and even whitewater rafting. Hiking, Non-ski Winter Activities, Scenic Drives/Road Trips, Ski and Snowboard. Lightwalk at Liberty Park: SLC Dec. 3-18 from 5-10 pm. Dates beginning Nov. 26, 2021 on Fridays & Saturdays. Tours around the temple are available daily for you to check out the temples elaborate architecture, animals, and organic crops. Get into the holidays by walking through one of Salt Lakes most elegant hotels. 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. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Kimpton Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City, 195 W Center StreetCedar City, UT, 84720(800) 752-9849. Things To Do in Salt Lake in Winter Ice Skating. 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:. During the holiday season, Utahs Hogle Zoo lights up with over 200 lighted animal and holiday-themed displays in the evenings. Festival of Trees(Virtual): No dates, but virtual again this year. Zoo Lights: SLC Dec. 3-23, 26-31 from 5:30-9:30 pm. Ut ah Popular in Utah See more RootsTech After Party for Young Adults RootsTech After Party for Young Adults Recommended Hotel Nearby: Gouldings Lodge, 50 N TempleSalt Lake City, UT 84150(801) 531-1000, At the heart of Salt Lake City is the magnificent Temple Square, a 10-acre complex owned by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Discover Utahs Wellness Retreats. 25 Best Things to Do in Utah Fun Activities & Stuff to Do! Kelli Gard - Executive Administrative Assistant - ARUP Laboratories Tickets include sleigh ride, cocoa, and sledding hill. Use that energy to build a snow fort. Things can be a little quieter down here this time of year. Towering red rocks dusted in snow, often set against bright blue skies, welcome winter visitors to Capitol Reef National Park. Visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance. Yep you read that right. Copyright Family Destinations Guide 2023. More info here. Holly Days Festival(Vernal): November 26: A day full of fun,FREEactivities throughout the Vernal area including a light parade and fireworks. They have lazy rivers, slides and buckets that pour water in your eyeballs when you least expect it. 11 Utah Christmas events you might want to check out this year . Gingerbread House Contest Display (Brigham City): Dec. 2-Jan 3. 801.534.4900 | 800.541.4955, National Parks, Monuments & Recreation Areas, Advertise in the Salt Lake Official Visitors Guide, Don't miss the Temple Lights this holiday season. Admission is free to this annual Christmas market in Salt Lakes Foothill District. Nowhere else in the world do individuals have the choices and proximity to ski and golf the same day as they have here in Utah. Just make sure you do it before Dec. 24 since hes pretty busy that day. For a more unforgettable experience, book a tour with a Navajo guide! We were there in late December 2021 and it was chilly but not particularly cold during the day. Everything is fascinating but your kids might beeline to the dinosaur gallery to get skull to skull with Allosaurus, Utahceratops and Utahraptor. Christmas at the Homestead(Cedar City): Frontier Homestead Museum has decorations, including the Twelve Trees of Christmas. 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. Walk around downtown and vote on your favorite gingerbread creations. From sliding down gentle slopes to racing down 1,200 foot lanes, there is tubing for everyone in Utah. This fundraising event for Primary Childrens Hospital is an excellent way to kick off the holiday season with doors open to the public for three days of oohing and ahhing while shopping for small gifts. 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. During the spring, the snow from the previous season melts into the clearest water, mirroring the sky above and the surrounding mountain ranges. FREE. After an adventure packed vacation of skiing, sliding, exploring and marvelling, the only thing left to do is relax and recount your favorite moments. Copyright 2023 Utah.com. FREE. FREE, Twas the Lights Before Christmas: Riverton Nov. 30-Dec. 31 FREE. Wondering where to go snowshoeing? Find the best ice skating rinks in Utah and plan the perfect skate night with your friends and family. Have you ever been helplessly curious about what lies beyond our skies? Think of them more like community hubs where staff and volunteers teach free workshops on reading, art, computers, legos, yoga, storytime and more. Kid-friendly activities include daily parades, a live nativity, a gnome festival, and more. 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. Go as far as you want on Little Cottonwood Trail up Little Cottonwood Canyon. Each year, the Mountain America Expo Center hosts the Festival of Trees, which is a major holiday convention where crafty people can meet decorators and vendors in the community. You can now visit the iconic house from the tear-jerking film Up at 13218 Herriman Rose Boulevard in Herriman, Utah. Anna and Elsa fans will appreciate the frozen wonderland all lit up at night in blue and pink. Copyright 2023 Utah.com. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Recreational opportunities and gorgeous scenery also await, and sunsets here turn skies into a kaleidoscope of colors. A new walk-thru light display. Next Group. Lights on Wakefield: This event is currently not happening because of changes in city ordinances. We use cookies to improve your experience on Utah.com. Thirteen snowboarding resorts are positioned perfectly for dumps of fluffy powder all winter long. The event, which benefits patients at Intermountain Primary Childrens Hospital, will be held virtually Tuesday, Nov. 30, through Saturday, Dec. 4, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. FREE, East Salt Lake Valley Christmas Light Drive: 6 stops in Draper and Sandy that you can do all in one night. Experience snowshoeing the greatest snow on Earth. Tickets required, Christmas on the Farm Live Nativity(Cedar City): Dec. 6, & 13 at 6-8 PM. A Pioneer Christmas: Provo Pioneer Village on Dec. 17, 18, and 20 from 5-8 pm. 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. Lights, train rides, live Nativities, and Santa. Where: Various locations along the Wasatch FrontUtahs new and improved public swimming pools are basically playgrounds. Park City is one of the most popular destinations for cross country skiers, although Nordic centers can be found all over Northern Utah. Located 25 minutes away from Park City, Bear Ridge Adventures also offers authentic dog sled tours on scenic private property. 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. Moqui Caves temperatures never go beyond 65 degrees, and theres a nice outdoor cafe that serves refreshing snacks and cold drinks. Ski Southern Utah: High Alpine Trails + Red Rock Wonder. Keep the contradictions going by cruising along the Waterpocket Fold, a water-free buckle of land that serves as the backbone of the park. Skip the crowded peak season and embrace the quiet of a winter visit to Arches National Park. Of Utah's 15 resorts, 10 are within an hour of the Salt Lake City International Airport. 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. Imagine an old-fashioned theater experience, with costumed vendors all around selling snacks and drinks. Cant decide where to go in Utah with your other half? Youll step into two national parks, three state parks, and all the scenic winding roads your heart could desire. Definitely among the top places to see in Utah, the Grand StaircaseEscalante National Monument is nothing short of, well, grand. 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. For maps and assistance, theres a visitor center. No matter your level of adventure, you will find good reason to save some time for a day away from the resort. Pleasant fall wraps Utah in colorful foliage along the scenic drives. Moving from city to summit doesn't take long. Boutiques within the grounds create breathtaking displays for the holidays season and there's the not-to-be-missed Grand Gingerbread House that can stretch upwards of 15 feet. If you were looking for cheap yet visually appealing destinations, Red Hills Desert Garden opens its doors to you for free! Utahsstateandnational parkswill be thawed out before you know it! George, UT 84770(435) 673-3617. All Rights Reserved. Zootah Christmas Lights: (Logan): November 27-Dec.18 (Th, F, and Sat). Kite skiing (snow kiting) is attracting freestyle adventure seekers to Utah. It's quaint and cute just like Midway. 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. From swimming to sledding, the whole family will enjoy (or at least appreciate) these fun winter activities. 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. Where: Utahs family-friendly ski resorts. . Recommended Hotel Nearby: Comfort Suites St George University Area, 301 Wakara WaySalt Lake City, UT 84108(801) 581-6927. 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. Each of these annual events are held in Salt Lake and Utah counties. 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 Try these indoor and outdoor winter activities for kids and parents alike. Capitol Reef - 1.8 days / 2.2 inches. This year there will be displays and limited lights (due to construction). The holiday market is only open for one weekend in December and its this weekend, from Dec. 1 to Dec. 4. Learn more about why Bryce Canyon and the surrounding areas are the perfect place for winter hiking, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Learn about the cool places to kite ski in Utah, grab your equipment and go! Finally, businesses in many of Utahs smaller communities shutter for the season. 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. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western PLUS Rubys Inn, 13312 West 1075 SouthMagna, UT 84044(801) 828-0787. Completed in 1916, this Neoclassical revival, Corinthian-style building has seen so much struggle and growth since Utahs early beginnings as a state. 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. Lake Powell. Utahs Wasatch Mountains are a popular destination. Salt Lake during the holidays? Grand America Holiday Windows: Nov. 1-Dec. 31 M- TH: 4 PM 8 PMand FRI SUN: 10 AM-5PM. However, the tough choices arent over yet. Maybe your teens can help you come up with the weirdest smore combination like starbursts and saltines.