Things to do in Utah During Christmas

Can you believe it? Thanksgiving is just around the corner. I love this time to celebrate with family and friends. Are you ready to start making some holiday magic and memories?

To help you plan your holiday season we have compiled a huge comprehensive list of over 100 fantastic Holiday Activities and Events in Utah to put on your to do list this Christmas season. Many are free and some activities are starting this weekend.

The list is organized by county, to help you find what you're looking for quickly. We've included the free events at the bottom of each counties listing. Please be sure to check each link to see the full details and what dates the events run along with any updates. 

Salt Lake County

Pay for:

Hogle Zoo’s ZooLights is something you can’t go wrong with. Runs December 1-31. Plus, on Thursday’s in December you’ll be able to get in to see ZooLights for $3.00 bucks with a vouch from any Utah's Wendy's. Zoo members get in for just $3 on December 6-7 and $1 off every other day. Also, see Santa and Live Reindeer with paid ZooLights.

This is The Place Candlelight Christmas - Runs December 9-23. Admission is $7/Adults, $5/Seniors, $5/children, children 2 and under are free. Enjoy a visit with Father Christmas, live Nativity scene, carolers, holiday shopping and more.

Christmas in Color (Kearns & Provo) - Cost is $21.96 online or $26 for drive-up Mon-Thurs and $25.95 or $32 for drive up Fri-Sat.
*Discount* Available Coupon - Save 40%

Breakfast or Tea with Santa (Salt Lake) - November 26, December 3, 10, 17, 22 & 23 at Grand America.  Cost starts at $32.50.

Festival of Trees - November 30-December 3 at the South Towne Expo Center. Enjoy beautiful trees, gingerbread creations, entertainment and more. Tickets are $6/Adults, $3/Children ages 2-11, $5/Seniors. Discount tickets are available at most Zion Bank Branches and Wednesday, November 30 is Family Day were a family ticket can be purchased for $18. All proceeds go the Primary Children's Hospital.

Holiday Festival (Kearns) - More info coming soon at Utah Olympic Oval. Enjoy funny face photo booth, public ice skating, sports clinics, ice carver, Oval Figure Skating Show, holiday crafts, and much more! Admission is Adults/$5; kids & seniors/$3 or free with non-perishable donation.

Brunch with Santa (Salt Lake) - December 3, 10 & 17 at the Sheraton. Prices start at $22.50.

Chris Mitchell performs "Let it Snow"  (Salt Lake) - December 16 at Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center. Grammy nominated sax superstar.
*Discount* Available Coupon - Save 50%

Gingerbread House Festival (Salt Lake) - Monday, December 12 from 3:30-8 pm at This Is The Place Heritage Park. Includes gingerbread houses, face painting, cookie decorating, photo with Santa, crafts and more. Admission is $5/Adult $3/Children.

Dickens' Christmas Festival - runs Salt Lake December 8-10 at the South Towne Expo Center. Enjoy light displays, trees and quaint shops and booths to browse. Admission is $7/Adults; $6/Seniors; $5/children 4-12. *Discount* Available Coupon - Save 50%

Discovery Gateway Breakfast & Brunch with Santa - Enjoy a tasty warm breakfast or brunch, holiday crafts and play time in the Museum with Jolly Old Saint Nick - watch for more details.

Petersen Farm-Style Christmas - at 11800 S 4000 W, Riverton, get high quality trees, local produce, wagon rides, camp fire, fun for the kids, visit with Santa and grab some hot cocoa. Tickets are $5.

Red Butte Garden Winter Solstice - December 17 with children's crafts and activities.

FREE:

Gardner Village with the kids and let them hunt down the list of elves. Find all the elves on the Scavenger Hunt list (available beginning November 19). Then head to Naborhood Bakery for a sugar cookie for only $0.50 (reg. $1)!

Echoes Of Christmas - watch for more info

Trees of Diversity (West Valley) – Watch for more details. Located at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center (1355 W 3100 S). The Trees of Diversity exhibit showcases not only decorated trees, but also gingerbread houses, wreaths, nativities and other holiday scenes. 

City Creek Santa Arrival (Salt Lake) - Thursday, November 17 at 6pm  for Santa's arrival. Join the fun and gather for his magical rooftop arrival. Children get a free light wand (while supplies last) to help guide Santa to a safe landing. Fountain show starts at 8pm with characters from Ballet West's The Nutcracker.

Shops at South Town Santa Arrival (Sandy) - Friday, November 18 at 6pm at Shops at South Town in Sandy. Santa arrives, guests  will be able to select a free ornament and enjoy a complimentary Holiday treat.

Light Up the Night (Salt Lake) - November 19 at 5 pm at The Gateway. Enjoy warm beverages, sweet treat, and live music.

Grand America Window Unveiling (Salt Lake) - Tuesday, November 22. The whimsical window displays run November 22 - December 31. Kids get a surprise at the end of the journey.

Valley Fair Mall Santa Arrival (West Valley)- Saturday, November 23 at 5pm. Santa will arrive with live reindeer, music and more.

Gallivan Center Lights On (Salt Lake) - Friday, November 25 at 4pm.

FM 100 Christmas Concert Series (Sandy) - at Shops at South Town begin November 25. These are FREE mini-concerts offered through out December. All concerts begin at 12 noon in the mall - seating is provided, but limited. After opening week, the concerts are held every Tuesday and Thursday at Noon.

Lights on Temple Square (Salt Lake) - November 25 and run until New Year's Eve.

Tree Lighting (Draper) - Monday, November 28 at 6 pm at Draper City Park. Visit from Santa, music and a big celebration.

Light The Night (Cottonwood Heights) - Monday, November 28 at 6:30 pm at Cottonwood Heights City Hall. There will be music, crafts, treats, and Santa.

Santa's Arrival & Holly Days (Riverton) - November 28 December 2-3 at 6:30 pm at Riverton Park.

The Live Nativity in Bluffdale - Watch for more information - at LDS Church building at 2700 W 14400 S. Admission is Free.

Light the Night (South Jordan) - Friday, December 2 at 6:30 pm at South Jordan City Plaza. Hay rides, hot cocoa, free ice skating and more.

Candy Windows (South Jordan) - December 2-31 at 1600 W Towne Center Dr.

Christmas in the Nighttime Sky (Sandy) - Watch for more details: at Grace Lutheran Church. Enjoy a professional fireworks show set to Christmas music and more.

Sounds of the Season (South Jordan) - Saturday, December 3 at 2 pm and 7 pm at Bingham Highschool. Free Holiday concert.

Heritage Park Christkindlmarkt and Lantern Parade run December 1-3 on the Plaza by the Visitor Center from 11 am - 8 pm and is FREE to the public. offers a unique holiday shopping and cultural experience this season. Tantalizing food and festive holiday entertainment await you as you stroll through wooden vendor booths nestled amid the magical backdrop of This Is The Place Heritage Park.

Red Butte Garden Holiday Open House - December 3-4 with holiday gifts, free cider and hot chocolate and admission is Free.

Holiday Sing A Long (Herriman) - December 5 at 6:30 pm at Herriman City Hall.

Nativity in the Glen - December 7 from 6-9 pm at 1050 S 1500 E, Salt Lake. This is one night only and free.

Christmas Carole Sing Along (Salt Lake) - Monday, December 12 at 7 pm at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Featuring Jenny Oak Baker and Family Four.

Holiday Festival (Herriman) - December 12 at 7 pm at TBA

Winter Market (West Valley) - Saturday, December 19 at 5 pm at Utah Cultural Celebration Center. Enjoy special hand-made gifts and cultural entertainment from around the world.

Decorate a Cookie with Mrs. Clause (Sandy) - Monday, December 19 from 6-7 pm at Scheels. For ages 4-12. 

Christmas Eve Parade & Fireworks (Snowbird) - December 24 from 6-7 pm. Tourchlight parade followed by fireworks and Santa rappels out of Tram.

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Utah County

Pay for:

Clas Ropes Enjoy a lighted riverboat ride on the lower Provo River from December 1-23. There are thousands of lights reflecting off the water, holiday scenes along the shore, and Christmas music on the boat. Santa even comes to visit on his canoe. Prices are $8 per person. Get $1 off coupon here.

*Discount* Available Coupon - Save 38%

Thanksgiving Point Luminaria Experience The Light. Located in Lehi on 3003 Thanksgiving Way, magical holiday world as you make your way through the captivating Ashton Gardens. The Grand Allee’s 8,000 programmable luminaries blanket the sweeping hill, where each one acts as a pixel in a moving picture of blooming poinsettias, flying reindeer, and dynamic symbols of the season. And on top of that 40-foot hill, you’ll be met with the colossal 120-foot tree—all lit up and ready to be admired. View the nativity scene before entering the new Light of the World Garden. Glowing lanterns and peaceful music accompany this space featuring 35 monument- sized bronze sculptures depicting scenes of Jesus Christ from the New Testament. Cost is $20/adult, $17/ages 3-12, members can get in for $10 on specific nights.

Traverse Mountain Sleigh to Santa (Lehi) - Take a ride on our horse drawn Christmas sleigh (on wheels) as you listen to the clatter of horse hooves, sleigh bells, and even sing along with Christmas carols. This will definitely be a night to remember as you take the short journey to visit Santa Claus at his home in the North Pole! Cost is $5.
*Discount* Available Coupon - Save 40%

Christmas in Color (Kearns & Provo) - Cost is $21.96 online or $26 for drive-up Mon-Thurs and $25.95 or $32 for drive up Fri-Sat.
*Discount* Available Coupon - Save 40%

The Forgotten Carols (Orem) - Thursday, December 1 at 7:30 pm at UCCU. Tickets are $17.50-36.50.
*Discount* Available Coupon - Save 52%

Pay to See:

Seven Peaks North Pole Watch for more details. Enjoy a ton of holiday activities including Christmas music, lights, sledding down waterslides, train rides, story time with Mrs. Claus, a lazy river Christmas cruise through the North Pole, photos with Santa Claus, Holly Berry Paintball, wreath toss, tic tac mistletoe, character appearances, hourly candy bombs, holiday crafts, and more! You won’t want to miss this amazing seasonal event!

*Discount* Available Coupon - Save 60% on Pass of Passes that includes Seven Peaks North Pole.

Story Time with Santa (Orem) - December 5-8 at 5 pm at University Place. Tickets are $10 and must be pre-purchased. Include a kids meal, free picture with Santa, craft and commemorative gift.

Alpine - There is a live nativity December 1-3 & 5. Tickets are required and are $1. The Living Nativity is located at 900 N Main Street.

Festival of Lights (Spanish Fork) - Run November 24 - January 1 from 6-10 pm. at Canyon View Park. Cost &7/car, $20/large passenger van, $30/bus.

Clara's Tea Party (Lindon) - November 26 at Wadley Farms. Come spend a magical afternoon with Clara and friends from Utah Regional Ballet's Nutcracker. Admission is $10 presale, $12 at the door.

Pajamas and Pancakes with Santa (Lehi) - December 3 at 9 am at Outlets at Traverse Mountain. Tickets are $10 each or $40 for family of 5.

Bar J Wranglers Christmas  (Orem) - December 14 at UCUU Center. 
*Discount* Available Coupon - Save 50%

A Pioneer Christmas (Provo) - Watch for more details: at Pioneer Village. Share in the festivities with music, dancing, treats, Father Christmas and more. Suggested donation: $2/person or $10/family. 

FREE:

Lighting of Riverwoods (Provo) - Friday, November 18 from 6-9pm at Shops at Riverwoods. Santa arrives with special guests along with ice sculptures, fireworks and giveaways.

Holiday Concert Kickoff - Monday, November 23 at 6pm at Orem City Center. Meet Santa and Elsa and enjoy free hot cocoa, donuts and treats along with music from a choir.

Santa's Grand Arrival (Orem) - Friday, November 25 at 9:30 am at University Place. Santa arrives by helicopter along with entertainment, free hot cocoa and treats,

Salem Pond Town Christmas - Runs November 25 - January 2 from 5:30 - 11 pm. Lighting ceremony will be held Friday, November 25 at 6 pm. 

Winter Lights Parade (Spanish Fork) - Friday, November 25 at 7 pm on Historic Main Street. There will be lighted floats and Santa.

Santa Parade (Lehi) - Saturday, November 26 at 5 pm runs from Lehi High School to Main Street Plaza. Get free hot chocolate and cookies, visit with Santa, and children's choir.

Christmas Tree Lighting (Mapleton) - Monday, November 28 at 6 pm at the city park.

Live Nativity (Orem) - December 2-3 at University Place. Live nativity runs from 6-9 pm. Enjoy free hot chocolate and rolls.

Lights On (Provo) - Saturday, December 3 at Center Street. 

Christmas Crafts Day with Santa (Highland) - December 3 at 10 am. Children's Christmas Crafts with projects ranging from free - $1.50 per craft.

Christmas Market (Provo) - Saturday, December 3 from 3-8 pm at Provo Recreation. Leads up to the Lights on Ceremony.

Carols by Candlelight (Provo) Sunday, December 11 at 6:30 pm.

Musica Antiqua (Orem) - December 14 at 7 pm at Orem Library. Features various instruments instruments and vocalists.

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Davis County

Pay for:

Utah Winter Faire - December 2-4 at Legacy Events Center. Described as an indoor Renaissance Fair, but more.
*Discount* Available Coupon - Save 50%

Breakfast with Santa - December 3 at Bountiful Main Street. There will be food, games, facepainting, prizes and more. Cost $12.

FREE:

Santa's Arrival (Farmington) - November 19 at 6pm at Station Park. Come sing carols, decorate cookies, and more until Santa arrives.

Holiday Lighting Ceremony (Layton) - November 21 at 6 pm at Layton Common Parks. The program includes singing performances and ends with lighting of holiday light display.

Lights On (Kaysville) - Friday, November 25 at 1098 Sherwood Dr. 

Christmas Nativity Celebration (Kaysville) - watch for more details.

Christmas in the Park (Woods Cross) - November 28: Hogan Park. Visit Santa, tree lighting, hot chocolate and caroling.

Christmas Tree Lighting & Electric Parade (Kaysville) - Monday,  November 28 at 5:45 at City Hall Block. Enjoy hot chocolate, tree lighting and electric parade.

Christmas Tree Lighting (Bountiful) - November 28  in front of the post office on historic main street.

Christmas on Onion St (West Bountiful) - December 5 at 7 pm at City Hall. Come see Santa and enjoy cookies and hot chocolate.

Hay Rides (Layton) - Wednesday, December 7 from 6-8 pm at Layton Commons Park. Free family hay rides through the Holiday 'Lights Before Christmas'. Refreshments will be served.

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Cache County

Pay for:

Willow Park Zoo Reindeer Trek (Logan) - November 26, December 2-3 at Willow Park Zoo. Includes games for kids, holiday decorations and displays, and, of course, the animals of the zoo. Santa will be there and kids can pet two of the reindeer. Admission is $3/Adults, $2.50/Children. 

Night in Bethlehem (Logan) - December 5-9 for large groups or December 10 & 12 at Willow Park Zoo. Walk the grounds an hear biblical stories. Cost $3/person or $15/family.

Willow Park Zoo Lights (Logan) - December 17, 19, & 26. Cost $2/person or $10/family,

FREE:

Winter Gift Market (Logan) - December 9-10 at Downtown Logan. Unique gifts, live music, local artisans, and more.

Weber County

Breakfast with Santa - Saturday, December 10 at 9 am at at Ben Lomond Suites. Wear your pajamas and meet the Christmas Village elves and Santa. After breakfast, participate in I-Spy game and ride the Polar Express train. Cost $20.

Brunch with Santa: Saturday, December 17 at 10 am at Jeremiah's Restaurant. Enjoy breakfast, sotrytime, craft and more. Cost $18/Adult, $15/Child.

FREE:

Christmas Tree Jubilee - November 21-25 at Ogden Eccles Conference Center. Christams trees available for purchase and live entertainment.

Ogden City Christmas Village, which lights up a Christmas village each year. The Opening Ceremony is held Saturday, November 26 with the Electric Light Parade that fills Washington Blvd from 22nd Street to 26th Street. The parade is full of elaborate floats, sensational themes, and fantastic performers.

Holiday Open House (Ogden) - December 2 at 2 pm at Daughters of Utah Pioneers museum. Visit with Santa, enjoy holiday goodies and more.

Ogden Nature Center Open House - Saturday, December 3 with holiday shopping, free gift wrapping, bake sale, kids crafts and more.

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Wasatch County

Pay for:

The Homestead Santa Sleigh Rides - Prices are $25, kids 3 and younger are free. Rides are approx. 25-30 min. Book early, these are very popular and sell out. 
*Discount* Available Coupon - Save via KSL Deals

Heber Valley North Pole Express - Runs November 25-December 24; board this fun Christmas themed train and enjoy hot cocoa, cookies, choirs, a visit from Santa, and lighted houses as you travel to the North Pole. Prices range from $5-$50 depending upon the time of day and the seats you select. 

FREE:

Tree Lighting and Shop Local Celebration: Saturday, Nov 26 from 6-8 pm at the Midway Town Hall. This event includes pictures with Santa, horse drawn wagon rides, ice skating at the largest outdoor rink in Utah, food trucks, carolers, cookies and hot cocoa, a children's choir.

Midway Christmas - December 2-5; international nativities, entertainment, and more.

Town Party - December 12 at 7 pm at Town Center. Come see Santa and receive a gift.

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Summit County

Pay for:

Holiday Spectacular Sing A Long (Park City) - December 15-18 Egyptian Theatre. Tickets start at $12.

FREE:

Giving Tree Festival (Park City) - November 18 - December 3 - Parade if Trees begin showcasing trees and other holiday crafts on November 18. December 3, there will be a community celebration with Santa at Treasure Mountain Inn on Main Street.

The Electric Parade on Historic Park City Main Street, November 26: Enjoy a parade of lit-up vehicles of all kinds make their way down Main Street.

Santa Comes Down Town Lift - December 17 at 5:30 pm at Town Lift Plaza. There will be cookies, hot chocolate, and Santa.

Torchlight Parade - December 24 at 5:30 pm at Park City Base Area. Includes music, hot cocoa, cookies and more.

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Tooele County

FREE:

Christmas Lighting & Live Nativity - Monday, November 28 from 6-8 pm at Benson Grist Mill. Bring a can of food for one donut and a hot chocolate.

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Carbon County

FREE:

Christmas Town Festival (Helper) November 18 - December 3 with lights on ceremony, electric parade, breakfast with Santa, fireworks and more.

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Sanpete County

FREE:

Manti Light Parade - November 25 at Main Street

Christmas Firework Spectacular - December 2 from 6-7 pm at Main Street in Ephraim.

Messiah Concert - December 11 at 7:30 at Eccles Center.

Live Nativity (Ft. Green) - December 16-17 at 800 W 400 S. 

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Uintah County

FREE:

Holly Days (Vernal) - Friday, November 25 in Downtown Vernal. There will be a grinch look-alike contest, parade of lights, Santa's workshop and more.

Grand County

FREE:

City Tree Lighting (Moab) - December 2 at 5 pm at Swanny Park.

Light Parade (Moab) - December 3 at Main Street at 6pm.

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Iron County

Pay for:

Christmas at the Homestead (Cedar City) - December 9 at 5:30 pm at Frontier Homestead State Park Museum. Cost $2/person or $5/family. Entertainment, crafts, treats and Santa.

FREE:

Christmas in the County (Parowan) - November 25  at Iron County Fair Building. Includes a variety show, Santa, town lighting, concert, parade and more.

Santaland (Cedar City) - December 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, & 12 at Cedar City Aquatic Center. Features holiday trees and decorations for the whole family.

Creche Festival (Cedar City) - December 11 at 4 pm at Canyon View Stake. 

Christmas Market (Cedar City) - December 5 at Frontier Homestead State Park Museum.

Christmas at the Homestead (Cedar City) - December 7-13 at the Frontier Homestead State Park Museum. Admission is $5 per family.

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Box Elder County

Pay for:

Willard Bay Christmas Lights - Starts November 25

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Washington County

Pay for:

Jubilee of Trees - November 16-21 at Dixie Center. Admission is $5/adults; $1/children 15 and younger.

Dickens' Christmas Festival - runs in St. George November 30-December 3 at the Dixie Convention Center. Enjoy light displays, trees and quaint shops and booths to browse. Admission is $7/Adults; $6/Seniors; $5/children 4-12.

FREE:

The St. George Tuacahn has a Live Nativity includes real live camels, and beautiful costumes. Cost is $2 per person or $15 per family. There is also a Christmas in the Canyon (light display) that is FREE.

Holiday Social - December 3 at 10:30 am at The Tonaquint Nature Center. Games, penguin hunt, crafts, cookies and more. Admission is free.

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And last, but not least, we do want to mention our traditional annual Christmas Light Displays list. The list is the most comprehensive list of free and pay to see lights in the state of Utah. Click here to see the list of light displays.

If you know of a great Christmas Activity in Utah contact us here.

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Our contributors spend a huge amount of time compelling these lists so you don't have to do the research. We “LIKE”when you “SHARE” but please do not copy and paste this list into any other website without first contacting Coupons4Utah. Thank you.