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 3-23 & 26-31. Members receive a $3 discount.

Festival of the Seas (Sandy) – November 26-December 30 at Loveland Planet Aquarium. Discover both beautiful light displays throughout the plaza, and stunning light shows on the incredible EECO, set to some of our holiday favorites. Enjoy seasonal treats and shopping at the Gingerbread Village Under the Sea. Enjoy some hot coco by the fireside. All while being entertained by spectacular street performers and characters. Tickets $10-$15.

This is The Place Candlelight Christmas – December 7-23 Mon-Sat. Tickets $6-$8.

Dickens' Christmas Festival – Salt Lake November 18-20 at Utah State Fair. Enjoy light displays, trees and quaint shops and booths to browse. Admission is $8/Adults; $7/Seniors; $6/children 4-12. 

Christmas in Color(South Jordan) Opens November 19 – December 31. Cost is $35 online. 

Discount: Save up to 37% off

New North Pole Festival(Sandy) walk-thru light show at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy that runs thru January 2, 2022. Explore the North Pole with over 1,5 million lights, larger-than-life decor, gigantic Christmas trees that come to life with your favorite Christmas music, walk-thru light tunnels, and more. Cost is $12-$24 per ticket and $10 to park.

Discount: Save up to 45% off

New Lightwalk (Salt Lake) – Run December 3-18 at Liberty Park. The worlds largest Christmas Light Maze awaits you and all the selfies your camera will hold.

 Cross E Ranch Lights & Nativity (Salt Lake) – Nov 26-Dec 30. After visiting the North Pole you will turn a corner back in time and enter our Nativity Area. Cost: $12-$16

Festival of Trees – (virtual) November 30-December 4. More information to come on how to participate!

New Holiday Tunnels (Sandy) – Run thru Dec 31 at Sops at South Town from 6-midnight. $20 per car.

New Festive Fridays (Murray) – Nov 26, Dec 3, 10, & 17. Take a wagon ride and see some holiday lights displays. Santa will greet visitors on the porch of the Farmhouse from 5pm – 7pm. Kona Ice will be here selling hot cocoa. Wagon ride tickets can be purchased in the Activity Barn. Tickets are $3 per person age 2 and up.

FREE:

Gardner Village with the kids and let them hunt down the list of elves. Find all the elves on the Scavenger Hunt list. 

Holiday Lights Tour – Cities from around Salt Lake County are teaming up to bring you a Holiday Lights Tour like never before! Visit homes from South Jordan, Bluffdale, Herriman, Midvale, Millcreek, South Salt Lake, and West Jordan! To register your home, take the tour, or vote for your favorite house, visit bit.ly/lightstourut! 

Lights On! (Salt Lake) Nov 20 from 7-9 pm at The Gateway.

South Jordan Candy Windows – runs December 1-31 with candy creations in the windows of the shops at City Hall.

Light the Night t(South Jordan) – December 3
Tree Lighting • Candy windows • Cookies & Hot Cocoa • Live Music • Santa • Gingerbread House Competition • Craft at the Library • Find the Elves • Letters to Santa • Wagon Rides

Gingerbread House Contest (South Jordan) – Dec 3, The Gingerbread Houses will be on display in City Hall

Grand America(Salt Lake) Nov 1 – Dec 19, The Holiday Stroll begins at the Ladies’ Boutique and ends at JouJou, Children’s Boutique. No treat will be given this year.

Trees of Diversity (West Valley) – Nov 15-Dec 30 at Utah Cultural Celebration. Trees on display represent different countries and ethnic backgrounds as well as family traditions.

FM 100 Christmas Concert Series (Sandy) – begin November 26. These are FREE mini-concerts. All concerts begin at 12 noon. Everyone can watch at Shops at South Town. Shows are Tues & Thurs thru Dec 16

Temple Square: Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah, will be open to the public this Christmas season with displays and limited lights. Construction and the COVID-19 pandemic have modified some of the plans for this year’s celebration, but families are invited to walk around parts of the grounds (see map) and experience an animated nativity in the Salt Lake Tabernacle. Virtual opportunities to experience Christmas on Temple Square and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ are also available during the holidays.

Lights On Celebration (Salt Lake) – Nov 26 from 4-7 pm at The Gallivan Center. Meet Santa and som Disney princesses.

Tree Lighting (Draper) – Nov 29 from 6-8 pm at Draper City Park.

Cookies & Candy Canes Underneath Memorial Trees (Multiple Locations) – TBD

Light The Heights (Cottonwood Heights) -Nov 29 from 6-7:30 pm at City Hall

Night of Lights (Herriman) – November 29 at 6 pm at J. Lynn Crane Park.

Santa's Arrival  (Riverton) – Nov 29 at 6:30 pm

Twas the Lights Before Christmas  (Riverton) – Nov 30-Dec 30 from 6-9 pm at Riverton City Park

Heritage Park Christkindlmarkt and Lantern Parade Dec 1-4 from 11 am – 4 pm at This Is The Place Heritage Park. Inspired by the world famous German Christmas markets, Christkindlmarkt SLC offers a unique holiday shopping and cultural experience this season. Free to the public.

Find a schedule here

Nativity in the Glen – Dec 3 from 5:30-9 pm at 1035 S 1500 E

Red Butte Garden Holiday Open House – Admission is Free for December 4 & 5.

Christmas Movie Classics (West Jordan) – Dec 13 & 20 at 7 pm at The Viridian Center. See Christmas movies on their big screen. Popcorn and hot chocolate will be served. This is a free event, however, reservations are required.

Larry H Miller Christmas Sing Along (Salt Lake) – Dec 13 at 7 pm at Vivint Arena. Christmas concert and sing-along, featuring special musical group The Bonner Family and emceed by Jason Hewlett.

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Utah County

Pay for:

Clas Ropes Enjoy a lighted riverboat ride on the lower Provo River during the month of December. 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 $9 per person. 

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. View the nativity scene before entering the 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 starts at $24/adult, $17/ages 3-12. 

Evermore Aurora Winter Festival (Pleasant Grove) – Begins Nov 26 on Fridays & Saturdays. Experience a Magical Old European Christmas Village featuring a variety of Fantasy Themed Characters such as Santa & Mrs. Claus, Elves, Kringle Dwarfs, Ice Giant, Jack Frost and Aurorians, Goblins and more. 

Alpine – Live Nativity Dec 2-4 & 10-11. Ticket are $5.

Festival of Lights (Spanish Fork) – Run November 25 – January 1 from 6-10 pm. at Canyon View Park. Cost $8/car, $22/large passenger van, $30/bus.

FREE:

Who'liday Lighting (Orem) – November 15 at 6-8 pm at University Place. Grinch and Whos will be performing.

Lighting of Riverwoods (Provo) – Friday, November 19 from 6pm at Shops at Riverwoods. 

Tree Lighting (Lehi) – November 20 from 2-6 pm at Outlets at Traverse Mountain. 

Santa Arrival (Orem) – November 26 at 9:30 am at University Place. Live entertainment and refreshments as you wait for Santa to arrive via helicopter.

Salem Pond Town Christmas – Runs November 26 – January 1 from 5:30 – 11 pm. 

Winter Lights Parade (Spanish Fork) – Nov 27 at 7 pm

Santa's Welcome Party (Provo) – Nov 27 from 10 am-12 pm at Provo Town Centre. There will be face-painting, balloon characters, letters to Santa, and giveaways from Coca-Cola and the Provo Towne Centre.

Santa Express (Saratoga Springs) – Nov 27 from 12-2pm at Shay Park. Kids can take a train ride to see Santa. The event is free, donations are welcomed

Night in Bethlehem (Pleasant Grove) – TBD

Christmas Tree Lighting (Mapleton) – November 29 at 6 pm at the city park.

Santa Parade (Lehi) – Dec 4 at 5pm

Davis County

FREE:

Gingerbread Festival (Bountiful) – Dec 2-7 at Bountiful Davis Art Center.

Snowman Scavenger Hunt (Farmington) – November 15 – January 15 at Station Park. 

Santa's Arrival (Farmington) – November 26 at 9 am at Station Park. 

Lights On (Kaysville) – 1098 Sherwood Dr. 

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Cache County

Pay for:

The Reindeer Express (Wellsville) – canceled

Zootah Zoo Lights (Logan) – Nov 27 – Dec 18 (Thurs, Fri, & Sat)

Holiday Sleigh Ride (Wellsville) – Dec 4, 11, 18, 20-23, 27-Jan 1. $7 includes hot cocoa and sledding hill.

FREE:

Logan Tree Lighting – Nov 27 at 5:30 pm on Historic Center Street

Parade of Gingerbread Homes – On display Dec 4-31 in Downtown Logan

Weber County

Rockin Reindeer Ranch (West Haven) – Personalized ranch tours and during the month of December you can even meet Santa Claus on a few special nights. Prices start at $15.

Frozen in Time (Ogden) – Dec 3, 4, 10 & 11 at the Dinosaur Park.

FREE:

Christmas Tree Jubilee – (virtual) November 22-26. Christmas trees available for purchase.

Ogden City Christmas Village, which lights up a Christmas village each year. The Opening Ceremony is held Saturday, November 27. Includes an electric parade, performers and more.

Ogden Nature Center Open House – Dec 3-4 with holiday shopping, free gift wrapping, bake sale, kids crafts and more. Admission is free.

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Box Elder County

Pay for:

Willard Bay Christmas Lights – Starts November 26 and runs through December 30. $15 per vehicle

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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. 40 min. Book early, these are very popular and sell out. 

Heber Valley North Pole Express – Runs November 22 – December 23  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 $25-50 depending upon the time of day and the seats you select. 

FREE:

Tree Lighting and Shop Local Celebration: Nov 27 at 6:15 pm at the Midway Town Hall. 

Heber City Tree Lighting and Old Fashioned Christmas – Dec 3 from 6:30-8:30 pm at Heber City Government Bldg. Free event with music, hot cocoa, and Santa.

Midway Christmas – TBD

Live Nativity – Dec 15 at 6 & 7:30 pm at the Wasatch County Event Center.

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Summit County

FREE:

Snow Globe Stroll Main Street, Thru Jan 5: The Snow Globes will be placed throughout Park City’s Historic Main Street to allow for social distancing as visitors interact with the Snow Globes

Holiday Tree Lighting & Fireworks (Park City) – Nov 26 from 4-5:30 pm at Canyons Village at Park City Mountain. There will be live ice sculpting and complimentary hot cocoa bar.

Electric Parade  Main Street, Dec 4 from 4-6:30 pm

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Tooele County

Live Nativity & Luminary Walk – Dec 11 & 13 from 6-8:30 pm at Clark Historic Farm. Cost $2 or $1 off with food donation.

FREE:

Christmas Lighting & Live Nativity – Nov 29 from 6-8 pm at Benson Grist Mill

Santa Parade (Tooele) – Dec 4 at 10 am at Veterans Memorial Park. Donation of one can of food per person suggested.

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Carbon County

FREE:

Electric Parade (Helper) December 3&4

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Juab County

Country Christmas at Young Living (Mona) – Nov 26-Dec 22 at Young Living Lavender Farm. Horse-drawn wagon ride through festive Christmas light display. There will also be food trucks, warm fire, and bring your camera to snap a picture of Santa. Cost $5 for ages 4 and up; $25 for groups of 6.

Christmas Festival (Nephi) – Nov 27 at 12 pm at Juab County Fine Arts Auditorium. Santa arrives by firetruck with plenty of treats for the kids.

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Sanpete County

FREE:

Manti Light Parade – November 26 at Main Street

Live Nativity (Ft. Green) – TBD

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Uintah County

FREE:

Holly Days (Vernal) – Friday, November 26 in Downtown Vernal.  At 6pm to watch the parade of lights, fire dancers, lantern launch and a firework
spectacular to end the night.

Grand County

FREE:

Christmas Tree Lighting (Moab) – December 3

Green Rivers Light the Night (Moab) – December 3-4

Light Parade (Moab) – December 4 at Main Street

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Kane County

FREE:

Christmas Light Parade & Festival – Nov 27 starting at 6:30 pm at the Kanab Center. Donuts and hot chocolate and a short tree lighting ceremony.

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Iron County

FREE:

Christmas Lighting (Cedar City) – Opening night Nov 25, held at North Side of the City Offices, Cedar City, UT. Christmas Tree Decorating Contest to Benefit the Iron County Care & Share at 6:15 pm, Judging of the Christmas Trees at 6:35 pm, and then the Official Lighting of the New Lights on Main Street at 7:00 pm. Also enjoy Music, S’mores, and Fire Barrels to keep you warm!

Christmas in the Country (Parowan) – Nov 26-27 starting at 10 am on Main Street. Santa's parade, town lighting, candle light walking parade and more.

Christmas on the Farm (Cedar City) – November26-27 December 4, 8, 11, 15 at Nature Hills Farm. Gather with us at the farm as it transforms into a magical Winter Wonderland with lights and Christmas displays. Cost $7

Hometown Holiday (Parowan) – November 27 at Parowan Main Street. Be sure not to miss the Christmas in the Country downtown events including Santa Parade (Parowan Main St) 10:00 am, Candlelight Parade 6:00 pm (Parowan Main Street) & Town Lighting Ceremony 6:15 pm (Parowan Town Square).

Holiday Tree Jubilee (Cedar City) – Nov 27-Dec 1 at Festival Hall and Heritage Theater. See Santa and amazing display of decorated Christmas trees. Enjoy free professional Christmas photos, hot chocolate, and more.

Live Nativity (Cedar City) – December 6 & 13 at Nature Hills Farm. Cost $3

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Washington County

Pay for:

Dickens' Christmas Festival – runs St. George December 1-4 at Dixie Convention Center. Enjoy light displays, trees and quaint shops and booths to browse. Admission is $8/Adults; $7/Seniors; $6/children 4-12. 

North Pole Express – Dec 3, 4, 6, 10, 11, 13, 17, 18, 20; This year special guests will have multiple evenings to pick from to view the lights, ride the train and visit with Santa. The park will be closed to the general public during the special event. All guests must present a North Pole Express ticket in order to be allowed into the Thunder Junction Park area. The event will be hosted from 6:00-8:00pm. Cost $7

FREE:

The St. George Tuacahn Starts November 26-Dec 23; 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

St. George Town Square Tree Lighting – Nov 29 from 6-8 pm at Town Square Park

Light the Night – Dec 3 from 5-8 pm at at the St. George Art Museum

Hurricane Tree Lighting – Nov 29 from 4-9 pm at the community center. 

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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. pm at pm at