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 6-January 5. Plus, get the following discounts:

-Fox 13 Viewer Appreciation Days: Save $2 every Tuesday in December
-Tellmundo View Appreciation Days: Save $2 off every Thursday in December. Find coupon here.
-KUED Kids Night: on Tuesday, December 11 only; Print the coupon from the KUED website and receive a ½ price child admission with a paying adult.
-America First Night: Monday, December 17; get 50% OFF ANY regularly-priced admission ticket to ZooLights to anyone presenting an AMERICA FIRST Visa or debit card.

This is The Place Candlelight Christmas – Runs December 10-23. Admission is just $7 and $5 for kids (3-11), children 2 and under are free. Enjoy a visit with Father Christmas, live Nativity scene, carolers, holiday shopping and more.

Christmas in Color (South Jordan) – Opens November 15 – January 4. Cost is $27 online. Discount Happy Hour is only valid on the same day of event booking within the first hour of the evening (5:30 & 6:00 pm tickets). You can opt to see the show twice within the happy hour (we promise you will) or bring a 2nd vehicle with you and they’ll get in free. When purchasing your ticket, no redemption code is needed. Simply arrive with one ticket and tell us whether you want to see it twice or if you brought a 2nd vehicle with you. Vehicles must arrive at the same time. Promotion not valid Dec. 17th – Dec.24th.

Hip Hop Christmas (Salt Lake) – November 21 at 7:30 pm at Eccles Theater. 

Discount Available Coupon – Save 37%

It's A Wondrous Life (Salt Lake) – Through December 21 at Off Broadway Theater.

Discount Available Coupon – Save 41%

Breakfast with Santa at Gardner Village November 30 – December 21; seats are $26 per person.

Festival of Trees – December 4-7 at the Mountain America Expo Center. Enjoy beautiful trees, gingerbread creations, entertainment and more. Tickets are $7/Adults, $4/Children ages 2-11, $6/Seniors. December 4 is Family Day were a family ticket can be purchased for $20. All proceeds go the Primary Children's Hospital.

Lights On at La Caille (Sandy) – December 1&2 at 5pm at La Caille. Lights, Santa, hot chocolate and cookies. Tickets will only be available in advance for $12 a person.

Dickens' Christmas Festival – runs Salt Lake November 21-23 at the Salt Lake Equestrian Park. Enjoy light displays, trees and quaint shops and booths to browse. Admission is $8/Adults; $7/Seniors; $6/children 4-12. 

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. December 7 & 14, prices start at $33.

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. 

Manheim Steamroller – December 17 or 18 at Eccles Theater

Discount Available Coupon – Save $20 on tickets

Red Butte Garden Winter Solstice – December 21 with children's crafts and activities. Admission is half priced in December, January, and February.

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 23). Then head to Naborhood Bakery for a sugar cookie for only $0.50 (reg. $1)!

Echoes Of Christmas – suspended for 2018

Harry Potter: Christmas at the Wizarding World (Sandy) -November 1 – January 6 at Shops at South Town in Sandy. A first of its kind retail experience, will be reminiscent of the setting and atmosphere of a wintry Hogsmeade village. Complete with an extensive wand assortment, film-inspired window displays and interactive elements, the themed shopping experience is sure to be a hit with fans of J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World. This is the last year for this experience.

Frozen II & Santa's Arrival (Sandy) – November 14 at 5 pm at Sops at South Town. Includes light up wands, crafts, Santa and more.

City Creek Santa Arrival (Salt Lake) – Thursday, November 21 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. 

Grand America Window Unveiling (Salt Lake) – Tuesday, November 26. The whimsical window displays run November 26 – December 20 and December 21-31 Mon-Sun. Kids get a surprise at the end of the journey.

FM 100 Christmas Concert Series (Sandy) – at Shops at South Town begin November 29. These are FREE mini-concerts offered through December 19. 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 29 and run until January 2.

Gallivan Center Lights On (Salt Lake) – Friday, November 29 at 4pm.

A Visit from St. Nicolas ( West Jordan) – TBA at The Virdian Center. Enjoy light entertainment and storytime. Visit with Santa. Food bank donations are encouraged.

Tree Lighting (Draper) – December 2 at 6pm at Draper City Park. Visit from Santa, music and a big celebration.

Hot Cocoa and Roasted Marshmallows Underneath Memorial Trees (Multiple Locations) – December 2, 9, & 16; At each of our five beautiful Utah Cemeteries from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Come enjoy free hot chocolate and marshmallows for roasting over fire pits as you and your family enjoy our Holiday lights! 

Light The Heights (Cottonwood Heights) – Monday, December 26 at 5 pm at Cottonwood Heights City Hall. There will be hot chocolate, crafts, and Santa.

Night of Lights (Herriman) – December 2 from 5-9 pm at City all. Ice skating, crafts, laser light show and more.

Santa's Arrival  (Riverton) – December 2 at 6:30 pm at Riverton Park. Warm scones, hot chocolate, Santa and more.

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

Heritage Park Christkindlmarkt and Lantern Parade run December 4-7 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.

Nativity in the Glen – Thursday, December 5 from 6-9 pm

Light the Night (South Jordan) – Friday, December 6 at 6 pm at South Jordan City Plaza. Crafts, hot cocoa, sleigh rides, candy windows and more.

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.

Red Butte Garden Holiday Open House – December 7&8 with holiday gifts, free cider and hot chocolate and admission is Free.

Christmas Carole Sing Along (Salt Lake) – Monday, December 16 at 7 pm at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Featuring Ryan Innes.

Santa's Ski Free (Snowbird) – December 22; The first 75 people dressed in a complete Santa, Mrs. Claus or an elf suit ski/ride free.

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 2-23. 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. 

Discount Available Coupon – Save up to 31%

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 is $20/adult, $15/ages 3-12, members can get in for $10 on specific nights. Off peak prices are also available for less.

Alpine – Suspended for 2019

Festival of Lights (Spanish Fork) – Run November 28 – January 1 from 6-10 pm. at Canyon View Park. Cost $8/car, $22/large passenger van, $30/bus.

FREE:

Lighting of Riverwoods (Provo) – Friday, November 15 from 5:30-9pm at Shops at Riverwoods. Santa arrives with special guests along with ice sculptures, fireworks and giveaways.

Tree Lighting (Lehi) – November 16 from 2-6 pm at Outlets at Traverse Mountain. Lighting of Utah’s tallest Christmas Tree with One Voice Children’s Choir, meet Santa’s elves or sample delectable confections from Mrs.Claus’ Kitchen .

Holiday Lighting (Orem) – November 18 at 6 pm at University Place. Entertainment, hot chocolate and refreshments.

Lite Brite Nite (Orem) – Thursday nights November 21 and December 19 from 6-9 pm at University Place with life size Lite Brite, hot cocoa, and treats.

Salem Pond Town Christmas – Runs November 29 – January 1 from 5:30 – 11 pm. 

Winter Lights Parade (Spanish Fork) – Friday, November 29 at 7 pm on Historic Main Street. There will be lighted floats and Santa.

Christmas Tree Lighting (Mapleton) – Monday, December 2 at 5:30 pm at the city park.

Live Nativity (Orem) – December 6 from 6-8 pm at University Place

Santa Parade (Lehi) – Saturday, December 7 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.

Lights On (Provo) – Saturday, December 7 at Center Street. 

Christmas Crafts Day with Santa (Highland) – December 7 at 10 am. Children's Christmas Crafts with projects ranging from free – $1.50 per craft.

Christmas Market (Provo) – Saturday, December 7 from 4-8 pm at Provo Recreation. Leads up to the Lights on Ceremony.

Carols by Candlelight (Provo) Sunday, December 15 at 6:30 pm.

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Davis County

Pay for:

Utah Winter Faire – December 6-8 at Legacy Events Center. Described as an indoor Renaissance Fair, but more.

FREE:

Santa's Arrival (Farmington) – November 23 at 6:30 pm at Station Park. 

Lights On (Kaysville) – Friday, November 29 at 1098 Sherwood Dr. 

Hot Cocoa and Roasted Marshmallows Underneath Memorial Trees (Multiple Locations) – December 2, 9, & 16; At each of our five beautiful Utah Cemeteries from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Come enjoy free hot chocolate and marshmallows for roasting over fire pits as you and your family enjoy our Holiday lights! 

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Cache County

Pay for:

Zootah (Logan) –  every Tuesday, Friday, & Saturday November 30-December 21. 

Discount Available Coupon – Groups of 20+ can use this coupon for $5 admission. Valid only on Tuesday evenings.

The Reindeer Express (Wellsville) – December 6; times vary at Indoor Riding Unit.Visit with Santa and his reindeer, listen to music and enjoy snacks. Tickets are $4

FREE:

Winter Gift Market (Logan) – December 6 & 7 at Downtown Logan. Unique gifts, live music, local artisans, and more.

Weber County

FREE:

Christmas Tree Jubilee – November 25-29 at Ogden Eccles Conference Center. Christmas 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 30 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.

Ogden Nature Center Open House – Saturday, December 7 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. 40 min. Book early, these are very popular and sell out. 

Discount Available Coupon – Save 24%

Holiday Lights – Prices are $20 per car for a drive through Holiday Light Display at Jordanelle State Park. 

Discount Available Coupon – Save up to 25%

Heber Valley North Pole Express – Runs November 23 – 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. 

Great Christmas Adventure – Runs November 29-December 23; tours of elf village, snow ball fights,  board the magic sleigh to visit Santa and more. Prices  $13. 

Discount Available Coupon – Save an extra 25% off

FREE:

Tree Lighting and Shop Local Celebration: Saturday, Nov 30 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 6-9; international nativities, entertainment, and more.

Zermatt Swiss Christmas Market – December 13-14 

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Summit County

Pay for:

Holiday Spectacular Sing A Long (Park City) – December 13-15 Egyptian Theatre. Tickets start at $12.

FREE:

The Electric Parade on Historic Park City Main Street, November 30: Enjoy a parade of lit-up vehicles of all kinds make their way down Main Street.

Tree Lighting – November 29 at 4 pm with crafts, hot cocoa, fireworks and more

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Tooele County

FREE:

Christmas Lighting & Live Nativity – December 2 from 6-8 pm at Benson Grist Mill. 

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Carbon County

FREE:

Electric Parade (Helper) December 6 

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Sanpete County

FREE:

Manti Light Parade – November 29 at Main Street

Christmas Main Street Lighting – November 30 at Main Street

Christmas Firework Celebration – December 7 

Messiah Concert – December 8 at 7:30 

Live Nativity (Ft. Green) – December 20 at 800 W 400 S. 

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Uintah County

FREE:

Holly Days (Vernal) – Friday, November 29 in Downtown Vernal. There will be a grinch look-alike contest, parade of lights, Santa's workshop and more.

Grand County

FREE:

Light Parade (Moab) – December 7 at Main Street

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Iron County

FREE:

Christmas Lighting (Parowan) – November 25  in Historic Cedar City

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Box Elder County

Pay for:

Willard Bay Christmas Lights – Starts November 29 and runs through December 31. 

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Washington County

Pay for:

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

FREE:

The St. George Tuacahn Starts November 30; 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

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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