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 voucher from any Utah's Wendy's. Zoo members get in for just $5 on December 5-6 and $1 off every other day. Also, see Santa and Live Reindeer with paid ZooLights.

This is The Place Candlelight Christmas - Runs December 8-23. Admission is just $5, 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 & Provo) - Opens November 24 - December 30. Cost is $25 online  Mon-Thurs and $30 Fri-Sat.
*Discount* Available Coupon - Save $10. Happy Hour available Mon-Thurs 5:30-6:30 pm: see the show twice for one price or bring a second vehicle to get in free.

Salty Dinner Theater "A Christmas Carol" - Runs at multiple restaurant locations from December 1-21.

*Discount* Available Coupon - Save $10.

Breakfast or Tea with Santa (Salt Lake) - Cost starts at $35.

Festival of Trees - November 29-December 2 at the South Towne Expo Center. Enjoy beautiful trees, gingerbread creations, entertainment and more. Tickets are $7/Adults, $4/Children ages 2-11, $6/Seniors. Discount tickets are available online before Thanksgiving and Wednesday, November 29 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) - November 30 at 5pm at La Caille. Lights, hot chocolate and cookies. Tickets will only be available in advance for $5 a person.

Brunch with Santa (Salt Lake) - December 2, 9 & 16 at the Sheraton. Prices start at $22.50.

Jim Brickman "A Joyful Christmas"  (Salt Lake) - December 28 at Abravanel Hall.
*Discount* Available Coupon - Save 52%

Gingerbread House Festival (Salt Lake) - Watch for details: 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 7-9 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 $2

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 9 & 16, prices start at $30 or $23 for members.

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. 

Red Butte Garden Winter Solstice - December 16 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 18). Then head to Naborhood Bakery for a sugar cookie for only $0.50 (reg. $1)!

Echoes Of Christmas - watch for more info

Harry Potter: Christmas at the Wizarding World (Sandy) -November 9 - January 31 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.

City Creek Santa Arrival (Salt Lake) - Thursday, November 16 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. 

Cookies with Santa (South Jordan) - November 20 at 6 pm at Gale Center of History & Culture. Come visit with Santa and vote on your favorite ginger bread house while enjoying a sweet treat.

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

FM 100 Christmas Concert Series (Sandy) - at Shops at South Town begin November 24. 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.

LIVE Reindeer (Sandy) - November 24, December 16 & 17 at Scheels.

Lights on Temple Square (Salt Lake) - November 24 and run until January 2.

Sugar House Winter Carnival (Salt Lake) - November 25 from 10 am - 4 pm at 2232 S Highland Dr.

Christmas Movie Classic Series ( West Jordan) - November 27, December 4, 11, & 18 at The Virdian Center. Watch classic Christmas movies with hot chocolate and popcorn.

Tree Lighting (Draper) - Monday, November 27 at 6 pm at Draper City Park. Visit from Santa, music and a big celebration.

Light The Night (Cottonwood Heights) - Monday, November 27 at 5 pm at Cottonwood Heights City Hall. There will be music, crafts, treats, and Santa.

Night of Lights (Herriman) - November 27 from 4-9 pm at Herriman Towne Center. Free ice skating, Peter Breinholt concert, candy cane hunt and more.

Santa's Arrival & Holly Days (Riverton) - November 27 December 1, 2, & 4 at 6:30 pm at Riverton Park.

The Live Nativity in Bluffdale - Watch for more details

Gallivan Center Lights On (Salt Lake) - Wednesday, November 29 at 4pm.

Heritage Park Christkindlmarkt and Lantern Parade run November 29 - December 2 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.

Timpanogos Choral Christmas Concert Series (Salt Lake) - November 30 at Temple Square. Admission is free.

Light the Night (South Jordan) - Friday, December 1 at 6:30 pm at South Jordan City Plaza. Crafts, hot cocoa, candy windows and more.

The Sounds of the Season (South Jordan) - December 2 at 2 pm at Bingham High school

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

Live Nativity (South Jordan) - December 2 from 5-7 pm at Jankins-Soffe Mortuary. Enjoy live actors and animals, the Bingham High School Madrigals, Waffle Love, Free hot chocolate and more. Admission is free.

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 2-3 with holiday gifts, free cider and hot chocolate and admission is Free.

Nativity in the Glen - Watch for more details

Decorate a Cookie with Mrs. Clause (Sandy) - Saturday, December 9 from 10-2 pm at Scheels. 

West Valley Symphony (West Valley) - December 11 at 7:30 pm at Utah Cultural Celebration Center.

Christmas Carole Sing Along (Salt Lake) - Monday, December 18 at 7 pm at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Featuring One Voice Children's Choir.

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. 

*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. 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 fof less.

Christmas in Color (South Jordan & Provo) - Cost is $25 Mon-Thurs and $$30 drive up Fri-Sat.
*Discount* Available Coupon - Save 40%

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.

Alpine - There is a live nativity November 30, December 1, 2, & 4. Tickets are required and are $1. The Living Nativity is located at 900 N Main Street.

Festival of Lights (Spanish Fork) - Run November 23 - January 1 from 6-10 pm. at Canyon View Park. Cost $8/car, $22/large passenger van, $30/bus.

Bar J Wranglers Christmas  (Orem) - December 12 at UCUU Center. 
*Discount* Available Coupon - Save 50%

FREE:

Lighting of Riverwoods (Provo) - Friday, November 17 from 5:306-9pm at Shops at Riverwoods. Santa arrives with special guests along with ice sculptures, fireworks and giveaways.

Santa's Grand Arrival (Orem) - Monday, November 20 at 6 pm at University Place. with entertainment, free hot cocoa and treats.

Lights On (Orem) - November 20 at 6 pm at 56 E Center Street. musical program, lights, free food, and photos with Santa.

Santa's Grand Arrival (Orem) - Friday, November 24 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 24 - January 1 from 5:30 - 11 pm. Lighting ceremony will be held Friday, November 24 at 6 pm. 

Winter Lights Parade (Spanish Fork) - Friday, November 24 at 7 pm on Historic Main Street. There will be lighted floats and Santa.

Santa Parade (Lehi) - Saturday, November 25 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 2 at Center Street. 

Christmas Crafts Day with Santa (Highland) - December 2 at 10 am. Children's Christmas Crafts with projects ranging from free - $1.50 per craft.

Christmas Market (Provo) - Saturday, December 2 from 4-8 pm at Provo Recreation. Leads up to the Lights on Ceremony.

Christmas Tree Lighting (Mapleton) - Monday, December 4 at 5 pm at the city park.

Timpanogos Choral Christmas Concert Series (Orem & American Fork) - December 6, 11, & 18 at multiple locations. Admission is free.

Live Nativity (Orem) - December 8 at University Place. Live nativity runs from 6-9 pm. Enjoy free hot chocolate and treats.

Carols by Candlelight (Provo) Sunday, December 10 at 6:30 pm.

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Davis County

Pay for:

Utah Winter Faire - December 1-3 at Legacy Events Center. Described as an indoor Renaissance Fair, but more.

FREE:

Santa's Arrival (Farmington) - November 18 at 6pm at Station Park. 

Holiday Lighting Ceremony (Layton) - November 20 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 24 at 1098 Sherwood Dr. 

Christmas on Onion St (West Bountiful) - December 4 at 6 pm at City Hall. 

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Cache County

Pay for:

Willow Park Zoo Reindeer Trek (Logan) - November 24-December 2 at Willow Park Zoo. Includes games for kids, holiday decorations and displays, and, of course, the animals of the zoo. $4 per person ages 2 and up.

Willow Park Zoo Lights (Logan) - November 6-December 30.

FREE:

The Reindeer Express (Wellsville) - December 1 at 5 pm at Indoor Riding Unit.Visit with Santa and his reindeer, listen to music and enjoy snacks.

Winter Gift Market (Logan) - December 8-9 at Downtown Logan. Unique gifts, live music, local artisans, and more.

Weber County

FREE:

Christmas Tree Jubilee - November 20-24 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 25 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 2 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 31%

Heber Valley Great Christmas Adventure - Runs November 24 - December 23 or the After Christmas North Pole Express runs December 26-30th.; 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. 

*Discount* Available Coupon - Save 40%

Great Christmas Adventure - Runs December 1-23; tours of elf village, snow ball fights,  board the magic sleigh to visit Santa and more. Prices range from $10-87 depending upon tickets selected. 

*Discount* Available Coupon - Save 31%

FREE:

Tree Lighting and Shop Local Celebration: Saturday, Nov 25 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 1-4; international nativities, entertainment, and more.

Town Party - December 11 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 14-17 Egyptian Theatre. Tickets start at $12.

FREE:

The Electric Parade on Historic Park City Main Street, November 25: Enjoy a parade of lit-up vehicles of all kinds make their way down Main Street.

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 17 - December 2 with lights on ceremony, electric parade, breakfast with Santa, fireworks and more.

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Sanpete County

FREE:

Manti Light Parade - November 24 at Main Street

Christmas Main Street Lighting - November 25 from 4-6:30 pm. Free wagon rides, hot chocolate, cookies and more.

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

Messiah Concert - December 10 at 7:30 at Eccles Center.

Live Nativity (Ft. Green) - December 15-16 at 800 W 400 S. 

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Uintah County

FREE:

Holly Days (Vernal) - Friday, November 24 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 1 at Swanny Park.

Light Parade (Moab) - December 2 at Main Street

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Iron County

Pay for:

Christmas at the Homestead (Cedar City) - December 9 at Frontier Homestead State Park Museum. Cost $1/person. 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.

Christmas at the Homestead (Cedar City) - December 4-9 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 24 and runs through December 31. Lighting Ceremony is November 24 at 5 pm

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Washington County

Pay for:

Jubilee of Trees - November 15-19 at Dixie Center. Admission is $5/adults; $1/children 15 and younger.

Dickens' Christmas Festival - runs in St. George November 29-December 2 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

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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.