Salt Lake City, UT 84101 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. Dec. 11 & 13 from 6-8:30 pm. Take a cruise on the Provo River and Santa rows up in a row boat. Showings run every 15 minutes from 4:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Inn Kanab, Related: Things to Do in Zion National Park, See Ticket Price for Tour that Includes This Activity. And you can visit Santa as part of your admission price to Zoo Lights. Who wouldve thought that amidst a rocky desert landscape with cities inhabited predominantly by Mormons a grand Hindu temple would rise? Need winter break ideas? Winter visitors to Zion National Park will find plenty to do, including hiking, photography and gazing up at the wonders of the night sky. Theres no better way to experience a bit of everything Utah offers. For adult beverages head to the Gibson Girl Lounge, and for something truly special with the family make a reservation for Afternoon Tea in The Lobby before checking out the displays. Smaller resorts likeNordic ValleyandBrian Headeven offer free season passes for kids 10 and under. If you were looking for cheap yet visually appealing destinations, Red Hills Desert Garden opens its doors to you for free! Plan a winter Southeastern Utah trip. Then add some ice sculpture gargoyles to intimidate the enemy. MDRS sometimes schedules visitor days on their Facebook page during the spring too, so go check out their page. The Grand America hosts walking tours for the holiday season that show off new displays in windows for the holiday season. 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. The Cox Performing Arts Center is located at 225 S. 700 East, St. George, UT 84770. Sunsets and sunrises further enhance the colors of this surreal spectacle, so come early or stay for the night. Utah may be hardcore landlocked, but you can still watch antarctic penguins swim and play. Book ariver tripor reserve that popularcampsiteyour family loves. 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. 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. Walk the Windows Grand America Hotel The Grand America hosts walking tours for the holiday season that show off new displays in windows for the holiday season. Here are a few of the most popular places to go, from north to south: "City Slicker" trail at Soldier Hollow in Heber Valley, Another winter activity with seemingly endless boundaries, cross country skiing is one of the best ways to soak up Utahs wide open spaces. Now you are ready for total snowball war. Loveland Living Planet Aquarium brings together the critters from South America, Utah, the Antarctic, Asia, and all of the earths oceans. The top-rated Utah Shakespeare Festival has been offering widely acclaimed Shakespearean and contemporary theater shows to locals and tourists in Utah since 1961. Enjoy this beautiful marble structure and the majestic views of snow-capped mountains in the background. Tremonton Lights (Tremeonton) Nov. 24-Jan 1 from 5:30-11:30 pm every night at the Tremonton City Office. Many tickets are already on sale and some events begin before Thanksgiving, so we want to share our big list of Christmas Activities Utah 2021 out to you as soon as possible. Utahs Wasatch Mountains are a popular destination. 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. If youre curious about the extravagance of Hindu festivals, you can also join the temples grand celebrations of Holi and Diwali! Things To Do Lodging Tours & Guides Deals Events Store Maps & Brochures Share Events So, you're looking for things to do in Utah . Zoo Lights: SLC Dec. 3-23, 26-31 from 5:30-9:30 pm. Park City Electric Light Parade: December 4 @ 4-6:30 pm FREE, Park City Snow Globe Stroll: Park City, November 25-January 5 FREE, WhoLiday Lighting in the Orchard: November 15 @ 6:00-8:00 pm FREE, Lighting of the Riverwoods (Provo): November 19 @ 6:00-9:00 pmFREE. What if you and/or the kids are caught somewhere between feeling confident on the slopes and too energetic to go snowshoeing? Ice skating is a favorite winter activity among Salt Lakers. The Clark Planetarium opened way back in April 2003, replacing the historic Hansen Planetarium under a grant from the Clark Foundation. Previous Group . The gorgeous temple sits on a 15-acre landscape featuring outdoor stages, a large pavilion, a lake and waterfall, and a few animals. Try this: ride the FrontRunner commuter train up to the Utah State Railroad Museum in Ogden. Take a road trip from Capitol Reef to Bryce Canyon and enjoy the best of Utah landscapes during its quiet season. All rights reserved. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Salt Lake Marriott Downtown at City Creek, 110 400 WSalt Lake City, UT 84101(385) 468-7827. Pleasant fall wraps Utah in colorful foliage along the scenic drives. Things to Do Discover Ogden's Attractions and Activities From the fun to the downright funky, Ogden, Utah is anything but your typical mountain town. Discover deals on the best attractions, breweries, and locations in Salt Lake! FREE. 90 South West Temple (Salty and sweet? Discount code adventure15 to save 15% off tickets. Discover three world-class ski resorts located just 20 minutes from downtown, and enjoy 450 inches of powdery snow each season. More info here. A local favorite for celebrating the season, families can enjoy breakfast with Santa and other holiday characters on select days in December at this annual holiday event in Salt Lake. You and your family can head over to check out the lights. This insider's guide video highlights their unparalleled access to both the outdoors and the city's "fun counterculture vibe" at the foot of the mighty Wasatch Mountains. Ut ah Popular in Utah See more RootsTech After Party for Young Adults RootsTech After Party for Young Adults Youll step into two national parks, three state parks, and all the scenic winding roads your heart could desire. In a really good way. If you cant make it to Christkindlmarkt, head for the Holiday Market at Rio Grande where local vendors offer up their wares. Experiencing the peace of canyon country in the winter is an attraction of its own. Tickets required. The Bonneville Salt Flats cover 30,000 acres of white salt crust one the western edge of the Great Salt Lake. I will move on . Map coming soon of where to visit. Capitol Reef - 1.8 days / 2.2 inches. Needless to say kids love it! Over a million curious guests visit the aquarium every year for their interactive exhibits. A Pioneer Christmas: Provo Pioneer Village on Dec. 17, 18, and 20 from 5-8 pm. Utah is a family-friendly place (highest birth rate in the nation, heh heh) so we have a kid-friendly infrastructure ready for long, dark winter days. Kite skiing (snow kiting) is attracting freestyle adventure seekers to Utah. 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. Imaginorium: Nov. 29-Dec. 23, M-Th 4-9 pm and F-Sat 4-10 pm. 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:. Where: Various locations along the Wasatch FrontUtahs new and improved public swimming pools are basically playgrounds. Candlelight Christmas at This is the Place Heritage Park: Dec. 7-23 from 5-9 PM. When Maren and Racer Gibson started rescuing huskies and malamutes over 20 years ago their intention very likely wasnt to make a profit or start a business. Completed in 1916, this Neoclassical revival, Corinthian-style building has seen so much struggle and growth since Utahs early beginnings as a state. It is a fundraising event for the Primary Childrens Hospital, too. In Utah, a Pueblo name that means people of the mountains, well show you how to take a break from whatever work, weather, the world or just about anything else throws at you. Zootah Christmas Lights: (Logan): November 27-Dec.18 (Th, F, and Sat). Breakfast With Santa December 5,12,19, 2021, Multiple Times Zermatt Mountain Resort, Midway You either drive through Monument Valley and soak up the sights or explore it fully by getting a tour guide from the visitor center. Thanks for @Stgeorge_Kids for giving us a few ideas for the St. George area. 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. Outlets at Traverse Mountain Virtual Tree Lighting(Lehi): November 20 @ 5:30 pmFREE. We use cookies to improve your experience on Utah.com. People can bid on trees, wreaths, quilts and more at FestivalofTreesUtah.org. 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. How to Visit Southern Utah in Winter All rights reserved. Are you ready for Christmas activities? The world-famous Grand Canyon is near St. George too! Find the perfect spot to sit down, and enjoy all the different things in this library thatll keep you occupied for hours and hours. Red Hills Desert Garden Lights(St. George): Nov. 26-Jan. 2 at 5-10 pm. Additional holiday events at Thanksgiving Point abound, so be sure to check for the events that best fit your family and budget. FREE, East Salt Lake Valley Christmas Light Drive: 6 stops in Draper and Sandy that you can do all in one night. The holiday season is here again, and theres no question that people will be enjoying the outdoors after spending much of the 2020 holiday season indoors. Try these indoor and outdoor winter activities for kids and parents alike. And you can visit Santa as part of your admission price to Zoo Lights. Arches National Park has been frequented by humans since 10,000 years ago, as evidenced by petroglyphs and artifacts found in the area. Things can be a little quieter down here this time of year. 25 Best Things to Do in Utah Fun Activities & Stuff to Do! 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. Brilliant. Beginning the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas comes to Temple Square with turning on the lights. In Utah, skiing is just where winter begins. You can explore by location, what's popular, our top picks, free stuff. With its iconic reddish and tan-colored canyon walls, desert, woodlands, and forests, this massive national park has a wealth of sights to offer. Located 25 minutes away from Park City, Bear Ridge Adventures also offers authentic dog sled tours on scenic private property. This children's museum is educational in a delightfully tactile way. For most travelers, Southern Utah winters prevent comfortable camping, and occasional snowfall can make outdoor adventure a little more challenging. Visit Hogle Zoo in the Winter: Tips for Families, Christmas in Downtown Tree Lighting and Parade, West Salt Lake Valley Christmas Light Drive, East Salt Lake Valley Christmas Light Drive, Larry H Miller Christmas Carole Sing-Along, Benson Grist Mill Lighting and Live Nativity, Outlets at Traverse Mountain Virtual Tree Lighting, Santas Grand Arrival at University Place, Young Living Family Farm Country Christmas, Christmas In Dixie Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, Hedgehog Electric Christmas Light Display Map, Picture This Utah: An Interactive Photo Experience, What to Expect When Visiting Historic Nauvoo, Joseph Knight Home and Josiah Stowell Home, FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM FOR ADVENTURES ALL YEAR. Whether youre a geek or an adventurer, this national monument has so much in store for you. There are trails that lead to slot canyons, arches, waterfalls, forest, and scrublands, all waiting for you to explore. Lights on at 6:30 pm. 10. All Rights Reserved. Lake Powell. Check out this snowshoe excursion then plan yours today for fun and adventure. Now you can start planning your holiday season. We look for fun, easy adventures throughout the state of Utah and beyond. Free cookies and hot cocoa. Liberty Park is popular for hosting food . Their boat launch is perfect for families who want to motor or sail atop the salty waters. Find your sense of adventure and awe in the vast yet intricate swaths of desert from Arches National Park to Monument Valley. 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. Winter rewards hikers with stunning sights of stalactites and snow covered mountains. Icicle artisans spend the winter building the castles through magic and science. Families, on the other hand, have an endless array of cultural institutions to choose from. Within this natural sandstone cave in southern Utah is a natural history museum boasting a bar and fluorescent minerals. Its time to plan your winter break, a break from everything, and were going to make it easy by choosing Utah. The performances will happen throughout December. If youve been dreaming of Martian-like deserts, rust-colored gargantuan rock formations, and blooming succulents for your next vacation, Utah is your best bet. Written October 2, 2021. Bikers, hikers, campers, and families come here in throngs for its spring and fall excitement. There are plenty of things to do in Northern Utah when you're in Ogden. Winter rewards hikers with stunning sights of stalactites and snow covered mountains. Capitol Reef National Park Get gazed and confused staring out at one of Utah's trippiest landscapes, a hodgepodge of rounded white domes, jutting spires and even a landlocked version of a tropical reef. Actually, deals are everywhere, with free events taking place throughout Utah. Explore snowmobiling. Channel your inner figure skater as you race and twirl around the rink. 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. Taking Zion Canyon Scenic Drive in an SUV is the best way to see the huge canyon vistas. Written December 2, 2022. . Utah hotels near Lake Powell can be found scattered from north to south, with the southern end being the most active for one of the major activities on Lake Powellhouseboating. Dont forget to wear long underwear under your Olaf costume. All Rights Reserved. Next Group. Think of them more like community hubs where staff and volunteers teach free workshops on reading, art, computers, legos, yoga, storytime and more. Christmas on the Farm(Cedar City): November 26-27, Dec. 4, 8, 11, & 15, at 10-4. Aside from having The Greatest Snow on Earth, what sets Utah apart from other skiing locations is the easy access. As daytime shredders check-out between 3 and 4 p.m., a new ski shift begins. Imagine an old-fashioned theater experience, with costumed vendors all around selling snacks and drinks. When the Utah sun becomes unbearable, head over to one of Kanabs cool places, literally and figuratively. Admission Free after 5:00 PM for the light display. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Theres a live nativity and display of small nativities in Payson. Such is the serendipitous landscape of Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, a huge sandy playground for outdoor adventurers. Saltwater is highly corrosive, and soft mud lies beneath the layer of salt crust. You must reach Springdale in Utah to lodge and explore the high canyon walls, Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, and forest. We all have been entranced by the existence of dinosaurs at some point of our lives. The real Up house was built in 2011 by Bangerter Homes with permission from Disney. Tickets are available atwww.starofwonder.comand the show runs Dec. 4-11. Get some ideas from our road tripitineraries, bucket lists and family-friendly hikes. We also highly suggest taking the three-hour Sound and Light Show tour along the Colorado River. Lights and a Nativity, Larry H Miller Christmas Carole Sing-Along: December 13 at 7:00 pm (doors open at 6:00 pm) FREE, Candy Windows(South Jordan): FREE (no dates yet). For tickets and reservation information, click HERE! Where: Snow banks, backyards, fields, parks. During the holiday season, Utah's Hogle Zoo lights up with over 200 lighted animal and holiday-themed displays in the evenings. Hiking, Non-ski Winter Activities, Scenic Drives/Road Trips, Ski and Snowboard, Stargazing. The Gallivan Center, an outdoor skating rink, falls within the free-fare zone of Salt Lake's public transportation.This means on chilly nights families can opt for a short ride on the TRAX light rail from this . Alpine Living Nativity (Alpine): Dec. 2-4, 10-11. Christmas in the Canyon(St. George): Nov. 26 Dec. 23 at 6-9 PM. For an extraordinary adventure, plan winter hikes in Utahs Zion National Park. A staple of the holiday season in Utah, join the Utah Symphony as they performHandel's Messiah. The water is comfortably warm and shallow enough for toddlers. A museum where kids can touch and play with everything! Snowmobiling is one of the most popular winter sports in Northern Utah, thanks to an abundance of snow, trails, and easy access. The museum is home to 5,000 desert plants, a replica slot canyon, a stream with native and endangered fish, and prehistoric dinosaur tracks from 200 million years ago. On the ArizonaUtah state line sits a unique landmark within the territory of the Navajo Tribal Nation. Landscaping and gardening workshops are also offered here, so if you dont know what to do in Utah this weekend, consider signing up. Arts & Museums Backpacking Camping Cycling Dinosaurs Festivals & Events Filmed in Utah Fishing Food & Nightlife Hiking History Mountain Biking OHV & Off-Road Rafting Road Trips Rock Climbing Skiing Slot Canyons Snowboarding Snowmobiling Snowshoeing Stargazing Tribal Cultures Urban Experiences ExploreToggle Menu Close Menu Forever Mighty Itineraries Maybe your teens can help you come up with the weirdest smore combination like starbursts and saltines. Passes to ski and snowboard resorts are expensive, but dont give up yet, powder pauper. Encompassing almost 36,000 acres, the monumental splendor of Bryce Canyon National Park has long been recognized by man for thousands of years. Your browser is not supported for this experience.We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. Use code LEHIMOMs to save 20% off. Forever Mighty. The holiday market is only open for one weekend in December and it's this weekend, from Dec. 1 to Dec. 4. The Galliavan Center offers ice skating opportunities, bringing you closer to the wintry season. Young Living Family Farm Country Christmas (Mona): Wagon Rides and Light Display. 4x4 Safari Excursion in Arches National Park. Copyright 2023 Deseret News Publishing Company. Grand America Holiday Windows: Nov. 1-Dec. 31 M- TH: 4 PM 8 PMand FRI SUN: 10 AM-5PM. Whether you come to ski or snowboard, to mountain bike Slickrock in Moab Utah, to take a summer whitewater rafting splash down Cataract Canyon, or to visit the Old West with a tour of outlaw hideouts and stickups, Utah has adventure waiting. So if youre looking to warm up and slow down at the same time, be sure to pack your swimsuit on this winter trip. Towering red rocks dusted in snow, often set against bright blue skies, welcome winter visitors to Capitol Reef National Park. Explore snowshoeing. 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. Stay up to date by subscribing to one of our Newsletters. Want to avoid the Utah national park crowds? FREE hot chocolate and doughnuts and wagon rides. Once upon a time, the library was a place of silence and stern librarians. Tickets sell out quickly for this limited engagement event, so make sure to buy your tickets well in advance. From Olympic fame and luxury to innovation and extreme adventure, discover a vast winter playground on three resorts. The ski lift may be closer, but the Provo River, one of the best fisheries in Utah and the country, is mere minutes down the road from Sundance Mountain Resort.