Recommended Hotel Nearby: Homewood Suites By Hilton SLC/Draper. Experience snowshoeing the greatest snow on Earth. You can head over to Gardner Village to grab some breakfast with Santa Claus himself. A Christmas Story - CenterPoint Legacy Theater- Centerville - $19.50-25 Gingerbread House Competition - Bountiful ($5 admission for kids, includes Santa photo) Ice Bumper Cars - Farmington (outdoor) Santa at Layton Hills Mall - Layton Santa Breakfasts - Station Park- Farmington South Davis Rec Center Ice Skating - Bountiful (indoor rink) Fine, here's a plethora of Utah events to keep you feeling fulfilled. 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. Completed in 1916, this Neoclassical revival, Corinthian-style building has seen so much struggle and growth since Utahs early beginnings as a state. Sounds good!) Whether you are a participant or spectator, the calendar is bursting with celebrations, festivals and athletic events - providing plenty of things to do for everyone, no . In winter, families may try icy pursuits, such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. 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. Spring boasts active wildlife and blooming flowers. Join ski cat driver Kevin Irons on a day's adventures to Lightning Ridge at Powder Mountain, complete with pizza bribery, remote access and lots of powder. Dinosaur National Monument Extreme Sports Events Fishing Golfing Hiking & Backpacking Horseback Riding Hunting Canoe & Kayak Mountain Biking Museums Old West Mormon River Rafting Rock Climbing Shopping Skiing Snowmobiling Spas Stand Up Paddle Boarding Utah Olympic Park Latest Articles & Itineraries Travel Guides and Brochures View Brochures It is a fundraising event for the Primary Childrens Hospital, too. With over 7,300 acres intended just for fun, Park City offers endless winter opportunities such as sleigh rides, ski-in-ski-out access to historic Main Street, ski and snowboard lessons, snowmobile tours, cable cars, warm restaurants, cabins, special events, and more! All Rights Reserved. Showings run every 15 minutes from 4:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Youll find holiday markets, festivals, concerts, pop up bars, dance performances, musicals, and more to celebrate the holiday season in Salt Lake. Get discounts on lift tickets. Then add color with snow paint. However, you dont have to get too far out of town to get lost down a ski track. The Grand StaircaseEscalante National Monument is the largest national monument in the United States and the most remote in the country. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western PLUS Rubys Inn, 13312 West 1075 SouthMagna, UT 84044(801) 828-0787. Navajos have been here since AD 1,400. There are many events and tons of lights in Helper since it is know as Christmas Town Utah. More than 6,000 lights are used to create a breathtaking display along a mile-long walk in Ashton Gardens. Use code AdventureFamily15 to save 15% off tickets. Christmas on the Farm(Cedar City): November 26-27, Dec. 4, 8, 11, & 15, at 10-4. Boutiques within the grounds create breathtaking displays for the holidays season and there's the not-to-be-missed Grand Gingerbread House that can stretch upwards of 15 feet. Christmas Town Utah(Helper): No dates yet. Youll get to see firsthand how much the dogs love being on the team and pulling guests on the sleds. Browse through Lovelands educational exhibits and experience one-of-a-kind animal encounters with sharks, stingrays, and penguins! The counties are listed generally from north to south in Utah. 10. Kelli Gard - Executive Administrative Assistant - ARUP Laboratories Since the dawn of time, families have been balling up snow and throwing it at each other. Find your next ride here. Eagle Point is a Utah favorite location. Find the best ice skating rinks in Utah and plan the perfect skate night with your friends and family. Your kid likes trains? Winter rewards hikers with stunning sights of stalactites and snow covered mountains. Bonus: you can ride the carousel and sometimes see a few animals. Hiking, Non-ski Winter Activities, Scenic Drives/Road Trips, Ski and Snowboard. This year we organized our list by county to help you more readily find activities near your home. Things to Do in Utah, United States: See Tripadvisor's 1,327,933 traveler reviews and photos of Utah tourist attractions. As youre mapping out your winter trip through southeastern Utah, consider adding the following parks and natural wonders to your itinerary. Tree will be lit at 6:00. 4.5 /5 (805 reviews) Lake Powell is part of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Learn everything you need to know for a cheap luxury ski trip. Featuring extraordinary golf courses, outdoorsy Utah activities, Jurassic-era dinosaur tracks, a childrens museum, and more, St. George is a haven of fun for golfers, fearless teens, and active kids. Festival of Trees(Virtual): No dates, but virtual again this year. Temple Square Lights: SLCFREE Limited Lights due to construction. However, the tough choices arent over yet. Whether youre a local, new in town or just passing through, drop in on our holiday event calendar. Yes, Temple Square in Salt Lake City is open for the Christmas season. Find out tips for riding and the best places to explore in Utah. Tucked into the country atmosphere of a town called Midway is a fun activity that appears each winter out of thin airor, we should say, out of thin ice. How's that for a Utah family winter activity? It takes up part of Arizona and southern Utah. Tickets include sleigh ride, cocoa, and sledding hill. Smaller resorts likeNordic ValleyandBrian Headeven offer free season passes for kids 10 and under. Needless to say kids love it! It's just a natural way to release that pent up winter energy. The five-acre Red Hills Desert Garden is actually Utahs first-ever desert conservation garden. Dan Craner, Festival of Trees executive board member, puts signs on trees for the 51st annual Festival of Trees at the Mountain America Expo Center in Sandy on Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021. Moving from city to summit doesn't take long. Located in close proximity to Deer Valley, Park City Mountain Resort is notably one of the most popular tourist attractions for outdoorsy families vacationing in Utah. Visitors and locals alike flock to this annual performance of William Christensens The Nutcracker, which highlights the incredible full-length choreography of this classic childrens story. Discover deals on the best attractions, breweries, and locations in Salt Lake! 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. Outlets at Traverse Mountain Virtual Tree Lighting(Lehi): November 20 @ 5:30 pmFREE. 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. Sledding is a winter classic that every kid has gotta try at least once. Fire + candy = fun. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Plus Greenwell Inn, 12500 Sand Dune RoadKanab, UT 84741(435) 648-2800. You can now visit the iconic house from the tear-jerking film Up at 13218 Herriman Rose Boulevard in Herriman, Utah. Lights on Wakefield: This event is currently not happening because of changes in city ordinances. Hiking, rafting, and camping are some of the most popular activities at Dinosaur National Monument. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Cathedral Valley Inn, 375 Red Hills ParkwaySt. Christmas at the Homestead(Cedar City): Frontier Homestead Museum has decorations, including the Twelve Trees of Christmas. Pretty simple. Here are just a few of our favorite annual holiday events to check out here in Salt Lake. Located 25 minutes away from Park City, Bear Ridge Adventures also offers authentic dog sled tours on scenic private property. This colossal national monument makes a lovely endless playground for off-roaders, canyoneers, and hikers. Southern Utahs wilds are wearing their winter splendor. 101+ Fun Things To Do During Christmas In Utah - So Festive! Follow His Star Creche exhibit (Midway): exhibit of over 500 creches. How to Visit Southern Utah in Winter Instead of having yet another movie night, try a backyard bonfire with hot chocolate and smores. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection By Hilton, US Highway 160 & US Highway 163Monument Valley, UT 84536(928) 871-6647. Lake Powell. Even the interior of the house from wallpaper to furniture is a complete replica from Carl and Ellies home in the film! . The annual performance of William Christensens The Nutcracker returns for 2021. 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. Wear the appropriate clothing for the season, and do not drive over the salt flats. North Pole Express(Heber) Nov. 22 Dec. 23. Things To Do In Salt Lake City This Winter | Visit Utah Santas Grand Arrival at University Place: November 26 @ 9:30 am (Santa arrives via helicopter), Salem Pond Christmas Lighting(Salem): November 26 @ 6-9 PM. Check out this snowshoe excursion then plan yours today for fun and adventure. As daytime shredders check-out between 3 and 4 p.m., a new ski shift begins. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Marriotts MountainSide, Related: Best Ski Resorts in Utah for Families. Think of them more like community hubs where staff and volunteers teach free workshops on reading, art, computers, legos, yoga, storytime and more. See red rock hoodoos coated with a dusting of snow against a stunning scenic backdrop on an unforgettable winter visit to Bryce Canyon National Park. Utahsstateandnational parkswill be thawed out before you know it! Try this: ride the FrontRunner commuter train up to the Utah State Railroad Museum in Ogden. Top 10 Things to Do in Utah | Utah.com In warmer months, outdoor adventurers will have a blast exploring the natural beauties through horseback riding or hiking. Discover three world-class ski resorts located just 20 minutes from downtown, and enjoy 450 inches of powdery snow each season. 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. Wondering where to go snowshoeing? FREE. With 4,500 animals representing 550 different species and categorized into 74 major exhibits, the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium regularly makes it to lists of the top places to go in Utah. Learn more and plan your visit! Utahs windswept beauty, however, doesnt stop there. As the largest national park in Utah, Canyonlands provides a variety of winter adventures, including winter hiking and stargazing. Admission is free to this annual Christmas market in Salt Lakes Foothill District. Copyright 2023 Utah.com. 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. Channel your inner figure skater as you race and twirl around the rink. Tours around the temple are available daily for you to check out the temples elaborate architecture, animals, and organic crops. Deals likeAltaSki After 3,Brightonnight skiing, Ski Utahs heavily discounted passes for 5th and 6th graders, and the fact that most resorts let young kids ski for free can make skiing affordable again. With a little extra planning, good layers, and the right equipment, however, you can enjoy Utah's national parks in the solitude of winter. Perhaps another activity you wouldnt expect to be available in Utah,sled dog toursare available in Park City. Things To Do - Torrey Utah U.S.A. Follow this itinerary for a week-long winter road trip across the snow-covered desert of Southeastern Utah. Learn more about why Bryce Canyon and the surrounding areas are the perfect place for winter hiking, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Visitors have to option to book a 1 hour, 2 hour, or half day dog sled tour from December (sometimes November) to March. You must reach Springdale in Utah to lodge and explore the high canyon walls, Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, and forest. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Home2 Suites by Hilton Salt Lake City-East, 300 Wakara WaySalt Lake City, UT 84108(801) 585-0556. Box 750027 75 East 100 North Torrey, Utah 84775 Walk through time on a switchbacking boardwalk through the fossil record at the Natural History Museum of Utah. Time: 2-3 hours. Utahs award-winning waters hold some of the best ice fishing in the country, and with so many large lakes and reservoirs, its easy to grab your gear and join in. And camping is an excellent option for those who want to explore the lake at a leisurely pace. From delicate river-fed ecosystems to crimson-hued rock buttresses, this magical landscape is awash in history, dating back thousands of years to the original Native American settlers to whom these places were sacred. I'll be graduating with my associate's degree in December of 2021 after 2 years of school. Discover some of the most picturesque places to photograph in Southern Utah, and learn some tips for how to shoot and travel responsibly. All rights reserved. Experience a world unlike anything youve ever imagined in the high desert mountains and plummeting canyons of south-central Utah. The Clark Planetarium opened way back in April 2003, replacing the historic Hansen Planetarium under a grant from the Clark Foundation. You can also have supper at one of the booths. Stroll around the garden and encounter different plant collections and themed gardens. Utahs Wasatch Mountains are a popular destination. Ride the Heber Valley Railroad with Santa. Fat tire biking has become the latest rage among cycling enthusiasts and newbies. In Utah, skiing is just where winter begins. Beginning the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas comes to Temple Square with turning on the lights. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Red Hills, 2200 Cow Dung RoadHanksville, UT 84734(303) 984-9346. Gingerbread house contest entries on display at the Brigham City Christmas Village. With a little extra planning, good layers, and the right equipment, however, you can enjoy Utah's national parks in the solitude of winter. No list of the best places to visit in Utah is complete without a visit to Zion National Park. Each year, the Mountain America Expo Center hosts the Festival of Trees, which is a major holiday convention where crafty people can meet decorators and vendors in the community. A new walk-thru light display. The house makes perfect photo ops inside and outside, but make sure you contact the current owners of the house first before you go beyond the white picket fence. We are a family of 5 with three boys who love to be outside. Cocoa and cookies provided. Built in 2011, this modern museum has a collection of exotic butterflies, minerals and indigenous masterpieces. U.S. Olympic Team Trials Speed Skating December 17-19, 2021, 11 am-9 pm Utah Olympic Oval, Kearns. International finals, national championships, regional events and homegrown extravaganzas all take place in Ogden, Utah. June to August is the season of spectacular activities like Bonneville Speed Week or stargazing . Go as far as you want on Little Cottonwood Trail up Little Cottonwood Canyon. Experience more peace, quiet and solitude. Live Nativity and Luminary Walk: Clark Historic Farm in Grantsville. At its end, this leads to the Narrows area, which involves a more strenuous and adventurous . Liberty Park is popular for hosting food . Plan a winter Southeastern Utah trip. There are thousands of books to explore, fireplaces on all four floors, an art gallery, a coffee shop, a spiral grand staircase, and three glass elevators. The holiday market is only open for one weekend in December and its this weekend, from Dec. 1 to Dec. 4. Park City is the epicenter, but Sundance venues can also be found in Salt Lake City, Ogden and at Sundance Mountain Resort. Live Nativity at the Orchard (Orem): December 10 from 6-8 pm. They believe dog sledding is a great way to dive in and get to know more about mushing, the hard-working huskies, and dog sledding. For an extraordinary adventure, plan winter hikes in Utahs Zion National Park. 10 Adventurous Things To Do In Utah One Must Definitely Experience! Winter rewards hikers with stunning sights of stalactites and snow covered mountains. Each year, the Festival of Treesat Mountain America Expo Centershows off the talents of professional designers and decorators in the community who take on the task of decorating trees in just 24 hours. Contact Info. Santas Arrival at Station Park(Farmington): November 26 @ 9-11 AM. The gorgeous temple sits on a 15-acre landscape featuring outdoor stages, a large pavilion, a lake and waterfall, and a few animals. You sample collect hot chocolate and cookies on the tour as you embrace the true magic of the holiday season. For Sparta! FREE, Cross E Ranch Christmas at the RanchNovember 26-Dec. 23. A lovely spot to learn to skate while enjoying pop music, The Gallivan Center offers skating throughout the winter months along with ice skate rental included for just $5 on Tuesdays and Thursdays. FREE, Spanish Fork Winter Lights Parade: November 27 @ 7:00 PM FREE, Luminaria: Thanksgiving Point in Lehi. Guests are invited to make s'mores, sip hot chocolate, and explore the 135-foot tunneled walkway. Skip the crowded peak season and embrace the quiet of a winter visit to Arches National Park. Theres no better way to experience a bit of everything Utah offers. Written December 2, 2022. . Pleasant fall wraps Utah in colorful foliage along the scenic drives. For an extraordinary adventure, plan winter hikes in Utahs Zion National Park. Located on the border between Colorado and Utah, where Green and Yampa Rivers meet, the Dinosaur National Monument is an outstanding area of over 800 paleontological sites. Visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance. North Pole Express at Thunder Junction (St. George): Every Friday, Saturday, and Monday for the first 3 weekends in December from 6-8 PM. Responsible Winter Recreation. Start Planning Your Summer VacationIt's never too late to look forward to summer. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Little America Hotel Salt Lake City, 311 West 8500 SouthSpanish Fork, UT 84660(801) 787-1510. Learn about the American Wests unique natural world through the museums 1.6 million objects on display. . Evermore Park Aurora Winter Festival:Pleasant Grove. MDRS sometimes schedules visitor days on their Facebook page during the spring too, so go check out their page. There are several trails to hike, thousands of geological wonders to photograph, sites to camp for the night and watch the stars, areas to ride horses, ranger-led programs to enjoy from spring through fall, and so much more to expect at Arches National Park. The Bonneville Salt Flats cover 30,000 acres of white salt crust one the western edge of the Great Salt Lake. Imagine an old-fashioned theater experience, with costumed vendors all around selling snacks and drinks. Rocky Mountain Outfitters Carriage Rides(Jordanelle State Park): Sleigh Rides through the lights all the way through winter. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Plus Wendover Inn. 10 Best Events in Logan, UT 2023 | Eventbrite How about you take that fascination to the next level by going where dinosaurs once roamed? Loveland Living Planet Aquarium brings together the critters from South America, Utah, the Antarctic, Asia, and all of the earths oceans. Enjoy winter hikes, scenic drives and some of the best stargazing in the world. Sleigh Rides on the Farm at American West Heritage Center (Wellsville): Dec. 4, 11, 18, 20-23, 27-Jan. 1. No matter what kind of winter adventure youre looking for, youre sure to find it in Ogden. Where : Salt Lake City. Join to view profile . Athletes still train here, and ski schools in Utah resorts might be the start of a future Olympians career. This year there will be displays and limited lights (due to construction). Among the many venues that host free events are The Gallivan Center, Pioneer Park, and Temple Square. Things To Do in Salt Lake in Winter Ice Skating. Map coming soon of where to visit. The Grand America hosts walking tours for the holiday season that show off new displays in windows for the holiday season. The Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) is operated by a small crew of scientists from various disciplines who conduct scientific research on the station and simulate actual space missions to Mars. Where: Various locations along the Wasatch FrontUtahs new and improved public swimming pools are basically playgrounds. When visiting the Sundance Film Festival in Utah, movies are only part of the experience. Next Group. (Read: "Fresh Tracks in Kamas Utah's Snowcountry"). We all have been entranced by the existence of dinosaurs at some point of our lives. This children's museum is educational in a delightfully tactile way. Start making summer vacation plans today. 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. All rights reserved. Salt Lake during the holidays? 10 New Things To Do In Utah This Winter | Visit Utah You can explore by location, what's popular, our top picks, free stuff. Soak up incredible views along the parks scenic drive or gear up and head out on a wintry hike. Youll step into two national parks, three state parks, and all the scenic winding roads your heart could desire. Hiking in winter is perfect for getting the family out of the house and into the crisp fresh air. 4:30-8:00 pm at Zootah with reindeer encounters. Natural History Museum of Utah. We were there in late December 2021 and it was chilly but not particularly cold during the day. Afterwards, try ice skating at the Midway Ice Rink. Kite skiing (snow kiting) is attracting freestyle adventure seekers to Utah. Home to an intricate six-spire temple, Temple Square has been a famous destination for both tourists and locals admiring its beauty as the heart of the worldwide Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-Day Saints. While Utah's Greater Zion offers a few hundred trails, weve highlighted seven of the best hikes in the state's southwestern corner, from deep canyons to high peaks. 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. The Midway Ice Castles are sculpted entirely from ice and span several acres of space, enough to pack in tunnels, ice slides, and magical spaces that kids and adults alike are sure to love. Weve collected 11 iconic Christmas events for you and your family to embrace this holiday season. In fact, its the only warm water scuba destination in the continental United States. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Salt Lake Marriott Downtown at City Creek, 110 400 WSalt Lake City, UT 84101(385) 468-7827. Guests are invited to make smores, sip hot chocolate, and explore the 135-foot tunneled walkway. Learn more about Utah's Olympic legacyand best spots to relive the games. 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. Looking for things to do in Utah? Recommended Hotel Nearby: Comfort Suites St George University Area, 301 Wakara WaySalt Lake City, UT 84108(801) 581-6927. On Dec. 21 and Dec. 22, the Utah Symphony will perform the score to Home Alone, by John Williams. Tremonton Lights (Tremeonton) Nov. 24-Jan 1 from 5:30-11:30 pm every night at the Tremonton City Office. For maps and assistance, theres a visitor center. Another things you could add to your list of things to do in Utah in December, is to take the kids to see the animal themed lights at Hoogle Zoo, or celebrate with them for an early countdown to New Year's on New Years Eve! More than 200 lighted animal and holiday-themed displays illuminate the holiday season. FREE hot chocolate and doughnuts and wagon rides. But do know that theyre busy during this time, especially if you see them in space suits, so dont go about approaching the station without permission. Take a contemplative walk around the grounds and catch the hourly docent-led tours inside the Utah State Capitol. FREE, Ogden Electric Light Parade: November 27 @ 5:30. 4x4 Safari Excursion in Arches National Park. Things to do in Utah | Top Attractions, Events, and Recreation Utah.com A museum where kids can touch and play with everything! December in Utah | Utah Agenda George, UT 84770(435) 673-3617. Alpine Living Nativity (Alpine): Dec. 2-4, 10-11. You and your family can head over to check out the lights. Request a free copy or view the latest guide online. Southern Utah comes alive in winter with unexpected experiences for those who are well-prepared and solitude for those who want to expand their view. Additional skating venues can be found throughout the valley and include the Olympic-level facilities that are open to the public. Heres how its spending your money, Parents know best: Rep. Burgess Owens wants to fund school choice at national level, Sterling Scholars: Here are Utahs 2023 semifinalists, 2023 Sterling Scholars semifinalists: Southwest Region. All rights reserved. Young Living Farm Country Christmas: Nov. 26-Dec.22 from 6-9 pm. If youre visiting Utah any time from June to early October, the festival hosts the summer-fall tradition of plays, Greenshows, seminars, camps, and classes at Cedar City. Capitol Reef - 1.8 days / 2.2 inches. Written December 6, 2020. FREE, East Salt Lake Valley Christmas Light Drive: 6 stops in Draper and Sandy that you can do all in one night. While winter weather in Southern Utah can be mild youll still need to deal with cooler and widely fluctuating temperatures as well as intermittent rain and snow. Within this natural sandstone cave in southern Utah is a natural history museum boasting a bar and fluorescent minerals. Here are the details on local pros who can help get you the gear or guide your adventure. Snowmobiling is one of the most popular winter sports in Northern Utah, thanks to an abundance of snow, trails, and easy access.