And you can visit Santa as part of your admission price to Zoo Lights. Things To Do Outdoor Brian Head Cedar Breaks National Parks Outdoor Activities Recreation Areas Discovery Trails City Utah Shakespeare Festival Art and Culture Shopping Visitor Services Communities Groups and Meetings Cedar City Walks Events Food & Drink Lodging Experiences Contact My Bucket List Events (Read: "Fresh Tracks in Kamas Utah's Snowcountry"). Either choice is good, or even better, try out both. 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! Keep the contradictions going by cruising along the Waterpocket Fold, a water-free buckle of land that serves as the backbone of the park. Featuring fossils, dinosaur bones, minerals, insects, plants, and Native American artifacts all discovered from Utah and the American West, the Natural History Museum of Utah is a worthwhile escape into the ancient past. 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. December 2-12, 2021 Utah Motorsports Campus, Grantsville. Let us know if we are missing your favorite Christmas activity by sending us an email: info@utahsadventurefamily.com, Christmas in Downtown Tree Lighting and Parade (Logan): November 27 at 4:30-7:30 (4:30 Santa arrives, 5:30 Tree Lighting, visits with Santa until 7:30 FREE. 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. Characterized by red rocks and natural amphitheaters carved by frost weathering and stream erosion, Bryce Canyon attracts almost three million visitors every year. To help you jump-start your journey to the American West, here are the best things to do in Utah. Home to more than 2,000 gigantic sandstone arches, this national park sees more than 1.6 million curious visitors every year. For maps and assistance, theres a visitor center. Christkindlmarket at This is the Place: Dec. 1-4. Learn about the cool places to kite ski in Utah, grab your equipment and go! All rights reserved. Utah may be hardcore landlocked, but you can still watch antarctic penguins swim and play. Nativities Nativity in the Glen (SLC): Dec. 3 from 6-9 PM. Adventurous nature lovers will love the trails that lead to rocky and sandy state parks. For Sparta! Utahs windswept beauty, however, doesnt stop there. In downtown Salt Lake, the city lights the streets with holiday-themed displays. 12 Family-Friendly Winter Activities in Utah 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. When you get the chance to visit during the spring, you can witness over 500,000 vibrant flowers bloom in various colors all at the same time! If theyre not in space suits, however, you can go ahead and ask for a brief tour. Ogden, Utah Attractions & Activities - Visit Ogden FREE, Brigham City Christmas Village (Brigham City): Dec. 2-Jan. 3 Located at 1 South Main street in Brigham CIty. Tours around the temple are available daily for you to check out the temples elaborate architecture, animals, and organic crops. Pro tip:Pack your own lunch and a thermos of hot chocolate to keep spirits up and costs down. found in the higher elevation regions of Southern Utah, Fresh Tracks in Kamas Utah's Snowcountry, Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity. Experience a world unlike anything youve ever imagined in the high desert mountains and plummeting canyons of south-central Utah. Sunsets and sunrises further enhance the colors of this surreal spectacle, so come early or stay for the night. 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. Christmas in Color: Located at the Salt Lake County Equestrian Center in South Jordan. As youre mapping out your winter trip through southeastern Utah, consider adding the following parks and natural wonders to your itinerary. Try this: ride the FrontRunner commuter train up to the Utah State Railroad Museum in Ogden. Lake Powell. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Plus Greenwell Inn Related: Best Family Hotels in Utah Related: Things to Do in Moab 10. If youre planning a family trip this year, consider Midways Ice Castles a must-see. Youll step into two national parks, three state parks, and all the scenic winding roads your heart could desire. Plan a winter Southeastern Utah trip. Box 750027 75 East 100 North Torrey, Utah 84775 Spending some time on the ice rink might bring that magical vibe of the holiday season. Whether youre in northern or southern Utah, as long as there is snow there is very likely an outfitter that can rent the gear you need; or better yet, guide you to their favorite spots. People can bid on trees, wreaths, quilts and more at FestivalofTreesUtah.org. Within this natural sandstone cave in southern Utah is a natural history museum boasting a bar and fluorescent minerals. Nativity in the Glen(SLC): Dec. 3 from 6-9 PM. So if you miss out this year, feel free to check them out in 2022. On the ArizonaUtah state line sits a unique landmark within the territory of the Navajo Tribal Nation. Perhaps another activity you wouldnt expect to be available in Utah,sled dog toursare available in Park City. With its iconic reddish and tan-colored canyon walls, desert, woodlands, and forests, this massive national park has a wealth of sights to offer. Bryce Canyon - 5.7 days / 15.3 inches. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection By Hilton, US Highway 160 & US Highway 163Monument Valley, UT 84536(928) 871-6647. Evermore Park Aurora Winter Festival:Pleasant Grove. FREE, East Salt Lake Valley Christmas Light Drive: 6 stops in Draper and Sandy that you can do all in one night. Whether youre looking for commercial parks with structured lanes or a local hill and your own thermos of hot cocoa, weve got it all. 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. We all have been entranced by the existence of dinosaurs at some point of our lives. On December 21st, 2021, from 7:30 p.m. - midnight, enjoy Irish song and dance infused with history and humor in this family-friendly experience set against photographic images as the backdrop. There are many events and tons of lights in Helper since it is know as Christmas Town Utah. They have lazy rivers, slides and buckets that pour water in your eyeballs when you least expect it. Once upon a time, the library was a place of silence and stern librarians. This review is the subjective opinion of a . . Tickets required, Christmas on the Farm Live Nativity(Cedar City): Dec. 6, & 13 at 6-8 PM. Kid-friendly activities include daily parades, a live nativity, a gnome festival, and more. 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. You either drive through Monument Valley and soak up the sights or explore it fully by getting a tour guide from the visitor center. Utah's metropolitan areas are situated right by our snow-packed mountains, offering visitors unparalleled access. Among the many venues that host free events are The Gallivan Center, Pioneer Park, and Temple Square. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Ramada by Wyndham Cedar City. 10 Best Events in Logan, UT 2023 | Eventbrite We use cookies to improve your experience on Utah.com. Pretty simple. Dinosaurs and Native Americans from millions to thousands of years ago once occupied this cave, leaving behind a trail of fossils, footprints, pottery, art, and more, all displayed at the natural history museum inside. you got this. With a little extra planning, good layers, and the right equipment, however, you can enjoy Utah's national parks in the solitude of winter. Or hikeEnsign PeakTrail on a clear day and get a 100-mile view of Salt Lake Valley. Completed in 1998, the Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple was inspired by Rajasthani architecture from India and caters to the Hindu population of Utah. 10 Adventurous Things To Do In Utah One Must Definitely Experience! Here are the details on local pros who can help get you the gear or guide your adventure. Christmas Town Utah(Helper): No dates yet. Soak up incredible views along the parks scenic drive or gear up and head out on a wintry hike. Theyve gone digital too. Wide open vistas, historic main streetsand storied Olympic venues. Plan a winter Southeastern Utah trip. Discover deals on the best attractions, breweries, and locations in Salt Lake! Capitol Reef - 1.8 days / 2.2 inches. Park City Mountain Resort is the largest ski resort in the US! You must reach Springdale in Utah to lodge and explore the high canyon walls, Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, and forest. Things To Do In Utah 2023 - Activities & Attractions | Travelocity Learn everything you need to know for a cheap luxury ski trip. Ut ah Popular in Utah See more RootsTech After Party for Young Adults RootsTech After Party for Young Adults 10 New Things To Do In Utah This Winter | Visit Utah You and your family can head over to check out the lights. Christmas on the Farm(Cedar City): November 26-27, Dec. 4, 8, 11, & 15, at 10-4. Everything is fascinating but your kids might beeline to the dinosaur gallery to get skull to skull with Allosaurus, Utahceratops and Utahraptor. From pink desert sand and castle-like Mormon temples to glowing rocks and Hindu architecture, Utah is actually and unbelievably underrated. Dont miss the cliff wall at Carnegie Quarry, where more than 1,500 dinosaur fossils are embedded, frozen in time even after millions of years. The gorgeous temple sits on a 15-acre landscape featuring outdoor stages, a large pavilion, a lake and waterfall, and a few animals. Young Living Family Farm Country Christmas (Mona): Wagon Rides and Light Display. Find the best ice skating rinks in Utah and plan the perfect skate night with your friends and family. Catch a virtual workshop, join a book club or check out an audiobook. Resting at the bottom of a 55 foot-tall crater in Midway, Utah there is a warm pool of geothermal waters that is perfect for swimming, relaxing and even diving year round. Lights on at 6:30 pm. 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. A museum where kids can touch and play with everything! Ready? Tickets are $5/person. Map coming soon of where to visit. 4x4 Safari Excursion in Arches National Park. Sometimes an adrenaline pumping day on the slopes calls for an early morning hike along a peacefully quiet snowshoe track. It takes up part of Arizona and southern Utah. (Salty and sweet? Discover some of the most picturesque places to photograph in Southern Utah, and learn some tips for how to shoot and travel responsibly. 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. Heres what you need to know, Japanese official denies Lee statement on commitment to expedite release of Lt. Ridge Alkonis, Utah Legislature finalizes record $29B budget. Christmas In Dixie Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony (Washington): November 29 at 6-8 pm at Veterans Park. Next Group. Time: 2-3 hours. Best time of year to visit Utah. 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. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Plus Abbey Inn, Related: Fun Things to Do inUtahwith Kids, Highway 63 Park Road #1Bryce Canyon City, UT 84764(435) 834-5322. The performances will happen throughout December. New location this year. 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. Dec. 11 & 13 from 6-8:30 pm. If you cant make it to Christkindlmarkt, head for the Holiday Market at Rio Grande where local vendors offer up their wares. Christmas Activities Utah 2021 - Utah's Adventure Family Park City is one of the most popular destinations for cross country skiers, although Nordic centers can be found all over Northern Utah. Say hi to the toucans, then stare at the mesmerizing sharks. Kids will have a swell time at the St. George Childrens Museum. It's one of the state's top snowmobiling destinations. Best Things to Do in December in Salt Lake City Learn more about Utah's Olympic legacyand best spots to relive the games. Live Nativity at Christmas Celebration: Dec. 15 at 6:00 and 7:30 pm FREE. Each of these annual events are held in Salt Lake and Utah counties. The Bonneville Salt Flats are among the most interesting things to see in Utah, but the conditions here can be quite extreme, so come prepared. Lace up and get skating! Theres no better way to experience a bit of everything Utah offers. Next Group. For the holidays, This Is The Place Heritage Park transforms into a Christmas wonderland with sweet treats and arts-and-crafts events. Cost: $9.95-$14.95 per person. Experiencing the peace of canyon country in the winter is an attraction of its own. Just because the Salt Lake 2002 Olympic Winter Games are in the past doesnt mean that the Utah Olympic spirit is has been snuffed out. 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) St. George is a city on the southwest corner of the Arizona border and is known for its recreational opportunities all year round. Star of Wonder opens this week at the West Valley Performing Arts Center. You sample collect hot chocolate and cookies on the tour as you embrace the true magic of the holiday season. Since we live in Utah County, you will notice that we have visited many more spots in Utah and Salt Lake counties. Even the interior of the house from wallpaper to furniture is a complete replica from Carl and Ellies home in the film! Tubing is the answer. 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. Ski tracks wind through millions of acres in the national forests across the state, and can even befound in the higher elevation regions of Southern Utah like Bryce Canyon and the Manti-La Sal Mountains. Aside from having The Greatest Snow on Earth, what sets Utah apart from other skiing locations is the easy access. Visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance. Taking Zion Canyon Scenic Drive in an SUV is the best way to see the huge canyon vistas. Ski Southern Utah: High Alpine Trails + Red Rock Wonder. With a little extra planning, good layers, and the right equipment, however, you can enjoy Utah's national parks in the solitude of winter. Ride the Heber Valley Railroad with Santa. Actually, deals are everywhere, with free events taking place throughout Utah. 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. For tickets and reservation information, click HERE! Zoo Lights: SLC Dec. 3-23, 26-31 from 5:30-9:30 pm. Snowmobiling is one of the most popular winter sports in Northern Utah, thanks to an abundance of snow, trails, and easy access. The world-famous Grand Canyon is near St. George too! Previously a prehistoric lake that once covered a large area of Utah millions of years ago, the Great Salt Lake is the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere. We look for fun, easy adventures throughout the state of Utah and beyond. Salt Lake City, UT 84101 Families, on the other hand, have an endless array of cultural institutions to choose from. Copyright 2023 Utah Office of Tourism. Travel Guide For Visiting Utah in December - PhotoJeepers 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. There are so many things to do in Utah, we wish you the best of luck trying to decide what to exclude from your itinerary. Things can be a little quieter down here this time of year. Experience more peace, quiet and solitude. Take a cruise on the Provo River and Santa rows up in a row boat. Its a relatively easy and affordable way to get outside and the perfect way to watch the sun rise over the Wasatch range. Give yourself at least five days to combine the thrills of Southern Utah skiing and boarding with exploring the wintertime wonders to be found in Utahs red rock country. The market is open from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. for one weekend only in December as local and visitors alike get into the spirit of the holiday season. Experience the towering heights of Zion, the depths of Buckskin Gulch, the dunes of Snow Canyon, the sunset over Gooseberry. November 26-Jan. 2. Salt Lake City Holiday Events & Festivals Finally! Yep you read that right. Temple Square Lights: SLCFREE Limited Lights due to construction. You can explore by location, what's popular, our top picks, free stuff. For most travelers, Southern Utah winters prevent comfortable camping, and occasional snowfall can make outdoor adventure a little more challenging. The annual performance of William Christensens The Nutcracker returns for 2021. Whether youre glamping or choosing a simpler option, yurt camping in Utah during the wintertime is a fun, unique experience you wont want to miss out on. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western PLUS Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel, 210 E 400 SSalt Lake City, UT 84111(801) 524-8200. Skip the crowded peak season and embrace the quiet of a winter visit to Arches National Park. Non-ski Winter Activities, Ski and Snowboard. December in Utah | Utah Agenda In fact, its the only warm water scuba destination in the continental United States. Each year artists hand-place thousands of icicles to create magical castles, sculptures and playgrounds that shine bright in front of a rainbow of LED lights. Wondering where to go snowshoeing? A Babe is Born (Lehi): Dec. 17-22. You can spend a day or a whole week here exploring the myriad trails, each offering their own sights, sounds and adventures. Responsible Winter Recreation. With its jaw-dropping architectural and interior design, the Salt Lake City Public Library offers amazing finds in every twist and turn. You can head over to Gardner Village to grab some breakfast with Santa Claus himself. I will move on . 11 Utah Christmas events you might want to check out this year The Red Butte Garden is a beautiful and picturesque destination located in the foothills of the Wasatch Range in Salt Lake City. 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. June to August is the season of spectacular activities like Bonneville Speed Week or stargazing . Find the perfect spot to sit down, and enjoy all the different things in this library thatll keep you occupied for hours and hours. Previous Group Since hosting the 2002 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, in many ways the Olympic spirit and world-class athletes that seized Utah have never left. You can now visit the iconic house from the tear-jerking film Up at 13218 Herriman Rose Boulevard in Herriman, Utah. As youre mapping out your winter trip through southeastern Utah, consider adding the following parks and natural wonders to your itinerary. 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. Lightwalk at Liberty Park: SLC Dec. 3-18 from 5-10 pm. Copyright 2023 Deseret News Publishing Company. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Little America Hotel Salt Lake City, 311 West 8500 SouthSpanish Fork, UT 84660(801) 787-1510. There are plenty of things to do in Northern Utah when you're in Ogden. Get off at Historic Union Station and choo choo! THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Sandy - 2023 (with Photos) - Tripadvisor Just make sure you do it before Dec. 24 since hes pretty busy that day. Definitely one of the must see tourist spots in Utah that you shouldnt miss! Channel your inner figure skater as you race and twirl around the rink. Since the dawn of time, families have been balling up snow and throwing it at each other. Things To Do In Salt Lake City This Winter | Visit Utah For 30 years, filmmakers and audiences have been traveling to Utah to see some of the most innovative storytelling in cinema at theSundance Film Festival. After an adventure packed vacation of skiing, sliding, exploring and marvelling, the only thing left to do is relax and recount your favorite moments. Provo River Cruise(Provo) Dec. 1-23. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Plus Wendover Inn. Sledding is a winter classic that every kid has gotta try at least once. Who wouldve thought that amidst a rocky desert landscape with cities inhabited predominantly by Mormons a grand Hindu temple would rise? Whether youre a local, new in town or just passing through, drop in on our holiday event calendar. And the fun doesn't stop on Christmas Day. Now you can start planning your holiday season. FREE. The holiday market is only open for one weekend in December and its this weekend, from Dec. 1 to Dec. 4. A New Peace on Earth presentation projected on ceiling of Tabernacle. Join to view profile . Traditionally a sing-along, this has been changed to a performance only due to the pandemic. Written December 2, 2022. . The counties are listed generally from north to south in Utah. Ski its heavenly powder snow, then point your car southward to wind your way through the exquisite Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park and a series of crimson-hued state park gems along the way. 90 South West Temple Most of the famous sights in Salt Lake City are all within the area of this gorgeous square, such as world-class restaurants, parks, and breathtaking infrastructures. Additional holiday events at Thanksgiving Point abound, so be sure to check for the events that best fit your family and budget. Events | Visit Cedar City Where: Various locations on the Wasatch Front andPark City. Outlets at Traverse Mountain Virtual Tree Lighting(Lehi): November 20 @ 5:30 pmFREE. 25 Best Things to Do in Utah Fun Activities & Stuff to Do! From swimming to sledding, the whole family will enjoy (or at least appreciate) these fun winter activities. Adventure, Hiking, History and Heritage, Native American, Non-ski Winter Activities, Scenic Drives/Road Trips, Stargazing. The Salt Lake City Public Library is one of the most stunning works of modernist architecture, designed by internationally acclaimed architect Moshe Safdie. International finals, national championships, regional events and homegrown extravaganzas all take place in Ogden, Utah. (And true enough, this isnt the only time Utah was chosen for Martian simulations.). Get discounts on lift tickets. There is a live nativity, indoor and outdoor nativity displays. All Rights Reserved. Let your kids get soaked in the Waterworks section or break out of jail in Kidopolis. It's like going from the bottom of the ocean to the canopies of the Amazon Rainforest in one day. Landscaping and gardening workshops are also offered here, so if you dont know what to do in Utah this weekend, consider signing up. 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. Kaylin Richardson, Olympic athlete, and a friend share their favorite Park City experiences to encourage you to add the city's culture-enriched valley, scenery, food, art and access to all-season adventure to your bucket list. Christmas at the Homestead(Cedar City): Frontier Homestead Museum has decorations, including the Twelve Trees of Christmas.