Lightwalk at Liberty Park: SLC Dec. 3-18 from 5-10 pm. Use that energy to build a snow fort. Or feel the "freedom" at The Gateway and City Creek Center, two local malls also known for providing free, fun events. FREE. Utah heli skiing and snowboarding are perfect for those who want to ride some of the best backcountry in the world. Let your kids get soaked in the Waterworks section or break out of jail in Kidopolis. For maps and assistance, theres a visitor center. With funding from NASA, the Mars Society has been preparing for the hypothetical future when human civilization will have to expand to Earths next-door neighbor. MDRS sometimes schedules visitor days on their Facebook page during the spring too, so go check out their page. 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. Actually, deals are everywhere, with free events taking place throughout Utah. Whether youre looking for commercial parks with structured lanes or a local hill and your own thermos of hot cocoa, weve got it all. Nativity in the Glen(SLC): Dec. 3 from 6-9 PM. Today the park is a natural marvel well loved by adventurers who want to witness the grandeur of its dramatic sandstone formations in person. Imagine an old-fashioned theater experience, with costumed vendors all around selling snacks and drinks. Here are just a few of our favorite annual holiday events to check out here in Salt Lake. Traditionally a sing-along, this has been changed to a performance only due to the pandemic. It's like going from the bottom of the ocean to the canopies of the Amazon Rainforest in one day. They have lazy rivers, slides and buckets that pour water in your eyeballs when you least expect it. It takes up part of Arizona and southern Utah. Showings run every 15 minutes from 4:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Park City is the epicenter, but Sundance venues can also be found in Salt Lake City, Ogden and at Sundance Mountain Resort. Utah Travel Industry Website, Printable Road Trip Activity Book For Kids, Monument Valley | Highway 163 Scenic Drive, Places to Stay Near Coral Pink Sand Dunes. We look for fun, easy adventures throughout the state of Utah and beyond. Red Hills Desert Garden Lights(St. George): Nov. 26-Jan. 2 at 5-10 pm. Walk around downtown and vote on your favorite gingerbread creations. Pleasant fall wraps Utah in colorful foliage along the scenic drives. 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. Whether youre a geek or an adventurer, this national monument has so much in store for you. Live Nativity at Christmas Celebration: Dec. 15 at 6:00 and 7:30 pm FREE. FREE, Twas the Lights Before Christmas: Riverton Nov. 30-Dec. 31 FREE. 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. On the ArizonaUtah state line sits a unique landmark within the territory of the Navajo Tribal Nation. Nativities Nativity in the Glen (SLC): Dec. 3 from 6-9 PM. Run Run Reindeer 5K Race! And the fun doesn't stop on Christmas Day. Get some ideas from our road tripitineraries, bucket lists and family-friendly hikes. 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. Copyright 2023 Utah Office of Tourism. 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. Your browser is not supported for this experience.We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. 4x4 Safari Excursion in Arches National Park. Bryce Canyon - 5.7 days / 15.3 inches. FREE, Spanish Fork Winter Lights Parade: November 27 @ 7:00 PM FREE, Luminaria: Thanksgiving Point in Lehi. December 2-12, 2021 Utah Motorsports Campus, Grantsville. The only challenge is deciding if you want to stay in a slope-side lodge or a hotel in the city. Built in 2011, this modern museum has a collection of exotic butterflies, minerals and indigenous masterpieces. Festival of Trees(Virtual): No dates, but virtual again this year. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Canyons Boutique Hotel A Canyons Collection Property, Interstate 80Wendover, UT 84083(801) 977-4300. 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. Lights, train rides, live Nativities, and Santa. What if you and/or the kids are caught somewhere between feeling confident on the slopes and too energetic to go snowshoeing? On Dec. 21 and Dec. 22, the Utah Symphony will perform the score to Home Alone, by John Williams. 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. Within this natural sandstone cave in southern Utah is a natural history museum boasting a bar and fluorescent minerals. Check out the retired engines and cabooses outside and head inside to watch some model trains doing their thing. Live Nativity and Luminary Walk: Clark Historic Farm in Grantsville. Taking Zion Canyon Scenic Drive in an SUV is the best way to see the huge canyon vistas. Christkindlmarket at This is the Place: Dec. 1-4. 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. found in the higher elevation regions of Southern Utah, Fresh Tracks in Kamas Utah's Snowcountry, Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity. For more information, see our Privacy Policy. Icicle artisans spend the winter building the castles through magic and science. Either choice is good, or even better, try out both. Follow this itinerary for a week-long winter road trip across the snow-covered desert of Southeastern Utah. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Plus Greenwell Inn Related: Best Family Hotels in Utah Related: Things to Do in Moab 10. Enjoy winter hikes, scenic drives and some of the best stargazing in the world. Moqui Caves temperatures never go beyond 65 degrees, and theres a nice outdoor cafe that serves refreshing snacks and cold drinks. Dec. 11 & 13 from 6-8:30 pm. The 2002 Winter Olympics helped put Utah on the map, and the 2014 Olympics in Sochi, Russia, proved that Utah is a hub for Winter Olympic glory with Utahns collecting 11 medals. Definitely one of the must see tourist spots in Utah that you shouldnt miss! Utahs windswept beauty, however, doesnt stop there. More details on entering here. Other presentations include "The Christ Child" in the Conference Center Theater. During the holiday season, Utahs Hogle Zoo lights up with over 200 lighted animal and holiday-themed displays in the evenings. Utah may be hardcore landlocked, but you can still watch antarctic penguins swim and play. Our favorite Christmas adventure! Ready? Built in 2011, this modern museum has a collection of exotic butterflies, minerals and indigenous masterpieces. More info here. The world-famous Grand Canyon is near St. George too! The historic park transforms for the season with costumes, decorations, treats, sweets, and arts and crafts of all kind available for purchase. you got this. Where: Various locations along the Wasatch FrontUtahs new and improved public swimming pools are basically playgrounds. There is a live nativity, indoor and outdoor nativity displays. There are trails that lead to slot canyons, arches, waterfalls, forest, and scrublands, all waiting for you to explore. During the spring, the snow from the previous season melts into the clearest water, mirroring the sky above and the surrounding mountain ranges. Sounds good!) 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! Camping & Backpacking, Hiking, History and Heritage, Non-ski Winter Activities, Scenic Drives/Road Trips, Stargazing. Town Hall (435) 425-3600 Fax (435) 425-3603 P.O. A New Peace on Earth presentation projected on ceiling of Tabernacle. Want to avoid the Utah national park crowds? Just be sure there arent any cops watching. FREE, Ogden Christmas Village: OgdenNov 27-Jan 1 FREE, Fantasy at the Bay: Willard Bay Nov. 26-Dec. 30, Layton City Lights: LaytonNov. 21-Jan. 1 FREE, Frozen in Time: Ogden Dinosaur Park (tickets go on sale November 15), Lights on at the Gateway (SLC):November 20 @ 7-9 PMFREE, Draper Tree of Life Lighting: November 29 @ 6-8 PM FREE. International finals, national championships, regional events and homegrown extravaganzas all take place in Ogden, Utah. A museum where kids can touch and play with everything! Take a contemplative walk around the grounds and catch the hourly docent-led tours inside the Utah State Capitol. Christmas Town Utah(Helper): No dates yet. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Red Hills, 2200 Cow Dung RoadHanksville, UT 84734(303) 984-9346. Visitors have to option to book a 1 hour, 2 hour, or half day dog sled tour from December (sometimes November) to March. Hiking, rafting, and camping are some of the most popular activities at Dinosaur National Monument. George, UT 84770(435) 673-3617. Suggested Read: 10 Museums In Washington DC For An Insight Into The American History. Sleigh Rides on the Farm at American West Heritage Center (Wellsville): Dec. 4, 11, 18, 20-23, 27-Jan. 1. Zoo Lights: SLC Dec. 3-23, 26-31 from 5:30-9:30 pm. Gingerbread House Contest Display (Brigham City): Dec. 2-Jan 3. Tickets include sleigh ride, cocoa, and sledding hill. Its surrounding gardens feature native plants, a Vietnam memorial, and a monument for the Mormon Battalion. Towering red rocks dusted in snow, often set against bright blue skies, welcome winter visitors to Capitol Reef National Park. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Plus Greenwell Inn, 12500 Sand Dune RoadKanab, UT 84741(435) 648-2800. Wide open vistas, historic main streetsand storied Olympic venues. No list of the best places to visit in Utah is complete without a visit to Zion National Park. Just make sure you do it before Dec. 24 since hes pretty busy that day. North Pole Festival: Rio Tinto Stadium. Youre there. How about you take that fascination to the next level by going where dinosaurs once roamed? Written December 2, 2022. . Guests are invited to make smores, sip hot chocolate, and explore the 135-foot tunneled walkway. Recommended Hotel Nearby: SpringHill Suites by Marriott Salt Lake City Draper, 350 State StreetSalt Lake City, UT 84103(801) 538-1800. Try this: ride the FrontRunner commuter train up to the Utah State Railroad Museum in Ogden. Youll step into two national parks, three state parks, and all the scenic winding roads your heart could desire. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Theres a live nativity and display of small nativities in Payson. Utahs 800+ miles of groomed trails offer winter snowmobiling fun for all find out more! Spring boasts active wildlife and blooming flowers. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. 4x4 Half-Day Adventure at Canyonlands National Park. November 26-Jan. 2. Needless to say kids love it! However, as more dogs joined the pack Team G Sled Dogs was born. 4:30-8:00 pm at Zootah with reindeer encounters. Experience more peace, quiet and solitude. The red-orange desert scenery and iconic buttes of Monument Valley have been featured several times in films, music, video games, commercials, and TV shows. You can save a whole lot of money on accommodations by pitching a tent and camping at one of Zions three campgrounds too. Its a relatively easy and affordable way to get outside and the perfect way to watch the sun rise over the Wasatch range. Miscellaneous Macys Candy Windows(SLC): No dates yetFREE, Gardner Village Elves(West Jordan): Nov. 20- Dec. 31FREE. You must reach Springdale in Utah to lodge and explore the high canyon walls, Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, and forest. Learn everything you need to know for a cheap luxury ski trip. This year there will be displays and limited lights (due to construction). New location this year. Use code AdventureFamily15 to save 15% off tickets. 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) Everything is fascinating but your kids might beeline to the dinosaur gallery to get skull to skull with Allosaurus, Utahceratops and Utahraptor. Their boat launch is perfect for families who want to motor or sail atop the salty waters. . Things to Do in Utah, United States: See Tripadvisor's 1,327,933 traveler reviews and photos of Utah tourist attractions. Average temperature in Southern Utah (St. George): highs 63 / lows 40 degrees F. The average December snowfall in the Southern part of Utah: Moab (Arches/Canyonlands) - 2 days / 3.5 inches. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Home2 Suites by Hilton Salt Lake City-East, 300 Wakara WaySalt Lake City, UT 84108(801) 585-0556. But these days libraries are humming with activity. Get discounts on lift tickets. The Cox Performing Arts Center is located at 225 S. 700 East, St. George, UT 84770. Things can be a little quieter down here this time of year. So you can do this adventure after Christmas, too. But with some advanced planning and a good set of layers, these small impediments are easily handled. Of Utah's 15 resorts, 10 are within an hour of the Salt Lake City International Airport. Free cookies and hot cocoa. Friday-Monday1-7 pmthrough Dec. 20. Thirteen snowboarding resorts are positioned perfectly for dumps of fluffy powder all winter long. From Olympic fame and luxury to innovation and extreme adventure, discover a vast winter playground on three resorts. Discount code adventure15 to save 15% off tickets. Passes to ski and snowboard resorts are expensive, but dont give up yet, powder pauper. By clicking "I Agree", you consent to the use of cookies. So if you miss out this year, feel free to check them out in 2022. 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. As youre mapping out your winter trip through southeastern Utah, consider adding the following parks and natural wonders to your itinerary. St. George Town Square Tree Lighting: November 29 at 6 8 pm FREE Santa will be here! Book ariver tripor reserve that popularcampsiteyour family loves. I will move on . Soak up incredible views along the parks scenic drive or gear up and head out on a wintry hike. We also highly suggest taking the three-hour Sound and Light Show tour along the Colorado River. Temple Square Lights: SLCFREE Limited Lights due to construction. Utahsstateandnational parkswill be thawed out before you know it! The water is comfortably warm and shallow enough for toddlers. In downtown Salt Lake, the city lights the streets with holiday-themed displays. During the holiday season, Utah's Hogle Zoo lights up with over 200 lighted animal and holiday-themed displays in the evenings. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Quality Inn Payson I-15, 13218 S Herriman Rose BoulevardHerriman, UT 84096. Copyright Family Destinations Guide 2023. Recommended Hotel Nearby: University Guest House & Conference Center, 12033 Lone Peak ParkwayDraper UT, 84020(801) 355-3474. Contact Info. As you visit, do your part to keep Utah Forever Mighty. We also highly suggest taking the three-hour Sound and Light Show tour along the Colorado River. Lights on Wakefield: This event is currently not happening because of changes in city ordinances. Camping & Backpacking, Climbing & Canyoneering, Cycling, Fishing, Glamping, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Non-ski Winter Activities, Scenic Drives/Road Trips, Stargazing. The performances will happen throughout December. We use cookies to improve your experience on Utah.com. Non-ski Winter Activities, Ski and Snowboard. Sometimes an adrenaline pumping day on the slopes calls for an early morning hike along a peacefully quiet snowshoe track. Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is home to tons of great stuff to do in Utah, such as sandboarding, ATV riding, camping, hiking, star gazing, wildlife watching, horseback riding, and more. Things to Do in Sandy, Utah: See Tripadvisor's 12,193 traveler reviews and photos of Sandy tourist attractions. You can head over to Gardner Village to grab some breakfast with Santa Claus himself. Moving from city to summit doesn't take long. 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. In fact, its the only warm water scuba destination in the continental United States. Bikers, hikers, campers, and families come here in throngs for its spring and fall excitement. Holly Days Festival(Vernal): November 26: A day full of fun,FREEactivities throughout the Vernal area including a light parade and fireworks. Anna and Elsa fans will appreciate the frozen wonderland all lit up at night in blue and pink. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Little America Hotel Salt Lake City, 311 West 8500 SouthSpanish Fork, UT 84660(801) 787-1510. From sliding down gentle slopes to racing down 1,200 foot lanes, there is tubing for everyone in Utah. Ready to experience snowshoeing in Utah? Outlets at Traverse Mountain Virtual Tree Lighting(Lehi): November 20 @ 5:30 pmFREE. And the fun doesnt stop on Christmas Day. Discover three world-class ski resorts located just 20 minutes from downtown, and enjoy 450 inches of powdery snow each season. Browse through Lovelands educational exhibits and experience one-of-a-kind animal encounters with sharks, stingrays, and penguins! When the Utah sun becomes unbearable, head over to one of Kanabs cool places, literally and figuratively. The holiday market is only open for one weekend in December and it's this weekend, from Dec. 1 to Dec. 4. Or hikeEnsign PeakTrail on a clear day and get a 100-mile view of Salt Lake Valley. For the holidays, This Is The Place Heritage Park transforms into a Christmas wonderland with sweet treats and arts-and-crafts events. Holiday Choices Are Abundant in Salt Lake City, 10 Best's Top Freebies in Salt Lake City: Highly Recommended, Regardless of Budget Size, 10 Best's Top Choices for Salt Lake's Mormon - and Minority - Historic Sites, Salt Lake City's Best Kid-friendly Attractions: Just as Fun for Adults as for the Wee Ones, History, religion, and bizarre landscapes: sightseeing as diverse as it is interesting, Salt Lake City's top activities, in any season, Photo courtesy of The Grand America Hotel, Photo courtesy of Park City Mountain Resort, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Southern Utahs wilds are wearing their winter splendor. 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. Utahs Wasatch Mountains are a popular destination. 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. Things To Do Lodging Tours & Guides Deals Events Store Maps & Brochures Share Events So, you're looking for things to do in Utah . At its end, this leads to the Narrows area, which involves a more strenuous and adventurous . Fire + candy = fun. Theres no better way to experience a bit of everything Utah offers. More than 6,000 lights are used to create a breathtaking display along a mile-long walk in Ashton Gardens. 1661 East Murray-Holladay Road (4800 South), Where: Various locations in Salt Lake City. 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). Cost: $9.95-$14.95 per person. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Thinking about the Dead Sea sounds scary, but the Great Salt Lake is actually popular for swimming, sunbathing, sailing, wildlife viewing, kayaking, and more! Park City is one of the most popular destinations for cross country skiers, although Nordic centers can be found all over Northern Utah. Winter rewards hikers with stunning sights of stalactites and snow covered mountains. . The crew typically carries out their simulations during winter months, and youre welcome to take photos from a distance. Hiking in winter is perfect for getting the family out of the house and into the crisp fresh air. Tour around the 19th-century temple and surrounding architectural wonders as you take a trip back in time to the historical events and the religion that shaped the city. 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. Dates beginning Nov. 26, 2021 on Fridays & Saturdays. 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 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.