Live Nativity at Christmas Celebration: Dec. 15 at 6:00 and 7:30 pm FREE. Have you ever been helplessly curious about what lies beyond our skies? Hedgehog Electric Christmas Light Display Map: this map of St. George Christmas Lights isnt out yet, but we will update this link once it is readythe link currently goes to the 2020 list. As the largest national park in Utah, Canyonlands provides a variety of winter adventures, including winter hiking and stargazing. Dec. 11-24. Tree will be lit at 6:00. U.S. Olympic Team Trials Speed Skating December 17-19, 2021, 11 am-9 pm Utah Olympic Oval, Kearns. (Salty and sweet? In warmer months, outdoor adventurers will have a blast exploring the natural beauties through horseback riding or hiking. St. George is a city on the southwest corner of the Arizona border and is known for its recreational opportunities all year round. Youll get to see firsthand how much the dogs love being on the team and pulling guests on the sleds. We all have been entranced by the existence of dinosaurs at some point of our lives. Theater nerd or not, youll find that witnessing the Shakespeare Festival can be surprisingly one of the best things to do in Utah. Watch current conditions, as unsettled winter weather can bring storms. If theyre not in space suits, however, you can go ahead and ask for a brief tour. As you visit, be prepared to keep these special places Forever Mighty. Start Planning Your Summer VacationIt's never too late to look forward to summer. Use code LEHIMOMs to save 20% off. How's that for a Utah family winter activity? In the winter months, Utah's five national parks and their surrounding country are full of solitude and with an adventurous spirit to shrug off mild doses of moody weather you can count on having red rock country all to yourself. Theyve gone digital too. From Olympic fame and luxury to innovation and extreme adventure, discover a vast winter playground on three resorts. Or hikeEnsign PeakTrail on a clear day and get a 100-mile view of Salt Lake Valley. You either drive through Monument Valley and soak up the sights or explore it fully by getting a tour guide from the visitor center. Youre there. 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. 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. Needless to say kids love it! Cocoa and cookies provided. The water is comfortably warm and shallow enough for toddlers. No matter your level of adventure, you will find good reason to save some time for a day away from the resort. The Salt Lake City Public Library is one of the most stunning works of modernist architecture, designed by internationally acclaimed architect Moshe Safdie. Payson Community Creche: (Payson): Dec. 3 & 4 from 4-9 pm. Such is the serendipitous landscape of Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, a huge sandy playground for outdoor adventurers. Private Utah High Country Rafting Adventure from Provo. It is a fundraising event for the Primary Childrens Hospital, too. In the winter months, Utah's five national parks and their surrounding country are full of solitude and with an adventurous spirit to shrug off mild doses of moody weather you can count on having red rock country all to yourself. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Cathedral Valley Inn, 375 Red Hills ParkwaySt. Cost: $9.95-$14.95 per person. But that's just the beginning. 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. 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. Discover three world-class ski resorts located just 20 minutes from downtown, and enjoy 450 inches of powdery snow each season. By clicking "I Agree", you consent to the use of cookies. Characterized by red rocks and natural amphitheaters carved by frost weathering and stream erosion, Bryce Canyon attracts almost three million visitors every year. . 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. Rocky Mountain Outfitters Carriage Rides(Jordanelle State Park): Sleigh Rides through the lights all the way through winter. Utah's metropolitan areas are situated right by our snow-packed mountains, offering visitors unparalleled access. As you visit, do your part to keep Utah Forever Mighty. Finally, businesses in many of Utahs smaller communities shutter for the season. FREE hot chocolate and doughnuts and wagon rides. Family Destinations Guide is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Experience more peace, quiet and solitude. More details on entering here. 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. Festival of Trees(Virtual): No dates, but virtual again this year. You can spend a day or a whole week here exploring the myriad trails, each offering their own sights, sounds and adventures. Park City Mountain Resort is the largest ski resort in the US! Bonus: you can ride the carousel and sometimes see a few animals. Experience more peace, quiet and solitude. Check out the retired engines and cabooses outside and head inside to watch some model trains doing their thing. 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. Its a relatively easy and affordable way to get outside and the perfect way to watch the sun rise over the Wasatch range. Now you can start planning your holiday season. Maren and Racer Gibson of All Seasons Adventures in Park City, Utah rescue "unadoptable" Huskies and Malamutes. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Kimpton Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City, 195 W Center StreetCedar City, UT, 84720(800) 752-9849. Admission Free after 5:00 PM for the light display. Rileys Family Christmas(Genola): Monday, Friday, & Saturday starting November 29 from 5:30-8:30. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Inn Kanab, Related: Things to Do in Zion National Park, See Ticket Price for Tour that Includes This Activity. The world-famous Grand Canyon is near St. George too! Take a cruise on the Provo River and Santa rows up in a row boat. Thinking about the Dead Sea sounds scary, but the Great Salt Lake is actually popular for swimming, sunbathing, sailing, wildlife viewing, kayaking, and more! 4x4 Half-Day Adventure at Canyonlands National Park. 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. As you visit, do your part to keep Utah Forever Mighty. 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 . 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. Navajos have been here since AD 1,400. Outlets at Traverse Mountain Virtual Tree Lighting(Lehi): November 20 @ 5:30 pmFREE. Next Group. Salt Lake City, UT 84101 Or feel the "freedom" at The Gateway and City Creek Center, two local malls also known for providing free, fun events. Tickets are available atwww.starofwonder.comand the show runs Dec. 4-11. 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. AndShesDopeToo is a worldwide adventure community of women run by Jennifer and Taylor Killian from Ogden, Utah. A Sundance ski vacation is the perfect blend of Utah ski bliss and the year's most promising films. Fat tire biking has become the latest rage among cycling enthusiasts and newbies. Sometimes an adrenaline pumping day on the slopes calls for an early morning hike along a peacefully quiet snowshoe track. 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. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Plus Wendover Inn. In fact, its the only warm water scuba destination in the continental United States. When visiting the Sundance Film Festival in Utah, movies are only part of the experience. Things to Do in Utah, United States: See Tripadvisor's 1,327,933 traveler reviews and photos of Utah tourist attractions. 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! 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, Utah Valley Adventures for Every Type of Summer-er, Urban Wall Crawl: Murals in Salt Lake City. Then add some ice sculpture gargoyles to intimidate the enemy. We use cookies to improve your experience on Utah.com. 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. No list of the best places to visit in Utah is complete without a visit to Zion National Park. I think theres live music as well. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Plus Greenwell Inn Related: Best Family Hotels in Utah Related: Things to Do in Moab 10. The only challenge is deciding if you want to stay in a slope-side lodge or a hotel in the city. Walk around downtown and vote on your favorite gingerbread creations. There are trails that lead to slot canyons, arches, waterfalls, forest, and scrublands, all waiting for you to explore. This year there will be displays and limited lights (due to construction). Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Plus Greenwell Inn, 12500 Sand Dune RoadKanab, UT 84741(435) 648-2800. You sample collect hot chocolate and cookies on the tour as you embrace the true magic of the holiday season. International finals, national championships, regional events and homegrown extravaganzas all take place in Ogden, Utah. With a little extra planning, good layers, and the right equipment, however, you can enjoy Utah's national parks in the solitude of winter. Definitely one of the must see tourist spots in Utah that you shouldnt miss! Its time to plan your winter break, a break from everything, and were going to make it easy by choosing Utah. Rent snowshoes to go off-trail in that fresh Utah powder snow. No matter how you like to get outside, Utah Valley has From train rides and quilt shops to fairy gardens and A weird uncle and a blunt grandmother are a given. If you think about it, Utahs terrain kinda looks a bit like Mars. This review is the subjective opinion of a . Your browser is not supported for this experience.We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. Sleigh Rides on the Farm at American West Heritage Center (Wellsville): Dec. 4, 11, 18, 20-23, 27-Jan. 1. For the holidays, This Is The Place Heritage Park transforms into a Christmas wonderland with sweet treats and arts-and-crafts events. 4.5 /5 (805 reviews) Lake Powell is part of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. 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. The Galliavan Center offers ice skating opportunities, bringing you closer to the wintry season. Gingerbread House Scavenger Hunt (Logan): Dec. 6-25, 2021 FREE, Parade of Gingerbread Homes (Logan): Dec. 4-31. Throughout the season, nights and shaded areas are quite chilly, while exploring in the sunshine can be delightful. Zoo Lights: SLC Dec. 3-23, 26-31 from 5:30-9:30 pm. Less than an hour's drive from Salt Lake City, Heber Valley is the perfect Utah snowmobile base camp for newbies and experienced riders alike. Try these indoor and outdoor winter activities for kids and parents alike. Nativities Nativity in the Glen (SLC): Dec. 3 from 6-9 PM. From snowmobiling to skiing, snowshoeing to sledding and fishing, Bear Lake in the winter is everything youll want from your next winter vacation. 10. 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. There are many events and tons of lights in Helper since it is know as Christmas Town Utah. Exhibits around the building will also immerse you in the mystery of outer space. Youll find the festive spirit in every direction, without breaking the bank. Here are just a few of our favorite annual holiday events to check out here in Salt Lake. Recommended Hotel Nearby: SpringHill Suites by Marriott Salt Lake City Draper, 350 State StreetSalt Lake City, UT 84103(801) 538-1800. 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. Ready to experience snowshoeing in Utah? The top-rated Utah Shakespeare Festival has been offering widely acclaimed Shakespearean and contemporary theater shows to locals and tourists in Utah since 1961. Whether youre looking for a break, vacation or quest for fun this winter, Utah is the place, as always, for adventure whatever you plan to do or wherever the trail takes you along the way. Nativity in the Glen(SLC): Dec. 3 from 6-9 PM. At the Utah Olympic Park in Park City, you can learn all about our Olympic heritage, watch future Olympians train for competition and reach over 60 mph on the Comet Bobsled Ride. One can of food per person donation encouraged. The annual performance of William Christensens The Nutcracker returns for 2021. 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. 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. Our favorite Christmas adventure! From sliding down gentle slopes to racing down 1,200 foot lanes, there is tubing for everyone in Utah. Sunsets and sunrises further enhance the colors of this surreal spectacle, so come early or stay for the night. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Grand America Hotel, Related: Best Things to Do in Salt Lake City, 1345 Lowell AvenuePark City, UT 84060(435) 649-8111. Let it all go on a walk through the Ice Castles in Midway. The Park City Mountain Resort Alpine Coaster is an elevated track featuring toboggan-style cars that take you through more than . (Read: "Fresh Tracks in Kamas Utah's Snowcountry"). Written December 6, 2020. More than 6,000 lights illuminate a milelong walk through the Ashton Gardens at Thanksgiving Point. Located 25 minutes away from Park City, Bear Ridge Adventures also offers authentic dog sled tours on scenic private property. Whether you're a local, new in town or just cruising through we've got loads of great tips and events. Whether youre looking for commercial parks with structured lanes or a local hill and your own thermos of hot cocoa, weve got it all. 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. A Babe is Born (Lehi): Dec. 17-22. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Comfort Suites St George University Area, 301 Wakara WaySalt Lake City, UT 84108(801) 581-6927. We look for fun, easy adventures throughout the state of Utah and beyond. Say hi to the toucans, then stare at the mesmerizing sharks. Christmas in Color: Located at the Salt Lake County Equestrian Center in South Jordan. Experience snowshoeing the greatest snow on Earth. 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. Spring boasts active wildlife and blooming flowers. Looking for things to do in Utah? Explore the solar system, black holes, alien landscapes, and distant galaxies through interactive and mind-churning exhibits and activities at the planetarium. During the holiday season, Utah's Hogle Zoo lights up with over 200 lighted animal and holiday-themed displays in the evenings. Pro tip: At the Main Library in downtown Salt Lake City you can take a ride in the glass elevator to the roof, observe the dormant beehive, then walk down the swooping steps to the courtyard. Find popular Nordic trailheads in the north, high altitude serenity in central Utah and miles of regularly groomed trails in the south. Need winter break ideas? Tours around the temple are available daily for you to check out the temples elaborate architecture, animals, and organic crops. 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. Perhaps another activity you wouldnt expect to be available in Utah,sled dog toursare available in Park City. In Utah, skiing is just where winter begins. North Pole Express at Thunder Junction (St. George): Every Friday, Saturday, and Monday for the first 3 weekends in December from 6-8 PM. 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. 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. Copyright Family Destinations Guide 2023. Learn more about why Bryce Canyon and the surrounding areas are the perfect place for winter hiking, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Join to view profile . BIG IRON TOUR CO. - Veteran & Locally Owned Off-Road Tour Company. 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. Pleasant fall wraps Utah in colorful foliage along the scenic drives. Want to avoid the Utah national park crowds? Winter rewards hikers with stunning sights of stalactites and snow covered mountains. Their boat launch is perfect for families who want to motor or sail atop the salty waters. Hardcore hikers and climbers brave Zion National Park for its challenging terrains, while families come for outdoorsy trips and easy trails. Recreational opportunities and gorgeous scenery also await, and sunsets here turn skies into a kaleidoscope of colors. Snowmobiling is one of the most popular winter sports in Northern Utah, thanks to an abundance of snow, trails, and easy access. Now those visiting Park City can experience the snowy wilderness like never before as theyre pulled on a sled behind a team of 10 energetic pups. 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. 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. Gingerbread House Display: University Place Mall in Orem. Maybe your teens can help you come up with the weirdest smore combination like starbursts and saltines. The Great Salt Lake may sometimes be called Americas very own Dead Sea, but unlike the actual Dead Sea, a treasure trove of life thrives in this lake. Lay back and watch the scenery as you and your kids glide down the longest tubing hill in Utah then take the magic carpet back up. Home to more than 2,000 gigantic sandstone arches, this national park sees more than 1.6 million curious visitors every year. Contact Info. Where: Snow banks, backyards, fields, parks. All Rights Reserved, 11 Utah Christmas events you might want to check out this year, The 2023 Utah Legislature has wrapped. Four furry friends help the Solitude Ski Patrol do their duties. Utah may be hardcore landlocked, but you can still watch antarctic penguins swim and play. 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. And the 2021 holiday season offers a slew of new activities for you and your family. Young Living Family Farm Country Christmas (Mona): Wagon Rides and Light Display. For an extraordinary adventure, plan winter hikes in Utahs Zion National Park. There are plenty of things to do in Northern Utah when you're in Ogden. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Canyons Boutique Hotel A Canyons Collection Property, Interstate 80Wendover, UT 84083(801) 977-4300. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Ledgestone Hotel Vernal. Of Utah's 15 resorts, 10 are within an hour of the Salt Lake City International Airport. 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. Where: Various locations along the Wasatch FrontUtahs new and improved public swimming pools are basically playgrounds. Want to avoid the Utah national park crowds? 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. Learn about the American Wests unique natural world through the museums 1.6 million objects on display. Provo River Cruise(Provo) Dec. 1-23. With its iconic reddish and tan-colored canyon walls, desert, woodlands, and forests, this massive national park has a wealth of sights to offer. This year we organized our list by county to help you more readily find activities near your home. Tickets required. We were there in late December 2021 and it was chilly but not particularly cold during the day. More info here. Built in 2011, this modern museum has a collection of exotic butterflies, minerals and indigenous masterpieces. They bloom during the spring, by the way! FREE, Spanish Fork Winter Lights Parade: November 27 @ 7:00 PM FREE, Luminaria: Thanksgiving Point in Lehi. 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. During the spring, the snow from the previous season melts into the clearest water, mirroring the sky above and the surrounding mountain ranges. Zion offers horseback riding, glamping, scenic drives, nature walks, picnic sites, and lodging. Where : Salt Lake City. On Dec. 21 and Dec. 22, the Utah Symphony will perform the score to Home Alone, by John Williams. Get some ideas from our road tripitineraries, bucket lists and family-friendly hikes. The Utah State Capitol sits atop Salt Lake Citys Capitol Hill, which overlooks the capitals downtown area. 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. When the Utah sun becomes unbearable, head over to one of Kanabs cool places, literally and figuratively. Things To Do Lodging Tours & Guides Deals Events Store Maps & Brochures Share Events So, you're looking for things to do in Utah . Plan a winter Southeastern Utah trip.