For a more unforgettable experience, book a tour with a Navajo guide! For more information, see our Privacy Policy. Best of all, you wont need to worry about checking your snowshoeing gear at the airport (although it would be much easier now). 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. 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. These special walking tours include hot chocolate and cookies for saleas guests and visitors to the hotel observe these displays. Non-ski Winter Activities, Ski and Snowboard. 10 New Things To Do In Utah This Winter | Visit Utah Let your kids get soaked in the Waterworks section or break out of jail in Kidopolis. Pro tip:Pack your own lunch and a thermos of hot chocolate to keep spirits up and costs down. Icicle artisans spend the winter building the castles through magic and science. Stay up to date by subscribing to one of our Newsletters. Navajos have been here since AD 1,400. Its called the Payson Community crche on Dec. 3 and Dec. 4. 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. St. George Town Square Tree Lighting: November 29 at 6 8 pm FREE Santa will be here! Recommended Hotel Nearby: SpringHill Suites by Marriott Salt Lake City Draper, 350 State StreetSalt Lake City, UT 84103(801) 538-1800. Visitors have to option to book a 1 hour, 2 hour, or half day dog sled tour from December (sometimes November) to March. Wondering where to go snowshoeing? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Theres a live nativity and display of small nativities in Payson. 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. And camping is an excellent option for those who want to explore the lake at a leisurely pace. Copyright 2023 Deseret News Publishing Company. Christmas in Color: Located at the Salt Lake County Equestrian Center in South Jordan. If youre planning a family trip this year, consider Midways Ice Castles a must-see. Live Nativity at the Orchard (Orem): December 10 from 6-8 pm. It takes up part of Arizona and southern Utah. Private Utah High Country Rafting Adventure from Provo. Candlelight Christmas at This is the Place Heritage Park: Dec. 7-23 from 5-9 PM. Completed in 1916, this Neoclassical revival, Corinthian-style building has seen so much struggle and growth since Utahs early beginnings as a state. Now you are ready for total snowball war. When the Utah sun becomes unbearable, head over to one of Kanabs cool places, literally and figuratively. Salt Lake during the holidays? Get More Mountain Time Plan a winter Southeastern Utah trip. The Grand StaircaseEscalante National Monument is the largest national monument in the United States and the most remote in the country. All rights reserved. 10 Best Events in Utah, United States 2023 | Eventbrite Ogden, Utah Attractions & Activities - Visit Ogden Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Plus Greenwell Inn, 12500 Sand Dune RoadKanab, UT 84741(435) 648-2800. Tours around the temple are available daily for you to check out the temples elaborate architecture, animals, and organic crops. During the holiday season, Utah's Hogle Zoo lights up with over 200 lighted animal and holiday-themed displays in the evenings. 25 Best Things to Do in Utah Fun Activities & Stuff to Do! The holiday market is only open for one weekend in December and it's this weekend, from Dec. 1 to Dec. 4. Camping & Backpacking, Climbing & Canyoneering, Cycling, Fishing, Glamping, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Non-ski Winter Activities, Scenic Drives/Road Trips, Stargazing. 10. 11 Utah Christmas events you might want to check out this year FREE. There are plenty of things to do in Northern Utah when you're in Ogden. Arts & Museums Backpacking Camping Cycling Dinosaurs Festivals & Events Filmed in Utah Fishing Food & Nightlife Hiking History Mountain Biking OHV & Off-Road Rafting Road Trips Rock Climbing Skiing Slot Canyons Snowboarding Snowmobiling Snowshoeing Stargazing Tribal Cultures Urban Experiences ExploreToggle Menu Close Menu Forever Mighty Itineraries Utah heli skiing and snowboarding are perfect for those who want to ride some of the best backcountry in the world. 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. Dont forget to wear long underwear under your Olaf costume. Ride the Heber Valley Railroad with Santa. 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. 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. 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. In a really good way. Start Planning Your Summer VacationIt's never too late to look forward to summer. All rights reserved. Snowmobiling is one of the most popular winter sports in Northern Utah, thanks to an abundance of snow, trails, and easy access. Gingerbread House Scavenger Hunt (Logan): Dec. 6-25, 2021 FREE, Parade of Gingerbread Homes (Logan): Dec. 4-31. Families, on the other hand, have an endless array of cultural institutions to choose from. Use the search tool below to see what holiday events you can enjoy during your next winter visit and create new traditions for your family this year. At its end, this leads to the Narrows area, which involves a more strenuous and adventurous . How to Visit Southern Utah in Winter Tickets required. Use code AdventureFamily15 to save 15% off tickets. Popular things to do Winter Sports Rentals Half-day Tours Geologic Formations Cultural Tours 4WD Tours Canyons Nature and Wildlife Tours Hiking Tours Scenic Drives Climbing Self-guided Tours National Parks Bus Tours City Tours Bodies of Water Historical Tours Overnight Tours Mountains Sporting Events Transfers & Ground Transport How's that for a Utah family winter activity? Bikers, hikers, campers, and families come here in throngs for its spring and fall excitement. Read these insights and tips gathered from a novices first-ever camping trip on BLM and public lands to gain the confidence you need to recreate happily and respectfully on Utahs public lands. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Grand America Hotel, Related: Best Things to Do in Salt Lake City, 1345 Lowell AvenuePark City, UT 84060(435) 649-8111. North Pole Express at Thunder Junction (St. George): Every Friday, Saturday, and Monday for the first 3 weekends in December from 6-8 PM. Check out this snowshoe excursion then plan yours today for fun and adventure. I'll be graduating with my associate's degree in December of 2021 after 2 years of school. Your kid likes trains? Utahsstateandnational parkswill be thawed out before you know it! 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. To put it simply, the riding in Utah is epic. The Clark Planetarium opened way back in April 2003, replacing the historic Hansen Planetarium under a grant from the Clark Foundation. Camping & Backpacking, Hiking, History and Heritage, Non-ski Winter Activities, Scenic Drives/Road Trips, Stargazing. How about you take that fascination to the next level by going where dinosaurs once roamed? Time slots are available every half hour, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. If youre curious about the extravagance of Hindu festivals, you can also join the temples grand celebrations of Holi and Diwali! Night in Bethlehem(Pleasant Grove): November 26-29 and December 2-4 reserveFREEtickets ahead of time. No matter your level of adventure, you will find good reason to save some time for a day away from the resort. If you think about it, Utahs terrain kinda looks a bit like Mars. Natural History Museum of Utah. The Loveland Living Planet Aquarium is home to many creatures both scaly and feathered. Explore snowshoeing. Imagine an old-fashioned theater experience, with costumed vendors all around selling snacks and drinks. Browse through the museums artifacts, and enter the teepee to check out the black-lit room that features glowing minerals and paintings. Christmas at the Homestead(Cedar City): Frontier Homestead Museum has decorations, including the Twelve Trees of Christmas. Eagle Point is a Utah favorite location. 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. you got this. 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. Passes to ski and snowboard resorts are expensive, but dont give up yet, powder pauper. 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. More details on entering here. 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. 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. Previous Group Sounds good!) Hiking, rafting, and camping are some of the most popular activities at Dinosaur National Monument. 1 Zion Park BoulevardState Route 9Springdale, UT 84767(435) 772-3256. However, as more dogs joined the pack Team G Sled Dogs was born. And the fun doesn't stop on Christmas Day. George, UT 84770(435) 673-3617. Or feel the "freedom" at The Gateway and City Creek Center, two local malls also known for providing free, fun events. 101+ Fun Things To Do During Christmas In Utah - So Festive! There are many events and tons of lights in Helper since it is know as Christmas Town Utah. Located 25 minutes away from Park City, Bear Ridge Adventures also offers authentic dog sled tours on scenic private property. We were there in late December 2021 and it was chilly but not particularly cold during the day. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Little America Hotel Salt Lake City, 311 West 8500 SouthSpanish Fork, UT 84660(801) 787-1510. Reservations are available every 30 minutes from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. You can purchase tickets there but also in advance to make sure your spot is reserved. It's like going from the bottom of the ocean to the canopies of the Amazon Rainforest in one day. Best time of year to visit Utah. This beautiful event brings the light and joy of the holiday season to the South Valley. The Utah State Capitol sits atop Salt Lake Citys Capitol Hill, which overlooks the capitals downtown area. Traditionally a sing-along, this has been changed to a performance only due to the pandemic. Salt Lake City Holiday Events & Festivals A lot of the fun things to do in Utah are in Moab, such as off-roading, hiking, and even whitewater rafting. Mon, Fri, and Sat from November 26December 22. Comfort Inn & Suites Tooele-Salt Lake City, Canyons Boutique Hotel A Canyons Collection Property, Best Western PLUS Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel, Comfort Suites St George University Area, Home2 Suites by Hilton Salt Lake City-East, University Guest House & Conference Center, SpringHill Suites by Marriott Salt Lake City Draper, Salt Lake Marriott Downtown at City Creek, 35 Best Places to Visit in August in the USA, 35 Best Places to Visit in July in the USA, 35 Best Places to Visit in June in the USA, 35 Best Places to Visit in May in the USA, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Kanab, Salt Lake City Public Library Salt Lake City, Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple Spanish Fork, Mars Desert Research Station Hanksville, Natural History Museum of Utah Salt Lake City. Arts & Museums Backpacking Camping Cycling Dinosaurs Festivals & Events Filmed in Utah Fishing Food & Nightlife Hiking History Mountain Biking OHV & Off-Road Rafting Road Trips Rock Climbing Skiing Slot Canyons Snowboarding Snowmobiling Snowshoeing Stargazing Tribal Cultures Urban Experiences ExploreToggle Menu Close Menu Forever Mighty Itineraries Walk around downtown and vote on your favorite gingerbread creations. Lights on Wakefield: This event is currently not happening because of changes in city ordinances. Completed in 1998, the Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple was inspired by Rajasthani architecture from India and caters to the Hindu population of Utah. 801.534.4900 | 800.541.4955, National Parks, Monuments & Recreation Areas, Advertise in the Salt Lake Official Visitors Guide, Don't miss the Temple Lights this holiday season. 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. Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity. Snowmobile vacations are popular outdoor adventures. Benson Grist Mill Lighting and Live Nativity: Nov. 29 from 6-8 pm. Guests are invited to make smores, sip hot chocolate, and explore the 135-foot tunneled walkway. In Utah, a Pueblo name that means people of the mountains, well show you how to take a break from whatever work, weather, the world or just about anything else throws at you. 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. Ride the glass elevator toward the rooftop for a panoramic view of the entire library and an arguably more beautiful sight of the whole citys mountains once you reach the sky deck. A Babe is Born (Lehi): Dec. 17-22. A Pioneer Christmas: Provo Pioneer Village on Dec. 17, 18, and 20 from 5-8 pm. Zootah Christmas Lights: (Logan): November 27-Dec.18 (Th, F, and Sat). Then add color with snow paint. 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. 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. Spring boasts active wildlife and blooming flowers. On Dec. 21 and Dec. 22, the Utah Symphony will perform the score to Home Alone, by John Williams. They bloom during the spring, by the way! Follow His Star Creche exhibit (Midway): exhibit of over 500 creches. Everyone in the family will get fired up about this one. The water is comfortably warm and shallow enough for toddlers. Stroll around the garden and encounter different plant collections and themed gardens. Utahs windswept beauty, however, doesnt stop there. There is a live nativity, indoor and outdoor nativity displays. 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. On the ArizonaUtah state line sits a unique landmark within the territory of the Navajo Tribal Nation. Looking for things to do in Utah? So if you miss out this year, feel free to check them out in 2022. Adventurous nature lovers will love the trails that lead to rocky and sandy state parks. Written December 2, 2022. . Channel your inner figure skater as you race and twirl around the rink. Temple Square Lights: SLCFREE Limited Lights due to construction. Beginning the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas comes to Temple Square with turning on the lights. . The Galliavan Center offers ice skating opportunities, bringing you closer to the wintry season. 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. 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. 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. This year we organized our list by county to help you more readily find activities near your home. Thousands of people each day enjoy Utah's famous backcountry the areas outside of ski area boundaries. As youre mapping out your winter trip through southeastern Utah, consider adding the following parks and natural wonders to your itinerary. Time: 2-3 hours. Encompassing almost 36,000 acres, the monumental splendor of Bryce Canyon National Park has long been recognized by man for thousands of years. Sledding is a winter classic that every kid has gotta try at least once. Find popular Nordic trailheads in the north, high altitude serenity in central Utah and miles of regularly groomed trails in the south. 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. More than 200 lighted animal and holiday-themed displays illuminate the holiday season. But these days libraries are humming with activity. Get some ideas from our road tripitineraries, bucket lists and family-friendly hikes. Christmas on the Farm(Cedar City): November 26-27, Dec. 4, 8, 11, & 15, at 10-4. Southern Utahs wilds are wearing their winter splendor. Bring the kids and countdown to the New Year (well before midnight) with a special lighted countdown display. Contact Info. You can now visit the iconic house from the tear-jerking film Up at 13218 Herriman Rose Boulevard in Herriman, Utah. Park City Electric Light Parade: December 4 @ 4-6:30 pm FREE, Park City Snow Globe Stroll: Park City, November 25-January 5 FREE, WhoLiday Lighting in the Orchard: November 15 @ 6:00-8:00 pm FREE, Lighting of the Riverwoods (Provo): November 19 @ 6:00-9:00 pmFREE. Well, you should absolutely watch Utah Shakespeare Festivals world-class outdoor performances for an unforgettable time! Watch current conditions, as unsettled winter weather can bring storms. Thirteen snowboarding resorts are positioned perfectly for dumps of fluffy powder all winter long.