things to do in utah in december 2021

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). Finally, businesses in many of Utahs smaller communities shutter for the season. All rights reserved. Live Nativity and Luminary Walk: Clark Historic Farm in Grantsville. Copyright 2023 Utah Office of Tourism. Experiencing the peace of canyon country in the winter is an attraction of its own. Or hikeEnsign PeakTrail on a clear day and get a 100-mile view of Salt Lake Valley. It is a fundraising event for the Primary Childrens Hospital, too. 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. Thinking about the Dead Sea sounds scary, but the Great Salt Lake is actually popular for swimming, sunbathing, sailing, wildlife viewing, kayaking, and more! The Salt Lake Tabernacle will have a unique Peace on Earth Christmas Nativity. Camping & Backpacking, Hiking, History and Heritage, Non-ski Winter Activities, Scenic Drives/Road Trips, Stargazing. For tickets and reservation information, click HERE! 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. You and your family can head over to check out the lights. Now you are ready for total snowball war. Whether youre looking for commercial parks with structured lanes or a local hill and your own thermos of hot cocoa, weve got it all. Experience snowshoeing the greatest snow on Earth. Take a contemplative walk around the grounds and catch the hourly docent-led tours inside the Utah State Capitol. A New Peace on Earth presentation projected on ceiling of Tabernacle. Non-ski Winter Activities, Ski and Snowboard. Free cookies and hot cocoa. 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. When the Utah sun becomes unbearable, head over to one of Kanabs cool places, literally and figuratively. You can save a whole lot of money on accommodations by pitching a tent and camping at one of Zions three campgrounds too. 69 p.m.The week of Christmas, wagon rides on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, December 2022. As you visit, do your part to keep Utah Forever Mighty. As daytime shredders check-out between 3 and 4 p.m., a new ski shift begins. The counties are listed generally from north to south in Utah. Southern Utah is home to two high-elevation ski areas that contain generous helpings of what we call (with authority) The Greatest Snow on Earth. 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. After an adventure packed vacation of skiing, sliding, exploring and marvelling, the only thing left to do is relax and recount your favorite moments. Nighttime is the right time for skiers and boarders seeking solitude on the piste. Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity. Young Living Farm Country Christmas: Nov. 26-Dec.22 from 6-9 pm. And you can visit Santa as part of your admission price to Zoo Lights. 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. 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. Everything is fascinating but your kids might beeline to the dinosaur gallery to get skull to skull with Allosaurus, Utahceratops and Utahraptor. Check out this snowshoe excursion then plan yours today for fun and adventure. The Cox Performing Arts Center is located at 225 S. 700 East, St. George, UT 84770. But that's just the beginning. 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. Previous Group Heber Tree Lighting Old Fashion Christmas December 3, 2021, 6-8 pm City Hall, Heber. For Sparta! Learn more and plan your visit! 4:30-8:00 pm at Zootah with reindeer encounters. The performances will happen throughout December. Looking for things to do in Utah? Explore snowshoeing. Maren and Racer Gibson of All Seasons Adventures in Park City, Utah rescue "unadoptable" Huskies and Malamutes. Plan a winter Southeastern Utah trip. It is free and easy to tour the grounds and see the lights any night of the season. Zoo Lights: SLC Dec. 3-23, 26-31 from 5:30-9:30 pm. Winter rewards hikers with stunning sights of stalactites and snow covered mountains. Natural History Museum of Utah. There are plenty of things to do in Northern Utah when you're in Ogden. Within this natural sandstone cave in southern Utah is a natural history museum boasting a bar and fluorescent minerals. This colossal national monument makes a lovely endless playground for off-roaders, canyoneers, and hikers. Hiking, Non-ski Winter Activities, Scenic Drives/Road Trips, Ski and Snowboard. Or feel the "freedom" at The Gateway and City Creek Center, two local malls also known for providing free, fun events. Recommended Hotel Nearby: University Guest House & Conference Center, 12033 Lone Peak ParkwayDraper UT, 84020(801) 355-3474. 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. Lights, train rides, live Nativities, and Santa. To put it simply, the riding in Utah is epic. Here are the details on local pros who can help get you the gear or guide your adventure. 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. Think of them more like community hubs where staff and volunteers teach free workshops on reading, art, computers, legos, yoga, storytime and more. Start Planning Your Summer VacationIt's never too late to look forward to summer. When winter blasts its arctic forcefield, the Utah ice castles a frozen fairytale of ice and snow emerge on an acre of land at Soldier Hollow Nordic Center in Midway. The Natural History Museum of Utah is a grand museum found within the University of Utahs research park. 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. Among the many venues that host free events are The Gallivan Center, Pioneer Park, and Temple Square. Experience the towering heights of Zion, the depths of Buckskin Gulch, the dunes of Snow Canyon, the sunset over Gooseberry. Have you ever been helplessly curious about what lies beyond our skies? . Dont forget to wear long underwear under your Olaf costume. Snowmobiling is one of the most popular winter sports in Northern Utah, thanks to an abundance of snow, trails, and easy access. Outlets at Traverse Mountain Virtual Tree Lighting(Lehi): November 20 @ 5:30 pmFREE. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western PLUS Rubys Inn, 13312 West 1075 SouthMagna, UT 84044(801) 828-0787. The Gallivan Center, an outdoor skating rink, falls within the free-fare zone of Salt Lake's public transportation.This means on chilly nights families can opt for a short ride on the TRAX light rail from this . Eagle Point is a Utah favorite location. Suggested Read: 10 Museums In Washington DC For An Insight Into The American History. 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. It's like going from the bottom of the ocean to the canopies of the Amazon Rainforest in one day. The dogs participate in a dog sledding operation to help find their purpose. Festival of Trees(Virtual): No dates, but virtual again this year. Holly Days Festival(Vernal): November 26: A day full of fun,FREEactivities throughout the Vernal area including a light parade and fireworks. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Little America Hotel Salt Lake City, 311 West 8500 SouthSpanish Fork, UT 84660(801) 787-1510. In winter, families may try icy pursuits, such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Catch a virtual workshop, join a book club or check out an audiobook. More info here. Gingerbread House Scavenger Hunt (Logan): Dec. 6-25, 2021 FREE, Parade of Gingerbread Homes (Logan): Dec. 4-31. 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. 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. While winter weather in Southern Utah can be mild youll still need to deal with cooler and widely fluctuating temperatures as well as intermittent rain and snow. Use code AdventureFamily15 to save 15% off tickets. See All 131 Things To Do in Utah Cool Places to Eat & Drink in Utah Huntsville, Utah Shooting Star Saloon Eat burgers beneath gargantuan taxidermy and thousands of dollar bills in Utah's. You can also have supper at one of the booths. Copyright 2023 Utah.com. Utahsstateandnational parkswill be thawed out before you know it! The holiday market is only open for one weekend in December and it's this weekend, from Dec. 1 to Dec. 4. From swimming to sledding, the whole family will enjoy (or at least appreciate) these fun winter activities. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Kimpton Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City, 195 W Center StreetCedar City, UT, 84720(800) 752-9849. (Salty and sweet? Pretty simple. The gorgeous temple sits on a 15-acre landscape featuring outdoor stages, a large pavilion, a lake and waterfall, and a few animals. Hiking, Non-ski Winter Activities, Scenic Drives/Road Trips, Ski and Snowboard, Stargazing. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Theres a live nativity and display of small nativities in Payson. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western PLUS Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel, 210 E 400 SSalt Lake City, UT 84111(801) 524-8200. Sometimes an adrenaline pumping day on the slopes calls for an early morning hike along a peacefully quiet snowshoe track. December 2-12, 2021 Utah Motorsports Campus, Grantsville. Enjoy this beautiful marble structure and the majestic views of snow-capped mountains in the background. This year there will be displays and limited lights (due to construction). 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. Get some ideas from our road tripitineraries, bucket lists and family-friendly hikes. For most travelers, Southern Utah winters prevent comfortable camping, and occasional snowfall can make outdoor adventure a little more challenging. There is a live nativity, indoor and outdoor nativity displays. Learn about the American Wests unique natural world through the museums 1.6 million objects on display. Encompassing almost 36,000 acres, the monumental splendor of Bryce Canyon National Park has long been recognized by man for thousands of years. Characterized by red rocks and natural amphitheaters carved by frost weathering and stream erosion, Bryce Canyon attracts almost three million visitors every year. Written December 6, 2020. June to August is the season of spectacular activities like Bonneville Speed Week or stargazing . Discover some of the most picturesque places to photograph in Southern Utah, and learn some tips for how to shoot and travel responsibly. 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. Completed in 1916, this Neoclassical revival, Corinthian-style building has seen so much struggle and growth since Utahs early beginnings as a state. Spanning over a massive area of 21 acres, Red Butte Garden is the largest botanical garden in the Intermountain West offering enchanting colors of blooms and the most romantic scenery for couples. 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. found in the higher elevation regions of Southern Utah, Fresh Tracks in Kamas Utah's Snowcountry, Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity. Santas Grand Arrival at University Place: November 26 @ 9:30 am (Santa arrives via helicopter), Salem Pond Christmas Lighting(Salem): November 26 @ 6-9 PM. During the holiday season, Utahs Hogle Zoo lights up with over 200 lighted animal and holiday-themed displays in the evenings. Ski Southern Utah: High Alpine Trails + Red Rock Wonder. Youll find the festive spirit in every direction, without breaking the bank. Aside from having The Greatest Snow on Earth, what sets Utah apart from other skiing locations is the easy access. We also highly suggest taking the three-hour Sound and Light Show tour along the Colorado River. Discover deals on the best attractions, breweries, and locations in Salt Lake! FREE. Theater nerd or not, youll find that witnessing the Shakespeare Festival can be surprisingly one of the best things to do in Utah. Performances are held throughout the month of December, with special matinee performances every weekend at discounted prices. Red Hills Desert Garden Lights(St. George): Nov. 26-Jan. 2 at 5-10 pm. Stay for the sunset; its heavenly here. 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. Christmas In Dixie Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony (Washington): November 29 at 6-8 pm at Veterans Park. You might think the cold is unavoidable and the terrain impassable during the winter months, but if you can surpass these doubts you might just be rewarded with your best hike of the year. Imagine a desert of peach-pink sand surrounded by rust-colored cliffs and contrasted by pastel blue skies. The only challenge is deciding if you want to stay in a slope-side lodge or a hotel in the city. If you dont feel like trudging up a hill 17 times (itisgood exercise though) head up to Woodward Park City to their state-of-the-art tubing lanes. The museum is home to 5,000 desert plants, a replica slot canyon, a stream with native and endangered fish, and prehistoric dinosaur tracks from 200 million years ago. Theyve gone digital too. Find popular Nordic trailheads in the north, high altitude serenity in central Utah and miles of regularly groomed trails in the south. Find out tips for riding and the best places to explore in Utah. 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. Each of these annual events are held in Salt Lake and Utah counties. Its a contender for ultimate winter family photo, and a winter wonderland the kids wont soon forget. Town Hall (435) 425-3600 Fax (435) 425-3603 P.O. Admission is free to this annual Christmas market in Salt Lakes Foothill District. Zion offers horseback riding, glamping, scenic drives, nature walks, picnic sites, and lodging. But these days libraries are humming with activity. The water is comfortably warm and shallow enough for toddlers. 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. 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. Their boat launch is perfect for families who want to motor or sail atop the salty waters. The classic, winter tradition of finding the perfect hill from which to launch a tube or sled is alive and well in Utah. It's one of the state's top snowmobiling destinations. Experience more peace, quiet and solitude. West Jordan, Utah, United States. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Canyons Boutique Hotel A Canyons Collection Property, Interstate 80Wendover, UT 84083(801) 977-4300. The Uinta Mountains are about 100 miles east of Salt Lake City and just a few minutes from Vernal in Eastern Utah. Learn everything you need to know for a cheap luxury ski trip. Bonus: you can ride the carousel and sometimes see a few animals. FREE, Brigham City Christmas Village (Brigham City): Dec. 2-Jan. 3 Located at 1 South Main street in Brigham CIty. Experience a world unlike anything youve ever imagined in the high desert mountains and plummeting canyons of south-central Utah. 25 Best Things to Do in Utah Fun Activities & Stuff to Do! However, as more dogs joined the pack Team G Sled Dogs was born. Its called the Payson Community crche on Dec. 3 and Dec. 4. 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. Copyright 2023 Deseret News Publishing Company. 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. 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. Where: Snow banks, backyards, fields, parks. For more information, see our Privacy Policy. FREE, Spanish Fork Winter Lights Parade: November 27 @ 7:00 PM FREE, Luminaria: Thanksgiving Point in Lehi. No matter your level of adventure, you will find good reason to save some time for a day away from the resort. Visitors have to option to book a 1 hour, 2 hour, or half day dog sled tour from December (sometimes November) to March. . Recommended Hotel Nearby: SpringHill Suites by Marriott Salt Lake City Draper, 350 State StreetSalt Lake City, UT 84103(801) 538-1800. Kid-friendly activities include daily parades, a live nativity, a gnome festival, and more. Utah's metropolitan areas are situated right by our snow-packed mountains, offering visitors unparalleled access. 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. 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. The five-acre Red Hills Desert Garden is actually Utahs first-ever desert conservation garden. MDRS sometimes schedules visitor days on their Facebook page during the spring too, so go check out their page. Additional skating venues can be found throughout the valley and include the Olympic-level facilities that are open to the public. Discount code adventure15 to save 15% off tickets. Tree will be lit at 6:00. 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. At its end, this leads to the Narrows area, which involves a more strenuous and adventurous . Nativities Nativity in the Glen (SLC): Dec. 3 from 6-9 PM. If theyre not in space suits, however, you can go ahead and ask for a brief tour. We look for fun, easy adventures throughout the state of Utah and beyond. Utah may be hardcore landlocked, but you can still watch antarctic penguins swim and play. Now you can start planning your holiday season. 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. Pro tip:Pack your own lunch and a thermos of hot chocolate to keep spirits up and costs down. Let your kids get soaked in the Waterworks section or break out of jail in Kidopolis. 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. Its our chance to sparkle as the streets light up with celebrations and joy. Box 750027 75 East 100 North Torrey, Utah 84775 Bryce Canyon - 5.7 days / 15.3 inches. Need winter break ideas? Weve collected 11 iconic Christmas events for you and your family to embrace this holiday season. Youll find holiday markets, festivals, concerts, pop up bars, dance performances, musicals, and more to celebrate the holiday season in Salt Lake.