The holiday market is only open for one weekend in December and it's this weekend, from Dec. 1 to Dec. 4. 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. By clicking "I Agree", you consent to the use of cookies. Towering red rocks dusted in snow, often set against bright blue skies, welcome winter visitors to Capitol Reef National Park. St. George is a city on the southwest corner of the Arizona border and is known for its recreational opportunities all year round. Find the perfect spot to sit down, and enjoy all the different things in this library thatll keep you occupied for hours and hours. 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 . We are a family of 5 with three boys who love to be outside. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western PLUS Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel, 210 E 400 SSalt Lake City, UT 84111(801) 524-8200. More details on their event post. 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. Ice skating is a favorite winter activity among Salt Lakers. 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. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Canyons Boutique Hotel A Canyons Collection Property, Interstate 80Wendover, UT 84083(801) 977-4300. Recreational opportunities and gorgeous scenery also await, and sunsets here turn skies into a kaleidoscope of colors. Wide open vistas, historic main streetsand storied Olympic venues. All Rights Reserved. However, as more dogs joined the pack Team G Sled Dogs was born. Copyright 2023 Utah Office of Tourism. Enjoy this beautiful marble structure and the majestic views of snow-capped mountains in the background. 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. 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. If youre planning a family trip this year, consider Midways Ice Castles a must-see. Lights on at 6:30 pm. The water is comfortably warm and shallow enough for toddlers. 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. Guests are invited to make s'mores, sip hot chocolate, and explore the 135-foot tunneled walkway. 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. Walk around downtown and vote on your favorite gingerbread creations. With more than 800 miles of groomed snowmobile trails from the red rock canyons of Southern Utah to the rugged mountains in the northern reaches of the state, Utah has plenty of options for snowmobile vacations, lodging and packages. 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. North Pole Express at Thunder Junction (St. George): Every Friday, Saturday, and Monday for the first 3 weekends in December from 6-8 PM. Stay up to date by subscribing to one of our Newsletters. Experiencing the peace of canyon country in the winter is an attraction of its own. December 2-12, 2021 Utah Motorsports Campus, Grantsville. Aside from having The Greatest Snow on Earth, what sets Utah apart from other skiing locations is the easy access. This insider's guide video highlights their unparalleled access to both the outdoors and the city's "fun counterculture vibe" at the foot of the mighty Wasatch Mountains. We use cookies to improve your experience on Utah.com. Where : Salt Lake City. 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. As you visit, do your part to keep Utah Forever Mighty. Eagle Point is a Utah favorite location. 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. 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. The dogs participate in a dog sledding operation to help find their purpose. Christmas In Dixie Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony (Washington): November 29 at 6-8 pm at Veterans Park. 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. Young Living Farm Country Christmas: Nov. 26-Dec.22 from 6-9 pm. 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. Park City Mountain Resort is the largest ski resort in the US! It's one of the state's top snowmobiling destinations. For more information, see our Privacy Policy. Guests can eat smores and drink hot chocolate while they explore the zoo, including a lighted walkway that stretches 135 feet. Imaginorium: Nov. 29-Dec. 23, M-Th 4-9 pm and F-Sat 4-10 pm. Rent snowshoes to go off-trail in that fresh Utah powder snow. For most travelers, Southern Utah winters prevent comfortable camping, and occasional snowfall can make outdoor adventure a little more challenging. Experience more peace, quiet and solitude. Walk through time on a switchbacking boardwalk through the fossil record at the Natural History Museum of Utah. If you were looking for cheap yet visually appealing destinations, Red Hills Desert Garden opens its doors to you for free! No matter your level of adventure, you will find good reason to save some time for a day away from the resort. You sample collect hot chocolate and cookies on the tour as you embrace the true magic of the holiday season. You can explore by location, what's popular, our top picks, free stuff. Explore the solar system, black holes, alien landscapes, and distant galaxies through interactive and mind-churning exhibits and activities at the planetarium. As if our 45 state parks, six national monuments and five national parks aren't cutting it? The Salt Lake City Public Library is one of the most stunning works of modernist architecture, designed by internationally acclaimed architect Moshe Safdie. Check out the retired engines and cabooses outside and head inside to watch some model trains doing their thing. Sounds good!) Sled for free at the iconic hill at Sugarhouse Park inSalt Lake City. Bring the kids and countdown to the New Year (well before midnight) with a special lighted countdown display. 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. Theres no better way to experience a bit of everything Utah offers. Provo River Cruise(Provo) Dec. 1-23. 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. Moqui Caves temperatures never go beyond 65 degrees, and theres a nice outdoor cafe that serves refreshing snacks and cold drinks. Hiking, rafting, and camping are some of the most popular activities at Dinosaur National Monument. For an extraordinary adventure, plan winter hikes in Utahs Zion National Park. Built in 2011, this modern museum has a collection of exotic butterflies, minerals and indigenous masterpieces. Imagine a desert of peach-pink sand surrounded by rust-colored cliffs and contrasted by pastel blue skies. 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. Winter rewards hikers with stunning sights of stalactites and snow covered mountains. Macys Candy Windows(SLC): No dates yetFREE, Gardner Village Elves(West Jordan): Nov. 20- Dec. 31FREE. Among the many venues that host free events are The Gallivan Center, Pioneer Park, and Temple Square. Midway Tree Lighting Celebration: November 27 @6:15-9 pmFREE. Each of these annual events are held in Salt Lake and Utah counties. After an adventure packed vacation of skiing, sliding, exploring and marvelling, the only thing left to do is relax and recount your favorite moments. Head to Utah County and check out the beautiful Bridal Veil Falls in its icy glory. Use code AdventureFamily15 to save 15% off tickets. Instead of having yet another movie night, try a backyard bonfire with hot chocolate and smores. Tubing is the answer. 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. The five-acre Red Hills Desert Garden is actually Utahs first-ever desert conservation garden. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Plus Wendover Inn. Soak up incredible views along the parks scenic drive or gear up and head out on a wintry hike. North Pole Express(Heber) Nov. 22 Dec. 23. 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. The Loveland Living Planet Aquarium is home to many creatures both scaly and feathered. 10. Contact Info. As the largest national park in Utah, Canyonlands provides a variety of winter adventures, including winter hiking and stargazing. Have you ever been helplessly curious about what lies beyond our skies? The Grand StaircaseEscalante National Monument is the largest national monument in the United States and the most remote in the country. Traditionally a sing-along, this has been changed to a performance only due to the pandemic. Free cookies and hot cocoa. Grand America Holiday Windows: Nov. 1-Dec. 31 M- TH: 4 PM 8 PMand FRI SUN: 10 AM-5PM. This colossal national monument makes a lovely endless playground for off-roaders, canyoneers, and hikers. Whether you're a local, new in town or just cruising through we've got loads of great tips and events. Bonus: you can ride the carousel and sometimes see a few animals. A staple of the holiday season in Utah, join the Utah Symphony as they performHandel's Messiah. Or feel the "freedom" at The Gateway and City Creek Center, two local malls also known for providing free, fun events. Yep you read that right. The real Up house was built in 2011 by Bangerter Homes with permission from Disney. Featuring extraordinary golf courses, outdoorsy Utah activities, Jurassic-era dinosaur tracks, a childrens museum, and more, St. George is a haven of fun for golfers, fearless teens, and active kids. During the holiday season, Utah's Hogle Zoo lights up with over 200 lighted animal and holiday-themed displays in the evenings. International finals, national championships, regional events and homegrown extravaganzas all take place in Ogden, Utah. Spending some time on the ice rink might bring that magical vibe of the holiday season. Just make sure you do it before Dec. 24 since hes pretty busy that day. No list of the best places to visit in Utah is complete without a visit to Zion National Park. 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. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Plus Greenwell Inn Related: Best Family Hotels in Utah Related: Things to Do in Moab 10. As you visit, be prepared to keep these special places Forever Mighty. As youre mapping out your winter trip through southeastern Utah, consider adding the following parks and natural wonders to your itinerary. Learn more and plan your visit! Festival of Trees(Virtual): No dates, but virtual again this year. Check out this snowshoe excursion then plan yours today for fun and adventure. If theyre not in space suits, however, you can go ahead and ask for a brief tour. The Bonneville Salt Flats cover 30,000 acres of white salt crust one the western edge of the Great Salt Lake. A New Peace on Earth presentation projected on ceiling of Tabernacle. Or hikeEnsign PeakTrail on a clear day and get a 100-mile view of Salt Lake Valley. Winter visitors to Zion National Park will find plenty to do, including hiking, photography and gazing up at the wonders of the night sky. Your browser is not supported for this experience.We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. 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. Christmas at the Homestead(Cedar City): Frontier Homestead Museum has decorations, including the Twelve Trees of Christmas. Its a season full of activity. Watch current conditions, as unsettled winter weather can bring storms. Today the park is a natural marvel well loved by adventurers who want to witness the grandeur of its dramatic sandstone formations in person. 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 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. Actually, deals are everywhere, with free events taking place throughout Utah. Nighttime is the right time for skiers and boarders seeking solitude on the piste. Here are just a few of our favorite annual holiday events to check out here in Salt Lake. Bikers, hikers, campers, and families come here in throngs for its spring and fall excitement. From sliding down gentle slopes to racing down 1,200 foot lanes, there is tubing for everyone in Utah. Our favorite Christmas adventure! The only challenge is deciding if you want to stay in a slope-side lodge or a hotel in the city. Red Hills Desert Garden is a cute introduction to Utahs grand, out-of-this-world terrain. We also highly suggest taking the three-hour Sound and Light Show tour along the Colorado River. Throughout the season, nights and shaded areas are quite chilly, while exploring in the sunshine can be delightful. Yes, Temple Square in Salt Lake City is open for the Christmas season. 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. We look for fun, easy adventures throughout the state of Utah and beyond. Kids will have a swell time at the St. George Childrens Museum. George, UT 84770(435) 673-3617. Things can be a little quieter down here this time of year. New location this year. Stay for the sunset; its heavenly here. Gingerbread House Scavenger Hunt (Logan): Dec. 6-25, 2021 FREE, Parade of Gingerbread Homes (Logan): Dec. 4-31. 25 Best Things to Do in Utah Fun Activities & Stuff to Do! Once upon a time, the library was a place of silence and stern librarians. Fire + candy = fun. Discover some of the most picturesque places to photograph in Southern Utah, and learn some tips for how to shoot and travel responsibly. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Kimpton Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City, 195 W Center StreetCedar City, UT, 84720(800) 752-9849. Suggested Read: 10 Museums In Washington DC For An Insight Into The American History. Zootah Christmas Lights: (Logan): November 27-Dec.18 (Th, F, and Sat). Learn more about Utah's Olympic legacyand best spots to relive the games. Ski Southern Utah: High Alpine Trails + Red Rock Wonder. Want to avoid the Utah national park crowds? 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) Youll find the festive spirit in every direction, without breaking the bank. Icicle artisans spend the winter building the castles through magic and science. Hiking, Non-ski Winter Activities, Scenic Drives/Road Trips, Ski and Snowboard, Stargazing. Ready? Previous Group Star of Wonder opens this week at the West Valley Performing Arts Center. Live Nativity at Christmas Celebration: Dec. 15 at 6:00 and 7:30 pm FREE. So if you miss out this year, feel free to check them out in 2022. Heber Tree Lighting Old Fashion Christmas December 3, 2021, 6-8 pm City Hall, Heber. 10. Whether youre looking for commercial parks with structured lanes or a local hill and your own thermos of hot cocoa, weve got it all. 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. 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. Find popular Nordic trailheads in the north, high altitude serenity in central Utah and miles of regularly groomed trails in the south. Run Run Reindeer 5K Race! Completed in 1998, the Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple was inspired by Rajasthani architecture from India and caters to the Hindu population of Utah. 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. Experience the towering heights of Zion, the depths of Buckskin Gulch, the dunes of Snow Canyon, the sunset over Gooseberry. 4x4 Half-Day Adventure at Canyonlands National Park. The Midway Ice Castles are sculpted entirely from ice and span several acres of space, enough to pack in tunnels, ice slides, and magical spaces that kids and adults alike are sure to love. 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. Non-ski Winter Activities, Ski and Snowboard. 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. Adventurous nature lovers will love the trails that lead to rocky and sandy state parks. 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. Experience more peace, quiet and solitude. I will move on . But with some advanced planning and a good set of layers, these small impediments are easily handled. Additional skating venues can be found throughout the valley and include the Olympic-level facilities that are open to the public. Tickets include sleigh ride, cocoa, and sledding hill. The warm pink sand of Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is naturally formed out of the erosion of Navajo sandstone surrounding the park. For the holidays, This Is The Place Heritage Park transforms into a Christmas wonderland with sweet treats and arts-and-crafts events. I'll be graduating with my associate's degree in December of 2021 after 2 years of school. 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. Everything is fascinating but your kids might beeline to the dinosaur gallery to get skull to skull with Allosaurus, Utahceratops and Utahraptor. As youre mapping out your winter trip through southeastern Utah, consider adding the following parks and natural wonders to your itinerary. Use code LEHIMOMs to save 20% off. Copyright 2023 Deseret News Publishing Company. Winter in the Ogden Valley showcases some of the best of Northern Utah, from backcountry trails to downtown eats and events. Lace up and get skating!