During the spring, the snow from the previous season melts into the clearest water, mirroring the sky above and the surrounding mountain ranges. Christkindlmarket at This is the Place: Dec. 1-4. Sledding is a winter classic that every kid has gotta try at least once. 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. And the fun doesn't stop on Christmas Day. Or feel the "freedom" at The Gateway and City Creek Center, two local malls also known for providing free, fun events. All rights reserved. Visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance. Map coming soon of where to visit. For an extraordinary adventure, plan winter hikes in Utahs Zion National Park. Alpine Living Nativity (Alpine): Dec. 2-4, 10-11. Adventure, Hiking, History and Heritage, Native American, Non-ski Winter Activities, Scenic Drives/Road Trips, Stargazing. Utah hotels near Lake Powell can be found scattered from north to south, with the southern end being the most active for one of the major activities on Lake Powellhouseboating. From delicate river-fed ecosystems to crimson-hued rock buttresses, this magical landscape is awash in history, dating back thousands of years to the original Native American settlers to whom these places were sacred. Check out this snowshoe excursion then plan yours today for fun and adventure. 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. 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. 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. 90 South West Temple And you can visit Santa as part of your admission price to Zoo Lights. Fine, here's a plethora of Utah events to keep you feeling fulfilled. 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. Utahs 800+ miles of groomed trails offer winter snowmobiling fun for all find out more! MDRS sometimes schedules visitor days on their Facebook page during the spring too, so go check out their page. Hiking, rafting, and camping are some of the most popular activities at Dinosaur National Monument. found in the higher elevation regions of Southern Utah, Fresh Tracks in Kamas Utah's Snowcountry, Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity. More than 6,000 lights illuminate a milelong walk through the Ashton Gardens at Thanksgiving Point. Anna and Elsa fans will appreciate the frozen wonderland all lit up at night in blue and pink. 101+ Fun Things To Do During Christmas In Utah - So Festive! Natural History Museum of Utah. Its time to plan your winter break, a break from everything, and were going to make it easy by choosing Utah. Take a road trip from Capitol Reef to Bryce Canyon and enjoy the best of Utah landscapes during its quiet season. Let your kids get soaked in the Waterworks section or break out of jail in Kidopolis. Copyright 2023 Utah.com. 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. But that's just the beginning. Home to more than 2,000 gigantic sandstone arches, this national park sees more than 1.6 million curious visitors every year. Afterwards, try ice skating at the Midway Ice Rink. We also highly suggest taking the three-hour Sound and Light Show tour along the Colorado River. 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. Salt Lake City, UT 84101 Rent snowshoes to go off-trail in that fresh Utah powder snow. And the 2021 holiday season offers a slew of new activities for you and your family. 4x4 Half-Day Adventure at Canyonlands National Park. Guests can eat smores and drink hot chocolate while they explore the zoo, including a lighted walkway that stretches 135 feet. Each of these annual events are held in Salt Lake and Utah counties. 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. Looking for things to do in Utah? 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. You can also have supper at one of the booths. Experience the towering heights of Zion, the depths of Buckskin Gulch, the dunes of Snow Canyon, the sunset over Gooseberry. 10. Finally! 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. Deer Valley. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Comfort Suites St George University Area, 301 Wakara WaySalt Lake City, UT 84108(801) 581-6927. George, UT 84770(435) 673-3617. Yep you read that right. Enjoy winter hikes, scenic drives and some of the best stargazing in the world. 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. Just make sure you do it before Dec. 24 since hes pretty busy that day. 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. Tickets are available atwww.starofwonder.comand the show runs Dec. 4-11. West Jordan, Utah, United States. We use cookies to improve your experience on Utah.com. Dec. 11 & 13 from 6-8:30 pm. More info here. Nov. 18-Jan. 1, Saratoga Springs Christmas Light Drive: 8 different houses in one nightFREE, Engh Family Christmas Lights: Saratoga SpringsFREE, A Very Merry Meridian: Saratoga SpringsFREE, Lehi Christmas Lights: Lehi (11 different houses pretty close to each other)FREE, Edwards Family Lights Show: Pleasant GroveFREE, Pleasant Grove Christmas Lights:9 Houses in one night. With a little extra planning, good layers, and the right equipment, however, you can enjoy Utah's national parks in the solitude of winter. Ogden, Utah Attractions & Activities - Visit Ogden 4.5 /5 (805 reviews) Lake Powell is part of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Where: Various locations on the Wasatch Front andPark City. Youre about to be even more inspired when you watch the Clark Planetariums amazing IMAX films. Pleasant fall wraps Utah in colorful foliage along the scenic drives. Park City is the epicenter, but Sundance venues can also be found in Salt Lake City, Ogden and at Sundance Mountain Resort. Discover deals on the best attractions, breweries, and locations in Salt Lake! Private Utah High Country Rafting Adventure from Provo. Best Things to Do in December in Salt Lake City Beginning the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas comes to Temple Square with turning on the lights. Walk around downtown and vote on your favorite gingerbread creations. 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. We also highly suggest taking the three-hour Sound and Light Show tour along the Colorado River. 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. Learn more and plan your visit! The Park City Mountain Resort Alpine Coaster is an elevated track featuring toboggan-style cars that take you through more than . Live Nativity at Christmas Celebration: Dec. 15 at 6:00 and 7:30 pm FREE. Best of all, you wont need to worry about checking your snowshoeing gear at the airport (although it would be much easier now). Camping & Backpacking, Climbing & Canyoneering, Cycling, Fishing, Glamping, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Non-ski Winter Activities, Scenic Drives/Road Trips, Stargazing. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Kimpton Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City, 195 W Center StreetCedar City, UT, 84720(800) 752-9849. Bring the kids and countdown to the New Year (well before midnight) with a special lighted countdown display. Things To Do - Torrey Utah U.S.A. Hiking in winter is perfect for getting the family out of the house and into the crisp fresh air. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western PLUS Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel, 210 E 400 SSalt Lake City, UT 84111(801) 524-8200. Theres no better way to experience a bit of everything Utah offers. With its jaw-dropping architectural and interior design, the Salt Lake City Public Library offers amazing finds in every twist and turn. And camping is an excellent option for those who want to explore the lake at a leisurely pace. 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. 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 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. The Utah State Capitol sits atop Salt Lake Citys Capitol Hill, which overlooks the capitals downtown area. 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 . Breakfast With Santa December 5,12,19, 2021, Multiple Times Zermatt Mountain Resort, Midway See All Itineraries Previous Group Well, you should absolutely watch Utah Shakespeare Festivals world-class outdoor performances for an unforgettable time! However, the tough choices arent over yet. For more information, see our Privacy Policy. The annual performance of William Christensens The Nutcracker returns for 2021. Experience Exciting Events Every Day of the Year! Things can be a little quieter down here this time of year. Theater nerd or not, youll find that witnessing the Shakespeare Festival can be surprisingly one of the best things to do in Utah. Pro tip:Pack your own lunch and a thermos of hot chocolate to keep spirits up and costs down. Characterized by red rocks and natural amphitheaters carved by frost weathering and stream erosion, Bryce Canyon attracts almost three million visitors every year. Provo River Cruise(Provo) Dec. 1-23. (Salty and sweet? 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. Gingerbread House Contest Display (Brigham City): Dec. 2-Jan 3. Salt Lake City Holiday Events & Festivals 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. Lake Powell. Copyright 2023 Utah Office of Tourism. 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. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Grand America Hotel, Related: Best Things to Do in Salt Lake City, 1345 Lowell AvenuePark City, UT 84060(435) 649-8111. Tours around the temple are available daily for you to check out the temples elaborate architecture, animals, and organic crops. Camping & Backpacking, Hiking, History and Heritage, Non-ski Winter Activities, Scenic Drives/Road Trips, Stargazing. Best time of year to visit Utah. With its iconic reddish and tan-colored canyon walls, desert, woodlands, and forests, this massive national park has a wealth of sights to offer. Admission Free after 5:00 PM for the light display. Its a relatively easy and affordable way to get outside and the perfect way to watch the sun rise over the Wasatch range. The holiday market is only open for one weekend in December and its this weekend, from Dec. 1 to Dec. 4. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Home2 Suites by Hilton Salt Lake City-East, 300 Wakara WaySalt Lake City, UT 84108(801) 585-0556.