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. To help you jump-start your journey to the American West, here are the best things to do in Utah. 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. See All Itineraries Previous Group Youre about to be even more inspired when you watch the Clark Planetariums amazing IMAX films. A lot of the fun things to do in Utah are in Moab, such as off-roading, hiking, and even whitewater rafting. However, the tough choices arent over yet. Benson Grist Mill Lighting and Live Nativity: Nov. 29 from 6-8 pm. Weve collected 11 iconic Christmas events for you and your family to embrace this holiday season. Liberty Park is popular for hosting food . 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. 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. You can head over to Gardner Village to grab some breakfast with Santa Claus himself. Recommended Hotel Nearby: SpringHill Suites by Marriott Salt Lake City Draper, 350 State StreetSalt Lake City, UT 84103(801) 538-1800. Keep the contradictions going by cruising along the Waterpocket Fold, a water-free buckle of land that serves as the backbone of the park. . Actually, deals are everywhere, with free events taking place throughout Utah. Guests can eat smores and drink hot chocolate while they explore the zoo, including a lighted walkway that stretches 135 feet. Things can be a little quieter down here this time of year. Experiencing the peace of canyon country in the winter is an attraction of its own. Just make sure you do it before Dec. 24 since hes pretty busy that day. 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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Spending some time on the ice rink might bring that magical vibe of the holiday season. Be warned: theres a lot of kids here, but if you can handle some chaos then this place is worth the trip. 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) In warmer months, outdoor adventurers will have a blast exploring the natural beauties through horseback riding or hiking. When Maren and Racer Gibson started rescuing huskies and malamutes over 20 years ago their intention very likely wasnt to make a profit or start a business. Utahs windswept beauty, however, doesnt stop there. Another things you could add to your list of things to do in Utah in December, is to take the kids to see the animal themed lights at Hoogle Zoo, or celebrate with them for an early countdown to New Year's on New Years Eve! Best Time To Visit Utah 2023 - Weather & 118 Things to Do 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. Zoo Lights: SLC Dec. 3-23, 26-31 from 5:30-9:30 pm. Youre there. Rileys Family Christmas(Genola): Monday, Friday, & Saturday starting November 29 from 5:30-8:30. Tickets required. Snowmobiling is one of the most popular winter sports in Northern Utah, thanks to an abundance of snow, trails, and easy access. A museum where kids can touch and play with everything! The Bonneville Salt Flats cover 30,000 acres of white salt crust one the western edge of the Great Salt Lake. Utah heli skiing and snowboarding are perfect for those who want to ride some of the best backcountry in the world. Definitely among the top places to see in Utah, the Grand StaircaseEscalante National Monument is nothing short of, well, grand. You and your family can head over to check out the lights. Where : Salt Lake City. Request a free copy or view the latest guide online. Youll step into two national parks, three state parks, and all the scenic winding roads your heart could desire. With a little extra planning, good layers, and the right equipment, however, you can enjoy Utah's national parks in the solitude of winter. Perhaps another activity you wouldnt expect to be available in Utah,sled dog toursare available in Park City. Live Nativity at Christmas Celebration: Dec. 15 at 6:00 and 7:30 pm FREE. For maps and assistance, theres a visitor center. All Rights Reserved. Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity. Today the park is a natural marvel well loved by adventurers who want to witness the grandeur of its dramatic sandstone formations in person. 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. Today at 6:30 PM Keller Williams Realty Logan, UT Master Magic Class Master Magic Class Tomorrow at 5:00 PM + 45 more events The Book Table Logan, UT 2023 UACEP Conference & Members Meeting - March 6-7 2023 UACEP Conference & Members Meeting - March 6-7 Tue, Mar 7, 9:00 AM Utah State University - Taggart Student Center Logan, UT This review is the subjective opinion of a . 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. The dogs participate in a dog sledding operation to help find their purpose. Camping & Backpacking, Climbing & Canyoneering, Cycling, Fishing, Glamping, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Non-ski Winter Activities, Scenic Drives/Road Trips, Stargazing. Nowhere else in the world do individuals have the choices and proximity to ski and golf the same day as they have here in Utah. It takes up part of Arizona and southern Utah. The performances will happen throughout December. Gingerbread House Contest Display (Brigham City): Dec. 2-Jan 3. Nativity in the Glen(SLC): Dec. 3 from 6-9 PM. Nighttime is the right time for skiers and boarders seeking solitude on the piste. Festival of Trees(Virtual): No dates, but virtual again this year. November 26-Jan. 2. And you can visit Santa as part of your admission price to Zoo Lights. North Pole Festival: Rio Tinto Stadium. Outlets at Traverse Mountain Virtual Tree Lighting(Lehi): November 20 @ 5:30 pmFREE. The Bonneville Salt Flats are among the most interesting things to see in Utah, but the conditions here can be quite extreme, so come prepared. Boutiques within the grounds create breathtaking displays for the holidays season and there's the not-to-be-missed Grand Gingerbread House that can stretch upwards of 15 feet. Copyright 2023 Utah.com. Their boat launch is perfect for families who want to motor or sail atop the salty waters. It is free and easy to tour the grounds and see the lights any night of the season. Utah may be hardcore landlocked, but you can still watch antarctic penguins swim and play. Fine, here's a plethora of Utah events to keep you feeling fulfilled. It's one of the state's top snowmobiling destinations. Pro tip:Pack your own lunch and a thermos of hot chocolate to keep spirits up and costs down. Encompassing almost 36,000 acres, the monumental splendor of Bryce Canyon National Park has long been recognized by man for thousands of years. 4x4 Safari Excursion in Arches National Park. Whether youre a local, new in town or just passing through, drop in on our holiday event calendar. U.S. Olympic Team Trials Speed Skating December 17-19, 2021, 11 am-9 pm Utah Olympic Oval, Kearns. Kid-friendly activities include daily parades, a live nativity, a gnome festival, and more. Everyone in the family will get fired up about this one. Tree will be lit at 6:00. Written October 2, 2021. Experience more peace, quiet and solitude. Its time to plan your winter break, a break from everything, and were going to make it easy by choosing Utah. This year we organized our list by county to help you more readily find activities near your home. Think of them more like community hubs where staff and volunteers teach free workshops on reading, art, computers, legos, yoga, storytime and more. 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. There is a live nativity, indoor and outdoor nativity displays. (Read: "Fresh Tracks in Kamas Utah's Snowcountry"). 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. Christmas on the Farm(Cedar City): November 26-27, Dec. 4, 8, 11, & 15, at 10-4. The world-famous Grand Canyon is near St. George too! Tickets include sleigh ride, cocoa, and sledding hill. 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. 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. Red Hills Desert Garden is a cute introduction to Utahs grand, out-of-this-world terrain. 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. Camping & Backpacking, Hiking, History and Heritage, Non-ski Winter Activities, Scenic Drives/Road Trips, Stargazing. Of Utah's 15 resorts, 10 are within an hour of the Salt Lake City International Airport. Ski Southern Utah: High Alpine Trails + Red Rock Wonder. For most travelers, Southern Utah winters prevent comfortable camping, and occasional snowfall can make outdoor adventure a little more challenging. A Sundance ski vacation is the perfect blend of Utah ski bliss and the year's most promising films. Watch current conditions, as unsettled winter weather can bring storms. Four furry friends help the Solitude Ski Patrol do their duties. Salt Lake during the holidays? The real Up house was built in 2011 by Bangerter Homes with permission from Disney. Visitors have to option to book a 1 hour, 2 hour, or half day dog sled tour from December (sometimes November) to March. No matter what kind of winter adventure youre looking for, youre sure to find it in Ogden. Discount code adventure15 to save 15% off tickets. Since we live in Utah County, you will notice that we have visited many more spots in Utah and Salt Lake counties. Gingerbread house contest entries on display at the Brigham City Christmas Village. After an adventure packed vacation of skiing, sliding, exploring and marvelling, the only thing left to do is relax and recount your favorite moments. Finally! Recommended Hotel Nearby: University Guest House & Conference Center, 12033 Lone Peak ParkwayDraper UT, 84020(801) 355-3474. Then add color with snow paint. When visiting the Sundance Film Festival in Utah, movies are only part of the experience. Discover deals on the best attractions, breweries, and locations in Salt Lake! Copyright 2023 Utah.com. In downtown Salt Lake, the city lights the streets with holiday-themed displays. St. George Town Square Tree Lighting: November 29 at 6 8 pm FREE Santa will be here! All Rights Reserved. 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. Red Hills Desert Garden Lights(St. George): Nov. 26-Jan. 2 at 5-10 pm. Next Group. Want to avoid the Utah national park crowds? Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Plus Greenwell Inn Related: Best Family Hotels in Utah Related: Things to Do in Moab 10. For more information, see our Privacy Policy. West Jordan, Utah, United States. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Canyons Boutique Hotel A Canyons Collection Property, Interstate 80Wendover, UT 84083(801) 977-4300. New location this year. 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. 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. Tickets required, Christmas on the Farm Live Nativity(Cedar City): Dec. 6, & 13 at 6-8 PM. Find your next ride here. A new walk-thru light display. We also highly suggest taking the three-hour Sound and Light Show tour along the Colorado River. Evermore Park Aurora Winter Festival:Pleasant Grove. I will move on . Christmas In Dixie Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony (Washington): November 29 at 6-8 pm at Veterans Park. Bikers, hikers, campers, and families come here in throngs for its spring and fall excitement. For an extraordinary adventure, plan winter hikes in Utahs Zion National Park. FREE hot chocolate and doughnuts and wagon rides. Its a season full of activity. Check out this snowshoe excursion then plan yours today for fun and adventure. For Sparta! Best time of year to visit Utah. Lake Powell. It's just a natural way to release that pent up winter energy. But do know that theyre busy during this time, especially if you see them in space suits, so dont go about approaching the station without permission. Things To Do Outdoor Brian Head Cedar Breaks National Parks Outdoor Activities Recreation Areas Discovery Trails City Utah Shakespeare Festival Art and Culture Shopping Visitor Services Communities Groups and Meetings Cedar City Walks Events Food & Drink Lodging Experiences Contact My Bucket List Events 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. Browse through Lovelands educational exhibits and experience one-of-a-kind animal encounters with sharks, stingrays, and penguins! Featuring fossils, dinosaur bones, minerals, insects, plants, and Native American artifacts all discovered from Utah and the American West, the Natural History Museum of Utah is a worthwhile escape into the ancient past. Find the perfect spot to sit down, and enjoy all the different things in this library thatll keep you occupied for hours and hours. Kite skiing (snow kiting) is attracting freestyle adventure seekers to Utah. Deer Valley. 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. Copyright 2023 Utah Office of Tourism. Loveland Living Planet Aquarium brings together the critters from South America, Utah, the Antarctic, Asia, and all of the earths oceans. 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. Christmas at the Homestead(Cedar City): Frontier Homestead Museum has decorations, including the Twelve Trees of Christmas. Nativities Nativity in the Glen (SLC): Dec. 3 from 6-9 PM. For most travelers, Southern Utah winters prevent comfortable camping, and occasional snowfall can make outdoor adventure a little more challenging. Things To Do In Salt Lake City This Winter | Visit Utah The Cox Performing Arts Center is located at 225 S. 700 East, St. George, UT 84770. Built in 2011, this modern museum has a collection of exotic butterflies, minerals and indigenous masterpieces. Explore all the different shelves offering some of the best books, stories, and novels. 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 . Find out tips for riding and the best places to explore in Utah. 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. Suggested Read: 10 Museums In Washington DC For An Insight Into The American History. We all have been entranced by the existence of dinosaurs at some point of our lives. 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. As if our 45 state parks, six national monuments and five national parks aren't cutting it? FREE, Brigham City Christmas Village (Brigham City): Dec. 2-Jan. 3 Located at 1 South Main street in Brigham CIty. Fun times for kids who like trains. Learn everything you need to know for a cheap luxury ski trip. Fire + candy = fun. Additional holiday events at Thanksgiving Point abound, so be sure to check for the events that best fit your family and budget. Visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance. Your kid likes trains? There are thousands of books to explore, fireplaces on all four floors, an art gallery, a coffee shop, a spiral grand staircase, and three glass elevators. We were there in late December 2021 and it was chilly but not particularly cold during the day. Things to Do in Utah, United States: See Tripadvisor's 1,327,933 traveler reviews and photos of Utah tourist attractions. And camping is an excellent option for those who want to explore the lake at a leisurely pace. And the fun doesnt stop on Christmas Day. Pleasant fall wraps Utah in colorful foliage along the scenic drives. But with some advanced planning and a good set of layers, these small impediments are easily handled. Definitely one of the must see tourist spots in Utah that you shouldnt miss! Forever Mighty. Cross-country skiing Utah is awesome! 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. Passes to ski and snowboard resorts are expensive, but dont give up yet, powder pauper. The Grand StaircaseEscalante National Monument is the largest national monument in the United States and the most remote in the country. 4x4 Half-Day Adventure at Canyonlands National Park. . Payson Community Creche: (Payson): Dec. 3 & 4 from 4-9 pm. From pink desert sand and castle-like Mormon temples to glowing rocks and Hindu architecture, Utah is actually and unbelievably underrated. More details on entering here. You sample collect hot chocolate and cookies on the tour as you embrace the true magic of the holiday season. Tickets are available atwww.starofwonder.comand the show runs Dec. 4-11. Things can be a little quieter down here this time of year. All Rights Reserved. Rent snowshoes to go off-trail in that fresh Utah powder snow. By clicking "I Agree", you consent to the use of cookies. Whether youre a geek or an adventurer, this national monument has so much in store for you. 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. The Utah State Capitol sits atop Salt Lake Citys Capitol Hill, which overlooks the capitals downtown area. Christmas in the Canyon(St. George): Nov. 26 Dec. 23 at 6-9 PM. A staple of the holiday season in Utah, join the Utah Symphony as they performHandel's Messiah. Salt Lake City, UT 84101 Soak up incredible views along the parks scenic drive or gear up and head out on a wintry hike.