Last updated: November 11, 2024
Explore the best holiday highlights in Draper! Discover all the must-see events with our guide. Whether you're a Draper insider or an outsider looking in, this guide ensures you don't miss a moment of joy.
During the holiday season, a favorite event is the Festival of Trees, where local artists and community members showcase beautifully decorated Christmas trees, all while supporting a charitable cause. Another highlight is the Luminaria at Thanksgiving Point, where paths illuminated by stunning lantern displays create a magical atmosphere. And don't forget Christmas on Temple Square, which features breathtaking light displays and festive music that capture the spirit of the season. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Draper Holiday Light Displays
Christmas on Temple Square
- What to Expect
- Unique blend of holiday lights, music, and cultural traditions.
- Description
- Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah, transforms into a spectacular holiday destination with over one million lights, daily concerts, and international nativities. The event features complimentary guided tours and virtual tours available in multiple languages. The First Presidency's Christmas Devotional, hosted by the Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square, is a highlight of the season.
- Where
- Salt Lake City | More Info : Christmas on Temple Square
ZooLights at Utah’s Hogle Zoo
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration in a zoo setting with nature-focused lighting.
- Description
- ZooLights at Utah’s Hogle Zoo features over 200 lighted animal and holiday-themed displays, including life-size animal lanterns, a 135-foot lighted tunnel, and festive activities like s’making and hot chocolate.
- Where
- Salt Lake City | More Info : ZooLights at Utah’s Hogle Zoo
Luminaria at Thanksgiving Point
- What to Expect
- Interactive light and sound show with real flame units.
- Description
- Luminaria at Thanksgiving Point features millions of twinkling lights guiding you through dozens of themed areas, including the iconic luminaire hill and the Fire and Ice show. The event also includes the Tree of Life garden, a new exhibit featuring 130 bronze sculptures that embody hope and redemption found through love of Jesus Christ.
- Where
- Lehi | More Info : Luminaria at Thanksgiving Point
Draper Tree Lighting Ceremony
- What to Expect
- Spectacular display of more than three million lights.
- Description
- Draper City's annual Tree Lighting Ceremony features over three million lights on trees throughout Draper City Park, with activities including Santa visits, hot chocolate, and pony rides.
- Where
- Draper | More Info : Draper Tree Lighting Ceremony
Draper Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christkindlmarkt at This is the Place Heritage Park
- What to Expect
- German-inspired holiday market with lantern parade.
- Description
- Christkindlmarkt at This Is The Place Heritage Park offers a unique holiday shopping and cultural experience inspired by German Christmas markets. Stroll through wooden vendor booths and enjoy tantalizing food and festive holiday entertainment. The St. Martin's Lantern Parade celebrates acts of service throughout the community.
- Where
- Salt Lake City | More Info : Christkindlmarkt at This is the Place Heritage Park
City Creek Center Holiday Decor
- What to Expect
- Elegant holiday decorations in a world-class shopping and dining setting.
- Description
- City Creek Center transforms into a beautifully decorated holiday destination with stunning displays and festive ambiance, offering a unique shopping and dining experience.
- Where
- Salt Lake City | More Info : City Creek Center Holiday Decor
Salt Lake City Holiday Open House and Art Fair
- What to Expect
- Unique shopping experience with local artisans.
- Description
- The Salt Lake City Holiday Open House and Art Fair at Red Butte Garden features handmade gifts from 19 local artists, including jewelry, glass art, pottery, fiber art, and natural soaps. The event offers free garden admission and an additional 10% off all gift shop purchases for garden members.
- Where
- Salt Lake City | More Info : Salt Lake City Holiday Open House and Art Fair
Lehi Holiday Market
- What to Expect
- Weekly farmers market with special event weekends.
- Description
- The Lehi Holiday Market is a weekly farmers market happening on Fridays from November 15 to January 17, excluding some holiday weekends. It includes two special event weekends for vendors to sell for two days, such as the Jingle Jangle Jubilee.
- Where
- Lehi | More Info : Lehi Holiday Market
Uintah Falliday Market
- What to Expect
- Unique shopping experience with local artisans and vendors.
- Description
- The Uintah Falliday Market is an event featuring a variety of vendors selling jewelry, art, apparel, bath and body items, toys, and delicious treats. It offers free admission and takes place at Foundry 2452 East 6700 South Unit C, Uintah, UT 84405, from 10am to 3pm.
- Where
- Uintah | More Info : Uintah Falliday Market
Ogden Holiday Craft Boutique
- What to Expect
- Unique shopping experience with local artisans and indie game developers.
- Description
- The Sixth Annual Craft Lake City Holiday Market at Ogden Union Station features over 140 Utah-based artisans, vintage vendors, craft foodies, performers, and indie game developers. Shop unique handcrafted gifts, savor local food, play games, and enjoy craft cocktails and brews. Visit Santa for free photos and participate in the annual Gift Drive benefiting local families.
- Where
- Ogden | More Info : Ogden Holiday Craft Boutique
Draper Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Handel’s Messiah at Abravanel Hall
- What to Expect
- Unique blend of choral numbers and audience participation.
- Description
- Handel's Messiah, composed in 1741, is an oratorio that draws inspiration from both the Old and New Testaments, detailing the life of Christ in three parts. The Utah Symphony Chorus performs this beloved composition, including the iconic "Hallelujah Chorus," in an evening of joy and community.
- Where
- Salt Lake City | More Info : Handel’s Messiah at Abravanel Hall
Draper Holiday Giving Opportunities
Festival of Trees
- What to Expect
- Silent auction of holiday decorations to support children's health.
- Description
- The Festival of Trees is a holiday event featuring beautifully decorated trees, wreaths, and handmade items, with all proceeds supporting Primary Children's Hospital.
- Where
- Sandy | More Info : Festival of Trees
Draper Other Holiday Activities
Walk the Windows at The Grand America
- What to Expect
- Interactive holiday window displays with a scavenger hunt.
- Description
- The Grand America Hotel's Holiday Window Stroll features intricately designed windows celebrating Utah's winter wonders, with a playful theme of finding Snowball, Jacqueline Frost's adventurous kitty. Each window includes a QR code with a letter to read, and answering all 14 quiz questions correctly enters you into a drawing for a free night stay at the hotel.
- Where
- Salt Lake City | More Info : Walk the Windows at The Grand America
Breakfast with Santa at Gardner Village
- What to Expect
- Interactive breakfast with Santa and his elves.
- Description
- Join Santa and Mrs. Claus for a delightful breakfast buffet, music, and activities at Gardner Village's Mill Plaza. Enjoy a variety of dishes including juicy watermelon, skillet potatoes, scrambled cheesy eggs, chocolate chip pancakes, smoked bacon, hot creamy chocolate, coffee, orange juice, and water. This event is perfect for creating lasting memories and cherished Christmas traditions.
- Where
- West Jordan | More Info : Breakfast with Santa at Gardner Village
Candlelight Christmas
- What to Expect
- Live Nativity and interactive pioneer activities.
- Description
- Celebrate Christmas pioneer-style at This Is The Place Heritage Park with Father Christmas, live Nativity, and Heritage Village Carolers. Enjoy candle making, letters to Santa, and homemade gifts from historic pioneer homes and cabins. Shop at the Gift Shop and ZCMI Mercantile, and warm up with a hot meal at the Huntsman Hotel.
- Where
- Salt Lake City | More Info : Candlelight Christmas