Last updated: November 11, 2024
It's time for holiday magic, Kearns! Dive into our guide for all the best seasonal events. For Kearns natives and newcomers, our guide reveals the city's holiday treasures.
Popular events this season include the enchanting Christmas on Temple Square, where twinkling lights and festive displays bring the spirit of the holidays to life. Another highlight is the Luminaria at Thanksgiving Point, offering a stunning spectacle of luminary lights that illuminate the landscape. And the Ice Castles in Midway is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring breathtaking sculpted ice formations that create a winter wonderland. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Kearns Holiday Light Displays
Tree of Life in Draper
- What to Expect
- Spectacular display of over three million lights.
- Description
- The Draper Tree Lighting Ceremony is an annual holiday event where over three million lights are displayed throughout Draper City Park. The ceremony includes a main stage ceremony, visits with Santa, hot chocolate and cookies, pony rides, and marshmallow roasting.
- Where
- Draper | More Info : Tree of Life in Draper
Luminaria at Thanksgiving Point
- What to Expect
- Interactive light and music show with real flames.
- Description
- Luminaria at Thanksgiving Point is a spectacular holiday light display featuring millions of twinkling lights, themed areas, and interactive elements. The event includes a programmable luminary show, the iconic Merry Mosaic, and the new Fire and Ice show. Visitors can also explore the Tree of Life garden, enjoy holiday treats, and participate in various activities.
- Where
- Lehi | More Info : Luminaria at Thanksgiving Point
Christmas on Temple Square
- What to Expect
- Annual light display with musical performances and nativities.
- Description
- Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah, transforms into a dazzling display of over one million lights each year, starting the day after the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday. The lights are turned on from 3:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. daily, with special musical performances and international nativities on display.
- 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 unique animal-shaped lanterns.
- Description
- At Utah's Hogle Zoo, ZooLights features over 200 lighted animal and holiday-themed displays, including 10 life-size animal-shaped lanterns. The event offers a variety of activities such as dinner at the Beastro, hot chocolate, and a Conservation Carousel. It is a family-friendly event with special activities like an early New Year's countdown and a sneak peek for certain membership levels.
- Where
- Salt Lake City | More Info : ZooLights at Utah’s Hogle Zoo
Kearns Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christkindlmarkt at This is the Place Heritage Park
- What to Expect
- Traditional German holiday market with local vendors and festive entertainment.
- 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 entertainment.
- Where
- Salt Lake City | More Info : Christkindlmarkt at This is the Place Heritage Park
Kearns Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Festival of Trees
- What to Expect
- Community-driven holiday celebration with silent auction and live performances.
- Description
- The Festival of Trees is a holiday event featuring beautifully decorated trees, wreaths, and handmade items, with proceeds supporting Primary Children's Hospital.
- Where
- Sandy | More Info : Festival of Trees
Handel’s Messiah at Abravanel Hall
- What to Expect
- Unique sing-along experience with the Utah Symphony Chorus.
- Description
- Handel's Messiah at Abravanel Hall features the Utah Symphony Chorus performing the beloved oratorio, drawing inspiration from both the Old and New Testaments. The event includes beloved choral numbers, including the "Hallelujah Chorus," in an evening of joy and community.
- Where
- Salt Lake City | More Info : Handel’s Messiah at Abravanel Hall
A Christmas Carol at CenterPoint Legacy Theatre
- What to Expect
- Victorian-era adaptation with magnificent sets and costumes.
- Description
- A heartwarming adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic tale, A Christmas Carol, follows Ebenezer Scrooge's transformative journey as he confronts his past, present, and future. Set in the Victorian era, the production features magnificent sets, dazzling costumes, and a talented cast bringing Dickens' beloved characters to life.
- Where
- Centerville | More Info : A Christmas Carol at CenterPoint Legacy Theatre
Kurt Bestor Christmas
- What to Expect
- Exclusive VIP reception with meet-and-greet, photo opportunity, and signed CD.
- Description
- Join Emmy Award-winning composer Kurt Bestor for a festive holiday concert featuring traditional and original music at the Eccles Theater in downtown Salt Lake City.
- Where
- Salt Lake City | More Info : Kurt Bestor Christmas
Kearns Other Holiday Activities
Ice Castles in Midway
- What to Expect
- Unique winter attraction featuring hand-carved ice sculptures and exhilarating ice slides.
- Description
- Explore intricate ice sculptures, thrilling ice slides, and cozy Arctic Alcoves at the Ice Castles in Midway, Utah. Discover elaborate ice carvings and enjoy a serene winter experience amidst breathtaking LED-lit structures.
- Where
- Midway | More Info : Ice Castles in Midway
North Pole Express Train
- What to Expect
- Traditional holiday train ride with Santa and festive treats.
- Description
- Join us on a 90-minute round trip to the North Pole aboard the Heber Valley Railroad. Enjoy hot cocoa, Mrs. Claus' famous chocolate chip cookies, and sing along to new and traditional Christmas favorites. Be entertained by hosts, elves, cocoa chefs, and special guests. Santa will join the return trip to greet each child and present them with a special gift.
- Where
- Heber City | More Info : North Pole Express Train
Candlelight Christmas at This is the Place Heritage Park
- What to Expect
- Live Nativity and historic pioneer home activities.
- Description
- Step back in time to celebrate Christmas pioneer style at This Is The Place Heritage Park. Visit Father Christmas, enjoy the live Nativity, and feel the warmth of a fire while being serenaded by the Heritage Village Carolers. Take home handmade gifts and enjoy holiday shopping at the Gift Shop and ZCMI Mercantile. Savor a hot meal at the Huntsman Hotel and make memories that will last a lifetime.
- Where
- Salt Lake City | More Info : Candlelight Christmas at This is the Place Heritage Park
Walk the Windows at The Grand America
- What to Expect
- Interactive window displays with a hidden kitty scavenger hunt.
- Description
- The Grand America Hotel's Holiday Window Stroll features 14 themed windows celebrating Utah's winter wonders, including a scavenger hunt for Snowball, Jacqueline Frost's playful kitty. Each window display includes a QR code with a letter to read and a quiz question to answer.
- Where
- Salt Lake City | More Info : Walk the Windows at The Grand America
Breakfast with Santa at Gardner Village
- What to Expect
- Yummy buffet breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
- Description
- Join Santa and Mrs. Claus for a delightful breakfast at Gardner Village. Enjoy a yummy buffet featuring juicy watermelon, skillet potatoes, scrambled cheesy eggs, chocolate chip pancakes, smoked bacon, hot creamy chocolate, coffee, orange juice, and water. The event includes music, an activity, and fun with Santa's elves. Dietary restrictions must be noted ahead of time.
- Where
- West Jordan | More Info : Breakfast with Santa at Gardner Village