Last updated: November 11, 2024
Explore the must-see holiday events in Millcreek! Discover all the top festive highlights with our guide. For both Millcreek locals and travelers, this guide highlights the city's festive treasures.
One enchanting experience is the Festival of Trees, where beautifully decorated trees and festive displays support local charities while spreading holiday cheer. Another delightful gathering can be found at Christmas on Temple Square, featuring breathtaking light displays and holiday music that create a captivating ambiance. And the spirited performance of Handel’s Messiah at Abravanel Hall is something you definitely don't want to miss. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Have suggestions or corrections? Contact us!
Millcreek Holiday Light Displays
Christmas on Temple Square
- What to Expect
- Annual light display with daily concerts and cultural exhibits.
- Description
- Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah, transforms into a festive holiday destination with over one million lights, daily concerts, and various cultural displays. The event honors the birth of Jesus Christ with a reminder of love and Christ's teachings.
- Where
- Salt Lake City | More Info : Christmas on Temple Square
Festival of Lights
- What to Expect
- Nightly light displays with a unique route change for access.
- Description
- The Festival of Lights is a holiday event featuring nightly light displays at Canyon View Park, with a schedule running from Thanksgiving night to New Year's Day. Admission is available at the gate, with options for single-family vehicles, senior facility vehicles, commercial vans, trailers, and buses. The event includes a route change for access, with signs directing traffic to 3400 East River Bottoms Road.
- Where
- Spanish Fork | More Info : Festival of Lights
Lightwalk at Tracy Aviary
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration with light displays and festive atmosphere.
- Description
- Lightwalk at Tracy Aviary features eight acres of dazzling light displays, a life-size gingerbread house, and a colorful holiday maze. Enjoy delicious holiday beverages and treats while strolling through the beautiful natural surroundings adorned with thousands of twinkling lights.
- Where
- Salt Lake City | More Info : Lightwalk at Tracy Aviary
Candy Rush by World of Illumination
- What to Expect
- Interactive light displays with synchronized music.
- Description
- Candy Rush by World of Illumination features a mile-long journey through millions of colorful lights and festive music, hosted by Chef Kuma, highlighting larger-than-life Christmas characters and confections.
- Where
- Salt Lake City | More Info : Candy Rush by World of Illumination
Snow Globe Stroll
- What to Expect
- Life-size snow globes themed around holiday songs.
- Description
- Seven life-size snow globes, each themed around different holiday songs, are placed along Historic Park City's Main Street, creating a visually appealing and festive atmosphere.
- Where
- Park City | More Info : Snow Globe Stroll
ZooLights at Utah’s Hogle Zoo
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration in a zoo setting
- Description
- At ZooLights, immerse yourself in a holiday-themed lighting event featuring brilliant light displays showcasing animal and holiday scenes throughout Utah's Hogle Zoo. Explore a nature-focused lighting experience filled with your favorite animals.
- Where
- Salt Lake City | More Info : ZooLights at Utah’s Hogle Zoo
Luminaria at Thanksgiving Point
- What to Expect
- Interactive light and music 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. The experience is designed for the entire family to enjoy.
- Where
- Lehi | More Info : Luminaria at Thanksgiving Point
Draper Tree Lighting Ceremony
- What to Expect
- Spectacular display of over three million holiday lights.
- Description
- Draper City's annual Tree Lighting Ceremony features over three million lights displayed on trees throughout the park, with Santa and special guests turning on the holiday lights at 6 PM. The event includes activities like hot chocolate and cookies, pony rides, and marshmallow roasting.
- Where
- Draper | More Info : Draper Tree Lighting Ceremony
Orem Holiday Lighting Event
- What to Expect
- Community-driven holiday lighting event with over 3,000 attendees.
- Description
- Orem's holiday lighting event features a spectacular display of lights and decorations in City Center Park, celebrating the holiday season with community spirit and family gatherings.
- Where
- Orem | More Info : Orem Holiday Lighting Event
Salem City Pond Town Christmas
- What to Expect
- Free holiday light display with water reflections.
- Description
- Salem City Pond Town Christmas features a free holiday light display at Salem Pond, with twinkling lights reflecting off the water and a Nativity scene. The event runs from November 29, 2024, to January 1, 2025, with hours from 5:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
- Where
- Salem | More Info : Salem City Pond Town Christmas
South Jordan’s Light The Night
- What to Expect
- Spectacular tree lighting ceremony with Santa's arrival and festive activities.
- Description
- South Jordan's Light The Night is a holiday event featuring a dazzling tree lighting ceremony, Santa's arrival, gingerbread houses, a gnome hunt, and a winter market with unique gifts crafted by local artisans.
- Where
- South Jordan | More Info : South Jordan’s Light The Night
Millcreek Holiday Markets and Shopping
Gingerbread Village and Holiday Market
- What to Expect
- Unique holiday shopping experience with local artisans.
- Description
- The Gingerbread Village and Holiday Market at Outlets at Traverse Mountain features intricately crafted gingerbread houses, local artisans selling handmade gifts, and a variety of seasonal items.
- Where
- Traverse Mountain | More Info : Gingerbread Village and Holiday Market
Holy Cow Christmas Boutique
- What to Expect
- Seasonal boutique with unique handmade and holiday items.
- Description
- Holy Cow Christmas Boutique features an array of vendors selling handmade items, holiday decor, unique gifts, clothing, baby items, jewelry, and more. The event is held at the Lindon Community Center, offering a variety of seasonal treasures.
- Where
- Lindon | More Info : Holy Cow Christmas Boutique
Millcreek Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Handel’s Messiah at Abravanel Hall
- What to Expect
- Unique blend of classical music and community participation.
- 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 singing along to famous 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
The Night Before Christmas
- What to Expect
- Professional-level ballet performance with elaborate sets and storybook characters.
- Description
- The Night Before Christmas is a festive ballet production where a young girl named Alexandria embarks on a dream journey filled with Christmas Fairy, Snow Queen, and Mother Goose, culminating in a thrilling battle to save Santa from Horrible Hateful Harry and his Grinches.
- Where
- Salt Lake City | More Info : The Night Before Christmas
The Nutcracker by Utah Dance Institute
- What to Expect
- World-class ballet performance with student dancers.
- Description
- The Nutcracker by Utah Dance Institute is a ballet performance featuring 100 student dancers and guest artists from the University of Utah Ballet Department. The show includes two acts and a 10-15 minute intermission, lasting 95 minutes. It is recommended for all ages, with children under 13 months not requiring a ticket.
- Where
- Taylorsville | More Info : The Nutcracker by Utah Dance Institute
Jenny Oaks Baker & Family Four Concert
- What to Expect
- Family performance of Christmas carols with professional musicians and dancers.
- Description
- Grammy-nominated violinist Jenny Oaks Baker and her talented children, Family Four, present an inspiring Christ-centered Christmas show featuring sacred, exhilarating, and beloved Christmas carols. The performance includes music by Emmy Award-winning Composer Kurt Bestor, narration by New York Times Best-selling Author Jason F. Wright, and Irish and lyrical dancing.
- Where
- Taylorsville | More Info : Jenny Oaks Baker & Family Four Concert
Lights On at the Eccles
- What to Expect
- Holiday concert with multimedia effects.
- Description
- Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis features classic holiday music with 15 musicians playing over 20 instruments, accompanied by dazzling multimedia effects in an intimate setting.
- Where
- Salt Lake City | More Info : Lights On at the Eccles
Tabernacle Choir Rehearsal
- What to Expect
- Iconic choral ensemble rehearsals in historic Tabernacle.
- Description
- The Tabernacle Choir rehearsals are weekly public events held on Thursday evenings and Sunday mornings, featuring the choir's renowned performances and harmonies.
- Where
- Salt Lake City | More Info : Tabernacle Choir Rehearsal
Ballet West: The Nutcracker
- What to Expect
- World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes
- Description
- The classic holiday ballet, "The Nutcracker," transports audiences to a whimsical dream world filled with delightful characters and beautiful choreography. Set to Tchaikovsky's memorable score, this production showcases the talented dancers of Ballet West as they bring to life the enchanting story of Clara and her magical journey. This cherished holiday tradition captivates families and art lovers alike.
- Where
- Salt Lake City | More Info : Ballet West: The Nutcracker
Millcreek Holiday Giving Opportunities
Festival of Trees
- What to Expect
- Community-driven holiday celebration with silent auction benefiting children's health.
- Description
- The Festival of Trees is a holiday event featuring beautifully decorated trees, wreaths, and handmade items, all benefiting Primary Children's Hospital. Community volunteers create and donate extravagant decorations, including trees, wreaths, gingerbread houses, and more, which are showcased in a silent auction. The event also includes live performances, shopping areas, and activities for all ages.
- Where
- Sandy | More Info : Festival of Trees
Millcreek Other Holiday Activities
Breakfast with Santa at Gardner Village
- What to Expect
- Interactive breakfast with Santa's elves.
- Description
- Join Santa and Mrs. Claus for a delightful breakfast at Mill Plaza in Gardner Village. Enjoy a yummy buffet featuring juicy watermelon, skillet potatoes, scrambled 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.
- Where
- Gardner Village | More Info : Breakfast with Santa at Gardner Village
Illuminate Light Art + Creative Tech Festival
- What to Expect
- Interactive light installations and drone shows.
- Description
- ILLUMINATE is a light art and creative technology festival celebrating the intersection of art and technology. It features large-scale art pieces, an interactive STEAM Lab, drone shows, and multimedia artwork, transforming Downtown SLC into a canvas of light, art, and innovation.
- Where
- Salt Lake City | More Info : Illuminate Light Art + Creative Tech Festival
Santa Arrives in Farmington
- What to Expect
- Santa's arrival via helicopter and drive-through event.
- Description
- Santa arrives at Station Park in Farmington via helicopter, driving through the property for children to see from their parked cars. Families can watch Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive, wave, and take photos. Additional activities include a virtual photo booth, ice bumper cars, and a snowman scavenger hunt.
- Where
- Farmington | More Info : Santa Arrives in Farmington
Christmas in Farmington
- What to Expect
- Efficient neighborhood tree collection with specific guidelines.
- Description
- In Farmington, Christmas trees are collected on the Second Saturday in January. Residents must place trees near the sidewalk, remove stands, and keep them under 8 feet tall. No flocked trees or decorations are allowed.
- Where
- Farmington | More Info : Christmas in Farmington
Bountiful Art Classes
- What to Expect
- Comprehensive art classes for all ages and skill levels.
- Description
- Bountiful Davis Art Center offers a variety of art classes and workshops for artists of all ages and skill levels, providing a deepening and enhancing experience in the arts.
- Where
- Bountiful | More Info : Bountiful Art Classes
Santa’s Arrival in Riverton
- What to Expect
- Santa's arrival in a bright red fire engine.
- Description
- Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus arrive at Riverton City Park in a bright red fire engine. Children can greet Santa, make their Christmas requests, and write letters to Santa. The event includes free scones, hot chocolate, marshmallow roasting, cookie decorating, and crafts.
- Where
- Riverton | More Info : Santa’s Arrival in Riverton