Discover the magic of the holiday season in Salt Lake City, UT, where festive lights, enchanting performances, and unique experiences abound. At Temple Square, millions of twinkling lights transform the area into a stunning winter wonderland, perfect for a relaxing stroll.
For a wild twist, head to Hogle Zoo's ZooLights and enjoy a nocturnal safari illuminated by vibrant animal sculptures. Don't miss the timeless performance of The Nutcracker by Ballet West, which brings Tchaikovsky's enchanting score to life in a dazzling display of dance and artistry, celebrating the city's rich cultural heritage.
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The Top Christmas Events in Salt Lake City
- Temple Square Christmas Lights
- ZooLights
- The Nutcracker by Ballet West
- Christkindlmarkt
- Annual Holiday Market at The Gateway
- Holiday Sing-Along with the Utah Symphony
- Holiday Open House at Red Butte Garden
Salt Lake City Holiday Light Displays
Temple Square Christmas Lights
What to Expect:
Millions of lights illuminating historic Temple Square
Description:
Millions of twinkling lights transform Temple Square into a breathtaking spectacle each winter. This decades-old tradition began in 1965 with just 40,000 lights and has grown exponentially. Visitors can stroll through the beautifully landscaped grounds, admiring the intricate light displays that adorn trees, buildings, and fountains. The illuminated Salt Lake Temple serves as a stunning centerpiece, its spires reaching towards the night sky. Temple Square's Christmas lights offer a unique blend of religious significance and holiday cheer in the heart of Salt Lake City.
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Temple Square Christmas Lights
ZooLights
What to Expect:
Animal-shaped light displays throughout the zoo
Description:
Hogle Zoo comes alive after dark during its annual Zoo Lights event. Illuminated animal sculptures and themed light displays create a nocturnal safari experience. Visitors can embark on a self-guided tour, encountering glowing elephants, shimmering sea creatures, and radiant rainforest scenes. The event pays homage to the zoo's conservation efforts, highlighting endangered species through creative light installations. You'll have the opportunity to spot some of the zoo's nocturnal residents in their habitats. Zoo Lights began in the 1990s and has evolved into a beloved Salt Lake City tradition, blending wildlife education with holiday cheer.
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Salt Lake City Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christkindlmarkt
What to Expect:
Authentic German-style Christmas market in the heart of Utah
Description:
Salt Lake City's Christkindlmarkt brings a slice of old-world Europe to the Beehive State. This German-inspired Christmas market fills the air with the aroma of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts. Wooden stalls line the area, offering handcrafted gifts, traditional German foods, and unique holiday decorations. Visitors can try their hand at making traditional ornaments in craft workshops. The market pays homage to Utah's German immigrant heritage, which dates back to the mid-19th century. Christkindlmarkt creates a cultural bridge, allowing attendees to experience authentic German holiday traditions without leaving Salt Lake City.
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Annual Holiday Market at The Gateway
What to Expect:
Open-air market in a historic train station turned shopping center
Description:
The Annual Holiday Market at The Gateway infuses new life into a historic Salt Lake City landmark. Set in the open-air plaza of a former train station, the market blends urban charm with holiday spirit. Local vendors set up shop, offering everything from artisanal foods to handcrafted jewelry and unique gifts. The event pays homage to the site's railroad history, with some vendors operating out of converted train cars. Visitors can sip hot cocoa while browsing the eclectic mix of goods. This market has become a cornerstone of Salt Lake City's holiday season, supporting local businesses and celebrating the area's entrepreneurial spirit.
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Annual Holiday Market at The Gateway
Salt Lake City Holiday Shows and Entertainment
The Nutcracker by Ballet West
What to Expect:
One of the longest-running Nutcracker productions in America
Description:
Ballet West's rendition of The Nutcracker pirouettes onto the stage, continuing a tradition that began in 1955. This production holds the distinction of being one of the longest-running Nutcracker performances in America. Exquisite choreography brings Tchaikovsky's iconic score to life, transporting audiences to a world of sugar plum fairies and toy soldiers. The performance features elaborate costumes and set designs that have been carefully preserved and updated over the decades. Attendees can marvel at the technical precision of the dancers as they execute challenging routines. Ballet West's Nutcracker stands as a testament to Salt Lake City's rich cultural heritage.
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Holiday Sing-Along with the Utah Symphony
What to Expect:
Audience participation with a world-class symphony orchestra
Description:
The Holiday Sing-Along with the Utah Symphony elevates caroling to new heights. This unique event invites the audience to lend their voices to the rich sounds of a world-class orchestra. The Utah Symphony, founded in 1940, provides a stunning backdrop for familiar holiday tunes. Attendees receive songbooks upon arrival, allowing them to follow along with the music. The conductor often shares historical tidbits about each piece, adding an educational element to the performance. You'll experience the thrill of singing alongside professional musicians in the acoustically superb Abravanel Hall. This event fosters a sense of community through shared musical expression.
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Holiday Sing-Along with the Utah Symphony
Salt Lake City Other Holiday Activities
Holiday Open House at Red Butte Garden
What to Expect:
Botanical-themed holiday displays in a renowned garden setting
Description:
The Holiday Open House at Red Butte Garden infuses botanical beauty into seasonal celebrations. This event showcases creative holiday displays that incorporate plants and natural materials in unexpected ways. Visitors can wander through the garden's themed areas, each offering a unique interpretation of holiday decor. The Orangerie, a glass-enclosed garden space, becomes a tropical holiday oasis. Red Butte Garden, established in 1985, is known for its commitment to conservation and education. During the open house, you'll have the opportunity to learn about winter plants and sustainable holiday decorating techniques. This event blends horticultural expertise with holiday creativity, offering a fresh perspective on seasonal adornments.
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Holiday Open House at Red Butte Garden
Nearby Events
Festival of Trees (Sandy)
What to Expect:
Hundreds of uniquely decorated trees auctioned for charity
Description:
The Festival of Trees transforms a convention center into a forest of creativity and generosity. Hundreds of intricately decorated Christmas trees, each with its own theme, fill the space. Local artists, organizations, and families contribute their time and talent to create these unique arboreal masterpieces. Visitors can wander through the aisles, admiring the diverse array of tree designs. The event culminates in an auction where trees are sold to benefit Primary Children's Hospital. Originating in 1971, the Festival of Trees has raised millions of dollars for children's healthcare, combining holiday spirit with community support.
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Ogden Christmas Village (Ogden)
What to Expect:
Over 60 cottages depicting scenes from around the world
Description:
Ogden's Christmas Village transports visitors on a global holiday journey. Over 60 miniature cottages line the streets, each depicting Christmas scenes from different countries and cultures. The tradition began in 1962 with just 8 cottages and has grown into a sprawling winter wonderland. Visitors can peek into the windows of these intricately designed structures, discovering unique holiday customs from around the world. The village also features a working model train that chugs through the snowy landscape. Ogden Christmas Village celebrates the diversity of holiday traditions while fostering a sense of community in this historic Utah town.
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Luminaria at Thanksgiving Point (Lehi)
What to Expect:
Mile-long walking path through illuminated gardens
Description:
Luminaria at Thanksgiving Point invites visitors to embark on a mile-long journey through illuminated gardens. The event transforms the Ashton Gardens into a canvas of light and color. Thousands of luminaries line the pathways, creating a warm glow that guides visitors through various themed areas. The centerpiece of the event is a 120-foot tree of lights, visible from throughout the gardens. Guests can pause at fire pits along the way to warm up and reflect. Luminaria pays tribute to various cultural light festivals from around the world, offering a global perspective on winter celebrations.
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Luminaria at Thanksgiving Point
Beehive Bazaar (Provo)
What to Expect:
Curated marketplace showcasing local artisans and makers
Description:
The Beehive Bazaar buzzes with creativity, showcasing the work of Utah's most talented artisans and makers. This curated marketplace brings together a diverse array of handcrafted goods, from jewelry and clothing to home decor and gourmet foods. The event takes its name from Utah's state symbol, the beehive, which represents industry and cooperation. Visitors can chat with creators about their processes and inspirations. The Beehive Bazaar has been supporting local artists since 2004, fostering a vibrant creative community in the Salt Lake City area. Each item tells a story of Utah craftsmanship and innovation.
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Ice Castles (Midway)
What to Expect:
Massive, hand-crafted ice structures with LED lighting
Description:
Ice Castles transforms winter into an otherworldly experience. Skilled ice artisans hand-place thousands of icicles to create towering structures that stretch up to 30 feet high. LED lights embedded within the ice pulse and change color, bringing the frozen formations to life as night falls. Visitors can explore ice-carved tunnels, squeeze through slot canyons, and slide down ice-hewn slides. The concept originated in Utah in 2009 and has since become an internationally recognized winter attraction. Ice Castles combines artistic vision with the natural beauty of ice, creating a uniquely immersive winter experience.
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Santa's Rock N Lights (South Jordan)
What to Expect:
Drive-through light show synchronized to holiday music
Description:
Santa's Rock N Lights revs up the holiday spirit with a high-energy, drive-through light experience. This unique event synchronizes over 700,000 lights to a curated playlist of holiday tunes, creating a multi-sensory spectacle. Visitors tune their car radios to a dedicated station as they cruise through tunnels of light and past animated displays. The show incorporates modern LED technology to create dynamic, color-changing effects. Santa's Rock N Lights puts a contemporary spin on traditional light displays, appealing to music lovers and light enthusiasts alike. This event transforms a simple car ride into an immersive holiday adventure.
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Sleigh Rides at Soldier Hollow (Midway)
What to Expect:
Horse-drawn sleigh rides through an Olympic venue
Description:
Sleigh Rides at Soldier Hollow offer a nostalgic journey through a piece of Olympic history. Visitors glide across the snow in horse-drawn sleighs, traversing the same grounds that hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics cross-country skiing events. The jingling of sleigh bells accompanies the ride, echoing through the crisp mountain air. Guests can snuggle under warm blankets while taking in panoramic views of the Wasatch Mountains. The experience connects modern-day visitors with both the area's Olympic legacy and its earlier pioneer history. Soldier Hollow's sleigh rides provide a unique blend of winter recreation and historical significance.
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Sleigh Rides at Soldier Hollow
Polar Express Train Ride (Heber City)
What to Expect:
Interactive train ride based on the beloved children's book
Description:
The Polar Express Train Ride brings a beloved children's story to life on the rails. Passengers board a real train, embarking on a journey to the "North Pole" complete with hot chocolate, cookies, and a reading of the classic tale. The experience unfolds aboard a historic train, adding authenticity to the adventure. Costumed characters interact with guests, creating an immersive storytelling environment. Upon reaching the "North Pole," Santa himself boards the train to greet each child. This event takes place on the Heber Valley Railroad, which has been operating since 1899, blending literary magic with Utah's rich railroad history.
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Park City Snow Globe Stroll (Park City)
What to Expect:
Life-sized, interactive snow globes throughout downtown
Description:
Park City's Snowglobe Stroll transforms the historic Main Street into a whimsical winter walkway. Life-sized, interactive snow globes dot the thoroughfare, each telling a unique story or depicting a festive scene. Visitors can step inside these oversized globes, becoming part of the display and capturing one-of-a-kind photos. The event showcases Park City's creative spirit, with local artists designing many of the globes. As you stroll, you'll pass by buildings dating back to the town's silver mining days, offering a blend of holiday cheer and historical charm. The Snowglobe Stroll reimagines a classic holiday decoration on a grand scale.
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Snowbird's Annual Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade (Snowbird)
What to Expect:
Skiers descending the mountain with torches, creating a moving light display
Description:
Snowbird's Annual Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade illuminates the slopes in a breathtaking display of skill and spectacle. As dusk falls on Christmas Eve, skilled skiers descend the mountain carrying blazing torches, creating a serpentine river of light. The event, visible from the base of the resort, casts a warm glow across the snow-covered landscape. Spectators can watch the mesmerizing descent while sipping hot beverages. This tradition dates back to the resort's early days in the 1970s, symbolizing the passing of light from one year to the next. The Torchlight Parade combines athletic prowess with holiday symbolism in a uniquely alpine celebration.
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Snowbird's Annual Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade
Trolley Rides at Gardner Village (West Jordan)
What to Expect:
Vintage trolley rides through a historic mill turned shopping district
Description:
Trolley Rides at Gardner Village transport visitors back in time through a charming historic district. Passengers board a vintage trolley, reminiscent of those that once crisscrossed Salt Lake City in the early 20th century. The ride winds through Gardner Village, a collection of historic buildings centered around a 19th-century flour mill. During the journey, guides share stories of the area's pioneer heritage and point out holiday decorations adorning the old structures. Visitors can disembark to explore unique shops housed in restored buildings. These trolley rides offer a nostalgic glimpse into Utah's past while celebrating its present-day charm.
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Trolley Rides at Gardner Village