All rights reserved. Thirteen snowboarding resorts are positioned perfectly for dumps of fluffy powder all winter long. All Rights Reserved. Camping & Backpacking, Climbing & Canyoneering, Cycling, Fishing, Glamping, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Non-ski Winter Activities, Scenic Drives/Road Trips, Stargazing. All Rights Reserved, 11 Utah Christmas events you might want to check out this year, The 2023 Utah Legislature has wrapped. Kid-friendly activities include daily parades, a live nativity, a gnome festival, and more. See All 131 Things To Do in Utah Cool Places to Eat & Drink in Utah Huntsville, Utah Shooting Star Saloon Eat burgers beneath gargantuan taxidermy and thousands of dollar bills in Utah's. Learn more about Utah's Olympic legacyand best spots to relive the games. Are you ready for Christmas activities? Adventure, Hiking, History and Heritage, Native American, Non-ski Winter Activities, Scenic Drives/Road Trips, Stargazing. Learn more and plan your visit! You must reach Springdale in Utah to lodge and explore the high canyon walls, Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, and forest. Tickets include sleigh ride, cocoa, and sledding hill. Park City is one of the most popular destinations for cross country skiers, although Nordic centers can be found all over Northern Utah. Built in 2011, this modern museum has a collection of exotic butterflies, minerals and indigenous masterpieces. Yes, Temple Square in Salt Lake City is open for the Christmas season. More than 6,000 lights illuminate a milelong walk through the Ashton Gardens at Thanksgiving Point. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western PLUS Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel, 210 E 400 SSalt Lake City, UT 84111(801) 524-8200. Arts & Museums Backpacking Camping Cycling Dinosaurs Festivals & Events Filmed in Utah Fishing Food & Nightlife Hiking History Mountain Biking OHV & Off-Road Rafting Road Trips Rock Climbing Skiing Slot Canyons Snowboarding Snowmobiling Snowshoeing Stargazing Tribal Cultures Urban Experiences ExploreToggle Menu Close Menu Forever Mighty Itineraries Enjoy winter hikes, scenic drives and some of the best stargazing in the world. Find the perfect spot to sit down, and enjoy all the different things in this library thatll keep you occupied for hours and hours. The Galliavan Center offers ice skating opportunities, bringing you closer to the wintry season. Fine, here's a plethora of Utah events to keep you feeling fulfilled. The holiday market is only open for one weekend in December and its this weekend, from Dec. 1 to Dec. 4. From snowmobiling to skiing, snowshoeing to sledding and fishing, Bear Lake in the winter is everything youll want from your next winter vacation. Now you can start planning your holiday season. Lightwalk at Liberty Park: SLC Dec. 3-18 from 5-10 pm. Youll find the festive spirit in every direction, without breaking the bank. Try these indoor and outdoor winter activities for kids and parents alike. 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. Even the interior of the house from wallpaper to furniture is a complete replica from Carl and Ellies home in the film! Cant decide where to go in Utah with your other half? The ski lift may be closer, but the Provo River, one of the best fisheries in Utah and the country, is mere minutes down the road from Sundance Mountain Resort. Ride the Heber Valley Railroad with Santa. Smaller resorts likeNordic ValleyandBrian Headeven offer free season passes for kids 10 and under. All Rights Reserved. The Red Butte Garden is a beautiful and picturesque destination located in the foothills of the Wasatch Range in Salt Lake City. To help you jump-start your journey to the American West, here are the best things to do in Utah. From pink desert sand and castle-like Mormon temples to glowing rocks and Hindu architecture, Utah is actually and unbelievably underrated. Ski its heavenly powder snow, then point your car southward to wind your way through the exquisite Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park and a series of crimson-hued state park gems along the way. Be warned: theres a lot of kids here, but if you can handle some chaos then this place is worth the trip. Head to Utah County and check out the beautiful Bridal Veil Falls in its icy glory. Utah Travel Industry Website, Printable Road Trip Activity Book For Kids, Monument Valley | Highway 163 Scenic Drive, Places to Stay Near Coral Pink Sand Dunes, Utah Valley Adventures for Every Type of Summer-er, Urban Wall Crawl: Murals in Salt Lake City. Gingerbread House Display: University Place Mall in Orem. Christkindlmarket at This is the Place: Dec. 1-4. Experience more peace, quiet and solitude. Zoo Lights: SLC Dec. 3-23, 26-31 from 5:30-9:30 pm. June to August is the season of spectacular activities like Bonneville Speed Week or stargazing . St. George Gingerbread House Parade (St. George): Nov. 29-Dec. 11 Different businesses have gingerbread houses on display. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Home2 Suites by Hilton Salt Lake City-East, 300 Wakara WaySalt Lake City, UT 84108(801) 585-0556. To watch or not to watch that is the question. Completed in 1998, the Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple was inspired by Rajasthani architecture from India and caters to the Hindu population of Utah. Well, you should absolutely watch Utah Shakespeare Festivals world-class outdoor performances for an unforgettable time! Icicle artisans spend the winter building the castles through magic and science. Each of these annual events are held in Salt Lake and Utah counties. Heber Tree Lighting Old Fashion Christmas December 3, 2021, 6-8 pm City Hall, Heber. A Babe is Born (Lehi): Dec. 17-22. Pleasant fall wraps Utah in colorful foliage along the scenic drives. Learn about the cool places to kite ski in Utah, grab your equipment and go! Home to more than 2,000 gigantic sandstone arches, this national park sees more than 1.6 million curious visitors every year. Winter in the Ogden Valley showcases some of the best of Northern Utah, from backcountry trails to downtown eats and events. If youre curious about the extravagance of Hindu festivals, you can also join the temples grand celebrations of Holi and Diwali! Its a contender for ultimate winter family photo, and a winter wonderland the kids wont soon forget. Best of all, you wont need to worry about checking your snowshoeing gear at the airport (although it would be much easier now). Let it all go on a walk through the Ice Castles in Midway. Watch current conditions, as unsettled winter weather can bring storms. Alpine Living Nativity (Alpine): Dec. 2-4, 10-11. FREE, Ogden Electric Light Parade: November 27 @ 5:30. The Grand StaircaseEscalante National Monument is the largest national monument in the United States and the most remote in the country. The Salt Lake Tabernacle will have a unique Peace on Earth Christmas Nativity. North Pole Express at Thunder Junction (St. George): Every Friday, Saturday, and Monday for the first 3 weekends in December from 6-8 PM. Salt Lake during the holidays? Comfort Inn & Suites Tooele-Salt Lake City, Canyons Boutique Hotel A Canyons Collection Property, Best Western PLUS Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel, Comfort Suites St George University Area, Home2 Suites by Hilton Salt Lake City-East, University Guest House & Conference Center, SpringHill Suites by Marriott Salt Lake City Draper, Salt Lake Marriott Downtown at City Creek, 35 Best Places to Visit in August in the USA, 35 Best Places to Visit in July in the USA, 35 Best Places to Visit in June in the USA, 35 Best Places to Visit in May in the USA, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Kanab, Salt Lake City Public Library Salt Lake City, Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple Spanish Fork, Mars Desert Research Station Hanksville, Natural History Museum of Utah Salt Lake City. Time: 2-3 hours. Rileys Family Christmas(Genola): Monday, Friday, & Saturday starting November 29 from 5:30-8:30. Recommended Hotel Nearby: SpringHill Suites by Marriott Salt Lake City Draper, 350 State StreetSalt Lake City, UT 84103(801) 538-1800. As daytime shredders check-out between 3 and 4 p.m., a new ski shift begins. Most of the famous sights in Salt Lake City are all within the area of this gorgeous square, such as world-class restaurants, parks, and breathtaking infrastructures. Bring the kids and countdown to the New Year (well before midnight) with a special lighted countdown display. Timed perfectly for winter, this journey takes you to some of the finest mountain resorts in the world, then to the most spectacular vistas of the scarlet-hued desert. Stay for the sunset; its heavenly here. 4x4 Safari Excursion in Arches National Park. If you dont feel like trudging up a hill 17 times (itisgood exercise though) head up to Woodward Park City to their state-of-the-art tubing lanes. Tucked into the country atmosphere of a town called Midway is a fun activity that appears each winter out of thin airor, we should say, out of thin ice. The five-acre Red Hills Desert Garden is actually Utahs first-ever desert conservation garden. However, as more dogs joined the pack Team G Sled Dogs was born. More info here. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Homewood Suites By Hilton SLC/Draper. . Use that energy to build a snow fort. Tubing is the answer. Southern Utahs wilds are wearing their winter splendor. Channel your inner figure skater as you race and twirl around the rink. When you get the chance to visit during the spring, you can witness over 500,000 vibrant flowers bloom in various colors all at the same time! Just be sure there arent any cops watching. Copyright 2023 Deseret News Publishing Company. A local favorite for celebrating the season, families can enjoy breakfast with Santa and other holiday characters on select days in December at this annual holiday event in Salt Lake. Best time of year to visit Utah. The gorgeous temple sits on a 15-acre landscape featuring outdoor stages, a large pavilion, a lake and waterfall, and a few animals. International finals, national championships, regional events and homegrown extravaganzas all take place in Ogden, Utah. But Take an epicurean trip across the state to try all of Utahs capital is so much more than just We use cookies to improve your experience on Utah.com. It's one of the state's top snowmobiling destinations. Winter visitors to Zion National Park will find plenty to do, including hiking, photography and gazing up at the wonders of the night sky. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Salt Lake Marriott Downtown at City Creek, 110 400 WSalt Lake City, UT 84101(385) 468-7827. Benson Grist Mill Lighting and Live Nativity: Nov. 29 from 6-8 pm. Tour around the 19th-century temple and surrounding architectural wonders as you take a trip back in time to the historical events and the religion that shaped the city. West Salt Lake Valley Christmas Light Drive: We created this list with 8 awesome stops in the West area of Salt Lake valley. 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. For most travelers, Southern Utah winters prevent comfortable camping, and occasional snowfall can make outdoor adventure a little more challenging. Navajos have been here since AD 1,400. The Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) is operated by a small crew of scientists from various disciplines who conduct scientific research on the station and simulate actual space missions to Mars. All rights reserved. Check out this snowshoe excursion then plan yours today for fun and adventure. Find your sense of adventure and awe in the vast yet intricate swaths of desert from Arches National Park to Monument Valley. Either choice is good, or even better, try out both. Spanning over a massive area of 21 acres, Red Butte Garden is the largest botanical garden in the Intermountain West offering enchanting colors of blooms and the most romantic scenery for couples. Next Group. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Plus Abbey Inn, Related: Fun Things to Do inUtahwith Kids, Highway 63 Park Road #1Bryce Canyon City, UT 84764(435) 834-5322. Guests can eat smores and drink hot chocolate while they explore the zoo, including a lighted walkway that stretches 135 feet. It takes up part of Arizona and southern Utah. During the holiday season, Utah's Hogle Zoo lights up with over 200 lighted animal and holiday-themed displays in the evenings. 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. And camping is an excellent option for those who want to explore the lake at a leisurely pace. The Utah State Capitol sits atop Salt Lake Citys Capitol Hill, which overlooks the capitals downtown area. For 30 years, filmmakers and audiences have been traveling to Utah to see some of the most innovative storytelling in cinema at theSundance Film Festival. The Loveland Living Planet Aquarium is home to many creatures both scaly and feathered. Capitol Reef - 1.8 days / 2.2 inches. Hedgehog Electric Christmas Light Display Map: this map of St. George Christmas Lights isnt out yet, but we will update this link once it is readythe link currently goes to the 2020 list. Let your kids get soaked in the Waterworks section or break out of jail in Kidopolis. Time slots are available every half hour, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Hiking, Non-ski Winter Activities, Scenic Drives/Road Trips, Ski and Snowboard, Stargazing. Young Living Family Farm Country Christmas (Mona): Wagon Rides and Light Display. Discover Utahs Wellness Retreats. Free cookies and hot cocoa. Since hosting the 2002 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, in many ways the Olympic spirit and world-class athletes that seized Utah have never left. Christmas in Color: Located at the Salt Lake County Equestrian Center in South Jordan. 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. The real Up house was built in 2011 by Bangerter Homes with permission from Disney. Things to Do Discover Ogden's Attractions and Activities From the fun to the downright funky, Ogden, Utah is anything but your typical mountain town. Completed in 1916, this Neoclassical revival, Corinthian-style building has seen so much struggle and growth since Utahs early beginnings as a state. Discover some of the most picturesque places to photograph in Southern Utah, and learn some tips for how to shoot and travel responsibly. The historic park transforms for the season with costumes, decorations, treats, sweets, and arts and crafts of all kind available for purchase. 1 Zion Park BoulevardState Route 9Springdale, UT 84767(435) 772-3256. Grand America Holiday Windows: Nov. 1-Dec. 31 M- TH: 4 PM 8 PMand FRI SUN: 10 AM-5PM. Live Nativity at Christmas Celebration: Dec. 15 at 6:00 and 7:30 pm FREE. For maps and assistance, theres a visitor center. Youre about to be even more inspired when you watch the Clark Planetariums amazing IMAX films. Dinosaurs and Native Americans from millions to thousands of years ago once occupied this cave, leaving behind a trail of fossils, footprints, pottery, art, and more, all displayed at the natural history museum inside. In warmer months, outdoor adventurers will have a blast exploring the natural beauties through horseback riding or hiking. 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. Get discounts on lift tickets. Festival of Trees(Virtual): No dates, but virtual again this year. As you visit, do your part to keep Utah Forever Mighty. Popular things to do Winter Sports Rentals Half-day Tours Geologic Formations Cultural Tours 4WD Tours Canyons Nature and Wildlife Tours Hiking Tours Scenic Drives Climbing Self-guided Tours National Parks Bus Tours City Tours Bodies of Water Historical Tours Overnight Tours Mountains Sporting Events Transfers & Ground Transport 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. Read these insights and tips gathered from a novices first-ever camping trip on BLM and public lands to gain the confidence you need to recreate happily and respectfully on Utahs public lands. The only challenge is deciding if you want to stay in a slope-side lodge or a hotel in the city. If you were looking for cheap yet visually appealing destinations, Red Hills Desert Garden opens its doors to you for free! Adventurous nature lovers will love the trails that lead to rocky and sandy state parks. Loveland Living Planet Aquarium brings together the critters from South America, Utah, the Antarctic, Asia, and all of the earths oceans. Of Utah's 15 resorts, 10 are within an hour of the Salt Lake City International Airport. So you can do this adventure after Christmas, too. Experience Exciting Events Every Day of the Year! If theyre not in space suits, however, you can go ahead and ask for a brief tour. Provo River Cruise(Provo) Dec. 1-23. Contact Info. Town Hall (435) 425-3600 Fax (435) 425-3603 P.O. The water is comfortably warm and shallow enough for toddlers. Tours around the temple are available daily for you to check out the temples elaborate architecture, animals, and organic crops. Anna and Elsa fans will appreciate the frozen wonderland all lit up at night in blue and pink. See All Itineraries Previous Group Their boat launch is perfect for families who want to motor or sail atop the salty waters. Its time to plan your winter break, a break from everything, and were going to make it easy by choosing Utah. Utahsstateandnational parkswill be thawed out before you know it! Passes to ski and snowboard resorts are expensive, but dont give up yet, powder pauper. Evermore Park Aurora Winter Festival:Pleasant Grove. Zion offers horseback riding, glamping, scenic drives, nature walks, picnic sites, and lodging. Youre there. As youre mapping out your winter trip through southeastern Utah, consider adding the following parks and natural wonders to your itinerary. Your browser is not supported for this experience.We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. Copyright 2023 Utah Office of Tourism. Keep the contradictions going by cruising along the Waterpocket Fold, a water-free buckle of land that serves as the backbone of the park. Bryce Canyon - 5.7 days / 15.3 inches. Temple Square Lights: SLCFREE Limited Lights due to construction. So if youre looking to warm up and slow down at the same time, be sure to pack your swimsuit on this winter trip. The expanse that is Bonneville Salt Flats is so vast and flat and white the area feels otherworldly. 1661 East Murray-Holladay Road (4800 South), Where: Various locations in Salt Lake City. Night in Bethlehem(Pleasant Grove): November 26-29 and December 2-4 reserveFREEtickets ahead of time. Experience snowshoeing the greatest snow on Earth. If you're into thrills, and wondering what to do in Park City, Utah, try the Utah Olympic Park bobsled ride aptly called "The Comet" - one of the longest slides in the world, with over 3,000 feet of fast and furious gliding and sliding. Explore snowmobiling. Its a relatively easy and affordable way to get outside and the perfect way to watch the sun rise over the Wasatch range. Experience more peace, quiet and solitude. If youre planning a family trip this year, consider Midways Ice Castles a must-see. Hardcore hikers and climbers brave Zion National Park for its challenging terrains, while families come for outdoorsy trips and easy trails. The event, which benefits patients at Intermountain Primary Childrens Hospital, will be held virtually Tuesday, Nov. 30, through Saturday, Dec. 4, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Lights on Wakefield: This event is currently not happening because of changes in city ordinances. Where: Snow banks, backyards, fields, parks. Built in 2011, this modern museum has a collection of exotic butterflies, minerals and indigenous masterpieces. Since the dawn of time, families have been balling up snow and throwing it at each other. Whether youre looking for commercial parks with structured lanes or a local hill and your own thermos of hot cocoa, weve got it all. We use cookies to improve your experience on Utah.com. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Red Hills, 2200 Cow Dung RoadHanksville, UT 84734(303) 984-9346. North Pole Festival: Rio Tinto Stadium. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western PLUS Rubys Inn, 13312 West 1075 SouthMagna, UT 84044(801) 828-0787. . Encompassing almost 36,000 acres, the monumental splendor of Bryce Canyon National Park has long been recognized by man for thousands of years. MDRS sometimes schedules visitor days on their Facebook page during the spring too, so go check out their page. Run Run Reindeer 5K Race! Spring boasts active wildlife and blooming flowers. 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. Utah is a family-friendly place (highest birth rate in the nation, heh heh) so we have a kid-friendly infrastructure ready for long, dark winter days. Lake Powell. Lay back and watch the scenery as you and your kids glide down the longest tubing hill in Utah then take the magic carpet back up. Want to avoid the Utah national park crowds? Dec. 11 & 13 from 6-8:30 pm. The dogs participate in a dog sledding operation to help find their purpose. During the holiday season, Utahs Hogle Zoo lights up with over 200 lighted animal and holiday-themed displays in the evenings. I think theres live music as well. 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.