So you can do this adventure after Christmas, too. From Olympic fame and luxury to innovation and extreme adventure, discover a vast winter playground on three resorts. St. George Town Square Tree Lighting: November 29 at 6 8 pm FREE Santa will be here! Moderate crowds and temperatures in April-May and September-October make these months the best time to visit Utah and its national parks. Each year, the Festival of Treesat Mountain America Expo Centershows off the talents of professional designers and decorators in the community who take on the task of decorating trees in just 24 hours. There are trails that lead to slot canyons, arches, waterfalls, forest, and scrublands, all waiting for you to explore. As the largest national park in Utah, Canyonlands provides a variety of winter adventures, including winter hiking and stargazing. Maren and Racer Gibson of All Seasons Adventures in Park City, Utah rescue "unadoptable" Huskies and Malamutes. Walk the Windows Grand America Hotel The Grand America hosts walking tours for the holiday season that show off new displays in windows for the holiday season. Explore snowshoeing. Start Planning Your Summer VacationIt's never too late to look forward to summer. Follow this itinerary for a week-long winter road trip across the snow-covered desert of Southeastern Utah. But that's just the beginning. Experiencing the peace of canyon country in the winter is an attraction of its own. Outlets at Traverse Mountain Virtual Tree Lighting(Lehi): November 20 @ 5:30 pmFREE. Sleigh Rides on the Farm at American West Heritage Center (Wellsville): Dec. 4, 11, 18, 20-23, 27-Jan. 1. More than 6,000 lights are used to create a breathtaking display along a mile-long walk in Ashton Gardens. Its a contender for ultimate winter family photo, and a winter wonderland the kids wont soon forget. Dinosaur National Monument Extreme Sports Events Fishing Golfing Hiking & Backpacking Horseback Riding Hunting Canoe & Kayak Mountain Biking Museums Old West Mormon River Rafting Rock Climbing Shopping Skiing Snowmobiling Spas Stand Up Paddle Boarding Utah Olympic Park Latest Articles & Itineraries Travel Guides and Brochures View Brochures Utah hotels near Lake Powell can be found scattered from north to south, with the southern end being the most active for one of the major activities on Lake Powellhouseboating. We also highly suggest taking the three-hour Sound and Light Show tour along the Colorado River. . Whether you are a participant or spectator, the calendar is bursting with celebrations, festivals and athletic events - providing plenty of things to do for everyone, no . Its our chance to sparkle as the streets light up with celebrations and joy. And the fun doesnt stop on Christmas Day. Capitol Reef National Park Get gazed and confused staring out at one of Utah's trippiest landscapes, a hodgepodge of rounded white domes, jutting spires and even a landlocked version of a tropical reef. Instead of having yet another movie night, try a backyard bonfire with hot chocolate and smores. 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. How to Visit Southern Utah in Winter Camping & Backpacking, Climbing & Canyoneering, Cycling, Fishing, Glamping, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Non-ski Winter Activities, Scenic Drives/Road Trips, Stargazing. Additional skating venues can be found throughout the valley and include the Olympic-level facilities that are open to the public. Park City Mountain Resort is the largest ski resort in the US! Bring the kids and countdown to the New Year (well before midnight) with a special lighted countdown display. You can explore by location, what's popular, our top picks, free stuff. Whether youre looking for a break, vacation or quest for fun this winter, Utah is the place, as always, for adventure whatever you plan to do or wherever the trail takes you along the way. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Plus Greenwell Inn Related: Best Family Hotels in Utah Related: Things to Do in Moab 10. No matter your level of adventure, you will find good reason to save some time for a day away from the resort. West Salt Lake Valley Christmas Light Drive: We created this list with 8 awesome stops in the West area of Salt Lake valley. 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. Zootah Christmas Lights: (Logan): November 27-Dec.18 (Th, F, and Sat). Youll get to see firsthand how much the dogs love being on the team and pulling guests on the sleds. More details on their event post. George, UT 84770(435) 673-3617. While Utah's Greater Zion offers a few hundred trails, weve highlighted seven of the best hikes in the state's southwestern corner, from deep canyons to high peaks. Snowmobile vacations are popular outdoor adventures. They bloom during the spring, by the way! Say hi to the toucans, then stare at the mesmerizing sharks. One can of food per person donation encouraged. Alpine Living Nativity (Alpine): Dec. 2-4, 10-11. However, as more dogs joined the pack Team G Sled Dogs was born. This beautiful event brings the light and joy of the holiday season to the South Valley. Find the perfect spot to sit down, and enjoy all the different things in this library thatll keep you occupied for hours and hours. Sunsets and sunrises further enhance the colors of this surreal spectacle, so come early or stay for the night. Things To Do Outdoor Brian Head Cedar Breaks National Parks Outdoor Activities Recreation Areas Discovery Trails City Utah Shakespeare Festival Art and Culture Shopping Visitor Services Communities Groups and Meetings Cedar City Walks Events Food & Drink Lodging Experiences Contact My Bucket List Events You might think the cold is unavoidable and the terrain impassable during the winter months, but if you can surpass these doubts you might just be rewarded with your best hike of the year. Theyve gone digital too. Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity. Needless to say kids love it! Utah's metropolitan areas are situated right by our snow-packed mountains, offering visitors unparalleled access. Each of these annual events are held in Salt Lake and Utah counties. Santas Arrival at Station Park(Farmington): November 26 @ 9-11 AM. The red-orange desert scenery and iconic buttes of Monument Valley have been featured several times in films, music, video games, commercials, and TV shows. Next Group. Smaller resorts likeNordic ValleyandBrian Headeven offer free season passes for kids 10 and under. It takes up part of Arizona and southern Utah. Thinking about the Dead Sea sounds scary, but the Great Salt Lake is actually popular for swimming, sunbathing, sailing, wildlife viewing, kayaking, and more! Holiday Choices Are Abundant in Salt Lake City, 10 Best's Top Freebies in Salt Lake City: Highly Recommended, Regardless of Budget Size, 10 Best's Top Choices for Salt Lake's Mormon - and Minority - Historic Sites, Salt Lake City's Best Kid-friendly Attractions: Just as Fun for Adults as for the Wee Ones, History, religion, and bizarre landscapes: sightseeing as diverse as it is interesting, Salt Lake City's top activities, in any season, Photo courtesy of The Grand America Hotel, Photo courtesy of Park City Mountain Resort, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Provo River Cruise(Provo) Dec. 1-23. Kaylin Richardson, Olympic athlete, and a friend share their favorite Park City experiences to encourage you to add the city's culture-enriched valley, scenery, food, art and access to all-season adventure to your bucket list. Get off at Historic Union Station and choo choo! Join ski cat driver Kevin Irons on a day's adventures to Lightning Ridge at Powder Mountain, complete with pizza bribery, remote access and lots of powder. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Canyons Boutique Hotel A Canyons Collection Property, Interstate 80Wendover, UT 84083(801) 977-4300. Eagle Point is a Utah favorite location. There are so many things to do in Utah, we wish you the best of luck trying to decide what to exclude from your itinerary. Recreational opportunities and gorgeous scenery also await, and sunsets here turn skies into a kaleidoscope of colors. 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. How about you take that fascination to the next level by going where dinosaurs once roamed? Lightwalk at Liberty Park: SLC Dec. 3-18 from 5-10 pm. Explore snowmobiling. By clicking "I Agree", you consent to the use of cookies. Need winter break ideas? Explore the solar system, black holes, alien landscapes, and distant galaxies through interactive and mind-churning exhibits and activities at the planetarium. We look for fun, easy adventures throughout the state of Utah and beyond. Kids will have a swell time at the St. George Childrens Museum. From delicate river-fed ecosystems to crimson-hued rock buttresses, this magical landscape is awash in history, dating back thousands of years to the original Native American settlers to whom these places were sacred. Bryce Canyon - 5.7 days / 15.3 inches. The holiday season is here again, and theres no question that people will be enjoying the outdoors after spending much of the 2020 holiday season indoors. Exhibits around the building will also immerse you in the mystery of outer space. The annual performance of William Christensens The Nutcracker returns for 2021. FREE, Twas the Lights Before Christmas: Riverton Nov. 30-Dec. 31 FREE. Are you ready for Christmas activities? The top-rated Utah Shakespeare Festival has been offering widely acclaimed Shakespearean and contemporary theater shows to locals and tourists in Utah since 1961. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Theres a live nativity and display of small nativities in Payson. Gingerbread House Scavenger Hunt (Logan): Dec. 6-25, 2021 FREE, Parade of Gingerbread Homes (Logan): Dec. 4-31. It is a fundraising event for the Primary Childrens Hospital, too. If youre planning a family trip this year, consider Midways Ice Castles a must-see. This year there will be displays and limited lights (due to construction). The counties are listed generally from north to south in Utah. Star of Wonder opens this week at the West Valley Performing Arts Center. Soak up incredible views along the parks scenic drive or gear up and head out on a wintry hike. Fun times for kids who like trains. Within this natural sandstone cave in southern Utah is a natural history museum boasting a bar and fluorescent minerals. Here are a few of the most popular places to go, from north to south: "City Slicker" trail at Soldier Hollow in Heber Valley, Another winter activity with seemingly endless boundaries, cross country skiing is one of the best ways to soak up Utahs wide open spaces. Dont miss the cliff wall at Carnegie Quarry, where more than 1,500 dinosaur fossils are embedded, frozen in time even after millions of years. FREE, Cross E Ranch Christmas at the RanchNovember 26-Dec. 23. When visiting the Sundance Film Festival in Utah, movies are only part of the experience. In the winter months, Utah's five national parks and their surrounding country are full of solitude and with an adventurous spirit to shrug off mild doses of moody weather you can count on having red rock country all to yourself. Since we live in Utah County, you will notice that we have visited many more spots in Utah and Salt Lake counties. Experience the towering heights of Zion, the depths of Buckskin Gulch, the dunes of Snow Canyon, the sunset over Gooseberry. Recommended for Things to Do in December because: The City Creek Center is a gorgeous large mall wtih all the top stores such as Michael Kors and Tiffany and Co. Jennifer's expert tip:. It is free and easy to tour the grounds and see the lights any night of the season. Wide open vistas, historic main streetsand storied Olympic venues. Just because the Salt Lake 2002 Olympic Winter Games are in the past doesnt mean that the Utah Olympic spirit is has been snuffed out. FREE, Spanish Fork Winter Lights Parade: November 27 @ 7:00 PM FREE, Luminaria: Thanksgiving Point in Lehi. For an extraordinary adventure, plan winter hikes in Utahs Zion National Park. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western PLUS Rubys Inn, 13312 West 1075 SouthMagna, UT 84044(801) 828-0787. Rent snowshoes to go off-trail in that fresh Utah powder snow. Tickets are $5/person. And you can visit Santa as part of your admission price to Zoo Lights. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Plus Wendover Inn. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western PLUS Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel, 210 E 400 SSalt Lake City, UT 84111(801) 524-8200. Written October 2, 2021. Other presentations include "The Christ Child" in the Conference Center Theater. A Pioneer Christmas: Provo Pioneer Village on Dec. 17, 18, and 20 from 5-8 pm. 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. Brilliant. Utahs windswept beauty, however, doesnt stop there. With a little extra planning, good layers, and the right equipment, however, you can enjoy Utah's national parks in the solitude of winter. You can spend a day or a whole week here exploring the myriad trails, each offering their own sights, sounds and adventures. As if our 45 state parks, six national monuments and five national parks aren't cutting it? Fat tire biking has become the latest rage among cycling enthusiasts and newbies. Responsible Winter Recreation. AndShesDopeToo is a worldwide adventure community of women run by Jennifer and Taylor Killian from Ogden, Utah. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Marriotts MountainSide, Related: Best Ski Resorts in Utah for Families. Where : Salt Lake City. Cedar City - 5.5 days / 13.2 inches. During the spring, the snow from the previous season melts into the clearest water, mirroring the sky above and the surrounding mountain ranges. Christmas in Color: Located at the Salt Lake County Equestrian Center in South Jordan. Learn more about Utah's Olympic legacyand best spots to relive the games. The water is comfortably warm and shallow enough for toddlers. Let it all go on a walk through the Ice Castles in Midway. As youre mapping out your winter trip through southeastern Utah, consider adding the following parks and natural wonders to your itinerary. This desert is dramatic. It's like going from the bottom of the ocean to the canopies of the Amazon Rainforest in one day. Then add color with snow paint. All Rights Reserved, 11 Utah Christmas events you might want to check out this year, The 2023 Utah Legislature has wrapped. You can now visit the iconic house from the tear-jerking film Up at 13218 Herriman Rose Boulevard in Herriman, Utah. Try these indoor and outdoor winter activities for kids and parents alike. Get More Mountain Time Ride the glass elevator toward the rooftop for a panoramic view of the entire library and an arguably more beautiful sight of the whole citys mountains once you reach the sky deck. Hiking, Non-ski Winter Activities, Scenic Drives/Road Trips, Ski and Snowboard. 10. Visitors have to option to book a 1 hour, 2 hour, or half day dog sled tour from December (sometimes November) to March. Here are the details on local pros who can help get you the gear or guide your adventure. . They believe dog sledding is a great way to dive in and get to know more about mushing, the hard-working huskies, and dog sledding. Experience Exciting Events Every Day of the Year! Maybe your teens can help you come up with the weirdest smore combination like starbursts and saltines. Lace up and get skating! Camping & Backpacking, Hiking, History and Heritage, Non-ski Winter Activities, Scenic Drives/Road Trips, Stargazing. I will move on . Whether youre a local, new in town or just passing through, drop in on our holiday event calendar. Everyone in the family will get fired up about this one. Browse through Lovelands educational exhibits and experience one-of-a-kind animal encounters with sharks, stingrays, and penguins! Afterwards, try ice skating at the Midway Ice Rink. Previous Group Finally! Get discounts on lift tickets. Request a free copy or view the latest guide online. Christmas In Dixie Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony (Washington): November 29 at 6-8 pm at Veterans Park. We are a family of 5 with three boys who love to be outside. Saltwater is highly corrosive, and soft mud lies beneath the layer of salt crust. The Bonneville Salt Flats are among the most interesting things to see in Utah, but the conditions here can be quite extreme, so come prepared. Learn more about why Bryce Canyon and the surrounding areas are the perfect place for winter hiking, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. For more information, see our Privacy Policy. (And true enough, this isnt the only time Utah was chosen for Martian simulations.). Imagine an old-fashioned theater experience, with costumed vendors all around selling snacks and drinks. Arches National Park has been frequented by humans since 10,000 years ago, as evidenced by petroglyphs and artifacts found in the area. Walk around downtown and vote on your favorite gingerbread creations. June to August is the season of spectacular activities like Bonneville Speed Week or stargazing . Traditionally a sing-along, this has been changed to a performance only due to the pandemic.