We want to make your holiday season merry and bright. Here is a list of events happening throughout the state this month. Happy Holidays!
Now-Dec. 24: Downtown Jingle Bus in Salt Lake City: Take this bus to see all the sights downtown for free! This holiday-themed ride will circulate between the Gateway, Temple Square, City Creek Center Gallivan Plaza and Capitol Theatre. The bus runs from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week, courtesy of the SLC Downtown Alliance, City Creek Center and The Gateway.
Now-Dec. 31: Lights on Temple Square: Millions of people come to see the thousands of twinkling lights on Temple Square each year. All events on Temple Square are free and the lights will stay on until Dec. 31. No tickets necessary.
Now-Dec. 31: Savior of the World on Temple Square:This musical production is based on scriptural events surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ. Tickets are required. Evening and matinee performances are $10 each.
Now-Dec.31: Make Life Grand: The Grand America Hotel is holding the 7th Annual Holiday Window Stroll – this years theme is Christmas Around the World! These traditional frosted gingerbread houses are just one of the many decorated and magical windows at the Grand America hotel. Included is a life size gingerbread house, made of 800 pounds of royal icing and 1,100 gumballs. There is a scavenger hunt game that is free for kids to participate in. They will get a free cookie when they complete it.
Now-Dec. 31: Christmas in Color: Utah’s biggest drive-through holiday light show is offered in Kearns and Provo. A ticket is required for each car.
Now -Dec.31: Gardner Village Elf Displays & Scavenger Hunt: Gardner Village brings the North Pole to you with whimsical elf displays. See Santa’s helpers at work, testing toys, sorting letters addressed to Mr. Claus, and maintaining those all-important Naughty and Nice lists. Download the Elf Scavenger Hunt form on the Gardner Village website here.
Now-Dec. 31: Luminaria at Thanksgiving Point: This enchanting mile walk will transport you into a magical holiday world as you make your way through the captivating Ashton Gardens. The walk includes thousands of lights, a nativity scene, glowing lanterns, music and games for the children. Adult tickets are $20 and children (ages 3-12) are $17. Member tickets are $10.
Now- Dec. 31: Deck The Hall at Sandy City Hall: Visit City Hall during the month of December to see the thousands of lights outside, an old-time village and a huge Christmas tree that can be found inside.
Now-Dec. 3: Dickens’ Christmas Festival- St. George: Not just a craft show, this festival also has unique live performances. Enjoy period costumes, old shops, fortune tellers, royalty and the real Father Christmas. Tickets are $7 for adults, $6 for seniors, $5 for kids ages 4-12 and children 3 and under are free.
Now-Dec. 3: Festival of Trees in Sandy: Come see over 700 beautifully decorated trees, wreaths, centerpieces, gingerbread houses, quilts and playhouses in the festival’s 45th year. Every penny raised helps the Primary Children’s Hospital; $6 per adult, $3 for kids ages 2-11. Tickets for adults 65 and older cost $5. Family tickets for up to six people allowed on Wednesday, Dec. 3, for $15. Discount tickets can be purchased at most Zions banks.
Now-Dec. 23:“A Christmas Carol,” a musical by Hale Center Theater Orem: See the original musical retelling of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” Tickets start at $18.
Now-Dec. 23: A Fairly Potter Christmas Carol: This is an unauthorized parody following the success of Fairly Potter in 2013, at the Ziegfeld Theater in Ogden. Tickets are $19 online and $20 at the door.
Now-Dec. 31: Zoo Lights at Hogle Zoo: The Zoo Lights at Hogle Zoo return for its ninth year with more than 250 animated light displays.
Dec. 1-3: Christkindlmarkt at This is the Place Heritage Park: This unique holiday shopping experience is inspired by world famous German Christmas markets and offers food and festive entertainment as you stroll through the park. Open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Dec. 1- 20: The Forgotten Carols Christmas tour: See the timeless Christmas classic during its 25th anniversary tour in Utah. Performances will be held in Ogden, Orem, Logan, Cedar City, St. George and Salt Lake City. Tickets start at $17.50.
Dec. 2: Christmas at the BYU Museum of Art: Kick off the holiday season at the BYU MOA from 7 to 10 p.m. Enjoy performances from Noteworthy, gallery activities, and a special appearance from artist Brian Kershisnik.
Dec. 2: Light the Night in South Jordan: It’s the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony for South Jordan. Enjoy free hot chocolate and cookies, free ice skating rentals and free wagon rides. Come and see Santa, who will arrive in a fire truck. Starts at 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the South Jordan City Plaza.
Dec. 2-3: BYU’s Christmas Around the World: This holiday tradition showcases the rich ethnic diversity of the world through music and dance and features more than 200 dancers, singers and musicians. Tickets start at $15 for the public. Visit BYUtickets.com to buy.
Dec. 2-3: Willow Park Zoo Reindeer Trek: Enjoy games for kids, holiday displays and decorations and animals of the zoo. Kids can visit with Santa and pet two of his reindeer. Price is $3 for adults and $2.50 for kids ages 2 and up.
December 3: 12th Annual Sounds of the Season Choral Concert: Ring in the season with a choir of 130 voices and a full orchestra singing carols old and new for the Christmas season. The 12th Annual Sounds of the Season Concert, benefitting the Make-a-Wish Foundation. Shows at 2pm and 7pm. Donations welcome.
December 3: Christmas 4 The Kids: Christmas 4 The Kids is a fundraising event for the entire community (all ages welcome). There will be lots of silent auction items to bid on, food, music from The National Parks and a visit from Santa! Location: Old Park School at 12441 S. 900 East in Draper.
Dec. 3: Provo’s World of Christmas Market and Lights On Ceremony: Center Street in Provo will be packed with vendors and displays of handmade crafts, clothing, accessories, and food from Peru, Denmark, Sweden, Finland and Mexico from 3-8 p.m.
Dec. 3, 4, 10 or 11: Picture Your Pet: The Photo Box Photography will be at the Humane Society of Utah this holiday season for our annual portrait event. $25 sitting fee includes same day 8×10 portrait that is tax-deductible.
Dec 2-4: Second Annual Nativity Walk in Moab: The Nativity walk will display unique and beautiful Nativity scenes from around the world. Refreshments will be served and live music will be performed. Friday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday from 12 p.m. to an hour after the Electric Light Parade; Sunday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Held at The Broken Oar Restaurant (53 West 400 North).
Dec. 2-3, 5 , 9-10: Riverton City Holly Days: Santa will be on hand every night to see the kids. Wander through all the light displays and see the giant-sized pages of “The Night Before Christmas.”
Dec. 2-6: Weber County Holiday Festival: View holiday memorabilia from all over the world at the Weber County Fairgrounds. There will also be a live Nativity scene. Held from 11 a.m.- 9 p.m., and admission is free. Donations of new unwrapped toys and food pantry items will benefit the Children’s Justice Center, The Christmas Box House and the Ogden Food Bank.
Dec. 2-26:“The Nutcracker” by Ballet West: Come see the longest-running full production in America. Evening matinee performances run throughout the month at the Capitol Theatre in Salt Lake City. Tickets start at $19.
Dec. 2-31: Candy Windows in South Jordan: View 10 different holiday scenes created entirely from candy pieces in shop windows along Towne Center Drive. No tickets necessary.
Dec. 4-5, 11-12: Sandy Arts Guild Christmas in Concert: Enjoy an intimate Christmas concert at the Sandy City Chamber Theater, featuring Sam Payne ($10), Joslyn ($15), Josh & Lindsey Wright ($10) and Mercy River ($15). Ticket prices vary per show.
Dec. 3:Christmas Light Parade: Live music with local choir and bands, Santa, cookies and hot cocoa will be provided at the tree lighting in Moab. From 6 p.m. at 400 N. 100 W.
Dec. 3: Sugar House Winter Festival: The Sugar House Famers Market presents the second annual winter festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a visit from Santa and Elsa.
Dec. 3: Utah Olympic Oval Holiday Festival: Enjoy activities for the whole family in Kearns at the Olympic Oval. Activities include a photo booth, ice skating, ice carver, Oval Figure Skating Ice Show and more. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for kids ages 3-12. Bring a nonperishable food donation and receive free admission. Food donations will benefit the Kearns Food Pantry.
Dec. 3: Morgan City Ol’ Time Christmas on Commercial Street: This event includes a tree lighting ceremony, music, activities, Santa and a gingerbread decorating contest. Admission is free and it goes from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Dec. 3: Provo Santa Run: Here’s your last chance to run in Santa garb. This 5K starts and finishes at The Shops at Riverwoods in Provo. Fuel up at milk and cookie aid stations. The race will be followed by holiday fun. Pre-race day registration is $36.
Dec. 3: South Jordan City Sounds of the Season concert: A choir and orchestra, conducted by Marlene Stanley, will play holiday favorites at the Bingham High School Auditorium. Performance at 7 p.m.
Dec. 3-4: Red Butte Garden Holiday Open House: Nineteen local artists will have handmade gifts for sale, including jewelry, pottery, photography and more. There will also be free cider and hot chocolate to enjoy as you walk through the winter wonderland garden. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., free admission, thanks to ZAP.
Dec. 3, 10, 17: Breakfast with Santa at Thanksgiving Point: Enjoy breakfast with Santa, Mrs. Claus and other North Pole characters. Kids can participate in dance contests, sing-a-longs, games, crafts and cookie decorating. Tickets can be purchased in advance for a discount of $5. Tickets for adults at the door are $35 and tickets for children at the door are $30.
Dec. 5: Christmas Tree Lighting at West Valley City Family Fitness Center: Visit with Santa and go on a candy cane hunt. The tree lighting will start at 6 p.m. and be followed by a Walk with Santa. Free hot chocolate and cookies will be provided.
Dec. 6: Kids & Christmas Benefit Concert: This concert will benefit the Weber/Morgan Children’s Justice Center featuring Jenny Oaks Baker and the Family Four. Reserved tickets are available through Smiths Tix here.
Dec. 7: Nativity in the Glen: This live Nativity scene started as a joint effort between First Baptist Church, the Wasatch Presbyterian Church, St. Ambrose and Lady of Lourdes Parish churches and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Bonneville Stake. Held for one night only, it goes from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 1050 S. 1500 East in Salt Lake City. There is no entrance fee but organizers encourage visitors to bring a donation for The Homeless Youth Resource Center.
Dec. 8-10: Dickens’ Christmas Festival, Sandy: Catch it again in Salt Lake City if you missed it in St. George: period costumes, old shops, fortune tellers, royalty and the real Father Christmas, $7 adults, $6 seniors, $5 kids ages 4-12 and children 3 and under are free. At the South Towne Expo Center.
Dec. 9-24:“A Christmas Carol” by Hale Center Theatre in West Valley City: See the holiday classic’s 32nd annual production. Tickets are required.
Dec. 9-Feb. 27: Elk viewing and wagon rides at Hardware Ranch: Come take a horse-drawn carriage or wagon ride through the ranch to see elk during the winter season. Rides are offered Friday through Monday during the season. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for kids and children ages 3 and under are free.
Dec. 9: Christmas Jam of Utah: Bring the entire family to this all-ages show featuring familiar holiday tunes performed by local musicians and vocalists. Celebrating its seventh anniversary in 2016, this annual event is produced by Christmas Jam of Utah and proceeds from every performance benefit local charities. Adult tickets are $10 in advance and $15 the day of. Tickets for children are $5 in advance and $7.50 the day of.
Dec. 10: Annual Elk Festival at Hardware Ranch: This year’s festival will be held at Hardware Ranch WMA from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. There will be fun and free family activities in addition to the regular sleigh rides and visitor center. Activities will include fish printing, wildlife Christmas ornament crafting and more. Elk-viewing ride prices are $5 for people 9 and older and $3 for children 4-8 years old.
Dec. 10, 12:“A Christmas Carol” by the Tooele Valley Academy of Dance: See this holiday classic for just $5 per person or $20 per family.
Dec. 10, 17: Breakfast & Brunch With Santa: The whole family can eat a warm breakfast with Santa at Discovery Gateway. The brunch will also include holiday crafts and play time in the museum with Santa. Tickets can be purchased online. From 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Tickets are $30 for children and $35 for adults. Members receive a discount.
Dec. 12: Candy Cane Hunt at Draper Historic Park: Thousands of candy canes will be hidden around the park for kids to find. Open to boys and girls 3 to 6 years old. Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive on a fire truck. Take your own pictures with Santa for free under the gazebo. Starts at 4 p.m. sharp.
Dec. 12: Christmas Carole Sing-a-long:The Larry H. Miller family presents the 32nd Annual Christmas Carole Sing-Along December 12 at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Musical numbers by Jenny Oaks Baker & Family Four and the West Valley Symphony of Utah with Donny Gilbert as the music director and Sterling Poulson as the guest conductor. Free admission.
Dec. 12: A Christmas Concert featuring Bonnie Harris and the Valley Jazz: Presented by the Utah Cultural Celebration Center, located at 1355 W. 3100 South. The event goes from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., and admission is free.
Dec. 15: Millennial Choir and Orchestra Christmas concert: This holiday performance will be held at the Abravanel Hall in Salt Lake City. Visit arttix.com for more information. Tickets start at $14.
Dec. 15-17: A Kurt Bestor Christmas: Bestor will perform with his band The Collective and a chamber orchestra at the Eccles Theater. Tickets start at $25.
