Christkindlmarket at This is the Place: Dec. 1-4. 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. Park City is one of the most popular destinations for cross country skiers, although Nordic centers can be found all over Northern Utah. Actually, deals are everywhere, with free events taking place throughout Utah. Lights on at 6:30 pm. Gingerbread House Scavenger Hunt (Logan): Dec. 6-25, 2021 FREE, Parade of Gingerbread Homes (Logan): Dec. 4-31. Just make sure you do it before Dec. 24 since hes pretty busy that day. Book a dog sled tour with the pups and witness their story as they pull your sled through the area's snow blanketed open spaces. Or feel the "freedom" at The Gateway and City Creek Center, two local malls also known for providing free, fun events. As the largest national park in Utah, Canyonlands provides a variety of winter adventures, including winter hiking and stargazing. Live Nativity at Christmas Celebration: Dec. 15 at 6:00 and 7:30 pm FREE. Holly Days Festival(Vernal): November 26: A day full of fun,FREEactivities throughout the Vernal area including a light parade and fireworks. Imaginorium: Nov. 29-Dec. 23, M-Th 4-9 pm and F-Sat 4-10 pm. Find popular Nordic trailheads in the north, high altitude serenity in central Utah and miles of regularly groomed trails in the south. You either drive through Monument Valley and soak up the sights or explore it fully by getting a tour guide from the visitor center. In Utah, skiing is just where winter begins. Additional skating venues can be found throughout the valley and include the Olympic-level facilities that are open to the public. FREE, Twas the Lights Before Christmas: Riverton Nov. 30-Dec. 31 FREE. Whether you're a local, new in town or just cruising through we've got loads of great tips and events. The real Up house was built in 2011 by Bangerter Homes with permission from Disney. Exhibits around the building will also immerse you in the mystery of outer space. Utahs award-winning waters hold some of the best ice fishing in the country, and with so many large lakes and reservoirs, its easy to grab your gear and join in. This desert is dramatic. Copyright 2023 Utah Office of Tourism. For maps and assistance, theres a visitor center. This insider's guide video highlights their unparalleled access to both the outdoors and the city's "fun counterculture vibe" at the foot of the mighty Wasatch Mountains. 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! Less than an hour's drive from Salt Lake City, Heber Valley is the perfect Utah snowmobile base camp for newbies and experienced riders alike. Deer Valley. Sled for free at the iconic hill at Sugarhouse Park inSalt Lake City. Tickets required. Next Group. If you were looking for cheap yet visually appealing destinations, Red Hills Desert Garden opens its doors to you for free! If theyre not in space suits, however, you can go ahead and ask for a brief tour. Instead of having yet another movie night, try a backyard bonfire with hot chocolate and smores. Who wouldve thought that amidst a rocky desert landscape with cities inhabited predominantly by Mormons a grand Hindu temple would rise? With over 7,300 acres intended just for fun, Park City offers endless winter opportunities such as sleigh rides, ski-in-ski-out access to historic Main Street, ski and snowboard lessons, snowmobile tours, cable cars, warm restaurants, cabins, special events, and more! FREE, East Salt Lake Valley Christmas Light Drive: 6 stops in Draper and Sandy that you can do all in one night. The Salt Lake Tabernacle will have a unique Peace on Earth Christmas Nativity. As you visit, do your part to keep Utah Forever Mighty. A new walk-thru light display. This beautiful event brings the light and joy of the holiday season to the South Valley. Or hikeEnsign PeakTrail on a clear day and get a 100-mile view of Salt Lake Valley. 25 Best Things to Do in Utah Fun Activities & Stuff to Do! Built in 2011, this modern museum has a collection of exotic butterflies, minerals and indigenous masterpieces. Camping & Backpacking, Hiking, History and Heritage, Non-ski Winter Activities, Scenic Drives/Road Trips, Stargazing. Nighttime is the right time for skiers and boarders seeking solitude on the piste. Tickets required, Christmas on the Farm Live Nativity(Cedar City): Dec. 6, & 13 at 6-8 PM.
Experience snowshoeing the greatest snow on Earth. Your kid likes trains? Recommended Hotel Nearby: Home2 Suites by Hilton Salt Lake City-East, 300 Wakara WaySalt Lake City, UT 84108(801) 585-0556. 4x4 Safari Excursion in Arches National Park. Experience the towering heights of Zion, the depths of Buckskin Gulch, the dunes of Snow Canyon, the sunset over Gooseberry. Youre there. Outlets at Traverse Mountain Virtual Tree Lighting(Lehi): November 20 @ 5:30 pmFREE. Learn more about Utah's Olympic legacyand best spots to relive the games. Tree will be lit at 6:00. 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. All rights reserved. Sunsets and sunrises further enhance the colors of this surreal spectacle, so come early or stay for the night. Home to more than 2,000 gigantic sandstone arches, this national park sees more than 1.6 million curious visitors every year. Home to an intricate six-spire temple, Temple Square has been a famous destination for both tourists and locals admiring its beauty as the heart of the worldwide Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-Day Saints. Utah may be hardcore landlocked, but you can still watch antarctic penguins swim and play. Kite skiing (snow kiting) is attracting freestyle adventure seekers to Utah. 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. Beginning the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas comes to Temple Square with turning on the lights. Private Utah High Country Rafting Adventure from Provo. Best of all, you wont need to worry about checking your snowshoeing gear at the airport (although it would be much easier now). Bonus: you can ride the carousel and sometimes see a few animals. The Red Butte Garden is a beautiful and picturesque destination located in the foothills of the Wasatch Range in Salt Lake City. Weve collected 11 iconic Christmas events for you and your family to embrace this holiday season. To put it simply, the riding in Utah is epic. For more information, see our Privacy Policy. Gingerbread house contest entries on display at the Brigham City Christmas Village. Afterwards, try ice skating at the Midway Ice Rink. Walk through time on a switchbacking boardwalk through the fossil record at the Natural History Museum of Utah. Start Planning Your Summer VacationIt's never too late to look forward to summer. FREE, Brigham City Christmas Village (Brigham City): Dec. 2-Jan. 3 Located at 1 South Main street in Brigham CIty. With its iconic reddish and tan-colored canyon walls, desert, woodlands, and forests, this massive national park has a wealth of sights to offer. From pink desert sand and castle-like Mormon temples to glowing rocks and Hindu architecture, Utah is actually and unbelievably underrated. Guests are invited to make s'mores, sip hot chocolate, and explore the 135-foot tunneled walkway. The Utah State Capitol sits atop Salt Lake Citys Capitol Hill, which overlooks the capitals downtown area. Heres what you need to know, Japanese official denies Lee statement on commitment to expedite release of Lt. Ridge Alkonis, Utah Legislature finalizes record $29B budget. It is free and easy to tour the grounds and see the lights any night of the season. Take a contemplative walk around the grounds and catch the hourly docent-led tours inside the Utah State Capitol. If youre curious about the extravagance of Hindu festivals, you can also join the temples grand celebrations of Holi and Diwali! Nov. 19-Jan 1. All rights reserved. Utahs windswept beauty, however, doesnt stop there. Tremonton Lights (Tremeonton) Nov. 24-Jan 1 from 5:30-11:30 pm every night at the Tremonton City Office. At its end, this leads to the Narrows area, which involves a more strenuous and adventurous . Traditionally a sing-along, this has been changed to a performance only due to the pandemic. See red rock hoodoos coated with a dusting of snow against a stunning scenic backdrop on an unforgettable winter visit to Bryce Canyon National Park. Book ariver tripor reserve that popularcampsiteyour family loves. In a really good way. 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. Next Group. It spans over a million acres, dates back to 200 million years in the distant past, and bears an incredible wealth of fossils and artifacts. 1661 East Murray-Holladay Road (4800 South), Where: Various locations in Salt Lake City. Mon, Fri, and Sat from November 26December 22. Tickets include sleigh ride, cocoa, and sledding hill. Where: Utahs family-friendly ski resorts. The classic, winter tradition of finding the perfect hill from which to launch a tube or sled is alive and well in Utah. St. George Town Square Tree Lighting: November 29 at 6 8 pm FREE Santa will be here! Stroll around the garden and encounter different plant collections and themed gardens. Anna and Elsa fans will appreciate the frozen wonderland all lit up at night in blue and pink. Needless to say kids love it! Now those visiting Park City can experience the snowy wilderness like never before as theyre pulled on a sled behind a team of 10 energetic pups. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Theres a live nativity and display of small nativities in Payson. Use code AdventureFamily15 to save 15% off tickets. Tickets are available atwww.starofwonder.comand the show runs Dec. 4-11. Santas Arrival at Station Park(Farmington): November 26 @ 9-11 AM. There is a live nativity, indoor and outdoor nativity displays. By clicking "I Agree", you consent to the use of cookies. Experience more peace, quiet and solitude. Start making summer vacation plans today. You can explore by location, what's popular, our top picks, free stuff. North Pole Express(Heber) Nov. 22 Dec. 23. As youre mapping out your winter trip through southeastern Utah, consider adding the following parks and natural wonders to your itinerary. What if you and/or the kids are caught somewhere between feeling confident on the slopes and too energetic to go snowshoeing? Walk around downtown and vote on your favorite gingerbread creations. More than 6,000 lights are used to create a breathtaking display along a mile-long walk in Ashton Gardens. U.S. Olympic Team Trials Speed Skating December 17-19, 2021, 11 am-9 pm Utah Olympic Oval, Kearns. Go as far as you want on Little Cottonwood Trail up Little Cottonwood Canyon. No matter your level of adventure, you will find good reason to save some time for a day away from the resort. I think theres live music as well. We all have been entranced by the existence of dinosaurs at some point of our lives. You sample collect hot chocolate and cookies on the tour as you embrace the true magic of the holiday season. Perhaps another activity you wouldnt expect to be available in Utah,sled dog toursare available in Park City. Youll find holiday markets, festivals, concerts, pop up bars, dance performances, musicals, and more to celebrate the holiday season in Salt Lake. Completed in 1916, this Neoclassical revival, Corinthian-style building has seen so much struggle and growth since Utahs early beginnings as a state. No list of the best places to visit in Utah is complete without a visit to Zion National Park. Free cookies and hot cocoa. 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. To help you jump-start your journey to the American West, here are the best things to do in Utah. Want to avoid the Utah national park crowds? Recreational opportunities and gorgeous scenery also await, and sunsets here turn skies into a kaleidoscope of colors. Winter rewards hikers with stunning sights of stalactites and snow covered mountains. Sometimes an adrenaline pumping day on the slopes calls for an early morning hike along a peacefully quiet snowshoe track. Additional holiday events at Thanksgiving Point abound, so be sure to check for the events that best fit your family and budget. Christmas in the Canyon(St. George): Nov. 26 Dec. 23 at 6-9 PM. Guests can eat smores and drink hot chocolate while they explore the zoo, including a lighted walkway that stretches 135 feet. June to August is the season of spectacular activities like Bonneville Speed Week or stargazing . Where : Salt Lake City. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Kimpton Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City, 195 W Center StreetCedar City, UT, 84720(800) 752-9849. MDRS sometimes schedules visitor days on their Facebook page during the spring too, so go check out their page. There are several trails to hike, thousands of geological wonders to photograph, sites to camp for the night and watch the stars, areas to ride horses, ranger-led programs to enjoy from spring through fall, and so much more to expect at Arches National Park. Since we live in Utah County, you will notice that we have visited many more spots in Utah and Salt Lake counties. Come enjoy More Mountain Time, whether it is on a ski slope, a snowshoeing trail or in an alpine spa destination. You must reach Springdale in Utah to lodge and explore the high canyon walls, Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, and forest. For an extraordinary adventure, plan winter hikes in Utahs Zion National Park. Best time of year to visit Utah. Smaller resorts likeNordic ValleyandBrian Headeven offer free season passes for kids 10 and under. So if you miss out this year, feel free to check them out in 2022. Miscellaneous This review is the subjective opinion of a . When winter blasts its arctic forcefield, the Utah ice castles a frozen fairytale of ice and snow emerge on an acre of land at Soldier Hollow Nordic Center in Midway. It's like going from the bottom of the ocean to the canopies of the Amazon Rainforest in one day. Benson Grist Mill Lighting and Live Nativity: Nov. 29 from 6-8 pm. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western PLUS Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel, 210 E 400 SSalt Lake City, UT 84111(801) 524-8200. Thinking about the Dead Sea sounds scary, but the Great Salt Lake is actually popular for swimming, sunbathing, sailing, wildlife viewing, kayaking, and more! This children's museum is educational in a delightfully tactile way. 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. Are you ready for Christmas activities? Check out the retired engines and cabooses outside and head inside to watch some model trains doing their thing. Copyright 2023 Utah.com. Things To Do in Salt Lake in Winter Ice Skating. How's that for a Utah family winter activity? They have lazy rivers, slides and buckets that pour water in your eyeballs when you least expect it. But these days libraries are humming with activity. Contact Info. If you cant make it to Christkindlmarkt, head for the Holiday Market at Rio Grande where local vendors offer up their wares. A lot of the fun things to do in Utah are in Moab, such as off-roading, hiking, and even whitewater rafting. Christmas In Dixie Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony (Washington): November 29 at 6-8 pm at Veterans Park. 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. Maren and Racer Gibson of All Seasons Adventures in Park City, Utah rescue "unadoptable" Huskies and Malamutes. Suggested Read: 10 Museums In Washington DC For An Insight Into The American History. Snowmobile vacations are popular outdoor adventures. I'll be graduating with my associate's degree in December of 2021 after 2 years of school. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Canyons Boutique Hotel A Canyons Collection Property, Interstate 80Wendover, UT 84083(801) 977-4300. Lightwalk at Liberty Park: SLC Dec. 3-18 from 5-10 pm. Box 750027 75 East 100 North Torrey, Utah 84775 With its jaw-dropping architectural and interior design, the Salt Lake City Public Library offers amazing finds in every twist and turn. Discover Utahs Wellness Retreats. Previous Group
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. West Salt Lake Valley Christmas Light Drive: We created this list with 8 awesome stops in the West area of Salt Lake valley. (Salty and sweet? Browse through Lovelands educational exhibits and experience one-of-a-kind animal encounters with sharks, stingrays, and penguins! There are trails that lead to slot canyons, arches, waterfalls, forest, and scrublands, all waiting for you to explore. In warmer months, outdoor adventurers will have a blast exploring the natural beauties through horseback riding or hiking. Christmas at the Homestead(Cedar City): Frontier Homestead Museum has decorations, including the Twelve Trees of Christmas. Aside from having The Greatest Snow on Earth, what sets Utah apart from other skiing locations is the easy access. For Sparta! From Olympic fame and luxury to innovation and extreme adventure, discover a vast winter playground on three resorts. Written October 2, 2021. Take a road trip from Capitol Reef to Bryce Canyon and enjoy the best of Utah landscapes during its quiet season. This year we organized our list by county to help you more readily find activities near your home. The Clark Planetarium opened way back in April 2003, replacing the historic Hansen Planetarium under a grant from the Clark Foundation. From snowmobiling to skiing, snowshoeing to sledding and fishing, Bear Lake in the winter is everything youll want from your next winter vacation. 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. Ride the Heber Valley Railroad with Santa. Soak up incredible views along the parks scenic drive or gear up and head out on a wintry hike. Each year artists hand-place thousands of icicles to create magical castles, sculptures and playgrounds that shine bright in front of a rainbow of LED lights. Browse through the museums artifacts, and enter the teepee to check out the black-lit room that features glowing minerals and paintings. Yep you read that right. Feeling cooped up? Gingerbread House Display: University Place Mall in Orem. 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. Either choice is good, or even better, try out both. The museum is home to 5,000 desert plants, a replica slot canyon, a stream with native and endangered fish, and prehistoric dinosaur tracks from 200 million years ago. Average temperature in Southern Utah (St. George): highs 63 / lows 40 degrees F. The average December snowfall in the Southern part of Utah: Moab (Arches/Canyonlands) - 2 days / 3.5 inches. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Cathedral Valley Inn, 375 Red Hills ParkwaySt. From swimming to sledding, the whole family will enjoy (or at least appreciate) these fun winter activities. Zion offers horseback riding, glamping, scenic drives, nature walks, picnic sites, and lodging. 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. Skip the crowded peak season and embrace the quiet of a winter visit to Arches National Park. The Salt Lake City Public Library is one of the most stunning works of modernist architecture, designed by internationally acclaimed architect Moshe Safdie. Wide open vistas, historic main streetsand storied Olympic venues. 1 Zion Park BoulevardState Route 9Springdale, UT 84767(435) 772-3256. 4x4 Half-Day Adventure at Canyonlands National Park. Dec. 11-24. Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is home to tons of great stuff to do in Utah, such as sandboarding, ATV riding, camping, hiking, star gazing, wildlife watching, horseback riding, and more. found in the higher elevation regions of Southern Utah, Fresh Tracks in Kamas Utah's Snowcountry, Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity. Keep the contradictions going by cruising along the Waterpocket Fold, a water-free buckle of land that serves as the backbone of the park. This colossal national monument makes a lovely endless playground for off-roaders, canyoneers, and hikers. Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity. Learn more about why Bryce Canyon and the surrounding areas are the perfect place for winter hiking, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. 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. Heber Tree Lighting Old Fashion Christmas December 3, 2021, 6-8 pm City Hall, Heber. 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. Located on the border between Colorado and Utah, where Green and Yampa Rivers meet, the Dinosaur National Monument is an outstanding area of over 800 paleontological sites. Lights on Wakefield: This event is currently not happening because of changes in city ordinances. 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. During the spring, the snow from the previous season melts into the clearest water, mirroring the sky above and the surrounding mountain ranges. Explore the solar system, black holes, alien landscapes, and distant galaxies through interactive and mind-churning exhibits and activities at the planetarium. Park City is the epicenter, but Sundance venues can also be found in Salt Lake City, Ogden and at Sundance Mountain Resort. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Comfort Suites St George University Area, 301 Wakara WaySalt Lake City, UT 84108(801) 581-6927. Natural History Museum of Utah. 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. Red Hills Desert Garden is a cute introduction to Utahs grand, out-of-this-world terrain. The Gallivan Center, an outdoor skating rink, falls within the free-fare zone of Salt Lake's public transportation.This means on chilly nights families can opt for a short ride on the TRAX light rail from this . (And true enough, this isnt the only time Utah was chosen for Martian simulations.). For more information, see our Privacy Policy. The Cox Performing Arts Center is located at 225 S. 700 East, St. George, UT 84770. Map coming soon of where to visit. 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. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Plus Wendover Inn. For most travelers, Southern Utah winters prevent comfortable camping, and occasional snowfall can make outdoor adventure a little more challenging. Its called the Payson Community crche on Dec. 3 and Dec. 4. Snowmobiling is one of the most popular winter sports in Northern Utah, thanks to an abundance of snow, trails, and easy access. Maybe your teens can help you come up with the weirdest smore combination like starbursts and saltines. 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. Dec. 11 & 13 from 6-8:30 pm. 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. Whether youre a geek or an adventurer, this national monument has so much in store for you. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Salt Lake Marriott Downtown at City Creek, 110 400 WSalt Lake City, UT 84101(385) 468-7827. Now you are ready for total snowball war. Where: Snow banks, backyards, fields, parks. You can spend a day or a whole week here exploring the myriad trails, each offering their own sights, sounds and adventures. you got this. 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. 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. Tickets must be purchased in advance at the St. George Leisure Services Office, starting Nov. 22nd, 2021. We look for fun, easy adventures throughout the state of Utah and beyond. It's one of the state's top snowmobiling destinations. During the holiday season, Utahs Hogle Zoo lights up with over 200 lighted animal and holiday-themed displays in the evenings. There are many events and tons of lights in Helper since it is know as Christmas Town Utah. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Cant decide where to go in Utah with your other half? Stay for the sunset; its heavenly here. Visitors have to option to book a 1 hour, 2 hour, or half day dog sled tour from December (sometimes November) to March. The Galliavan Center offers ice skating opportunities, bringing you closer to the wintry season. FREE hot chocolate and doughnuts and wagon rides. 6 followers 6 connections. All Rights Reserved. Provo River Cruise(Provo) Dec. 1-23. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Plus Greenwell Inn, 12500 Sand Dune RoadKanab, UT 84741(435) 648-2800. Copyright 2023 Deseret News Publishing Company. Throughout the season, nights and shaded areas are quite chilly, while exploring in the sunshine can be delightful. In Utah, a Pueblo name that means people of the mountains, well show you how to take a break from whatever work, weather, the world or just about anything else throws at you.