For a more unforgettable experience, book a tour with a Navajo guide! 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. (And true enough, this isnt the only time Utah was chosen for Martian simulations.). 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. During the holiday season, Utah's Hogle Zoo lights up with over 200 lighted animal and holiday-themed displays in the evenings. Tubing is the answer. . Recommended Hotel Nearby: Kimpton Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City, 195 W Center StreetCedar City, UT, 84720(800) 752-9849. You sample collect hot chocolate and cookies on the tour as you embrace the true magic of the holiday season. 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 The real Up house was built in 2011 by Bangerter Homes with permission from Disney. I think theres live music as well. 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 . The Midway Ice Castles are sculpted entirely from ice and span several acres of space, enough to pack in tunnels, ice slides, and magical spaces that kids and adults alike are sure to love. No matter how you like to get outside, Utah Valley has From train rides and quilt shops to fairy gardens and A weird uncle and a blunt grandmother are a given. Capitol Reef - 1.8 days / 2.2 inches. Beginning the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas comes to Temple Square with turning on the lights. Four furry friends help the Solitude Ski Patrol do their duties. Get off at Historic Union Station and choo choo! Experience more peace, quiet and solitude. 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. St. George Gingerbread House Parade (St. George): Nov. 29-Dec. 11 Different businesses have gingerbread houses on display. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Canyons Boutique Hotel A Canyons Collection Property, Interstate 80Wendover, UT 84083(801) 977-4300. Live Nativity at the Orchard (Orem): December 10 from 6-8 pm. Use that energy to build a snow fort. Or hikeEnsign PeakTrail on a clear day and get a 100-mile view of Salt Lake Valley. Visitors and locals alike flock to this annual performance of William Christensens The Nutcracker, which highlights the incredible full-length choreography of this classic childrens story. Use code AdventureFamily15 to save 15% off tickets. When visiting the Sundance Film Festival in Utah, movies are only part of the experience. 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. Whether you come to ski or snowboard, to mountain bike Slickrock in Moab Utah, to take a summer whitewater rafting splash down Cataract Canyon, or to visit the Old West with a tour of outlaw hideouts and stickups, Utah has adventure waiting. More than 200 lighted animal and holiday-themed displays illuminate the holiday season. MDRS sometimes schedules visitor days on their Facebook page during the spring too, so go check out their page. For adult beverages head to the Gibson Girl Lounge, and for something truly special with the family make a reservation for Afternoon Tea in The Lobby before checking out the displays. But that's just the beginning. You can head over to Gardner Village to grab some breakfast with Santa Claus himself. Imagine a desert of peach-pink sand surrounded by rust-colored cliffs and contrasted by pastel blue skies. Bonus: you can ride the carousel and sometimes see a few animals. 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. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Evermore Park Aurora Winter Festival:Pleasant Grove. 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 . You can also watch scientists as they prep new specimens and be a paleontologist for a day at the dinosaur dig! Candlelight Christmas at This is the Place Heritage Park: Dec. 7-23 from 5-9 PM. This year we organized our list by county to help you more readily find activities near your home. Passes to ski and snowboard resorts are expensive, but dont give up yet, powder pauper. The Uinta Mountains are about 100 miles east of Salt Lake City and just a few minutes from Vernal in Eastern Utah. From sliding down gentle slopes to racing down 1,200 foot lanes, there is tubing for everyone in Utah. Kite skiing (snow kiting) is attracting freestyle adventure seekers to Utah. 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. All Rights Reserved. Nov. 18-Jan. 1, Saratoga Springs Christmas Light Drive: 8 different houses in one nightFREE, Engh Family Christmas Lights: Saratoga SpringsFREE, A Very Merry Meridian: Saratoga SpringsFREE, Lehi Christmas Lights: Lehi (11 different houses pretty close to each other)FREE, Edwards Family Lights Show: Pleasant GroveFREE, Pleasant Grove Christmas Lights:9 Houses in one night. Finally! Imagine an old-fashioned theater experience, with costumed vendors all around selling snacks and drinks. And you can visit Santa as part of your admission price to Zoo Lights. Park City is the epicenter, but Sundance venues can also be found in Salt Lake City, Ogden and at Sundance Mountain Resort. 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. Even the interior of the house from wallpaper to furniture is a complete replica from Carl and Ellies home in the film! Perhaps another activity you wouldnt expect to be available in Utah,sled dog toursare available in Park City. Outlets at Traverse Mountain Virtual Tree Lighting(Lehi): November 20 @ 5:30 pmFREE. Resting at the bottom of a 55 foot-tall crater in Midway, Utah there is a warm pool of geothermal waters that is perfect for swimming, relaxing and even diving year round. This beautiful event brings the light and joy of the holiday season to the South 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. Contact Info. Southern Utahs wilds are wearing their winter splendor. But with some advanced planning and a good set of layers, these small impediments are easily handled. Learn everything you need to know for a cheap luxury ski trip. 6 followers 6 connections. Sounds good!) The 2002 Winter Olympics helped put Utah on the map, and the 2014 Olympics in Sochi, Russia, proved that Utah is a hub for Winter Olympic glory with Utahns collecting 11 medals. Theres a vegetarian buffet afterwards, a brief session of kirtan in the temple room, a visit to the gift store, and a tour around the grounds. All rights reserved. Camping & Backpacking, Hiking, History and Heritage, Non-ski Winter Activities, Scenic Drives/Road Trips, Stargazing. Park City Electric Light Parade: December 4 @ 4-6:30 pm FREE, Park City Snow Globe Stroll: Park City, November 25-January 5 FREE, WhoLiday Lighting in the Orchard: November 15 @ 6:00-8:00 pm FREE, Lighting of the Riverwoods (Provo): November 19 @ 6:00-9:00 pmFREE. International finals, national championships, regional events and homegrown extravaganzas all take place in Ogden, Utah. Just make sure you do it before Dec. 24 since hes pretty busy that day. 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. Bonus: you can ride the carousel and sometimes see a few animals. George, UT 84770(435) 673-3617. 10. Where : Salt Lake City. 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. And the fun doesn't stop on Christmas Day. More info here. West Salt Lake Valley Christmas Light Drive: We created this list with 8 awesome stops in the West area of Salt Lake valley. 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 (Salty and sweet? The Bonneville Salt Flats cover 30,000 acres of white salt crust one the western edge of the Great Salt Lake. We were there in late December 2021 and it was chilly but not particularly cold during the day. It takes up part of Arizona and southern Utah. Stroll around the garden and encounter different plant collections and themed gardens. Discount code adventure15 to save 15% off tickets. The Great Salt Lake may sometimes be called Americas very own Dead Sea, but unlike the actual Dead Sea, a treasure trove of life thrives in this lake. The Red Butte Garden is a beautiful and picturesque destination located in the foothills of the Wasatch Range in Salt Lake City. Once upon a time, the library was a place of silence and stern librarians. For most travelers, Southern Utah winters prevent comfortable camping, and occasional snowfall can make outdoor adventure a little more challenging. 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. Plan a winter Southeastern Utah trip. Where: Utahs family-friendly ski resorts. There are trails that lead to slot canyons, arches, waterfalls, forest, and scrublands, all waiting for you to explore. The classic, winter tradition of finding the perfect hill from which to launch a tube or sled is alive and well in Utah. And camping is an excellent option for those who want to explore the lake at a leisurely pace. 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. Cant decide where to go in Utah with your other half? Need winter break ideas? Or feel the "freedom" at The Gateway and City Creek Center, two local malls also known for providing free, fun events. If you were looking for cheap yet visually appealing destinations, Red Hills Desert Garden opens its doors to you for free! Featuring extraordinary golf courses, outdoorsy Utah activities, Jurassic-era dinosaur tracks, a childrens museum, and more, St. George is a haven of fun for golfers, fearless teens, and active kids. Dont forget to wear long underwear under your Olaf costume. 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. Book ariver tripor reserve that popularcampsiteyour family loves. FREE hot chocolate and doughnuts and wagon rides. Star of Wonder opens this week at the West Valley Performing Arts Center. We also highly suggest taking the three-hour Sound and Light Show tour along the Colorado River. Lights on Wakefield: This event is currently not happening because of changes in city ordinances. Get discounts on lift tickets. Navajos have been here since AD 1,400. Want to avoid the Utah national park crowds? Needless to say kids love it! Hiking, rafting, and camping are some of the most popular activities at Dinosaur National Monument. After an adventure packed vacation of skiing, sliding, exploring and marvelling, the only thing left to do is relax and recount your favorite moments. Moqui Caves temperatures never go beyond 65 degrees, and theres a nice outdoor cafe that serves refreshing snacks and cold drinks. Smaller resorts likeNordic ValleyandBrian Headeven offer free season passes for kids 10 and under. Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity. Everything is fascinating but your kids might beeline to the dinosaur gallery to get skull to skull with Allosaurus, Utahceratops and Utahraptor. Another things you could add to your list of things to do in Utah in December, is to take the kids to see the animal themed lights at Hoogle Zoo, or celebrate with them for an early countdown to New Year's on New Years Eve! Guests are invited to make smores, sip hot chocolate, and explore the 135-foot tunneled walkway. 90 South West Temple In warmer months, outdoor adventurers will have a blast exploring the natural beauties through horseback riding or hiking. Midway Tree Lighting Celebration: November 27 @6:15-9 pmFREE. Use the search tool below to see what holiday events you can enjoy during your next winter visit and create new traditions for your family this year. Many tickets are already on sale and some events begin before Thanksgiving, so we want to share our big list of Christmas Activities Utah 2021 out to you as soon as possible. Zion offers horseback riding, glamping, scenic drives, nature walks, picnic sites, and lodging. found in the higher elevation regions of Southern Utah, Fresh Tracks in Kamas Utah's Snowcountry, Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity. And the fun doesnt stop on Christmas Day. Youll get to see firsthand how much the dogs love being on the team and pulling guests on the sleds. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Plus Wendover Inn. Nativities Nativity in the Glen (SLC): Dec. 3 from 6-9 PM. Tickets required. Join to view profile . They bloom during the spring, by the way! Tree will be lit at 6:00. We also highly suggest taking the three-hour Sound and Light Show tour along the Colorado River. How's that for a Utah family winter activity? Red Hills Desert Garden is a cute introduction to Utahs grand, out-of-this-world terrain. During the holiday season, Utahs Hogle Zoo lights up with over 200 lighted animal and holiday-themed displays in the evenings. The annual performance of William Christensens The Nutcracker returns for 2021. Nestled in the junction of the Colorado Plateau, Great Basin, and Mojave Desert regions, Zion National Park has an abundance of unique landscapes and biodiversity. 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. Utahs Wasatch Mountains are a popular destination. Ski Southern Utah: High Alpine Trails + Red Rock Wonder. 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! Recommended Hotel Nearby: Gouldings Lodge, 50 N TempleSalt Lake City, UT 84150(801) 531-1000, At the heart of Salt Lake City is the magnificent Temple Square, a 10-acre complex owned by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Winter visitors to Zion National Park will find plenty to do, including hiking, photography and gazing up at the wonders of the night sky. Whether youre a geek or an adventurer, this national monument has so much in store for you. I will move on . Tickets sell out quickly for this limited engagement event, so make sure to buy your tickets well in advance. 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. Follow His Star Creche exhibit (Midway): exhibit of over 500 creches. 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. With a little extra planning, good layers, and the right equipment, however, you can enjoy Utah's national parks in the solitude of winter. 4.5 /5 (805 reviews) Lake Powell is part of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. A Pioneer Christmas: Provo Pioneer Village on Dec. 17, 18, and 20 from 5-8 pm. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Dec. 11-24. At the Utah Olympic Park in Park City, you can learn all about our Olympic heritage, watch future Olympians train for competition and reach over 60 mph on the Comet Bobsled Ride. Take a cruise on the Provo River and Santa rows up in a row boat. Copyright 2023 Deseret News Publishing Company. Mon, Fri, and Sat from November 26December 22. Dec. 11 & 13 from 6-8:30 pm. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Little America Hotel Salt Lake City, 311 West 8500 SouthSpanish Fork, UT 84660(801) 787-1510. 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. 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. Adventure, Hiking, History and Heritage, Native American, Non-ski Winter Activities, Scenic Drives/Road Trips, Stargazing. Copyright Family Destinations Guide 2023. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Marriotts MountainSide, Related: Best Ski Resorts in Utah for Families. Liberty Park is popular for hosting food . 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. Keep the contradictions going by cruising along the Waterpocket Fold, a water-free buckle of land that serves as the backbone of the park. Experience a world unlike anything youve ever imagined in the high desert mountains and plummeting canyons of south-central Utah. Written October 2, 2021. So you can do this adventure after Christmas, too. Anna and Elsa fans will appreciate the frozen wonderland all lit up at night in blue and pink. Browse through Lovelands educational exhibits and experience one-of-a-kind animal encounters with sharks, stingrays, and penguins! Dan Craner, Festival of Trees executive board member, puts signs on trees for the 51st annual Festival of Trees at the Mountain America Expo Center in Sandy on Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021. Walk around downtown and vote on your favorite gingerbread creations. Alpine Living Nativity (Alpine): Dec. 2-4, 10-11. 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. To help you jump-start your journey to the American West, here are the best things to do in Utah. Suggested Read: 10 Museums In Washington DC For An Insight Into The American History. Snowmobile vacations are popular outdoor adventures. Ice skating is a favorite winter activity among Salt Lakers. Previous Group Additional holiday events at Thanksgiving Point abound, so be sure to check for the events that best fit your family and budget. 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. Thanks for @Stgeorge_Kids for giving us a few ideas for the St. George area. Walk through time on a switchbacking boardwalk through the fossil record at the Natural History Museum of Utah. Park City Mountain Resort is the largest ski resort in the US! Saltwater is highly corrosive, and soft mud lies beneath the layer of salt crust. Winter in the Ogden Valley showcases some of the best of Northern Utah, from backcountry trails to downtown eats and events. We look for fun, easy adventures throughout the state of Utah and beyond. Southern Utah comes alive in winter with unexpected experiences for those who are well-prepared and solitude for those who want to expand their view. Tickets include sleigh ride, cocoa, and sledding hill. Then add some ice sculpture gargoyles to intimidate the enemy. A lot of the fun things to do in Utah are in Moab, such as off-roading, hiking, and even whitewater rafting. As youre mapping out your winter trip through southeastern Utah, consider adding the following parks and natural wonders to your itinerary. Things to Do in Utah, United States: See Tripadvisor's 1,327,933 traveler reviews and photos of Utah tourist attractions. 10. Find your next ride here. Each of these annual events are held in Salt Lake and Utah counties. Start Planning Your Summer VacationIt's never too late to look forward to summer. Skip the crowded peak season and embrace the quiet of a winter visit to Arches National Park. Christmas at the Orchard: Orem Nov. 16-Jan. 2 from 5-11 PMFREE, Spanish Fork Lights: Spanish Fork November 25-Jan. 1, Salem Pond Lights: SalemNov. 26-Jan. 1 FREE, Shepherd Family Christmas Lights: Spanish Fork.