The best holiday events in Utah this December

Putting up the lights, watching your favorite Christmas movies on repeat, hanging the stockings by the chimney (with care of course) — there’s no wrong way to get in the holiday spirit. But if you want to celebrate the season by getting some fresh air, drinking hot cocoa, taking in great performances and maybe seeing a certain gift-giving someone while you’re at it, there are lots of fun, family-friendly events in Utah to put some holiday pep in your step. Or should we say, some peppermint in your step … ermint. 

Light shows

These light shows and walks are so dazzling, they put Clark Griswold to shame. OK, not really, but we think that’s a good thing. It’ll save you a trip to the eye doctor. 

ZooLights at Hogle Zoo: Selected dates from December 6-30

There are no reindeer at the Hogle Zoo, but a trip to the ZooLights display will make you feel like you’ve stepped into the North Pole. Most habitats will be closed for the night (even non-present-delivering animals need their rest), but you’ll still see critters and creatures lit up in brilliant color as you walk through both nature and holiday scenes.

Tickets: $11.95-14.95.

Will Santa be there?: Yes! Santa will be there nightly from December 6-23.

Zoolights at Utah's Hogle Zoo transform the night into a festive wonderland of dazzling colors and enchanting displays. Photo Credit: Hogle Zoo

Luminaria at Thanksgiving Point: November 16-January 6

The walk through Thanksgiving Point’s Ashton Gardens has never been so magical, with the sights, sounds, tastes and smells (yes, smells) of the holidays on full display at Luminaria. Featuring 28 themed areas, a light and music show, interactive lights and even a seven-minute fire show, this holiday light walk certainly takes the “Go Big or Go on the Naughty List” approach.

Tickets: Adult: $27; Child: $20; Senior: $24.  Add-ons available. 

Will Santa be there?: No, but he will be at Breakfast with Santa at Thanksgiving Point on December 9 and 16.

Sight, sound, and smell converge to create an immersive journey through the enchanting wonders of light and color at Luminaria. Photo credit: Thanksgiving Point

Lightwalk at Tracy Aviary: November 24-December 23

The birds will all be fast asleep, dreaming of life as a snowy owl outside of Santa’s workshop, but you can still wander through eight acres of dazzling lights at Tracy Aviary’s Lightwalk. A walk-thru tunnel, holiday maze and countless light displays are all part of the fun, with holiday treats and beverages as a delicious bonus. 

Tickets: Adult: $17.95; Child: $13.95; Infant: Free; Bonus: $3 off with non-perishable food donations from Sunday to Thursday. 

Will Santa be there?: Yes! He’ll be there every night in a life-size gingerbread house!

Young kids stroll through a kaleidoscope of brilliance at Tracy Aviary's Lightwalk. Photo credit: Tracy Aviary

Holiday villages

In your neighborhood, there’s always that one neighbor who hangs up a wreath and calls it a day. But not in these holiday villages. Here, everyone’s Claus-O-Meter is set to 100. 

Ogden Christmas Village: November 25-January 1

There’s a lot to love about the Christmas Village in downtown Ogden, including lights, train rides and even fireworks, but the main draw are the Christmas cottages. Throughout the village, you’ll find unique holiday-themed cottages decorated by locals. This year’s theme is “There’s snow place like Ogden,” so you may see nods to O-town’s farmers market, demolition derby and rich film history. From Santa’s Spa to the North Pole Nature Center, there’s a lot of creativity on display, and it all adds up to a mini version of Santa’s Main Street. 

Tickets: Free!

Will Santa be there?: Yes! Monday-Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. and Saturdays from 5 to 9 p.m. Mrs. Claus also gives guided tours to preschool age children from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday-Friday.

Twinkling lights and festive decorations turn the heart of the city into a winter wonderland of holiday joy at Ogden Christmas Village. Photo credit: Ogden City

Candlelight Christmas at This is the Place Heritage Park: December 7-23

What was Christmas like in pioneer times? Find out at Candlelight Christmas, a (very) old-school village at This is the Place Heritage Park. There’s plenty to do here — the little ones can write letters to Santa (in cursive, obviously), make candles, see a live Nativity and listen to the Heritage Village Carolers. Enjoy a night of holiday fun and gain some gratitude for modern heating.

Tickets: Adults: $9.95;Seniors: $8.95; Children: $7.95; Children under 2: Free. 

Will Santa be there?: Yes! But he’s called Father Christmas ‘round these parts.

The past comes alive in the magical ambiance of Candlelight Christmas at This is the Place Heritage Park. Photo credit: This Is The Place Heritage Park

Holiday shows and performances

Dashing to the show, off to see a play, o’er the moon you’ll go, clapping all the way.

The Nutcracker: Multiple locations and dates

If you want to see this classic Christmas ballet, we’ve got good news and even more good news — it’s playing at multiple locations throughout the state, and each production is bound to awe and inspire you in its own unique way.

• Ballet West’s “The Nutcracker”: Capitol Theatre, Salt Lake City, December 8-27.

• Imagine Ballet Theatre’s “The Nutcracker”: Peery’s Egyptian Theater, Ogden, Dec 8, 9, 11, 15 and 16.

• Utah Metropolitan Ballet’s “Nutcracker”: Covey Center for the Arts, Provo, December 9-20.

Tickets: Prices vary.

Will Santa be there?: No, he can’t plié in his boots.

Every graceful movement tells a tale of enchantment and wonder at 'The Nutcracker.' Photo credit: Ballet West

Christmas Concert with the Tabernacle Choir in Temple Square: December 14-16

One of Utah’s most famous and beloved Christmas staples, the Christmas Concert with the Tabernacle Choir is an unforgettable musical event, whether it’s your first time seeing it or your fortieth. Each year’s concert features a mix of traditional and modern Christmas songs, and the 2023 version will also feature Broadway’s Michael Maliakel and Downton Abbey’s Lesley Nicol. Tickets to this concert are free through a lottery that ended in early November, but you can still find tickets on KSL Classifieds or snuggle up at home to watch a previous concert.

Tickets: Free via lottery. Prices vary on KSL Classifieds.

Will Santa be there?: No, he auditioned as a bass but didn’t get it.

Music becomes a magical celebration of joy and harmony with the enchanting melodies of the Christmas Concert by the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square. Photo credit: The Tabernacle Choir

Christmas Carol Sing-Along at the Delta Center: December 11

Before you hear the pros in the Tabernacle Choir sing, you’ll need an amateur to compare them to so you can be suitably impressed. Who better than yourself? Join along with thousands of other voices at this free family-friendly singalong at the Delta Center. This year’s event will feature The National Parks, Yahosh Bonner and the West Valley Symphony.

Tickets: Free!

Will Santa be there?: Yes, along with the Jazz Bear!

Photo credit: The Delta Center

A Christmas Carol at the Hale Centre Theatre: November 24-December 27

A different type of Christmas carol awaits you with the Hale Centre Theatre’s annual production of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” There have been endless retellings of this 180-year-old tale, but seeing it on stage drives home the simple beauty of its message. Note: This show is playing at both the Hale Centre Theatre in Sandy and the Hale Center Theater in Orem and the dates vary by location.

Tickets: Prices vary.

Will Santa be there?: No. But the Ghost of Christmas Present is kind of like Santa.

Photo credit: The Hale Center Theatre

Elf: The Musical at Hale Centre Theatre: November 8-January 6

See a modern Christmas classic come to life on stage with Elf: The Musical at the Hale Centre Theatre in Sandy. Fun for the whole family, this production tells the story of Buddy the Elf in the big city. It’s the story you know and love, now with song and dance, because the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear. Pro tip: We heard the Hale Centre has the world’s best cup of cocoa.

Tickets: Prices vary. Also available on KSL Classifieds. 

Will Santa be there?: He’ll be on stage with great tips for visiting New York.

Bonus events and activities

Your presents can be put in a box, but these events can’t. 

Ice Skating at the Gallivan Center: November-February

It’s hard to beat the classics, so why even try? A day or night of ice skating in downtown Salt Lake City can get even the Grinchiest among your group in the holiday spirit.

Tickets: Adults: $12.50. Seniors & Military: $11.50. Children 4-12: $10.50. Children 3 and under: $3.50. Bring your own skates: $8.50.

Will Santa be there?: No. Unless he’s just in the mood for skating.

Glide through winter bliss at the Gallivan Center's ice skating rink, where frosty fun meets city lights. Photo credit: Gallivan Center

Breakfast with Santa at Little America Hotel: Dec 10 and 17

Ever wonder how Santa’s belly gets so big? Find out at Breakfast With Santa at Little America Hotel. Enjoy a world-class breakfast and then meet the big man himself.

Tickets: Adult: $69 + 20% service charge. Child (12 and under): $25 + 20% service charge.

Will Santa be there?: Of course!

Photo credit: The Little America Hotel

Window Stroll at Grand America Hotel: November-January

Just across the street at the Grand America Hotel, there’s more holiday fun to check out. The Grand America Window Stroll is a walk around the hotel’s first floor featuring decorated window scenes and a life-size gingerbread house. This year’s stroll even features a scavenger hunt! Can you help little Jaqueline Frost find her kitty, Snowball? There could be a free night’s stay at the Grand America for you if you do. 

Tickets: Free!

Will Santa be there?: No, he’s sleeping off his big breakfast. 

Feast your eyes on the sweet spectacle at The Grand America Hotel—a monumental gingerbread masterpiece that transforms the lobby into a festive confectionery dream. Photo credit: The Grand America Hotel

Find tickets to these incredible holiday events and more on KSL Classifieds.

Browse tickets on KSL Classifieds.