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. Santas Grand Arrival at University Place: November 26 @ 9:30 am (Santa arrives via helicopter), Salem Pond Christmas Lighting(Salem): November 26 @ 6-9 PM. You can also have supper at one of the booths. And the fun doesnt stop on Christmas Day. Its surrounding gardens feature native plants, a Vietnam memorial, and a monument for the Mormon Battalion. Saltwater is highly corrosive, and soft mud lies beneath the layer of salt crust. Bring the kids and countdown to the New Year (well before midnight) with a special lighted countdown display. Camping & Backpacking, Climbing & Canyoneering, Cycling, Fishing, Glamping, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Non-ski Winter Activities, Scenic Drives/Road Trips, Stargazing. Completed in 1916, this Neoclassical revival, Corinthian-style building has seen so much struggle and growth since Utahs early beginnings as a state. Athletes still train here, and ski schools in Utah resorts might be the start of a future Olympians career. Find popular Nordic trailheads in the north, high altitude serenity in central Utah and miles of regularly groomed trails in the south. You sample collect hot chocolate and cookies on the tour as you embrace the true magic of the holiday season. 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. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Comfort Inn & Suites Tooele-Salt Lake City, 11625 E 1500 SJensen, UT 84035(435) 781-7700. Next Group. The Salt Lake City Public Library is one of the most stunning works of modernist architecture, designed by internationally acclaimed architect Moshe Safdie. Rileys Family Christmas(Genola): Monday, Friday, & Saturday starting November 29 from 5:30-8:30. Salt Lake City, UT 84101 Things to Do in Utah, United States: See Tripadvisor's 1,327,933 traveler reviews and photos of Utah tourist attractions. Experience Exciting Events Every Day of the Year! 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. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Salt Lake Marriott Downtown at City Creek, 110 400 WSalt Lake City, UT 84101(385) 468-7827. We look for fun, easy adventures throughout the state of Utah and beyond. 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. For Sparta! The Loveland Living Planet Aquarium is home to many creatures both scaly and feathered. Encompassing almost 36,000 acres, the monumental splendor of Bryce Canyon National Park has long been recognized by man for thousands of years. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Home2 Suites by Hilton Salt Lake City-East, 300 Wakara WaySalt Lake City, UT 84108(801) 585-0556. Tour around the 19th-century temple and surrounding architectural wonders as you take a trip back in time to the historical events and the religion that shaped the city. Start making summer vacation plans today. Hardcore hikers and climbers brave Zion National Park for its challenging terrains, while families come for outdoorsy trips and easy trails. Youll step into two national parks, three state parks, and all the scenic winding roads your heart could desire. Find the best ice skating rinks in Utah and plan the perfect skate night with your friends and family. More details on entering here. Live Nativity at the Orchard (Orem): December 10 from 6-8 pm. 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. Time: 2-3 hours. 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. Just make sure you do it before Dec. 24 since hes pretty busy that day. It takes up part of Arizona and southern Utah. They have lazy rivers, slides and buckets that pour water in your eyeballs when you least expect it. Moab is the gateway to Utahs famous red rock formations and home to some of the best resorts and hotels in the state. Tickets required. St. George Gingerbread House Parade (St. George): Nov. 29-Dec. 11 Different businesses have gingerbread houses on display. Spending some time on the ice rink might bring that magical vibe of the holiday season. Sometimes an adrenaline pumping day on the slopes calls for an early morning hike along a peacefully quiet snowshoe track. Stroll around the garden and encounter different plant collections and themed gardens. FREE. Find your next ride here. Lake Powell. The performances will happen throughout December. Not only does it guarantee a great time for skiers; it also offers non-skiers and snowboarders lots of chances to frolic in the snow. 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. Stay up to date by subscribing to one of our Newsletters. Its our chance to sparkle as the streets light up with celebrations and joy. Where: Various locations on the Wasatch Front andPark City. And camping is an excellent option for those who want to explore the lake at a leisurely pace. Ready? Use code LEHIMOMs to save 20% off. (Salty and sweet? Hiking, rafting, and camping are some of the most popular activities at Dinosaur National Monument. Hiking in winter is perfect for getting the family out of the house and into the crisp fresh air. Maybe your teens can help you come up with the weirdest smore combination like starbursts and saltines. 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. Definitely among the top places to see in Utah, the Grand StaircaseEscalante National Monument is nothing short of, well, grand. When visiting the Sundance Film Festival in Utah, movies are only part of the experience. This desert is dramatic. 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. Ut ah Popular in Utah See more RootsTech After Party for Young Adults RootsTech After Party for Young Adults Learn more about why Bryce Canyon and the surrounding areas are the perfect place for winter hiking, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Sounds good!) U.S. Olympic Team Trials Speed Skating December 17-19, 2021, 11 am-9 pm Utah Olympic Oval, Kearns. Dec. 11 & 13 from 6-8:30 pm. Explore all the different shelves offering some of the best books, stories, and novels. The annual performance of William Christensens The Nutcracker returns for 2021. 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. Whether youre a geek or an adventurer, this national monument has so much in store for you. Youll find holiday markets, festivals, concerts, pop up bars, dance performances, musicals, and more to celebrate the holiday season in Salt Lake. See All Itineraries Previous Group This beautiful event brings the light and joy of the holiday season to the South Valley. Let it all go on a walk through the Ice Castles in Midway. Copyright 2023 Utah Office of Tourism. Things can be a little quieter down here this time of year. Experience more peace, quiet and solitude. 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. Experience more peace, quiet and solitude. Use that energy to build a snow fort. Instead of having yet another movie night, try a backyard bonfire with hot chocolate and smores. During the holiday season, Utahs Hogle Zoo lights up with over 200 lighted animal and holiday-themed displays in the evenings. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Kimpton Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City, 195 W Center StreetCedar City, UT, 84720(800) 752-9849. Let your kids get soaked in the Waterworks section or break out of jail in Kidopolis. Live Nativity and Luminary Walk: Clark Historic Farm in Grantsville. 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. Visitors have to option to book a 1 hour, 2 hour, or half day dog sled tour from December (sometimes November) to March. BIG IRON TOUR CO. - Veteran & Locally Owned Off-Road Tour Company. Recommended Hotel Nearby: SpringHill Suites by Marriott Salt Lake City Draper, 350 State StreetSalt Lake City, UT 84103(801) 538-1800. You can now visit the iconic house from the tear-jerking film Up at 13218 Herriman Rose Boulevard in Herriman, Utah. Zootah Christmas Lights: (Logan): November 27-Dec.18 (Th, F, and Sat). 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. Where: Various locations along the Wasatch FrontUtahs new and improved public swimming pools are basically playgrounds. FREE, Cross E Ranch Christmas at the RanchNovember 26-Dec. 23. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Little America Hotel Salt Lake City, 311 West 8500 SouthSpanish Fork, UT 84660(801) 787-1510. 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. Beginning the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas comes to Temple Square with turning on the lights. . With a little extra planning, good layers, and the right equipment, however, you can enjoy Utah's national parks in the solitude of winter. 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. 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. Guests are invited to make smores, sip hot chocolate, and explore the 135-foot tunneled walkway. Want to avoid the Utah national park crowds? 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. Each year, the Mountain America Expo Center hosts the Festival of Trees, which is a major holiday convention where crafty people can meet decorators and vendors in the community. 10. 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. More details on their event post. Tickets must be purchased in advance at the St. George Leisure Services Office, starting Nov. 22nd, 2021. For more information, see our Privacy Policy. Say hi to the toucans, then stare at the mesmerizing sharks. Plan a winter Southeastern Utah trip. Its a relatively easy and affordable way to get outside and the perfect way to watch the sun rise over the Wasatch range. Things To Do Lodging Tours & Guides Deals Events Store Maps & Brochures Share Events So, you're looking for things to do in Utah . Walk through time on a switchbacking boardwalk through the fossil record at the Natural History Museum of Utah. To help you jump-start your journey to the American West, here are the best things to do in Utah. Finally! 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. Discount code adventure15 to save 15% off tickets. Brilliant. Get some ideas from our road tripitineraries, bucket lists and family-friendly hikes. Miscellaneous Written October 2, 2021. Check out the retired engines and cabooses outside and head inside to watch some model trains doing their thing. We are a family of 5 with three boys who love to be outside. Finally, businesses in many of Utahs smaller communities shutter for the season. The Park City Mountain Resort Alpine Coaster is an elevated track featuring toboggan-style cars that take you through more than . Each of these annual events are held in Salt Lake and Utah counties. I think theres live music as well. Other presentations include "The Christ Child" in the Conference Center Theater. And the fun doesn't stop on Christmas Day. Showings run every 15 minutes from 4:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Young Living Family Farm Country Christmas (Mona): Wagon Rides and Light Display. AndShesDopeToo is a worldwide adventure community of women run by Jennifer and Taylor Killian from Ogden, Utah. Tours around the temple are available daily for you to check out the temples elaborate architecture, animals, and organic crops. Let us know if we are missing your favorite Christmas activity by sending us an email: info@utahsadventurefamily.com, Christmas in Downtown Tree Lighting and Parade (Logan): November 27 at 4:30-7:30 (4:30 Santa arrives, 5:30 Tree Lighting, visits with Santa until 7:30 FREE. 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. 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. This children's museum is educational in a delightfully tactile way. FREE hot chocolate and doughnuts and wagon rides. 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. Things can be a little quieter down here this time of year. All Rights Reserved. Lay back and watch the scenery as you and your kids glide down the longest tubing hill in Utah then take the magic carpet back up. All rights reserved. 1661 East Murray-Holladay Road (4800 South), Where: Various locations in Salt Lake City. But with some advanced planning and a good set of layers, these small impediments are easily handled. The real Up house was built in 2011 by Bangerter Homes with permission from Disney. As you visit, do your part to keep Utah Forever Mighty. You can head over to Gardner Village to grab some breakfast with Santa Claus himself. From pink desert sand and castle-like Mormon temples to glowing rocks and Hindu architecture, Utah is actually and unbelievably underrated. Zoo Lights: SLC Dec. 3-23, 26-31 from 5:30-9:30 pm. Then add color with snow paint. Use code AdventureFamily15 to save 15% off tickets. More info here. Lace up and get skating! 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. The classic, winter tradition of finding the perfect hill from which to launch a tube or sled is alive and well in Utah. 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. 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. Things to Do in Sandy, Utah: See Tripadvisor's 12,193 traveler reviews and photos of Sandy tourist attractions. As youre mapping out your winter trip through southeastern Utah, consider adding the following parks and natural wonders to your itinerary. The counties are listed generally from north to south in Utah. The historic park transforms for the season with costumes, decorations, treats, sweets, and arts and crafts of all kind available for purchase. The house makes perfect photo ops inside and outside, but make sure you contact the current owners of the house first before you go beyond the white picket fence. Bonus: you can ride the carousel and sometimes see a few animals. For the holidays, This Is The Place Heritage Park transforms into a Christmas wonderland with sweet treats and arts-and-crafts events. Learn about the cool places to kite ski in Utah, grab your equipment and go! Request a free copy or view the latest guide online. Located 25 minutes away from Park City, Bear Ridge Adventures also offers authentic dog sled tours on scenic private property. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Plus Greenwell Inn Related: Best Family Hotels in Utah Related: Things to Do in Moab 10. No list of the best places to visit in Utah is complete without a visit to Zion National Park. Utahsstateandnational parkswill be thawed out before you know it! Lights on Wakefield: This event is currently not happening because of changes in city ordinances. Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity. We use cookies to improve your experience on Utah.com. Try this: ride the FrontRunner commuter train up to the Utah State Railroad Museum in Ogden. Dont forget to wear long underwear under your Olaf costume. Head to Utah County and check out the beautiful Bridal Veil Falls in its icy glory. Ready to experience snowshoeing in Utah? Map coming soon of where to visit. Winter rewards hikers with stunning sights of stalactites and snow covered mountains. Our favorite Christmas adventure! FREE. Snowmobiling is one of the most popular winter sports in Northern Utah, thanks to an abundance of snow, trails, and easy access. Since we live in Utah County, you will notice that we have visited many more spots in Utah and Salt Lake counties. International finals, national championships, regional events and homegrown extravaganzas all take place in Ogden, Utah. They bloom during the spring, by the way! 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. There are thousands of books to explore, fireplaces on all four floors, an art gallery, a coffee shop, a spiral grand staircase, and three glass elevators. Hiking, Non-ski Winter Activities, Scenic Drives/Road Trips, Ski and Snowboard, Stargazing. Sledding is a winter classic that every kid has gotta try at least once. By clicking "I Agree", you consent to the use of cookies. Sleigh Rides on the Farm at American West Heritage Center (Wellsville): Dec. 4, 11, 18, 20-23, 27-Jan. 1. 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. As daytime shredders check-out between 3 and 4 p.m., a new ski shift begins. Get More Mountain Time Christmas at the Homestead(Cedar City): Frontier Homestead Museum has decorations, including the Twelve Trees of Christmas. Contact Info. Cost: $9.95-$14.95 per person. In winter, families may try icy pursuits, such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. How's that for a Utah family winter activity? Bryce Canyon - 5.7 days / 15.3 inches. Moving from city to summit doesn't take long. Fun times for kids who like trains. 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. Previous Group Provo River Cruise(Provo) Dec. 1-23. The Utah State Capitol sits atop Salt Lake Citys Capitol Hill, which overlooks the capitals downtown area. Santas Arrival at Station Park(Farmington): November 26 @ 9-11 AM. It's quaint and cute just like Midway. Traditionally a sing-along, this has been changed to a performance only due to the pandemic. Thanks for @Stgeorge_Kids for giving us a few ideas for the St. George area. No matter what kind of winter adventure youre looking for, youre sure to find it in Ogden. St. George is a city on the southwest corner of the Arizona border and is known for its recreational opportunities all year round. Discover Utahs Wellness Retreats. Time slots are available every half hour, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. 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. Responsible Winter Recreation. Youll find the festive spirit in every direction, without breaking the bank. A lot of the fun things to do in Utah are in Moab, such as off-roading, hiking, and even whitewater rafting. There are trails that lead to slot canyons, arches, waterfalls, forest, and scrublands, all waiting for you to explore. Where: Utahs family-friendly ski resorts. Such is the serendipitous landscape of Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, a huge sandy playground for outdoor adventurers. More than 6,000 lights are used to create a breathtaking display along a mile-long walk in Ashton Gardens.