Explore the solar system, black holes, alien landscapes, and distant galaxies through interactive and mind-churning exhibits and activities at the planetarium. However, as more dogs joined the pack Team G Sled Dogs was born. 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. 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. 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 . Wondering where to go snowshoeing? Salt Lake during the holidays? Follow His Star Creche exhibit (Midway): exhibit of over 500 creches. Their boat launch is perfect for families who want to motor or sail atop the salty waters. Theyve gone digital too. The Salt Lake City Public Library is one of the most stunning works of modernist architecture, designed by internationally acclaimed architect Moshe Safdie. More info here. If youre curious about the extravagance of Hindu festivals, you can also join the temples grand celebrations of Holi and Diwali! No matter what kind of winter adventure youre looking for, youre sure to find it in Ogden. Spending some time on the ice rink might bring that magical vibe of the holiday season. Recreational opportunities and gorgeous scenery also await, and sunsets here turn skies into a kaleidoscope of colors. FREE, Brigham City Christmas Village (Brigham City): Dec. 2-Jan. 3 Located at 1 South Main street in Brigham CIty. St. George Town Square Tree Lighting: November 29 at 6 8 pm FREE Santa will be here! Instead of having yet another movie night, try a backyard bonfire with hot chocolate and smores. 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. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Marriotts MountainSide, Related: Best Ski Resorts in Utah for Families. Miscellaneous We all have been entranced by the existence of dinosaurs at some point of our lives. New location this year. Stay up to date by subscribing to one of our Newsletters. But do know that theyre busy during this time, especially if you see them in space suits, so dont go about approaching the station without permission. A Sundance ski vacation is the perfect blend of Utah ski bliss and the year's most promising films. Tickets required, Christmas on the Farm Live Nativity(Cedar City): Dec. 6, & 13 at 6-8 PM. What if you and/or the kids are caught somewhere between feeling confident on the slopes and too energetic to go snowshoeing? Learn more about Utah's Olympic legacyand best spots to relive the games. Bonus: you can ride the carousel and sometimes see a few animals. West Jordan, Utah, United States. Encompassing almost 36,000 acres, the monumental splendor of Bryce Canyon National Park has long been recognized by man for thousands of years. 1661 East Murray-Holladay Road (4800 South), Where: Various locations in Salt Lake City. Home to more than 2,000 gigantic sandstone arches, this national park sees more than 1.6 million curious visitors every year. Discount code adventure15 to save 15% off tickets. Learn more about why Bryce Canyon and the surrounding areas are the perfect place for winter hiking, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. 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. By clicking "I Agree", you consent to the use of cookies. Hiking, Non-ski Winter Activities, Scenic Drives/Road Trips, Ski and Snowboard. Definitely among the top places to see in Utah, the Grand StaircaseEscalante National Monument is nothing short of, well, grand. Pleasant fall wraps Utah in colorful foliage along the scenic drives. Arches National Park has been frequented by humans since 10,000 years ago, as evidenced by petroglyphs and artifacts found in the area. Experience more peace, quiet and solitude. 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. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Comfort Inn & Suites Tooele-Salt Lake City, 11625 E 1500 SJensen, UT 84035(435) 781-7700. AndShesDopeToo is a worldwide adventure community of women run by Jennifer and Taylor Killian from Ogden, Utah. Weve collected 11 iconic Christmas events for you and your family to embrace this holiday season. Characterized by red rocks and natural amphitheaters carved by frost weathering and stream erosion, Bryce Canyon attracts almost three million visitors every year. These special walking tours include hot chocolate and cookies for saleas guests and visitors to the hotel observe these displays. The market is open from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. for one weekend only in December as local and visitors alike get into the spirit of the holiday season. Liberty Park is popular for hosting food . Finding Helper at a time when she needed it the most, landscape artist Anne Kaferle has put down roots in Utah, thanks to plein-air painting and the healing power of time alone in the landscape. Moving from city to summit doesn't take long. Let your kids get soaked in the Waterworks section or break out of jail in Kidopolis. 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. The counties are listed generally from north to south in Utah. 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. I think theres live music as well. Bryce Canyon - 5.7 days / 15.3 inches. More than 200 lighted animal and holiday-themed displays illuminate the holiday season. 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! North Pole Express(Heber) Nov. 22 Dec. 23. 10. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Cathedral Valley Inn, 375 Red Hills ParkwaySt. As youre mapping out your winter trip through southeastern Utah, consider adding the following parks and natural wonders to your itinerary. Evermore Park Aurora Winter Festival:Pleasant Grove. 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. 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. It's like going from the bottom of the ocean to the canopies of the Amazon Rainforest in one day. Zoo Lights: SLC Dec. 3-23, 26-31 from 5:30-9:30 pm. Take a contemplative walk around the grounds and catch the hourly docent-led tours inside the Utah State Capitol. Anna and Elsa fans will appreciate the frozen wonderland all lit up at night in blue and pink. Utah hotels near Lake Powell can be found scattered from north to south, with the southern end being the most active for one of the major activities on Lake Powellhouseboating. 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. As you visit, do your part to keep Utah Forever Mighty. In the winter months, Utah's five national parks and their surrounding country are full of solitude and with an adventurous spirit to shrug off mild doses of moody weather you can count on having red rock country all to yourself. Additional holiday events at Thanksgiving Point abound, so be sure to check for the events that best fit your family and budget. FREE, Spanish Fork Winter Lights Parade: November 27 @ 7:00 PM FREE, Luminaria: Thanksgiving Point in Lehi. Things To Do Outdoor Brian Head Cedar Breaks National Parks Outdoor Activities Recreation Areas Discovery Trails City Utah Shakespeare Festival Art and Culture Shopping Visitor Services Communities Groups and Meetings Cedar City Walks Events Food & Drink Lodging Experiences Contact My Bucket List Events Try this: ride the FrontRunner commuter train up to the Utah State Railroad Museum in Ogden. Previously a prehistoric lake that once covered a large area of Utah millions of years ago, the Great Salt Lake is the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere. 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. In downtown Salt Lake, the city lights the streets with holiday-themed displays. 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. Experience Exciting Events Every Day of the Year! North Pole Festival: Rio Tinto Stadium. A Pioneer Christmas: Provo Pioneer Village on Dec. 17, 18, and 20 from 5-8 pm. Visitors have to option to book a 1 hour, 2 hour, or half day dog sled tour from December (sometimes November) to March. This children's museum is educational in a delightfully tactile way. Box 750027 75 East 100 North Torrey, Utah 84775 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. 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. Additional skating venues can be found throughout the valley and include the Olympic-level facilities that are open to the public. It is free and easy to tour the grounds and see the lights any night of the season. Copyright 2023 Utah Office of Tourism. Fine, here's a plethora of Utah events to keep you feeling fulfilled. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Homewood Suites By Hilton SLC/Draper. Capitol Reef - 1.8 days / 2.2 inches. Explore snowmobiling. 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. Admission is free to this annual Christmas market in Salt Lakes Foothill District. Experience a world unlike anything youve ever imagined in the high desert mountains and plummeting canyons of south-central Utah. Cant decide where to go in Utah with your other half? Youll find holiday markets, festivals, concerts, pop up bars, dance performances, musicals, and more to celebrate the holiday season in Salt Lake. Discover three world-class ski resorts located just 20 minutes from downtown, and enjoy 450 inches of powdery snow each season. 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. 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. Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity. We were there in late December 2021 and it was chilly but not particularly cold during the day. Now you can start planning your holiday season. Stroll through the re-created Utahn terrain and fall in love with desert flora. Find the perfect spot to sit down, and enjoy all the different things in this library thatll keep you occupied for hours and hours. Suggested Read: 10 Museums In Washington DC For An Insight Into The American History. Beginning the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas comes to Temple Square with turning on the lights. And the fun doesn't stop on Christmas Day. Lights and a Nativity, Larry H Miller Christmas Carole Sing-Along: December 13 at 7:00 pm (doors open at 6:00 pm) FREE, Candy Windows(South Jordan): FREE (no dates yet). With a little extra planning, good layers, and the right equipment, however, you can enjoy Utah's national parks in the solitude of winter. Explore snowshoeing. Learn about the cool places to kite ski in Utah, grab your equipment and go! Fire + candy = fun. 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. Pro tip: At the Main Library in downtown Salt Lake City you can take a ride in the glass elevator to the roof, observe the dormant beehive, then walk down the swooping steps to the courtyard. 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. With funding from NASA, the Mars Society has been preparing for the hypothetical future when human civilization will have to expand to Earths next-door neighbor. And you can visit Santa as part of your admission price to Zoo Lights. Use that energy to build a snow fort. Yes, Temple Square in Salt Lake City is open for the Christmas season. People can bid on trees, wreaths, quilts and more at FestivalofTreesUtah.org. If theyre not in space suits, however, you can go ahead and ask for a brief tour. However, the tough choices arent over yet. 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. Nativity in the Glen(SLC): Dec. 3 from 6-9 PM. Looking for things to do in Utah? The classic, winter tradition of finding the perfect hill from which to launch a tube or sled is alive and well in Utah. The annual performance of William Christensens The Nutcracker returns for 2021. Its our chance to sparkle as the streets light up with celebrations and joy. For more information, see our Privacy Policy. More than 6,000 lights are used to create a breathtaking display along a mile-long walk in Ashton Gardens. You can now visit the iconic house from the tear-jerking film Up at 13218 Herriman Rose Boulevard in Herriman, Utah. U.S. Olympic Team Trials Speed Skating December 17-19, 2021, 11 am-9 pm Utah Olympic Oval, Kearns. Free cookies and hot cocoa. It's just a natural way to release that pent up winter energy. Kaylin Richardson, Olympic athlete, and a friend share their favorite Park City experiences to encourage you to add the city's culture-enriched valley, scenery, food, art and access to all-season adventure to your bucket list. Visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance. Actually, deals are everywhere, with free events taking place throughout Utah. You either drive through Monument Valley and soak up the sights or explore it fully by getting a tour guide from the visitor center. Soak up incredible views along the parks scenic drive or gear up and head out on a wintry hike. Its a contender for ultimate winter family photo, and a winter wonderland the kids wont soon forget. The Grand StaircaseEscalante National Monument is the largest national monument in the United States and the most remote in the country. Once upon a time, the library was a place of silence and stern librarians. All Rights Reserved. Then add color with snow paint. Camping & Backpacking, Climbing & Canyoneering, Cycling, Fishing, Glamping, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Non-ski Winter Activities, Scenic Drives/Road Trips, Stargazing. 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. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Canyons Boutique Hotel A Canyons Collection Property, Interstate 80Wendover, UT 84083(801) 977-4300. They bloom during the spring, by the way! Sledding is a winter classic that every kid has gotta try at least once. No list of the best places to visit in Utah is complete without a visit to Zion National Park. And you can visit Santa as part of your admission price to Zoo Lights. Utah heli skiing and snowboarding are perfect for those who want to ride some of the best backcountry in the world. Everyone in the family will get fired up about this one. Landscaping and gardening workshops are also offered here, so if you dont know what to do in Utah this weekend, consider signing up. Sounds good!) Nowhere else in the world do individuals have the choices and proximity to ski and golf the same day as they have here in Utah. December 2-12, 2021 Utah Motorsports Campus, Grantsville. Recommended for Things to Do in December because: The City Creek Center is a gorgeous large mall wtih all the top stores such as Michael Kors and Tiffany and Co. Jennifer's expert tip:. Sometimes an adrenaline pumping day on the slopes calls for an early morning hike along a peacefully quiet snowshoe track. Get discounts on lift tickets. Sleigh Rides on the Farm at American West Heritage Center (Wellsville): Dec. 4, 11, 18, 20-23, 27-Jan. 1. Plan a winter Southeastern Utah trip. Lace up and get skating! Benson Grist Mill Lighting and Live Nativity: Nov. 29 from 6-8 pm. (Read: "Fresh Tracks in Kamas Utah's Snowcountry"). Nov. 19-Jan 1. Utah may be hardcore landlocked, but you can still watch antarctic penguins swim and play. Bonus: you can ride the carousel and sometimes see a few animals. Ski its heavenly powder snow, then point your car southward to wind your way through the exquisite Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park and a series of crimson-hued state park gems along the way. Zootah Christmas Lights: (Logan): November 27-Dec.18 (Th, F, and Sat). Utahs windswept beauty, however, doesnt stop there. Your kid likes trains? In fact, its the only warm water scuba destination in the continental United States. Cocoa and cookies provided. Ready? 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. They have lazy rivers, slides and buckets that pour water in your eyeballs when you least expect it. Throughout the season, nights and shaded areas are quite chilly, while exploring in the sunshine can be delightful. Loveland Living Planet Aquarium brings together the critters from South America, Utah, the Antarctic, Asia, and all of the earths oceans. Lightwalk at Liberty Park: SLC Dec. 3-18 from 5-10 pm. Discover Utahs Wellness Retreats. The Loveland Living Planet Aquarium is home to many creatures both scaly and feathered. 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. Here are a few of the most popular places to go, from north to south: "City Slicker" trail at Soldier Hollow in Heber Valley, Another winter activity with seemingly endless boundaries, cross country skiing is one of the best ways to soak up Utahs wide open spaces. West Salt Lake Valley Christmas Light Drive: We created this list with 8 awesome stops in the West area of Salt Lake valley. Completed in 1998, the Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple was inspired by Rajasthani architecture from India and caters to the Hindu population of Utah. 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. Find your next ride here. 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. Star of Wonder opens this week at the West Valley Performing Arts Center. 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. Cedar City - 5.5 days / 13.2 inches. Moab is the gateway to Utahs famous red rock formations and home to some of the best resorts and hotels in the state. The Park City Mountain Resort Alpine Coaster is an elevated track featuring toboggan-style cars that take you through more than . 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. Things to Do in Utah, United States: See Tripadvisor's 1,327,933 traveler reviews and photos of Utah tourist attractions. Towering red rocks dusted in snow, often set against bright blue skies, welcome winter visitors to Capitol Reef National Park. Next Group. There are plenty of things to do in Northern Utah when you're in Ogden. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Inn Kanab, Related: Things to Do in Zion National Park, See Ticket Price for Tour that Includes This Activity. Say hi to the toucans, then stare at the mesmerizing sharks. In Utah, skiing is just where winter begins. This fundraising event for Primary Childrens Hospital is an excellent way to kick off the holiday season with doors open to the public for three days of oohing and ahhing while shopping for small gifts. You can explore by location, what's popular, our top picks, free stuff. Sled for free at the iconic hill at Sugarhouse Park inSalt Lake City. We also highly suggest taking the three-hour Sound and Light Show tour along the Colorado River. Next Group. Gingerbread House Scavenger Hunt (Logan): Dec. 6-25, 2021 FREE, Parade of Gingerbread Homes (Logan): Dec. 4-31. Athletes still train here, and ski schools in Utah resorts might be the start of a future Olympians career. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Plus Wendover Inn. The Clark Planetarium opened way back in April 2003, replacing the historic Hansen Planetarium under a grant from the Clark Foundation. . From swimming to sledding, the whole family will enjoy (or at least appreciate) these fun winter activities. It takes up part of Arizona and southern Utah. Holly Days Festival(Vernal): November 26: A day full of fun,FREEactivities throughout the Vernal area including a light parade and fireworks. Check out the retired engines and cabooses outside and head inside to watch some model trains doing their thing. Theater nerd or not, youll find that witnessing the Shakespeare Festival can be surprisingly one of the best things to do in Utah. Cross-country skiing Utah is awesome! How about you take that fascination to the next level by going where dinosaurs once roamed? 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. Written December 2, 2022. . Catch a virtual workshop, join a book club or check out an audiobook. I'll be graduating with my associate's degree in December of 2021 after 2 years of school. Responsible Winter Recreation. 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. You sample collect hot chocolate and cookies on the tour as you embrace the true magic of the holiday season. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Plus Greenwell Inn Related: Best Family Hotels in Utah Related: Things to Do in Moab 10. (Salty and sweet? The crew typically carries out their simulations during winter months, and youre welcome to take photos from a distance. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. 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. This colossal national monument makes a lovely endless playground for off-roaders, canyoneers, and hikers. For most travelers, Southern Utah winters prevent comfortable camping, and occasional snowfall can make outdoor adventure a little more challenging. All rights reserved. Experiencing the peace of canyon country in the winter is an attraction of its own. Tickets must be purchased in advance at the St. George Leisure Services Office, starting Nov. 22nd, 2021. Deals likeAltaSki After 3,Brightonnight skiing, Ski Utahs heavily discounted passes for 5th and 6th graders, and the fact that most resorts let young kids ski for free can make skiing affordable again. Utahs Wasatch Mountains are a popular destination. Recommended Hotel Nearby: SpringHill Suites by Marriott Salt Lake City Draper, 350 State StreetSalt Lake City, UT 84103(801) 538-1800. Young Living Family Farm Country Christmas (Mona): Wagon Rides and Light Display. To watch or not to watch that is the question. Thanks for @Stgeorge_Kids for giving us a few ideas for the St. George area. The Red Butte Garden is a beautiful and picturesque destination located in the foothills of the Wasatch Range in Salt Lake City. How's that for a Utah family winter activity? Dec. 11 & 13 from 6-8:30 pm. FREE, Ogden Christmas Village: OgdenNov 27-Jan 1 FREE, Fantasy at the Bay: Willard Bay Nov. 26-Dec. 30, Layton City Lights: LaytonNov. 21-Jan. 1 FREE, Frozen in Time: Ogden Dinosaur Park (tickets go on sale November 15), Lights on at the Gateway (SLC):November 20 @ 7-9 PMFREE, Draper Tree of Life Lighting: November 29 @ 6-8 PM FREE. You can head over to Gardner Village to grab some breakfast with Santa Claus himself. Time slots are available every half hour, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Find your sense of adventure and awe in the vast yet intricate swaths of desert from Arches National Park to Monument Valley. At its end, this leads to the Narrows area, which involves a more strenuous and adventurous . 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. If you were looking for cheap yet visually appealing destinations, Red Hills Desert Garden opens its doors to you for free! 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. A New Peace on Earth presentation projected on ceiling of Tabernacle. Snowmobiling is one of the most popular winter sports in Northern Utah, thanks to an abundance of snow, trails, and easy access. November 26-Jan. 2. FREE, Ogden Electric Light Parade: November 27 @ 5:30. Are you ready for Christmas activities? Adventurous nature lovers will love the trails that lead to rocky and sandy state parks. The historic park transforms for the season with costumes, decorations, treats, sweets, and arts and crafts of all kind available for purchase. Want to avoid the Utah national park crowds? Whether you're a local, new in town or just cruising through we've got loads of great tips and events. Whether youre looking for a break, vacation or quest for fun this winter, Utah is the place, as always, for adventure whatever you plan to do or wherever the trail takes you along the way. Explore all the different shelves offering some of the best books, stories, and novels.