things to do in utah in december 2021
In Utah, skiing is just where winter begins. Gingerbread house contest entries on display at the Brigham City Christmas Village. Other presentations include "The Christ Child" in the Conference Center Theater. 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. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Plus Wendover Inn. 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. Find the perfect spot to sit down, and enjoy all the different things in this library thatll keep you occupied for hours and hours. 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. The Red Butte Garden is a beautiful and picturesque destination located in the foothills of the Wasatch Range in Salt Lake City. And you can visit Santa as part of your admission price to Zoo Lights. 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. Salt Lake City, UT 84101 THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Utah - 2023 (with Photos) - Tripadvisor Discount code adventure15 to save 15% off tickets. 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). We use cookies to improve your experience on Utah.com. 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. In a really good way. How about you take that fascination to the next level by going where dinosaurs once roamed? Its a contender for ultimate winter family photo, and a winter wonderland the kids wont soon forget. Moab is the gateway to Utahs famous red rock formations and home to some of the best resorts and hotels in the state. The holiday season is here again, and theres no question that people will be enjoying the outdoors after spending much of the 2020 holiday season indoors. Theyve gone digital too. 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. Copyright 2023 Utah.com. Yes, Temple Square in Salt Lake City is open for the Christmas season. Nov. 29-Dec. 4. You must reach Springdale in Utah to lodge and explore the high canyon walls, Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, and forest. Get off at Historic Union Station and choo choo! Browse through Lovelands educational exhibits and experience one-of-a-kind animal encounters with sharks, stingrays, and penguins! It's quaint and cute just like Midway. Admission is free to this annual Christmas market in Salt Lakes Foothill District. Take a road trip from Capitol Reef to Bryce Canyon and enjoy the best of Utah landscapes during its quiet season. Tree will be lit at 6:00. A New Peace on Earth presentation projected on ceiling of Tabernacle. Anna and Elsa fans will appreciate the frozen wonderland all lit up at night in blue and pink. If you cant make it to Christkindlmarkt, head for the Holiday Market at Rio Grande where local vendors offer up their wares. Built in 2011, this modern museum has a collection of exotic butterflies, minerals and indigenous masterpieces. The Galliavan Center offers ice skating opportunities, bringing you closer to the wintry season. Eagle Point is a Utah favorite location. Walk through time on a switchbacking boardwalk through the fossil record at the Natural History Museum of Utah. On Dec. 21 and Dec. 22, the Utah Symphony will perform the score to Home Alone, by John Williams. Lights on Wakefield: This event is currently not happening because of changes in city ordinances. 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. Payson Community Creche: (Payson): Dec. 3 & 4 from 4-9 pm. 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. 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. Its time to plan your winter break, a break from everything, and were going to make it easy by choosing Utah. For an extraordinary adventure, plan winter hikes in Utahs Zion National Park. This review is the subjective opinion of a . Best Time To Visit Utah 2023 - Weather & 118 Things to Do Start Planning Your Summer VacationIt's never too late to look forward to summer. Ride the Heber Valley Railroad with Santa. No matter what kind of winter adventure youre looking for, youre sure to find it in Ogden. Dec. 11-24. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Plus Greenwell Inn Related: Best Family Hotels in Utah Related: Things to Do in Moab 10. If theyre not in space suits, however, you can go ahead and ask for a brief tour. During the holiday season, Utahs Hogle Zoo lights up with over 200 lighted animal and holiday-themed displays in the evenings. Ski Southern Utah: High Alpine Trails + Red Rock Wonder. Next Group. 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. Natural History Museum of Utah. 25 Best Things to Do in Utah Fun Activities & Stuff to Do! You can also watch scientists as they prep new specimens and be a paleontologist for a day at the dinosaur dig! St. George is a city on the southwest corner of the Arizona border and is known for its recreational opportunities all year round. Discover deals on the best attractions, breweries, and locations in Salt Lake! When Maren and Racer Gibson started rescuing huskies and malamutes over 20 years ago their intention very likely wasnt to make a profit or start a business. With a little extra planning, good layers, and the right equipment, however, you can enjoy Utah's national parks in the solitude of winter. 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. If you were looking for cheap yet visually appealing destinations, Red Hills Desert Garden opens its doors to you for free! The holiday market is only open for one weekend in December and its this weekend, from Dec. 1 to Dec. 4. Temple Square Lights: SLCFREE Limited Lights due to construction. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western PLUS Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel, 210 E 400 SSalt Lake City, UT 84111(801) 524-8200. Red Hills Desert Garden is a cute introduction to Utahs grand, out-of-this-world terrain. 10. Evermore Park Aurora Winter Festival:Pleasant Grove. The Natural History Museum of Utah is a grand museum found within the University of Utahs research park. You and your family can head over to check out the lights. FREE. We all have been entranced by the existence of dinosaurs at some point of our lives. Whether youre a local, new in town or just passing through, drop in on our holiday event calendar. Sled for free at the iconic hill at Sugarhouse Park inSalt Lake City. Utahsstateandnational parkswill be thawed out before you know it! I will move on . We look for fun, easy adventures throughout the state of Utah and beyond. More than 6,000 lights are used to create a breathtaking display along a mile-long walk in Ashton Gardens. 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. 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. 4x4 Half-Day Adventure at Canyonlands National Park. Lake Powell. Miscellaneous 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. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Quality Inn Payson I-15, 13218 S Herriman Rose BoulevardHerriman, UT 84096. Follow this itinerary for a week-long winter road trip across the snow-covered desert of Southeastern Utah. Youll find the festive spirit in every direction, without breaking the bank. I'll be graduating with my associate's degree in December of 2021 after 2 years of school. Utah Events and Entertainment | Utah.com A lot of the fun things to do in Utah are in Moab, such as off-roading, hiking, and even whitewater rafting. Everyone in the family will get fired up about this one. Just be sure there arent any cops watching. Find your next ride here. 101+ Fun Things To Do During Christmas In Utah - So Festive! Skip the crowded peak season and embrace the quiet of a winter visit to Arches National Park. Town Hall (435) 425-3600 Fax (435) 425-3603 P.O. Lights, train rides, live Nativities, and Santa. Christmas Activities Utah 2021 - Utah's Adventure Family 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. Festival of Trees(Virtual): No dates, but virtual again this year. Request a free copy or view the latest guide online. Copyright Family Destinations Guide 2023. Wear the appropriate clothing for the season, and do not drive over the salt flats. 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:. 25 Best Things to Do in Utah Fun Activities & Stuff to Do! Theater nerd or not, youll find that witnessing the Shakespeare Festival can be surprisingly one of the best things to do in Utah. Grand America Holiday Windows: Nov. 1-Dec. 31 M- TH: 4 PM 8 PMand FRI SUN: 10 AM-5PM. Explore snowshoeing. Ice skating is a favorite winter activity among Salt Lakers. Keep the contradictions going by cruising along the Waterpocket Fold, a water-free buckle of land that serves as the backbone of the park. Things to Do in Sandy, Utah: See Tripadvisor's 12,193 traveler reviews and photos of Sandy tourist attractions. Experiences | Events, Skiing, Hiking | Visit Utah They bloom during the spring, by the way! For an extraordinary adventure, plan winter hikes in Utahs Zion National Park. Finally, businesses in many of Utahs smaller communities shutter for the season. Want to avoid the Utah national park crowds? Afterwards, try ice skating at the Midway Ice Rink. Imaginorium: Nov. 29-Dec. 23, M-Th 4-9 pm and F-Sat 4-10 pm. Park City is the epicenter, but Sundance venues can also be found in Salt Lake City, Ogden and at Sundance Mountain Resort. There are trails that lead to slot canyons, arches, waterfalls, forest, and scrublands, all waiting for you to explore. You can now visit the iconic house from the tear-jerking film Up at 13218 Herriman Rose Boulevard in Herriman, Utah. Fun times for kids who like trains. For maps and assistance, theres a visitor center. One can of food per person donation encouraged. Use code LEHIMOMs to save 20% off. Guests are invited to make s'mores, sip hot chocolate, and explore the 135-foot tunneled walkway. Your kid likes trains? Bryce Canyon - 5.7 days / 15.3 inches. And the 2021 holiday season offers a slew of new activities for you and your family. Adventure, Hiking, History and Heritage, Native American, Non-ski Winter Activities, Scenic Drives/Road Trips, Stargazing. Beginning the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas comes to Temple Square with turning on the lights. Think of them more like community hubs where staff and volunteers teach free workshops on reading, art, computers, legos, yoga, storytime and more. In Provo it's a misdemeanor to have a snowball fight. 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. 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. November 26-Jan. 2. 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. Throughout the season, nights and shaded areas are quite chilly, while exploring in the sunshine can be delightful. If youve been dreaming of Martian-like deserts, rust-colored gargantuan rock formations, and blooming succulents for your next vacation, Utah is your best bet. Sounds good!) Star of Wonder opens this week at the West Valley Performing Arts Center. In warmer months, outdoor adventurers will have a blast exploring the natural beauties through horseback riding or hiking. Admission Free after 5:00 PM for the light display. Passes to ski and snowboard resorts are expensive, but dont give up yet, powder pauper. Santas Arrival at Station Park(Farmington): November 26 @ 9-11 AM. AndShesDopeToo is a worldwide adventure community of women run by Jennifer and Taylor Killian from Ogden, Utah. Spring boasts active wildlife and blooming flowers. The historic park transforms for the season with costumes, decorations, treats, sweets, and arts and crafts of all kind available for purchase. Learn more about Utah's Olympic legacyand best spots to relive the games. Experience snowshoeing the greatest snow on Earth. Thousands of people each day enjoy Utah's famous backcountry the areas outside of ski area boundaries. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Experiencing the peace of canyon country in the winter is an attraction of its own. Arches National Park has been frequented by humans since 10,000 years ago, as evidenced by petroglyphs and artifacts found in the area. The Bonneville Salt Flats cover 30,000 acres of white salt crust one the western edge of the Great Salt Lake. Of Utah's 15 resorts, 10 are within an hour of the Salt Lake City International Airport. 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 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. Since hosting the 2002 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, in many ways the Olympic spirit and world-class athletes that seized Utah have never left. Ready to experience snowshoeing in Utah? From sliding down gentle slopes to racing down 1,200 foot lanes, there is tubing for everyone in Utah. Learn about the American Wests unique natural world through the museums 1.6 million objects on display. 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. Things to Do for Christmas in St. George, Utah - Jackie Ruden Realty Team Visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance. Hiking, Non-ski Winter Activities, Scenic Drives/Road Trips, Ski and Snowboard. Dates beginning Nov. 26, 2021 on Fridays & Saturdays. Suggested Read: 10 Museums In Washington DC For An Insight Into The American History. Next Group. As you visit, do your part to keep Utah Forever Mighty. Family Destinations Guide is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. On the ArizonaUtah state line sits a unique landmark within the territory of the Navajo Tribal Nation. Written December 2, 2022. . 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. Fat tire biking has become the latest rage among cycling enthusiasts and newbies. Additional skating venues can be found throughout the valley and include the Olympic-level facilities that are open to the public. 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. 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. 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. There is a live nativity, indoor and outdoor nativity displays. MDRS sometimes schedules visitor days on their Facebook page during the spring too, so go check out their page. Follow His Star Creche exhibit (Midway): exhibit of over 500 creches. Where: Utahs family-friendly ski resorts. The dogs participate in a dog sledding operation to help find their purpose. From Olympic fame and luxury to innovation and extreme adventure, discover a vast winter playground on three resorts. The counties are listed generally from north to south in Utah. Copyright 2023 Utah Office of Tourism. 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. Get into the holidays by walking through one of Salt Lakes most elegant hotels. Looking for things to do in Utah? Learn everything you need to know for a cheap luxury ski trip. Towering red rocks dusted in snow, often set against bright blue skies, welcome winter visitors to Capitol Reef National Park. Pleasant fall wraps Utah in colorful foliage along the scenic drives. The crew typically carries out their simulations during winter months, and youre welcome to take photos from a distance. Tickets sell out quickly for this limited engagement event, so make sure to buy your tickets well in advance. Capitol Reef - 1.8 days / 2.2 inches. Check out the retired engines and cabooses outside and head inside to watch some model trains doing their thing. The Salt Lake Tabernacle will have a unique Peace on Earth Christmas Nativity. Bonus: you can ride the carousel and sometimes see a few animals. 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. Enjoy this beautiful marble structure and the majestic views of snow-capped mountains in the background. 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. Discover three world-class ski resorts located just 20 minutes from downtown, and enjoy 450 inches of powdery snow each season. Plan a winter Southeastern Utah trip. 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. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Canyons Boutique Hotel A Canyons Collection Property, Interstate 80Wendover, UT 84083(801) 977-4300. 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. Over a million curious guests visit the aquarium every year for their interactive exhibits. Ogden, Utah Attractions & Activities - Visit Ogden 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. 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. George, UT 84770(435) 673-3617. Gingerbread House Contest Display (Brigham City): Dec. 2-Jan 3. Landscaping and gardening workshops are also offered here, so if you dont know what to do in Utah this weekend, consider signing up. See All Itineraries Previous Group 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. Cost: $9.95-$14.95 per person. Holly Days Festival(Vernal): November 26: A day full of fun,FREEactivities throughout the Vernal area including a light parade and fireworks. Each year, the Festival of Treesat Mountain America Expo Centershows off the talents of professional designers and decorators in the community who take on the task of decorating trees in just 24 hours. No matter your level of adventure, you will find good reason to save some time for a day away from the resort. Now you are ready for total snowball war. Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity. 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. Definitely one of the must see tourist spots in Utah that you shouldnt miss! In fact, its the only warm water scuba destination in the continental United States. 1661 East Murray-Holladay Road (4800 South), Where: Various locations in Salt Lake City. Breakfast With Santa December 5,12,19, 2021, Multiple Times Zermatt Mountain Resort, Midway There are so many things to do in Utah, we wish you the best of luck trying to decide what to exclude from your itinerary. It is free and easy to tour the grounds and see the lights any night of the season. Christkindlmarket at This is the Place: Dec. 1-4. Enjoy winter hikes, scenic drives and some of the best stargazing in the world. Kid-friendly activities include daily parades, a live nativity, a gnome festival, and more. Experience Exciting Events Every Day of the Year! The gorgeous temple sits on a 15-acre landscape featuring outdoor stages, a large pavilion, a lake and waterfall, and a few animals. The water is comfortably warm and shallow enough for toddlers. And you can visit Santa as part of your admission price to Zoo Lights. Utahs windswept beauty, however, doesnt stop there. From snowmobiling to skiing, snowshoeing to sledding and fishing, Bear Lake in the winter is everything youll want from your next winter vacation. 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.