With Thanksgiving just a few days away, the holidays are finally here. And with them come dozens of events and activities across the state for families to enjoy. Whether you want to look at lights, take in a show, or shop for holiday gifts, there’s something for everyone. That’s why we’ve compiled the ultimate list of family-friendly Christmas activities you can enjoy in Utah in 2019.
SHOWS
CENTERPOINT LEGACY THEATRE
Every year, CenterPoint Legacy Theatre puts on two holiday performances. This year, you can take in Holiday Inn or It’s a Wonderful Life at their beautiful venue.
THE FORGOTTEN CAROLS
This Christmas musical by Michael McLean will be touring Utah all season long. This year, you can catch it in the following cities:
- Tooele, UT on December 5 (Tickets to this event are sold out at this time)
- Logan UT on December 7
- Ogden, UT on December 9
- St. George, UT on December 16
- Murray, UT from December 19 to 21
- Orem, UT on December 23
PICKLEVILLE PLAYHOUSE CHRISTMAS
For a fun, light-hearted take on a holiday classic, be sure to grab tickets for Juanito Bandito’s Christmas Carol with the Pickleville Playhouse. Shows will be played in Logan and Salt Lake City on various dates in December.
LIGHT DISPLAYS
WILLARD BAY STATE PARK
For an incredible light display, head to Willard Bay State Park in Box Elder County. Grab your 3D glasses and take a ride through their light display. Then, stop by to visit Santa or grab a snack from one of the food trucks while enjoying some holiday music.
LAYTON CITY LIGHTS IN THE PARK
Davis County’s biggest light display is Layton City Lights in the Park. This free light display is set up in Layton Commons Park. You can drive your own car, stroll through the park, or even pay a small fee for a hayride through the lights, with all proceeds going towards charity.
ENCHANTED FOREST
For a unique and beautiful experience, head to Duchesne County. The Enchanted Forest features a grove of decorated Christmas trees, each sponsored by a community group or local business. At the end of the event, the trees are auctioned for charity, but visiting is free. Santa also makes a stop in the forest!
HOGLE ZOO-ZOO LIGHTS
While many of the warm-weather animals will be hiding indoors, cold-weather-loving creatures like the big cats and polar bears will be up and about during this fun family event. Head to the zoo after dark to check out the animals and take in millions of twinkling lights.
TEMPLE SQUARE
One of the most popular light displays in the state is put on at Temple Square in Salt Lake City each year. From twinkling lights to a life-size nativity, as well as live musical performances and plenty of Christmas trees, there’s plenty to see and do for families of all ages.
CHRISTMAS MARKETS AND FESTIVALS
CHRISTMAS TOWN FESTIVAL
Dubbed Utah’s Christmas Town, Helper celebrates all season long with a craft fair, holiday lights, town dinners, an electric light parade, and more. Check out their calendar to see which of the many events that start in mid-November and run through the end of the year will be going on during your visit.
DICKENS CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL
If you’re looking for shopping and entertainment with an old-world feel, plan a visit to the Dickens Christmas Festival. With actors dressed in Olde English period clothing and posing at fortune tellers, royalty, orphans, and more, the festival is full of shops where you can pick up old-fashioned gifts and decor while taking in the sights.
The festival already made its debut in Salt Lake City, but you can catch it in St. George on December 4th. Tickets are $8 for adults, $7 for seniors age 65 and older, $6 for children ages 4 to 12, and free for little ones under the age of 4.
CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY
Another great holiday festival is put on at the County Fairgrounds in Parowan each year. The event will include a market full of holiday gifts and decor, as well as live concerts, a parade and lighting ceremony, and more.
ZERMATT SWISS CHRISTMAS MARKET
The Zermatt Resort in Midway puts on a Christmas market that rivals the famous European markets that pop up this time of year! Shop for unique gifts and Christmas decor while enjoying the enchanting atmosphere.
OTHER EVENTS
HEBER VALLEY RAILROAD
Hop aboard the Hever Valley Railroad for a special North Pole Express adventure. You’ll sip hot cocoa and snack on cookies while riding through the snow. Santa will also make a visit, with gifts for every child along for the ride!
MIDWAY ICE CASTLES
If your little ones have been eagerly asking to see Disney’s latest Frozen film, this is one event you won’t want to miss. That’s because a real ice castle is coming to Midway! Weather-permitting, you can climb and slide through several ice castles, sit on frozen thrones, and enjoy fountains and LED light displays.
