things to do in utah in december 2021
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. Ride the Heber Valley Railroad with Santa. From Olympic fame and luxury to innovation and extreme adventure, discover a vast winter playground on three resorts. Finally, businesses in many of Utahs smaller communities shutter for the season. Free Events & Activities in Salt Lake City, Utah Non-ski Winter Activities, Ski and Snowboard. Here are just a few of our favorite annual holiday events to check out here in Salt Lake. The warm pink sand of Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is naturally formed out of the erosion of Navajo sandstone surrounding the park. Theater nerd or not, youll find that witnessing the Shakespeare Festival can be surprisingly one of the best things to do in Utah. Admission is free to this annual Christmas market in Salt Lakes Foothill District. 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. Let it all go on a walk through the Ice Castles in Midway. Loveland Living Planet Aquarium brings together the critters from South America, Utah, the Antarctic, Asia, and all of the earths oceans. Looking for things to do in Utah? THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Utah - 2023 (with Photos) - Tripadvisor As the largest national park in Utah, Canyonlands provides a variety of winter adventures, including winter hiking and stargazing. It takes up part of Arizona and southern Utah. Ski tracks wind through millions of acres in the national forests across the state, and can even befound in the higher elevation regions of Southern Utah like Bryce Canyon and the Manti-La Sal Mountains. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Find the best ice skating rinks in Utah and plan the perfect skate night with your friends and family. 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. Experiencing the peace of canyon country in the winter is an attraction of its own. Hiking in winter is perfect for getting the family out of the house and into the crisp fresh air. Tours around the temple are available daily for you to check out the temples elaborate architecture, animals, and organic crops. 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. Yes, Temple Square in Salt Lake City is open for the Christmas season. Copyright 2023 Utah Office of Tourism. 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. Forever Mighty. 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. It's quaint and cute just like Midway. While winter weather in Southern Utah can be mild youll still need to deal with cooler and widely fluctuating temperatures as well as intermittent rain and snow. Santas Arrival at Station Park(Farmington): November 26 @ 9-11 AM. Sounds good!) Nov. 29-Dec. 4. Bonus: you can ride the carousel and sometimes see a few animals. All rights reserved. Winter visitors to Zion National Park will find plenty to do, including hiking, photography and gazing up at the wonders of the night sky. Hiking, rafting, and camping are some of the most popular activities at Dinosaur National Monument. 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. If youre planning a family trip this year, consider Midways Ice Castles a must-see. Whether youre a local, new in town or just passing through, drop in on our holiday event calendar. Best time of year to visit Utah. November 26-Jan. 2. Encompassing almost 36,000 acres, the monumental splendor of Bryce Canyon National Park has long been recognized by man for thousands of years. Yep you read that right. Things can be a little quieter down here this time of year. You can explore by location, what's popular, our top picks, free stuff. Bring the kids and countdown to the New Year (well before midnight) with a special lighted countdown display. Explore snowmobiling. Recommended Hotel Nearby: University Guest House & Conference Center, 12033 Lone Peak ParkwayDraper UT, 84020(801) 355-3474. Dates beginning Nov. 26, 2021 on Fridays & Saturdays. With a little extra planning, good layers, and the right equipment, however, you can enjoy Utah's national parks in the solitude of winter. A Christmas Story - CenterPoint Legacy Theater- Centerville - $19.50-25 Gingerbread House Competition - Bountiful ($5 admission for kids, includes Santa photo) Ice Bumper Cars - Farmington (outdoor) Santa at Layton Hills Mall - Layton Santa Breakfasts - Station Park- Farmington South Davis Rec Center Ice Skating - Bountiful (indoor rink) 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. 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. Spring boasts active wildlife and blooming flowers. Box 750027 75 East 100 North Torrey, Utah 84775 Kelli Gard - Executive Administrative Assistant - ARUP Laboratories Rent snowshoes to go off-trail in that fresh Utah powder snow. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Sandy - 2023 (with Photos) - Tripadvisor Of Utah's 15 resorts, 10 are within an hour of the Salt Lake City International Airport. Whether youre in northern or southern Utah, as long as there is snow there is very likely an outfitter that can rent the gear you need; or better yet, guide you to their favorite spots. Best Things to Do in December in Salt Lake City 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 Visitors have to option to book a 1 hour, 2 hour, or half day dog sled tour from December (sometimes November) to March. However, the tough choices arent over yet. Written October 2, 2021. 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. A museum where kids can touch and play with everything! 25 Best Things to Do in Utah Fun Activities & Stuff to Do! From sliding down gentle slopes to racing down 1,200 foot lanes, there is tubing for everyone in Utah. And the fun doesnt stop on Christmas Day. 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. There is a live nativity, indoor and outdoor nativity displays. 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. 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. For most travelers, Southern Utah winters prevent comfortable camping, and occasional snowfall can make outdoor adventure a little more challenging. Things to Do in Park City, Utah | Utah Olympic Park, Skiing, Golf The annual performance of William Christensens The Nutcracker returns for 2021. Fire + candy = fun. Sometimes an adrenaline pumping day on the slopes calls for an early morning hike along a peacefully quiet snowshoe track. For an extraordinary adventure, plan winter hikes in Utahs Zion National Park. To watch or not to watch that is the question. Learn about the cool places to kite ski in Utah, grab your equipment and go! With its iconic reddish and tan-colored canyon walls, desert, woodlands, and forests, this massive national park has a wealth of sights to offer. Temple Square Lights: SLCFREE Limited Lights due to construction. Outlets at Traverse Mountain Virtual Tree Lighting(Lehi): November 20 @ 5:30 pmFREE. 10 Fun Things to Do in Utah March 2023 | Expedia Explore the solar system, black holes, alien landscapes, and distant galaxies through interactive and mind-churning exhibits and activities at the planetarium. 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. Whether you are a participant or spectator, the calendar is bursting with celebrations, festivals and athletic events - providing plenty of things to do for everyone, no . Skip the crowded peak season and embrace the quiet of a winter visit to Arches National Park. Gingerbread House Scavenger Hunt (Logan): Dec. 6-25, 2021 FREE, Parade of Gingerbread Homes (Logan): Dec. 4-31. Experiences | Events, Skiing, Hiking | Visit Utah Heres how its spending your money, Parents know best: Rep. Burgess Owens wants to fund school choice at national level, Sterling Scholars: Here are Utahs 2023 semifinalists, 2023 Sterling Scholars semifinalists: Southwest Region. The Loveland Living Planet Aquarium is home to many creatures both scaly and feathered. Most of the famous sights in Salt Lake City are all within the area of this gorgeous square, such as world-class restaurants, parks, and breathtaking infrastructures. Comfort Inn & Suites Tooele-Salt Lake City, Canyons Boutique Hotel A Canyons Collection Property, Best Western PLUS Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel, Comfort Suites St George University Area, Home2 Suites by Hilton Salt Lake City-East, University Guest House & Conference Center, SpringHill Suites by Marriott Salt Lake City Draper, Salt Lake Marriott Downtown at City Creek, 35 Best Places to Visit in August in the USA, 35 Best Places to Visit in July in the USA, 35 Best Places to Visit in June in the USA, 35 Best Places to Visit in May in the USA, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Kanab, Salt Lake City Public Library Salt Lake City, Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple Spanish Fork, Mars Desert Research Station Hanksville, Natural History Museum of Utah Salt Lake City. 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. Copyright 2023 Utah.com. This year there will be displays and limited lights (due to construction). Deer Valley. Explore all the different shelves offering some of the best books, stories, and novels. Soak up incredible views along the parks scenic drive or gear up and head out on a wintry hike. The counties are listed generally from north to south in Utah. For adult beverages head to the Gibson Girl Lounge, and for something truly special with the family make a reservation for Afternoon Tea in The Lobby before checking out the displays. Travel Guide For Visiting Utah in December - PhotoJeepers As if our 45 state parks, six national monuments and five national parks aren't cutting it? As you visit, do your part to keep Utah Forever Mighty. Take a cruise on the Provo River and Santa rows up in a row boat. To put it simply, the riding in Utah is epic. What if you and/or the kids are caught somewhere between feeling confident on the slopes and too energetic to go snowshoeing? Time: 2-3 hours. How's that for a Utah family winter activity? In fact, its the only warm water scuba destination in the continental United States. 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. In winter, families may try icy pursuits, such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Next Group. 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. 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's just a natural way to release that pent up winter energy. Private Utah High Country Rafting Adventure from Provo. Camping & Backpacking, Climbing & Canyoneering, Cycling, Fishing, Glamping, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Non-ski Winter Activities, Scenic Drives/Road Trips, Stargazing. Completed in 1998, the Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple was inspired by Rajasthani architecture from India and caters to the Hindu population of Utah. Come enjoy More Mountain Time, whether it is on a ski slope, a snowshoeing trail or in an alpine spa destination. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Plus Greenwell Inn, 12500 Sand Dune RoadKanab, UT 84741(435) 648-2800. Get some ideas from our road tripitineraries, bucket lists and family-friendly hikes. As youre mapping out your winter trip through southeastern Utah, consider adding the following parks and natural wonders to your itinerary. 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. Wide open vistas, historic main streetsand storied Olympic venues. 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. Stroll around the garden and encounter different plant collections and themed gardens. Experience snowshoeing the greatest snow on Earth. Things to Do in Utah, United States: See Tripadvisor's 1,327,933 traveler reviews and photos of Utah tourist attractions. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Salt Lake Marriott Downtown at City Creek, 110 400 WSalt Lake City, UT 84101(385) 468-7827. 1 Zion Park BoulevardState Route 9Springdale, UT 84767(435) 772-3256. Youll find the festive spirit in every direction, without breaking the bank. The Salt Lake Tabernacle will have a unique Peace on Earth Christmas Nativity. It is free and easy to tour the grounds and see the lights any night of the season. They have lazy rivers, slides and buckets that pour water in your eyeballs when you least expect it. Lights, train rides, live Nativities, and Santa. But Take an epicurean trip across the state to try all of Utahs capital is so much more than just We use cookies to improve your experience on Utah.com. Ski Southern Utah: High Alpine Trails + Red Rock Wonder. 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.