Summer is a time packed with activities for the entire family, including incredible festivals and events. Now that the chilly, snowy winter weather has arrived it doesn’t mean these events must stop. In fact, just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you can’t still have fun. Take a look at these six winter festivals in Utah and put a few on your calendar now!

1. Festival of the Seas, Draper

Loveland Living Planet Aquarium, 12033 Lone Peak Pkwy, Draper, UT 84020, USA
Living Planet Aquarium/Facebook
During the holiday season, one of the best winter festivals in Utah takes place at The Living Planet Aquarium. During this family-friendly event, the aquarium is decked out for the holidays in lights and holiday decor. Visit Santa for photos, find the elves hiding in the kelps, and so much more.

2. Dickens Christmas Festival, St. George

Dixie Convention Center, 1835 S Convention Center Dr, St. George, UT 84790, USA
Dickens Christmas Festival/Facebook
During the Dickens Christmas Festival, the St. George Convention Center is transformed and you will feel like you are transported to a new time and place as you wander through the Old World shops, check out the entertainment, enjoy live music, and more. This event typically takes place in the first part of December each year.

3. Winter Solstice Celebration at Red Butte Garden, Salt Lake City

Red Butte Garden, 300 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
Red Butte Garden/Facebook
Celebrate the Winter Solstice this year at Red Butte Garden, where you can learn about the Winter Solstice and create winter crafts as well. Don't forget to make solstice wishes and check out the winter garden while you are there. This event takes place in the month of December. Visit the Red Butte Garden website for current information.

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4. Sundance Film Festival, Park City

Sundance Film Festival/Facebook
This world-famous festival brings folks from all over the world to Park City. If you don't have tickets, you can still stroll Main Street, dine in the restaurants and pubs, and celebrity gaze. Stay for a few days and just explore — there's no better way to spend a few winter days in Utah. For more details, visit the Sundance Film Festival website for more information.

5. Bear Lake Monster Winterfest, Garden City

Bear Lake, Utah 82930, USA
Bear Lake Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau/Facebook
Is there a monster in Bear Lake? We don't know, but we sure don't mind celebrating him, even if he is fictional. And if you choose to attend only one winter festival in Utah, this may be the winner. This three-day event is fun for the entire family and has something for everyone including a Monster Cardboard Boat Regatta and a free fishing tournament for kids and adults.

6. Delta Snow Goose Festival, Delta

Gunnison Bend Reservoir, Utah 84624, USA
Mike Renlund/Flickr
The snow geese start their annual migration to Canada every February, and you can observe these birds during a fun-filled, two-day festival in Delta. In addition to viewing the birds, there are a variety of activities to keep every member of the family entertained. This is one winter festival full of beauty and excitement.

What Utah winter festivals did we forget? Do you have a favorite event that you never miss year after year? Let us know in the comments! We’d love to hear from you.

If you are looking for even more exciting things to do during the winter in Utah, check out our list featuring several of the best winter activities in the Beehive State. And, if you plan to spend time outdoors this winter season, be prepared with the right gear. Check out our winter gear guide for inspiration!

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More to Explore

Winter Festivals In Utah

Courtnie Erickson | December 06, 2023

What are some other winter activities in Utah I should add to my bucket list?

When the weather is chilly and snow begins covering the ground, it is easy to stay cooped up indoors. You may not want to go out and explore or even attend one of the best winter festivals near me. However, there is still so much to see and do and there’s no reason you shouldn’t enjoy Utah during this magical time of the year. There are dozens of incredible winter activities in Utah to add to your bucket list including the following:

 

What are some of the most well-known blizzards that occurred in Utah?

While the 1949 blizzard in Utah is one that will go down in history books, it isn’t the only terrible blizzard in Utah throughout the years. A few additional blizzards include:

The great blizzard of 1993 — when more than two feet of snow dumped in Utah in less than a week. At the time, Governor Mike Leavitt declared a state of emergency and the Utah National Guard was assigned to help with snow removal around the state.

On Christmas Day in 2003, Utah received a white Christmas and so much more. The snow started falling on December 25 and lasted until December 31. Along the Wasatch Front, people received anywhere between one to three feet of snow. It was multiple days of constant shoveling!

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