It’s Not Christmas in Utah Until You Do These 11 Enchanting Things

Everyone has Christmas traditions — those activities that you just have to do every year or it doesn't feel like Christmas in Utah. And, many of those traditions are uniquely Utah. Check out the following best Christmas attractions in Utah. How many of the following Christmas activities are on your family's list year after year?

1. Go ice skating at Gallivan Center.

There is something magical about lacing up a pair of ice skates and soaring across the ice in downtown Salt Lake City at the Gallivan Center. This is one of our favorite Christmas attractions in Utah and one we anticipate year after year. Plus, when you need a break from the ice, you can warm up with some tasty snacks and warm cocoa at the concessions. Visit the Gallivan Center’s website for more information including skating prices and current hours.

2. Stroll the streets of London (in Salt Lake) at the Dickens' Christmas Festival.

It wouldn't be Christmas without the Dickens' Christmas Festival. This St. George festival typically takes place in early December and is held at Dixie Convention Center. Here, you can shop for one-of-a-kind gifts, enjoy delicious food, and experience unusual entertainment. This amazing traditional winter festival in UT is one you won't want to miss.

3. Walk through a Christmas Tree forest at the Festival of Trees.

The Festival of Trees has been a Utah tradition since 1970, and every penny raised goes directly to Primary Children's Hospital. Wander through the forests of Christmas trees, displays of wreaths, gingerbread houses, homemade crafts and candy, and more. When it comes to Christmas activities in Utah, this is one of the best.

4. Be enchanted at Temple Square.

The lights at Temple Square are a holiday tradition and the perfect outing for the whole family. Gaze in wonder at nearly one million lights strung throughout Temple Square. Just make sure you bundle up as you walk through this impressive light display — the winter nights in SLC can be quite cold.

5. Visit Christmas Village in Ogden.

The festivities in Ogden never fail to disappoint. You'll want to enjoy activities such as the Electric Light Parade but one of our favorites is the Christmas Village in downtown Ogden. Here, you'll feel like you are walking around the North Pole as thousands of colorful holiday lights put you in the holiday spirit. Visiting this Christmas Village has been a holiday tradition for many Utahns since 1961.

6. Get wild at Zoo Lights.

What's better than Christmas lights? Christmas lights at the zoo! The annual Zoo Lights runs from late November through December. Lights turn on at 5:30 p.m. each night. Wander through the grounds to see hundreds of lighted displays, and pick up some hologram glasses to go through the lighted tunnel. You'll find different family-friendly activities every night. Visit the Zoo Lights website for more information.

7. Participate in a $5 gift exchange.

If you have a large extended family (and odds are good that you do), then you might be familiar with the Utah $5 Gift Exchange. Since you can't possibly buy every aunt, cousin, and nephew a gift, you're instructed to bring a gift that costs $5 (or, if your family is a little wealthier ... up to $20), and then you play a long, drawn-out present game.

8. Get your tickets for Ballet West's production of The Nutcracker.

There is nothing that puts me in the holiday spirit quite like watching The Nutcracker. Ballet West offers numerous performances throughout the month of December and each one is magical. You can learn more and purchase your tickets on Ballet West's official website.

9. Visit Utah's Christmas Town.

Helper is the best Christmas town in UT, with plenty of pretty lights and tons of fun activities. Attend one of the many events in the community throughout December or visit to simply walk around downtown Helper and browse the local shops that are decorated with holiday decor and lights.

10. Give or Receive A 'Neighbor Gift.'

If you're lucky, it will involve Stephen's Gourmet Cocoa. Utahns are big on community, and we're also pretty crafty folks, so you'll likely collect a bunch of charming (often edible!) gifts on your porch this season.

11. Sip Some Stephen's Gourmet Cocoa.

Stephen's is a Utah company (and their cocoa is soooo good). It just wouldn't be Christmas without several warm, delicious cups of this stuff, and if you've got homemade cookies too, all the better.

What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions in Utah? Are there any popular traditions that we left off our list? If so, let us know!

If you're looking for a fun Christmas activity, visit some of these light displays in Utah around the Beehive State. And if you are struggling to find the perfect gift for the traveler in your life, check out some of our favorite products for a little inspiration.