Posted in Utah
November 27, 2016
It’s Not Christmas In Utah Until You Do These 14 Enchanting Things
Everyone has Christmas traditions – those activities that you just have to do every year, or it doesn’t feel like Christmas. Some of those traditions are uniquely Utah. Check out these 14 enchanting things that Utahns do every year and see how many your family has on its list.
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The rink at Gallivan Center opened on November 18th. Skate Monday through Thursday from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Friday and Saturday noon to midnight; Sunday from noon to 7:00 p.m. You can also get some tasty snacks and warm cocoa at the concessions. 239 Main Street, Salt Lake City. Visit Gallivan Center’s website for more information.
It wouldn't be Christmas without the Dickens Christmas Festival. The St. George festival runs November 30th through December 3rd and is held at Dixie Convention Center: 1835 Convention Center Drive, St. George.
The Salt Lake festival runs December 8th through 10th and is held at the Sandy Expo Center: 9575 S. State Street, Sandy. Get tickets and more information on the festival's website.
The Salt Lake festival runs December 8th through 10th and is held at the Sandy Expo Center: 9575 S. State Street, Sandy. Get tickets and more information on the festival's website.
The Festival of Trees has been a Utah tradition since 1970, and every penny raised goes directly to Primary Children's Hospital. This year's festival starts on November 30th and runs through December 3rd. Wander through the forests of Christmas trees, displays of wreaths, ginger bread houses, homemade crafts and candy from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.. Admission is $6.00 for adults, $3.00 for children ages 2-11, and $4.00 for seniors. It's held at the South Towne Expo Center: 9575 South State Street, Sandy.
Odds are very good that you'll enjoy this classic Utah dish at a potluck during the holidays.
The 35 acres surrounding the Salt Lake Temple turns into a winter wonderland at Christmastime. Bundle up and check out the millions of lights. The lights go on November 25th and stay on until January 1st. Visit from dusk to 10:00 p.m. 50 North Temple, Salt Lake City.
A visit to Christmas Village in Ogden has been a Utah tradition since 1962! The little cottages and Christmas lights are sure to delight kids of all ages. Take a look at the interactive map to learn more about each cottage.
What's better than Christmas lights? Christmas lights at the zoo! The 10th annual Zoo Lights runs from December 1st through the 31st. Lights go on at 5:30 p.m. Wander through the grounds and see over 200 lighted displays, and pick up some hologram glasses to go through the lighted tunnel. You'll find different family-friendly activities every night. 2600 Sunnyside Avenue, Salt Lake City. Visit the zoo's website for more information.
The musical runs November 26th through December 23rd. Purchase tickets in advance on the website.
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 you're family is a little wealthier...up to $20), and then you play a long, drawn-out present game.
Performances start December 2nd and run through the 26th. Purchase tickets on Ballet West's website.
Helper is Utah's Christmas Town - with plenty of pretty lights and tons of fun activities. Visit for the Helper Electric Light Parade held on December 2nd and 3rd at 7:00 p.m. The town hosts fireworks after the Saturday parade!
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.
We don't usually endorse product, but 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.
Every year, Burger Stop teams with Layton City, Wasatch Rods and Custom Car Club to bring hayrides through the Christmas Lights at Layton Park. The event raises money for charity (over $90,000 since 1993). This year's hayrides are held on December 2-3, 9-10 and 16-17. The first wagons depart from Burger Stop's parking lot at 6:00 p.m. Adults pay $2; kids pay $1. 323 East Gentile, Layton.
Which Christmas traditions did we miss on this list? Tell us in the comments!
If you’re looking for a fun Christmas activity, visit some of these 14 light displays around the Beehive State.
