There is nothing quite like a Utah winter. The weather may be a little chilly during this time of the year, but the snow is incredible — we are known as home to the greatest snow on earth after all. In fact, people travel all over the country just to visit Utah during this time of year. Fortunately, there are dozens of things to do in Utah in winter from family outings to romantic getaways that you’ll never be bored. So rather than stay cooped up indoors, check out the following 16 fun things to do in Utah in winter.
Holiday Events In Utah
The holidays are a magical time of year and there are countless activities throughout the state to get you into the holiday spirit and to make you feel cheerful and jolly. From Christmas light displays and tree lighting events to walking around the Zoo Lights at Hogle Zoo, the holidays are magical during the winter in Utah. Below are just three holiday events in Utah to help you get your holiday bucket list ready.
1. Luminaria, Ashton Gardens in Lehi
Location: Thanksgiving Point in Lehi
Popularity: Very Popular
Price: $17 and up. Prices vary by age. When you think of the best Christmas light displays in Utah, the Lights at Temple Square in Salt Lake City often come to mind (and it’s certainly worth a visit), but Luminaria at Ashton Gardens at Thanksgiving Point in Lehi is another bucket-list-worthy display. You’ll see thousands of lights along your one-mile walk as well as programmable luminaries. Check out the 120-foot Christmas tree at the end of your journey — it’s breathtaking all lit up.
2. Draper Tree Lighting Ceremony
Location: Draper City Park, Draper
Popularity: Very Popular
Price: Free
There are some pretty magical tree lighting ceremonies in the Beehive State, but one of the most spectacular is located in the City of Draper. At Draper City Park, you can kick off the holiday season by watching the large Globe Willow Tree come aglow with up to 75,000 lights. Plus, there are more than three million lights scattered all around the park to admire as well. The tree lighting ceremony also includes a visit from Santa, hot chocolate and cookies, pony rides, marshmallow roasting, and more. This unique event will become one of your favorite things to do in Utah in winter.
3. Dickens’ Christmas Festival, St. George
Location: Dixie Convention Center, St. George
Popularity: Very Popular
Price: $10, children under the age of 3 are free
Even in the red rocks of Southern Utah, you can still get into the holiday spirit when you attend the Dickens’ Christmas Festival. Held each year in St. George, this isn’t your typical Christmas event. You will feel like you are walking down the streets of Olde London as the festival features vendors in period costumes, darling shops, delicious treats, live music on multiple stages, and more. In fact, you’ll feel like you are in a totally different place than a modern-day convention center. This is a great festival to find unique Christmas gifts, support local businesses, and simply enjoy the magic of the holidays.
Christmas Towns In Utah
While the winter in Utah is already magical, you can take it to the next level when you visit one of the many Christmas towns in Utah. Some of the best Christmas towns in the state transform into magical wonderlands with twinkling lights, annual festivals, unforgettable activities, and of course, the big man himself — Santa Claus.
4. Helper, Utah
Location: Helper, Utah
Popularity: Popular on event weekends
Price: Free
Helper is a small town in Carbon County that many people overlook but when the holiday season arrives, it transforms into the ultimate Christmas town in Utah. In fact, for more than 30 years, Helper’s Main Street is adorned with thousands of Christmas lights, holiday decorations, and so much more. Plus, for weekends leading up to Christmas, there are many activities to get you into the spirit including craft fairs, fireworks, breakfast with Santa, and the annual electric parade. Your winter in Utah is not complete until you've spent time in this small town.
5. Ogden’s Christmas Village
Location: Ogden, Utah
Popularity: Busy
Price: Free but donations are welcome
While Ogden’s Christmas Village may not be a technical town, it will feel just like it as you take a stroll through this popular holiday attraction. This annual tradition has been delighting Utahns since 1961 and will make you feel just like you are walking through the North Pole. The village boasts millions of lights, small cottages, festive decorations, and more. This may just be one of the best free things to do in Utah in winter.
6. Heber City, Utah
Location: Heber City, Utah
Popularity: Certain activities can become busy
Price: Free
If you wish to experience an old-fashioned Christmas, the town of Heber City is where you need to go. Throughout the entire month of December, this Utah town hosts various activities to get you into the holiday spirit. Attend the Christmas tree lighting ceremony, caroling, and decorating of cookies. Enjoy one of the many performances and concerts in town, take a ride on the North Pole Express with the Heber Valley Railroad, or simply go for a drive around town and admire the lights — the options are plentiful.
Outdoor Activities
Winter in Utah is best spent outdoors. There is no reason to stay cooped up inside — go and experience the magic of the season. There are Utah winter activities for every interest, budget, and party size. Whether you are looking for ideas for the entire family or even cheap things to do in Utah in winter, the opportunities are endless. Here are just a few of our favorites:
7. Ice Skating At The Gallivan Center Ice Skating Rink
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
Popularity: Can become popular on the weekends and on Tuesday or Wednesday nights with youth groups
Price: Admission is based on age
One of our favorite winter traditions is ice skating at The Gallivan Center in downtown Salt Lake City. This outdoor ice skating rink becomes decked out in holiday lights of all colors and is the perfect destination for a group outing, a romantic date, or even a night out with just a few close friends. After you’ve made a few loops around the ice skating rink, grab some hot cocoa and a snack and warm up by the fire pits. Keep in mind that this ice skating rink is outdoors, so you'll want to bundle up with the proper snow gear.
8. Snow Tubing At The Wasatch Parc
Location: Nordic Valley near Eden, Utah
Popularity: Busy
Price: $12+
Wasatch Parc is one of the most unique snow tubing parks in Utah. Here, you will find zigzag snow tubing lanes that can go fast — extremely fast. And you can enjoy the thrill over and over again as the tow rope will pull you to the top of the hill, only to have you soar back down. There are also lanes right next to each other so if you wish to let out your competitive side, you can race right on down the mountain. This snow tubing hill in Utah will open on Dec. 20, 2024. You can visit the Wasatch Parc website for the most up-to-date information on this bucket-list-worthy winter attraction in Utah.
9. Ski Or Snowboard At Park City Mountain Resort
Location: Park City, Utah
Popularity: Can become quite busy
Price: $100+
With more than 20 ski resorts in Utah, there are plenty of options for the whole family if you want a day on the slopes but one of our favorites is Park City Mountain Resort. This resort alone features 7,300 skiable acres, more than 330 trails, and 40 ski lifts. Plus, if you want a break from your skis, check out the Park City Mountain Village and the Park City Canyons Village, each area features shops, spa services, and more. Make sure to visit the Park City Mountain Resort website for opening dates and 2024-2025 winter season information.
10. Explore The Midway Ice Castles
Location: Midway, Utah
Popularity: Very popular
Price: $16+
The Midway Ice Castles are like something out of a fairy tale. This isn’t just a small castle made of ice but it’s complete with ice caverns, archways, ice slides, crawl tunnels, and more. Plus, there is so much more to see and do such as taking a sleigh ride or even walking among elaborate ice sculptures. This is one of our favorite family things to do in Utah in winter.
11. Play At Utah Olympic Park, Park City
Location: Park City, Utah
Popularity: Not very busy
Price: Based on chosen experience at the venue
While Utah Olympic Park is a bucket-list-worthy destination any time of the year, the winter is a particularly wonderful time to visit. This 400-acre venue was built for the Salt Lake 2002 Winter Olympic Games and you can let out your inner athlete and thrill-seeker by participating in the winter bobsled experience or by taking a guided tour.
12. Snowshoe at Antelope Island State Park
Location: Antelope Island State Park in Davis County
Popularity: Not very busy
Price: $15 per vehicle
Antelope Island State Park is a dreamy destination during the winter months. This entire park is much less crowded than at other times of the year and the snow creates incredible scenery. Bring some snowshoes and explore many of the trails on the island for the perfect family-friendly outing. Even better, you’ll find very few people on the trails, creating a day of solitude and peace that you certainly deserve.
Winter Getaway
Winter can be stressful. The holidays can be overwhelming. This time of year can bring a lot of sickness and seasonal blues. These are just a few of the reasons you need a winter getaway. Whether you want a solo vacation or even a trip with your significant other, we have dozens of ideas for you but below are just a few excellent places to start.
13. Edelweiss Bed and Breakfast, Eden Utah
Location: Eden, Utah
Popularity: Popular
Price: $200+
Edelweiss Bed and Breakfast is one of the best destinations for a winter getaway. This bed and breakfast is located in a Swiss chalet-style home and is just a short drive from Snowbasin, Powder Mountain, and Nordic Valley — the perfect destination for skiers, snowboarders, and outdoor enthusiasts. All of the suites at this bed and breakfast can accommodate up to three guests, offer a handful of amenities, and boast private bathrooms. Plus, you can relax each evening in the hot tub with snowy mountain views.
14. Homestead Crater, Midway
Location: Midway, Utah
Popularity: Popular
Price: Based on age and type of activity
Is there any better way to spend a cold winter day in Utah than in a geothermal spring? Homestead Crater in Midway was created more than 10,000 years ago and boasts a depth of 65 feet. You can soak, swim, or even scuba dive in this hot spring and when you aren’t in the water, you can stay at the Homestead Resort with guest rooms and suites for the ultimate winter getaway in Utah.
15. Treehouse on the Stream Cabin, Sundance
Location: Sundance, Utah
Popularity: Quite Popular
If you are searching for romantic things to do in Utah in winter, enjoy a chilly winter weekend at this treehouse cabin near Sundance Resort. Inside, you’ll find three bedrooms and two bathrooms, comfortably accommodating nine guests. There are large windows that let in plenty of natural sunlight and give you incredible views. Believe us, you will want to take a look outside — the landscape surrounding this cabin is breathtaking. Just make sure you book your stay in advance as it fills up quickly, especially around the Sundance Film Festival.
16. Ruby’s Inn, Bryce Canyon National Park
Location: Bryce Canyon National Park
Popularity: Not Very Busy
Winter is the best time to visit Bryce Canyon National Park. During this time at one of Utah’s national parks, you will not only have fewer crowds to fight, but the snow-covered hoodoos are breathtaking. This national park in Utah transforms each winter and you won’t want to miss capturing the views in person. Plus, you can enjoy a delightful and budget-friendly getaway by staying at Ruby’s Inn, right at the entrance to Bryce Canyon.
When you find things to do in Utah in winter, you’ll quickly fall in love with this time of year. We realize that not every winter activity in Utah could make our list so be sure to check all of our Utah winter articles for even more inspiration. And, no matter what winter activity you are planning, it’s always best to be prepared so check out our ultimate winter packing list as well! Oh, and if you have a favorite winter activity in Utah, let me know all about it! I'm always looking for new things to do during this chilly time of the year.
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