Top 10 Christmas Activities & Events for Families in Utah
Christmas in Utah is a season of enchantment, transforming the state into a winter wonderland perfect for family adventures! From magical train rides to festive light displays and holiday markets, Utah offers a bounty of joyful experiences that will create lasting holiday memories. Join us as we explore the Top 10 Christmas activities in Utah! Perfect for families and friends seeking fun and holiday cheer.
All aboard! The North Pole Express on the Heber Valley Railroad invites families to experience the magic of a journey to Santa’s winter wonderland. This festive train ride through the snowy Heber Valley promises holiday treats, Christmas carols, and a special visit with Santa. Cozy up with hot cocoa and cookies as the kids marvel at the twinkling lights, creating a memory you’ll cherish.
-
- Get ready for holiday magic! Santa himself visits with every child on board the North Pole Express at the Heber Valley Railroad.
-
- Get ready for holiday magic! Santa himself visits with every child on board the North Pole Express at the Heber Valley Railroad.
-
- et ready for holiday magic! Santa himself visits with every child on board the North Pole Express at the Heber Valley Railroad. All aboard for a magical ride to the North Pole!
-
- Santa Giving Gifts to Children on the Heber Valley North Pole Express. Explore My Local Utah for Christmas Events Near You.
-
- Get ready for holiday magic! Santa himself visits with every child on board the North Pole Express at the Heber Valley Railroad.
-
- et ready for holiday magic! Santa himself visits with every child on board the North Pole Express at the Heber Valley Railroad. All aboard for a magical ride to the North Pole!
-
- Santa Giving Gifts to Children on the Heber Valley North Pole Express. Explore My Local Utah for Christmas Events Near You.
-
- Get ready for holiday magic! Santa himself visits with every child on board the North Pole Express at the Heber Valley Railroad.
If you’re spending Christmas in or near Salt Lake City, the Temple Square Christmas Light display is a must-see. With millions of dazzling lights illuminating historic buildings and gardens, this free Christmas tradition is unforgettable for families. The Temple Square Christmas lights provide a peaceful, awe-inspiring atmosphere in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City. Arrive early to catch the live nativity scene and holiday music for an extra dose of holiday spirit!
-
- Experience the magic of the holidays at Temple Square! The stunning lights adorning the Salt Lake LDS Temple create a breathtaking sight that captivates visitors and fills them with holiday cheer.
-
- Create cherished holiday memories at Temple Square! Families walk through the dazzling light displays, celebrating the season in a magical setting.
-
- Experience the magic of the holidays at Temple Square! The stunning lights adorning the Salt Lake LDS Temple create a breathtaking sight that captivates visitors and fills them with holiday cheer.
-
- Delight in the beauty of the season at Temple Square! These beautifully decorated trees add a touch of magic and wonder to the holiday experience.
-
- Experience the magic of the holidays at Temple Square! The stunning lights adorning the Salt Lake LDS Temple create a breathtaking sight that captivates visitors and fills them with holiday cheer.
-
- Create cherished holiday memories at Temple Square! Families walk through the dazzling light displays, celebrating the season in a magical setting.
-
- Delight in the beauty of the season at Temple Square! These beautifully decorated trees add a touch of magic and wonder to the holiday experience.
-
- Experience the magic of the holidays at Temple Square! The stunning lights adorning the Salt Lake LDS Temple create a breathtaking sight that captivates visitors and fills them with holiday cheer.
At Thanksgiving Point in Lehi, families can immerse themselves in a sea of lights with the Luminaria holiday experience. This magical light show features over a million Christmas lights, cozy fire pits, Christmas trees, and the renowned Light of the World Garden, where sculptures and pathways tell the Christmas story. Luminaria’s unique atmosphere makes it one of the top holiday light displays in Utah, perfect for families to explore together. Discover Thanksgiving Point Luminaria and reserve your tickets early!
-
- A show-stopping holiday display! Families gather to marvel at the magnificent lighted Christmas tree at Thanksgiving Point, a perfect place to make holiday memories together.
-
- Stroll through the magical illuminated lights at Thanksgiving Point’s Luminaria Lights, where every turn reveals a new splash of color and holiday cheer!
-
- Stroll through the magical illuminated pathways at Thanksgiving Point’s Luminaria Lights, where every turn reveals a new splash of color and holiday cheer!
-
- Thousands of softly glowing lights cover the hillside at Thanksgiving Point’s Luminaria, forming a colorful and serene lightscape. The peaceful fields of light blend colors in a beautiful gradient, creating a tranquil atmosphere for guests to enjoy.
-
- Thousands of softly glowing lights cover the hillside at Thanksgiving Point’s Luminaria, forming a colorful and serene lightscape. The peaceful fields of light blend colors in a beautiful gradient, creating a tranquil atmosphere for guests to enjoy.
-
- Stroll through the magical illuminated pathways at Thanksgiving Point’s Luminaria Lights, where every turn reveals a new splash of color and holiday cheer!
-
- Stroll through the magical illuminated lights at Thanksgiving Point’s Luminaria Lights, where every turn reveals a new splash of color and holiday cheer!
-
- A show-stopping holiday display! Families gather to marvel at the magnificent lighted Christmas tree at Thanksgiving Point, a perfect place to make holiday memories together.
4. Ogden’s Christmas Village - Ogden
For a classic holiday experience, Ogden’s Christmas Village transforms the city’s Municipal Gardens into a charming Christmas village filled with miniature, holiday-themed cottages, twinkling Christmas lights, and holiday vendors. Kids will love the mini train rides, while families can meet Santa and snap holiday photos in this cozy winter setting. Located just north of Salt Lake City, Ogden’s Christmas Village is ideal for families seeking a nostalgic, small-town Christmas experience in Utah.
-
- Explore Ogden’s Christmas Village! With festive lights, themed houses, and seasonal displays, it’s a winter wonderland for families to enjoy.
-
- Step into holiday magic with a walk through the enchanting light tunnel at Ogden’s Christmas Village! Every corner is filled with festive glow, perfect for a family night out.
-
- Explore Ogden’s Christmas Village! With festive lights, themed houses, and seasonal displays, it’s a winter wonderland for families to enjoy.
-
- Step into holiday magic with a walk through the enchanting light tunnel at Ogden’s Christmas Village! Every corner is filled with festive glow, perfect for a holiday family night out.
-
- Explore Ogden’s Christmas Village! With festive lights, themed houses, and seasonal displays, it’s a winter wonderland for families to enjoy.
-
- Step into holiday magic with a walk through the enchanting light tunnel at Ogden’s Christmas Village! Every corner is filled with festive glow, perfect for a family night out.
-
- Step into holiday magic with a walk through the enchanting light tunnel at Ogden’s Christmas Village! Every corner is filled with festive glow, perfect for a holiday family night out.
-
- Explore Ogden’s Christmas Village! With festive lights, themed houses, and seasonal displays, it’s a winter wonderland for families to enjoy.
Nothing brings holiday cheer like the Festival of Trees in Sandy, where extravagantly decorated Christmas trees, wreaths, and holiday displays fill the Mountain America Expo Center. Held annually, this event raises funds for Primary Children’s Hospital and brings together the community for a beautiful holiday cause. Walk through the sparkling displays, indulge in holiday treats, and meet Santa! Learn more about the Festival of Trees and how you can support a great cause while enjoying holiday festivities.
-
- Various Christmas displays, including creatively designed wreaths and gingerbread houses, line the exhibit area at the Festival of Trees. Each piece is crafted with detail, capturing the holiday spirit in unique ways that bring joy and excitement to festival-goers.
-
- “A slam dunk of holiday fun! The Utah Jazz Bear brings extra cheer to the Festival of Trees with laughter, hugs, and memorable moments for kids and families.
-
- Step into a winter wonderland at Utah’s Festival of Trees, where each tree is a work of art. From traditional to whimsical, discover the unique designs that bring joy and inspiration to the season!
-
- Festival of Trees Utah State Themed Christmas Tree
-
- Step into a winter wonderland at Utah’s Festival of Trees, where each tree is a work of art. From traditional to whimsical, discover the unique designs that bring joy and inspiration to the season!
-
- “A slam dunk of holiday fun! The Utah Jazz Bear brings extra cheer to the Festival of Trees with laughter, hugs, and memorable moments for kids and families.
-
- Various Christmas displays, including creatively designed wreaths and gingerbread houses, line the exhibit area at the Festival of Trees. Each piece is crafted with detail, capturing the holiday spirit in unique ways that bring joy and excitement to festival-goers.
-
- Festival of Trees Utah State Themed Christmas Tree
Join Utah’s most festive 5K—the Santa Run in Ogden! Picture hundreds of “Santas” running together, decked out in red suits and jingle bells, while holiday music and candy stations add to the fun. This family-friendly Christmas event is a Utah favorite and is perfect for active families who want to add some excitement to their holiday season. Whether you’re racing or taking it slow with little ones, the Santa Run is a fantastic way to kick off the holiday season and make lasting memories. Don’t miss out—register early to secure your spot at Utah’s most spirited holiday run!
-
- Santa suits, festive cheer, and scenic downtown Ogden make the Santa Run a jolly good time for runners and spectators alike!
-
- Santa-clad runners jog along the festive downtown streets of Ogden, surrounded by cheering onlookers and holiday decorations. The event is filled with holiday cheer, with everyone dressed in red, white, and ready to celebrate.
-
- The Ogden Santa Run brings out hundreds of Santas, kicking off the holiday season with energy and cheer!
-
- The Ogden Santa Run brings out hundreds of Santas, kicking off the holiday season with energy and cheer!
-
- Santa-clad runners jog along the festive downtown streets of Ogden, surrounded by cheering onlookers and holiday decorations. The event is filled with holiday cheer, with everyone dressed in red, white, and ready to celebrate.
-
- The Ogden Santa Run brings out hundreds of Santas, kicking off the holiday season with energy and cheer!
-
- Santa suits, festive cheer, and scenic downtown Ogden make the Santa Run a jolly good time for runners and spectators alike!
-
- Santa suits, festive cheer, and scenic downtown Ogden make the Santa Run a jolly good time for runners and spectators alike!
Gardner Village in West Jordan offers an enchanting holiday experience for families, complete with whimsical decorations, interactive Christmas activities, and twinkling lights around every corner. Kids will love the Santa’s Workshop, while parents can enjoy boutique shopping and holiday treats. Gardner Village is a picturesque Christmas destination in Utah that will get everyone in the holiday spirit.
-
- Meet Santa and his reindeer at Gardner Village! Families can experience the magic of the season up close, making unforgettable holiday memories with Santa himself.
-
- Holiday Season at Gardner Village. Explore Christmas Activities
-
- Santa Event at Gardner Village- Holiday Events in Utah
-
- Experience the charm of the holidays at Gardner Village! With festive decorations and cozy shops, it’s the perfect destination for family fun and holiday shopping.
-
- Meet Santa and his reindeer at Gardner Village! Families can experience the magic of the season up close, making unforgettable holiday memories with Santa himself.
-
- Holiday Season at Gardner Village. Explore Christmas Activities
-
- Experience the charm of the holidays at Gardner Village! With festive decorations and cozy shops, it’s the perfect destination for family fun and holiday shopping.
-
- Santa Event at Gardner Village- Holiday Events in Utah
Step into a frozen wonderland at the Midway Ice Castles! Families can explore massive, hand-sculpted ice castles featuring tunnels, slides, and LED-lit ice formations that glow at night. This unique experience offers stunning photo opportunities and is one of Utah’s most breathtaking winter attractions. Be sure to bundle up and bring your camera for an unforgettable holiday outing.
-
- Creating memories in a winter wonderland! Families enjoy walking through the enchanting ice tunnels at the Midway Ice Castles, making for a perfect holiday outing
-
- Step into a fairy tale at the Midway Ice Castles! The dazzling ice formations illuminated in vibrant colors create a winter wonderland perfect for family adventures.
-
- Step into a fairy tale at the Midway Ice Castles! The dazzling ice formations illuminated in vibrant colors create a winter wonderland perfect for family activities during the holiday season.
-
- Midway Ice Castles – Explore Utah’s top family friendly activities
-
- Step into a fairy tale at the Midway Ice Castles! The dazzling ice formations illuminated in vibrant colors create a winter wonderland perfect for family activities during the holiday season.
-
- Step into a fairy tale at the Midway Ice Castles! The dazzling ice formations illuminated in vibrant colors create a winter wonderland perfect for family adventures.
-
- Midway Ice Castles – Explore Utah’s top family friendly activities
-
- Creating memories in a winter wonderland! Families enjoy walking through the enchanting ice tunnels at the Midway Ice Castles, making for a perfect holiday outing
Take your family on a drive-through light show experience at Christmas in Color in South Jordan or at the Salt Lake County Fairgrounds. This popular event features millions of colorful lights synced to festive music, creating a magical display you can enjoy from the comfort of your car. It’s perfect for families looking for a cozy yet dazzling Christmas adventure.
-
- #image_title
-
- Step into a wonderland of lights! Families create cherished memories as they stroll through the magical light tunnel at Christmas in Color.
-
- Holiday Events in Utah for Families – Explore The Christmas in Color Light Displays
-
- Holiday Events in Utah for Families – Explore The Christmas in Color Light Displays
-
- Step into a wonderland of lights! Families create cherished memories as they stroll through the magical light tunnel at Christmas in Color.
-
- #image_title
-
- Holiday Events in Utah for Families – Explore The Christmas in Color Light Displays
-
- Holiday Events in Utah for Families – Explore The Christmas in Color Light Displays
A holiday classic, Ballet West’s Nutcracker performance in Salt Lake City is a must for families looking for an enchanting evening filled with beautiful music, costumes, and dancing. As one of Utah’s longest-running holiday traditions, the Nutcracker is a magical story that captivates both kids and adults, making it an ideal family outing.
-
- Experience the magic of holiday tradition! Clara and the Nutcracker Prince take center stage in Ballet West’s captivating production, enchanting audiences with their timeless story.
-
- Ballet West’s Nutcracker Performance- family friendly holiday events in Utah
-
- Ballet West’s Nutcracker Performance- family friendly holiday events in Utah
-
- Ballet Wests Nutcracker Performance Salt Lake City Family Events
-
- Experience the magic of holiday tradition! Clara and the Nutcracker Prince take center stage in Ballet West’s captivating production, enchanting audiences with their timeless story.
-
- Ballet West’s Nutcracker Performance- family friendly holiday events in Utah
-
- Ballet West’s Nutcracker Performance- family friendly holiday events in Utah
-
- Ballet Wests Nutcracker Performance Salt Lake City Family Events
Utah brims with holiday cheer, and there’s even more festive fun to be found across the state! Here are a few additional holiday experiences to consider:
Zermatt Resort’s Christmas Market in Midway: Inspired by traditional European Christmas markets, Zermatt Resort offers a festive holiday shopping experience, delicious food, and live music.
The Living Planet Aquarium’s Festival of the Seas in Draper: Families can meet Santa underwater and enjoy the aquarium’s unique holiday decorations.
Park City Holiday Events: From tree lighting ceremonies to Santa skiing down the mountain, Park City offers a cozy winter getaway with fun holiday activities throughout December.
-
- Historic 25th Street – Explore Ogden’s Iconic Downtown with My Local Utah
-
- Experience the holiday magic in Park City! Main Street is aglow with festive lights, making it the perfect place for families to shop, dine, and enjoy the season
-
- Create unforgettable memories this holiday season in Park City! Families enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, embracing the joy of winter.
-
- holidays, childhood and people concept – happy little girl with sparkler at christmas market in winter evening
-
- Create unforgettable memories this holiday season in Park City! Families enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, embracing the joy of winter.
-
- Utah Winter Family Activities – Explore My Local Utah for things to do this winter!
-
- Experience the holiday magic in Park City! Main Street is aglow with festive lights, making it the perfect place for families to shop, dine, and enjoy the season
-
- holidays, childhood and people concept – happy little girl with sparkler at christmas market in winter evening
Plan Your Christmas Adventures
For even more Utah Christmas inspiration, explore My Local Utah to discover even more holiday happenings, tips, and more family-friendly activities across the state. With breathtaking light displays, unique holiday events, and outdoor adventures, Christmas in Utah offers endless fun for families.
Whether you’re exploring Temple Square Lights, skating at the Gallivan Center, or journeying to the North Pole on the Heber Valley Railroad, these Utah Christmas activities promise memories that will last a lifetime. Make this season one your family will never forget!
EXPLORE MY LOCAL UTAH
My Local Utah is your one stop destination for everything Utah. Whether you’re a business owner looking for resources, a resident looking to explore hidden gems, or a visitor eager to experience Utah’s unique culture and offerings, we’ve got you covered.
Share the adventure!
