Use code LEHIMOMs to save 20% off. As youre mapping out your winter trip through southeastern Utah, consider adding the following parks and natural wonders to your itinerary. During the spring, the snow from the previous season melts into the clearest water, mirroring the sky above and the surrounding mountain ranges. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Salt Lake Marriott Downtown at City Creek, 110 400 WSalt Lake City, UT 84101(385) 468-7827. Just make sure you do it before Dec. 24 since hes pretty busy that day. Let your kids get soaked in the Waterworks section or break out of jail in Kidopolis. Its time to plan your winter break, a break from everything, and were going to make it easy by choosing Utah. FREE hot chocolate and doughnuts and wagon rides. But with some advanced planning and a good set of layers, these small impediments are easily handled. Forever Mighty. All Rights Reserved, 11 Utah Christmas events you might want to check out this year, The 2023 Utah Legislature has wrapped. Rocky Mountain Outfitters Carriage Rides(Jordanelle State Park): Sleigh Rides through the lights all the way through winter. International finals, national championships, regional events and homegrown extravaganzas all take place in Ogden, Utah. As you visit, do your part to keep Utah Forever Mighty. Experience more peace, quiet and solitude. A Pioneer Christmas: Provo Pioneer Village on Dec. 17, 18, and 20 from 5-8 pm. Recommended Hotel Nearby: SpringHill Suites by Marriott Salt Lake City Draper, 350 State StreetSalt Lake City, UT 84103(801) 538-1800. The Utah State Capitol sits atop Salt Lake Citys Capitol Hill, which overlooks the capitals downtown area. Where: Various locations along the Wasatch FrontUtahs new and improved public swimming pools are basically playgrounds. Camping & Backpacking, Climbing & Canyoneering, Cycling, Fishing, Glamping, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Non-ski Winter Activities, Scenic Drives/Road Trips, Stargazing. The Red Butte Garden is a beautiful and picturesque destination located in the foothills of the Wasatch Range in Salt Lake City. We are a family of 5 with three boys who love to be outside. Use code AdventureFamily15 to save 15% off tickets. Browse through the museums artifacts, and enter the teepee to check out the black-lit room that features glowing minerals and paintings. Thanks for @Stgeorge_Kids for giving us a few ideas for the St. George area. Start making summer vacation plans today. Explore snowshoeing. This year we organized our list by county to help you more readily find activities near your home. Dinosaur National Monument Extreme Sports Events Fishing Golfing Hiking & Backpacking Horseback Riding Hunting Canoe & Kayak Mountain Biking Museums Old West Mormon River Rafting Rock Climbing Shopping Skiing Snowmobiling Spas Stand Up Paddle Boarding Utah Olympic Park Latest Articles & Itineraries Travel Guides and Brochures View Brochures Featuring extraordinary golf courses, outdoorsy Utah activities, Jurassic-era dinosaur tracks, a childrens museum, and more, St. George is a haven of fun for golfers, fearless teens, and active kids. Deals likeAltaSki After 3,Brightonnight skiing, Ski Utahs heavily discounted passes for 5th and 6th graders, and the fact that most resorts let young kids ski for free can make skiing affordable again. Utah is a family-friendly place (highest birth rate in the nation, heh heh) so we have a kid-friendly infrastructure ready for long, dark winter days. Since the dawn of time, families have been balling up snow and throwing it at each other. Zoo Lights: SLC Dec. 3-23, 26-31 from 5:30-9:30 pm. Your browser is not supported for this experience.We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. Imagine an old-fashioned theater experience, with costumed vendors all around selling snacks and drinks. Start Planning Your Summer VacationIt's never too late to look forward to summer. The water is comfortably warm and shallow enough for toddlers. Ski Southern Utah: High Alpine Trails + Red Rock Wonder. 4x4 Safari Excursion in Arches National Park. Get discounts on lift tickets. Holly Days Festival(Vernal): November 26: A day full of fun,FREEactivities throughout the Vernal area including a light parade and fireworks. Moqui Caves temperatures never go beyond 65 degrees, and theres a nice outdoor cafe that serves refreshing snacks and cold drinks. Find the best ice skating rinks in Utah and plan the perfect skate night with your friends and family. Best time of year to visit Utah. Evermore Park Aurora Winter Festival:Pleasant Grove. found in the higher elevation regions of Southern Utah, Fresh Tracks in Kamas Utah's Snowcountry, Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity. From snowmobiling to skiing, snowshoeing to sledding and fishing, Bear Lake in the winter is everything youll want from your next winter vacation. Most of the famous sights in Salt Lake City are all within the area of this gorgeous square, such as world-class restaurants, parks, and breathtaking infrastructures. This colossal national monument makes a lovely endless playground for off-roaders, canyoneers, and hikers. One can of food per person donation encouraged. Park City Electric Light Parade: December 4 @ 4-6:30 pm FREE, Park City Snow Globe Stroll: Park City, November 25-January 5 FREE, WhoLiday Lighting in the Orchard: November 15 @ 6:00-8:00 pm FREE, Lighting of the Riverwoods (Provo): November 19 @ 6:00-9:00 pmFREE. 801.534.4900 | 800.541.4955, National Parks, Monuments & Recreation Areas, Advertise in the Salt Lake Official Visitors Guide, Don't miss the Temple Lights this holiday season. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Home2 Suites by Hilton Salt Lake City-East, 300 Wakara WaySalt Lake City, UT 84108(801) 585-0556. Channel your inner figure skater as you race and twirl around the rink. You can also have supper at one of the booths. FREE. Once upon a time, the library was a place of silence and stern librarians. Cocoa and cookies provided. This fundraising event for Primary Childrens Hospital is an excellent way to kick off the holiday season with doors open to the public for three days of oohing and ahhing while shopping for small gifts. Ready? Enjoy this beautiful marble structure and the majestic views of snow-capped mountains in the background. Hiking, rafting, and camping are some of the most popular activities at Dinosaur National Monument. FREE, Twas the Lights Before Christmas: Riverton Nov. 30-Dec. 31 FREE. Now you are ready for total snowball war. When Maren and Racer Gibson started rescuing huskies and malamutes over 20 years ago their intention very likely wasnt to make a profit or start a business. This beautiful event brings the light and joy of the holiday season to the South Valley. Wondering where to go snowshoeing? Average temperature in Southern Utah (St. George): highs 63 / lows 40 degrees F. The average December snowfall in the Southern part of Utah: Moab (Arches/Canyonlands) - 2 days / 3.5 inches. As daytime shredders check-out between 3 and 4 p.m., a new ski shift begins. Today at 6:30 PM Keller Williams Realty Logan, UT Master Magic Class Master Magic Class Tomorrow at 5:00 PM + 45 more events The Book Table Logan, UT 2023 UACEP Conference & Members Meeting - March 6-7 2023 UACEP Conference & Members Meeting - March 6-7 Tue, Mar 7, 9:00 AM Utah State University - Taggart Student Center Logan, UT Ut ah Popular in Utah See more RootsTech After Party for Young Adults RootsTech After Party for Young Adults Each year artists hand-place thousands of icicles to create magical castles, sculptures and playgrounds that shine bright in front of a rainbow of LED lights. Thousands of people each day enjoy Utah's famous backcountry the areas outside of ski area boundaries. They believe dog sledding is a great way to dive in and get to know more about mushing, the hard-working huskies, and dog sledding. Experience a world unlike anything youve ever imagined in the high desert mountains and plummeting canyons of south-central Utah. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Plus Abbey Inn, Related: Fun Things to Do inUtahwith Kids, Highway 63 Park Road #1Bryce Canyon City, UT 84764(435) 834-5322. (Read: "Fresh Tracks in Kamas Utah's Snowcountry"). Walk through time on a switchbacking boardwalk through the fossil record at the Natural History Museum of Utah. Everything is fascinating but your kids might beeline to the dinosaur gallery to get skull to skull with Allosaurus, Utahceratops and Utahraptor. Then add some ice sculpture gargoyles to intimidate the enemy. Christmas on the Farm(Cedar City): November 26-27, Dec. 4, 8, 11, & 15, at 10-4. Tickets include sleigh ride, cocoa, and sledding hill. Instead of having yet another movie night, try a backyard bonfire with hot chocolate and smores. The market is open from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. for one weekend only in December as local and visitors alike get into the spirit of the holiday season. 1 Zion Park BoulevardState Route 9Springdale, UT 84767(435) 772-3256. Whether youre in northern or southern Utah, as long as there is snow there is very likely an outfitter that can rent the gear you need; or better yet, guide you to their favorite spots. The Galliavan Center offers ice skating opportunities, bringing you closer to the wintry season. You can also watch scientists as they prep new specimens and be a paleontologist for a day at the dinosaur dig! Try these indoor and outdoor winter activities for kids and parents alike. In Utah, skiing is just where winter begins. Experience the towering heights of Zion, the depths of Buckskin Gulch, the dunes of Snow Canyon, the sunset over Gooseberry. Towering red rocks dusted in snow, often set against bright blue skies, welcome winter visitors to Capitol Reef National Park. 10. The Uinta Mountains are about 100 miles east of Salt Lake City and just a few minutes from Vernal in Eastern Utah. Miscellaneous Recommended Hotel Nearby: Homewood Suites By Hilton SLC/Draper. Loveland Living Planet Aquarium brings together the critters from South America, Utah, the Antarctic, Asia, and all of the earths oceans. More details on their event post. Your kid likes trains? The Bonneville Salt Flats cover 30,000 acres of white salt crust one the western edge of the Great Salt Lake. Things To Do Outdoor Brian Head Cedar Breaks National Parks Outdoor Activities Recreation Areas Discovery Trails City Utah Shakespeare Festival Art and Culture Shopping Visitor Services Communities Groups and Meetings Cedar City Walks Events Food & Drink Lodging Experiences Contact My Bucket List Events Tremonton Lights (Tremeonton) Nov. 24-Jan 1 from 5:30-11:30 pm every night at the Tremonton City Office. Southern Utah is home to two high-elevation ski areas that contain generous helpings of what we call (with authority) The Greatest Snow on Earth. Time slots are available every half hour, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Little America Hotel Salt Lake City, 311 West 8500 SouthSpanish Fork, UT 84660(801) 787-1510. There are several trails to hike, thousands of geological wonders to photograph, sites to camp for the night and watch the stars, areas to ride horses, ranger-led programs to enjoy from spring through fall, and so much more to expect at Arches National Park. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Ramada by Wyndham Cedar City. Young Living Farm Country Christmas: Nov. 26-Dec.22 from 6-9 pm. AndShesDopeToo is a worldwide adventure community of women run by Jennifer and Taylor Killian from Ogden, Utah. Copyright 2023 Utah Office of Tourism. Four furry friends help the Solitude Ski Patrol do their duties. Pro tip: At the Main Library in downtown Salt Lake City you can take a ride in the glass elevator to the roof, observe the dormant beehive, then walk down the swooping steps to the courtyard. When the Utah sun becomes unbearable, head over to one of Kanabs cool places, literally and figuratively. Recreational opportunities and gorgeous scenery also await, and sunsets here turn skies into a kaleidoscope of colors. The ski lift may be closer, but the Provo River, one of the best fisheries in Utah and the country, is mere minutes down the road from Sundance Mountain Resort. I think theres live music as well. During the holiday season, Utahs Hogle Zoo lights up with over 200 lighted animal and holiday-themed displays in the evenings. Deer Valley. Zoo Lights: SLC Dec. 3-23, 26-31 from 5:30-9:30 pm. St. George Town Square Tree Lighting: November 29 at 6 8 pm FREE Santa will be here! The Park City Mountain Resort Alpine Coaster is an elevated track featuring toboggan-style cars that take you through more than . While Utah's Greater Zion offers a few hundred trails, weve highlighted seven of the best hikes in the state's southwestern corner, from deep canyons to high peaks. Discover Utahs Wellness Retreats. As youre mapping out your winter trip through southeastern Utah, consider adding the following parks and natural wonders to your itinerary. Plan a winter Southeastern Utah trip. Whether youre glamping or choosing a simpler option, yurt camping in Utah during the wintertime is a fun, unique experience you wont want to miss out on. New location this year. Get off at Historic Union Station and choo choo! You can explore by location, what's popular, our top picks, free stuff. Who wouldve thought that amidst a rocky desert landscape with cities inhabited predominantly by Mormons a grand Hindu temple would rise? We all have been entranced by the existence of dinosaurs at some point of our lives. Lightwalk at Liberty Park: SLC Dec. 3-18 from 5-10 pm. Things to Do in Sandy, Utah: See Tripadvisor's 12,193 traveler reviews and photos of Sandy tourist attractions. George, UT 84770(435) 673-3617. So you can do this adventure after Christmas, too. Book a dog sled tour with the pups and witness their story as they pull your sled through the area's snow blanketed open spaces. Now you can start planning your holiday season. St. George Gingerbread House Parade (St. George): Nov. 29-Dec. 11 Different businesses have gingerbread houses on display. Dates beginning Nov. 26, 2021 on Fridays & Saturdays. Zootah Christmas Lights: (Logan): November 27-Dec.18 (Th, F, and Sat). Home to an intricate six-spire temple, Temple Square has been a famous destination for both tourists and locals admiring its beauty as the heart of the worldwide Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-Day Saints. Heres what you need to know, Japanese official denies Lee statement on commitment to expedite release of Lt. Ridge Alkonis, Utah Legislature finalizes record $29B budget. Go as far as you want on Little Cottonwood Trail up Little Cottonwood Canyon. Lights, train rides, live Nativities, and Santa. And the 2021 holiday season offers a slew of new activities for you and your family. 69 p.m.The week of Christmas, wagon rides on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, December 2022. Watch current conditions, as unsettled winter weather can bring storms. Dec. 11 & 13 from 6-8:30 pm. Less than an hour's drive from Salt Lake City, Heber Valley is the perfect Utah snowmobile base camp for newbies and experienced riders alike. Tubing is the answer. See All 131 Things To Do in Utah Cool Places to Eat & Drink in Utah Huntsville, Utah Shooting Star Saloon Eat burgers beneath gargantuan taxidermy and thousands of dollar bills in Utah's. Its a season full of activity. Candlelight Christmas at This is the Place Heritage Park: Dec. 7-23 from 5-9 PM. See All Itineraries Previous Group Needless to say kids love it! . Get More Mountain Time Featuring fossils, dinosaur bones, minerals, insects, plants, and Native American artifacts all discovered from Utah and the American West, the Natural History Museum of Utah is a worthwhile escape into the ancient past. Definitely one of the must see tourist spots in Utah that you shouldnt miss! For more information, see our Privacy Policy. But Take an epicurean trip across the state to try all of Utahs capital is so much more than just We use cookies to improve your experience on Utah.com. Utah heli skiing and snowboarding are perfect for those who want to ride some of the best backcountry in the world. To help you jump-start your journey to the American West, here are the best things to do in Utah. With more than 800 miles of groomed snowmobile trails from the red rock canyons of Southern Utah to the rugged mountains in the northern reaches of the state, Utah has plenty of options for snowmobile vacations, lodging and packages. The holiday market is only open for one weekend in December and it's this weekend, from Dec. 1 to Dec. 4. Christmas at the Homestead(Cedar City): Frontier Homestead Museum has decorations, including the Twelve Trees of Christmas. Hardcore hikers and climbers brave Zion National Park for its challenging terrains, while families come for outdoorsy trips and easy trails. Private Utah High Country Rafting Adventure from Provo. North Pole Festival: Rio Tinto Stadium. In winter, families may try icy pursuits, such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Written October 2, 2021. The real Up house was built in 2011 by Bangerter Homes with permission from Disney. The holiday season is here again, and theres no question that people will be enjoying the outdoors after spending much of the 2020 holiday season indoors. If you dont feel like trudging up a hill 17 times (itisgood exercise though) head up to Woodward Park City to their state-of-the-art tubing lanes. They bloom during the spring, by the way! Nov. 19-Jan 1. Spring boasts active wildlife and blooming flowers. Walk through time on a switchbacking boardwalk through the fossil record at the Natural History Museum of Utah. The house makes perfect photo ops inside and outside, but make sure you contact the current owners of the house first before you go beyond the white picket fence. Take a cruise on the Provo River and Santa rows up in a row boat. Kid-friendly activities include daily parades, a live nativity, a gnome festival, and more. Suggested Read: 10 Museums In Washington DC For An Insight Into The American History. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western PLUS Rubys Inn, 13312 West 1075 SouthMagna, UT 84044(801) 828-0787. Christmas Town Utah(Helper): No dates yet. Experience Exciting Events Every Day of the Year! Maren and Racer Gibson of All Seasons Adventures in Park City, Utah rescue "unadoptable" Huskies and Malamutes. You can head over to Gardner Village to grab some breakfast with Santa Claus himself. Tour around the 19th-century temple and surrounding architectural wonders as you take a trip back in time to the historical events and the religion that shaped the city. For 30 years, filmmakers and audiences have been traveling to Utah to see some of the most innovative storytelling in cinema at theSundance Film Festival. FREE, Brigham City Christmas Village (Brigham City): Dec. 2-Jan. 3 Located at 1 South Main street in Brigham CIty. Discover some of the most picturesque places to photograph in Southern Utah, and learn some tips for how to shoot and travel responsibly. Whether you're a local, new in town or just cruising through we've got loads of great tips and events. Utahsstateandnational parkswill be thawed out before you know it! Nestled in the junction of the Colorado Plateau, Great Basin, and Mojave Desert regions, Zion National Park has an abundance of unique landscapes and biodiversity. There are thousands of books to explore, fireplaces on all four floors, an art gallery, a coffee shop, a spiral grand staircase, and three glass elevators. While winter weather in Southern Utah can be mild youll still need to deal with cooler and widely fluctuating temperatures as well as intermittent rain and snow. All Rights Reserved. Nativity in the Glen(SLC): Dec. 3 from 6-9 PM. Their boat launch is perfect for families who want to motor or sail atop the salty waters. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Gouldings Lodge, 50 N TempleSalt Lake City, UT 84150(801) 531-1000, At the heart of Salt Lake City is the magnificent Temple Square, a 10-acre complex owned by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Stroll through the re-created Utahn terrain and fall in love with desert flora. Bonus: you can ride the carousel and sometimes see a few animals. Shop for ski gear like a local. Nov. 29-Dec. 4. It's like going from the bottom of the ocean to the canopies of the Amazon Rainforest in one day. Whether youre a geek or an adventurer, this national monument has so much in store for you. Find popular Nordic trailheads in the north, high altitude serenity in central Utah and miles of regularly groomed trails in the south. However, you dont have to get too far out of town to get lost down a ski track. The dogs participate in a dog sledding operation to help find their purpose. 25 Best Things to Do in Utah Fun Activities & Stuff to Do! Finding Helper at a time when she needed it the most, landscape artist Anne Kaferle has put down roots in Utah, thanks to plein-air painting and the healing power of time alone in the landscape. Park City Mountain Resort is the largest ski resort in the US! More than 6,000 lights illuminate a milelong walk through the Ashton Gardens at Thanksgiving Point. It takes up part of Arizona and southern Utah. Dec. 11-24. We use cookies to improve your experience on Utah.com. Each of these annual events are held in Salt Lake and Utah counties. Gingerbread House Display: University Place Mall in Orem. Visitors have to option to book a 1 hour, 2 hour, or half day dog sled tour from December (sometimes November) to March. Encompassing almost 36,000 acres, the monumental splendor of Bryce Canyon National Park has long been recognized by man for thousands of years. You must reach Springdale in Utah to lodge and explore the high canyon walls, Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, and forest. Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity. Join to view profile . The Salt Lake Tabernacle will have a unique Peace on Earth Christmas Nativity. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Theres a live nativity and display of small nativities in Payson. A new walk-thru light display. From delicate river-fed ecosystems to crimson-hued rock buttresses, this magical landscape is awash in history, dating back thousands of years to the original Native American settlers to whom these places were sacred. If youre planning a family trip this year, consider Midways Ice Castles a must-see. Theyve gone digital too. Come enjoy More Mountain Time, whether it is on a ski slope, a snowshoeing trail or in an alpine spa destination. More than 200 lighted animal and holiday-themed displays illuminate the holiday season. Rent snowshoes to go off-trail in that fresh Utah powder snow. All Rights Reserved. 10. Or feel the "freedom" at The Gateway and City Creek Center, two local malls also known for providing free, fun events. Of Utah's 15 resorts, 10 are within an hour of the Salt Lake City International Airport. The Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) is operated by a small crew of scientists from various disciplines who conduct scientific research on the station and simulate actual space missions to Mars. Spending some time on the ice rink might bring that magical vibe of the holiday season. Find out tips for riding and the best places to explore in Utah. Admission Free after 5:00 PM for the light display. Whether you come to ski or snowboard, to mountain bike Slickrock in Moab Utah, to take a summer whitewater rafting splash down Cataract Canyon, or to visit the Old West with a tour of outlaw hideouts and stickups, Utah has adventure waiting. On December 21st, 2021, from 7:30 p.m. - midnight, enjoy Irish song and dance infused with history and humor in this family-friendly experience set against photographic images as the backdrop. You might think the cold is unavoidable and the terrain impassable during the winter months, but if you can surpass these doubts you might just be rewarded with your best hike of the year. If you think about it, Utahs terrain kinda looks a bit like Mars. Night in Bethlehem(Pleasant Grove): November 26-29 and December 2-4 reserveFREEtickets ahead of time. For a more unforgettable experience, book a tour with a Navajo guide! Browse through Lovelands educational exhibits and experience one-of-a-kind animal encounters with sharks, stingrays, and penguins! Feeling cooped up? Youll find the festive spirit in every direction, without breaking the bank. U.S. Olympic Team Trials Speed Skating December 17-19, 2021, 11 am-9 pm Utah Olympic Oval, Kearns. The Loveland Living Planet Aquarium is home to many creatures both scaly and feathered. Hiking in winter is perfect for getting the family out of the house and into the crisp fresh air. Discount code adventure15 to save 15% off tickets. Bikers, hikers, campers, and families come here in throngs for its spring and fall excitement. Walk the Windows Grand America Hotel The Grand America hosts walking tours for the holiday season that show off new displays in windows for the holiday season. Passes to ski and snowboard resorts are expensive, but dont give up yet, powder pauper. Exhibits around the building will also immerse you in the mystery of outer space. MDRS sometimes schedules visitor days on their Facebook page during the spring too, so go check out their page. Skip the crowded peak season and embrace the quiet of a winter visit to Arches National Park. Utah Travel Industry Website, Printable Road Trip Activity Book For Kids, Monument Valley | Highway 163 Scenic Drive, Places to Stay Near Coral Pink Sand Dunes, Utah Valley Adventures for Every Type of Summer-er, Urban Wall Crawl: Murals in Salt Lake City. Its a relatively easy and affordable way to get outside and the perfect way to watch the sun rise over the Wasatch range. Live Nativity at Christmas Celebration: Dec. 15 at 6:00 and 7:30 pm FREE. Red Hills Desert Garden is a cute introduction to Utahs grand, out-of-this-world terrain. Yep you read that right. Ski its heavenly powder snow, then point your car southward to wind your way through the exquisite Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park and a series of crimson-hued state park gems along the way.