In warmer months, outdoor adventurers will have a blast exploring the natural beauties through horseback riding or hiking. Whether youre looking for commercial parks with structured lanes or a local hill and your own thermos of hot cocoa, weve got it all. Previous Group 90 South West Temple Find the best ice skating rinks in Utah and plan the perfect skate night with your friends and family. 4x4 Safari Excursion in Arches National Park. Suggested Read: 10 Museums In Washington DC For An Insight Into The American History. Star of Wonder opens this week at the West Valley Performing Arts Center. Want to avoid the Utah national park crowds? Midway Tree Lighting Celebration: November 27 @6:15-9 pmFREE. Things can be a little quieter down here this time of year. Contact Info. 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. A New Peace on Earth presentation projected on ceiling of Tabernacle. 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. On the ArizonaUtah state line sits a unique landmark within the territory of the Navajo Tribal Nation. Thinking about the Dead Sea sounds scary, but the Great Salt Lake is actually popular for swimming, sunbathing, sailing, wildlife viewing, kayaking, and more! Whether youre a geek or an adventurer, this national monument has so much in store for you. And camping is an excellent option for those who want to explore the lake at a leisurely pace. Nativities Nativity in the Glen (SLC): Dec. 3 from 6-9 PM. 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. In fact, its the only warm water scuba destination in the continental United States. The Utah State Capitol sits atop Salt Lake Citys Capitol Hill, which overlooks the capitals downtown area. This children's museum is educational in a delightfully tactile way. These special walking tours include hot chocolate and cookies for saleas guests and visitors to the hotel observe these displays. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Theres a live nativity and display of small nativities in Payson. It's quaint and cute just like Midway. Free cookies and hot cocoa. Adventure, Hiking, History and Heritage, Native American, Non-ski Winter Activities, Scenic Drives/Road Trips, Stargazing. North Pole Express(Heber) Nov. 22 Dec. 23. Alpine Living Nativity (Alpine): Dec. 2-4, 10-11. Theater nerd or not, youll find that witnessing the Shakespeare Festival can be surprisingly one of the best things to do in Utah. Best time of year to visit Utah. We look for fun, easy adventures throughout the state of Utah and beyond. The Salt Lake City Public Library is one of the most stunning works of modernist architecture, designed by internationally acclaimed architect Moshe Safdie. 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. How to Visit Southern Utah in Winter Recommended Hotel Nearby: SpringHill Suites by Marriott Salt Lake City Draper, 350 State StreetSalt Lake City, UT 84103(801) 538-1800. Utah's metropolitan areas are situated right by our snow-packed mountains, offering visitors unparalleled access. Each year, the Festival of Treesat Mountain America Expo Centershows off the talents of professional designers and decorators in the community who take on the task of decorating trees in just 24 hours. We also highly suggest taking the three-hour Sound and Light Show tour along the Colorado River. Now you are ready for total snowball war. Written October 2, 2021. Rileys Family Christmas(Genola): Monday, Friday, & Saturday starting November 29 from 5:30-8:30. Brilliant. 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. Salt Lake during the holidays? Time slots are available every half hour, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Lights and a Nativity, Larry H Miller Christmas Carole Sing-Along: December 13 at 7:00 pm (doors open at 6:00 pm) FREE, Candy Windows(South Jordan): FREE (no dates yet). Afterwards, try ice skating at the Midway Ice Rink. The Gallivan Center, an outdoor skating rink, falls within the free-fare zone of Salt Lake's public transportation.This means on chilly nights families can opt for a short ride on the TRAX light rail from this . Keep the contradictions going by cruising along the Waterpocket Fold, a water-free buckle of land that serves as the backbone of the park. The only challenge is deciding if you want to stay in a slope-side lodge or a hotel in the city. 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. Exhibits around the building will also immerse you in the mystery of outer space. Here are just a few of our favorite annual holiday events to check out here in Salt Lake. Youll find the festive spirit in every direction, without breaking the bank. You can explore by location, what's popular, our top picks, free stuff. (Salty and sweet? For more information, see our Privacy Policy. Check out the retired engines and cabooses outside and head inside to watch some model trains doing their thing. Need winter break ideas? As youre mapping out your winter trip through southeastern Utah, consider adding the following parks and natural wonders to your itinerary. Moqui Caves temperatures never go beyond 65 degrees, and theres a nice outdoor cafe that serves refreshing snacks and cold drinks. 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. If youre visiting Utah any time from June to early October, the festival hosts the summer-fall tradition of plays, Greenshows, seminars, camps, and classes at Cedar City. From swimming to sledding, the whole family will enjoy (or at least appreciate) these fun winter activities. Hiking in winter is perfect for getting the family out of the house and into the crisp fresh air. International finals, national championships, regional events and homegrown extravaganzas all take place in Ogden, Utah. Check out this snowshoe excursion then plan yours today for fun and adventure. Saltwater is highly corrosive, and soft mud lies beneath the layer of salt crust. This colossal national monument makes a lovely endless playground for off-roaders, canyoneers, and hikers. Located in close proximity to Deer Valley, Park City Mountain Resort is notably one of the most popular tourist attractions for outdoorsy families vacationing in Utah. Fun times for kids who like trains. Admission Free after 5:00 PM for the light display. The Grand StaircaseEscalante National Monument is the largest national monument in the United States and the most remote in the country. Next Group. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Ramada by Wyndham Cedar City. Hiking, Non-ski Winter Activities, Scenic Drives/Road Trips, Ski and Snowboard. 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. Resting at the bottom of a 55 foot-tall crater in Midway, Utah there is a warm pool of geothermal waters that is perfect for swimming, relaxing and even diving year round. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Theres no better way to experience a bit of everything Utah offers. Icicle artisans spend the winter building the castles through magic and science. The five-acre Red Hills Desert Garden is actually Utahs first-ever desert conservation garden. It spans over a million acres, dates back to 200 million years in the distant past, and bears an incredible wealth of fossils and artifacts. Dates beginning Nov. 26, 2021 on Fridays & Saturdays. Shop for ski gear like a local. Fine, here's a plethora of Utah events to keep you feeling fulfilled. Landscaping and gardening workshops are also offered here, so if you dont know what to do in Utah this weekend, consider signing up. Santas Arrival at Station Park(Farmington): November 26 @ 9-11 AM. Their boat launch is perfect for families who want to motor or sail atop the salty waters. The holiday market is only open for one weekend in December and it's this weekend, from Dec. 1 to Dec. 4. Located 25 minutes away from Park City, Bear Ridge Adventures also offers authentic dog sled tours on scenic private property. Lake Powell. Anna and Elsa fans will appreciate the frozen wonderland all lit up at night in blue and pink. New location this year. . The Midway Ice Castles are sculpted entirely from ice and span several acres of space, enough to pack in tunnels, ice slides, and magical spaces that kids and adults alike are sure to love. Since we live in Utah County, you will notice that we have visited many more spots in Utah and Salt Lake counties. Breakfast With Santa December 5,12,19, 2021, Multiple Times Zermatt Mountain Resort, Midway The museum is home to 5,000 desert plants, a replica slot canyon, a stream with native and endangered fish, and prehistoric dinosaur tracks from 200 million years ago. Think of them more like community hubs where staff and volunteers teach free workshops on reading, art, computers, legos, yoga, storytime and more. November 26-Jan. 2. It is a fundraising event for the Primary Childrens Hospital, too. Lay back and watch the scenery as you and your kids glide down the longest tubing hill in Utah then take the magic carpet back up. MDRS sometimes schedules visitor days on their Facebook page during the spring too, so go check out their page. More than 6,000 lights illuminate a milelong walk through the Ashton Gardens at Thanksgiving Point. Liberty Park is popular for hosting food . Want to avoid the Utah national park crowds? Get into the holidays by walking through one of Salt Lakes most elegant hotels. Or feel the "freedom" at The Gateway and City Creek Center, two local malls also known for providing free, fun events. Mon, Fri, and Sat from November 26December 22. However, you dont have to get too far out of town to get lost down a ski track. Moderate crowds and temperatures in April-May and September-October make these months the best time to visit Utah and its national parks. Our favorite Christmas adventure! Experience a world unlike anything youve ever imagined in the high desert mountains and plummeting canyons of south-central Utah. Youll find holiday markets, festivals, concerts, pop up bars, dance performances, musicals, and more to celebrate the holiday season in Salt Lake. Needless to say kids love it! Be warned: theres a lot of kids here, but if you can handle some chaos then this place is worth the trip. Bonus: you can ride the carousel and sometimes see a few animals. Thirteen snowboarding resorts are positioned perfectly for dumps of fluffy powder all winter long. Its time to plan your winter break, a break from everything, and were going to make it easy by choosing Utah. It's one of the state's top snowmobiling destinations. Well, you should absolutely watch Utah Shakespeare Festivals world-class outdoor performances for an unforgettable time! Visitors have to option to book a 1 hour, 2 hour, or half day dog sled tour from December (sometimes November) to March. Use that energy to build a snow fort. Discover some of the most picturesque places to photograph in Southern Utah, and learn some tips for how to shoot and travel responsibly. As youre mapping out your winter trip through southeastern Utah, consider adding the following parks and natural wonders to your itinerary. Characterized by red rocks and natural amphitheaters carved by frost weathering and stream erosion, Bryce Canyon attracts almost three million visitors every year. Copyright 2023 Utah.com. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Plus Greenwell Inn Related: Best Family Hotels in Utah Related: Things to Do in Moab 10. Get More Mountain Time You sample collect hot chocolate and cookies on the tour as you embrace the true magic of the holiday season. If youre curious about the extravagance of Hindu festivals, you can also join the temples grand celebrations of Holi and Diwali! Gingerbread house contest entries on display at the Brigham City Christmas Village. This year we organized our list by county to help you more readily find activities near your home. 1661 East Murray-Holladay Road (4800 South), Where: Various locations in Salt Lake City. 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. Capitol Reef National Park Get gazed and confused staring out at one of Utah's trippiest landscapes, a hodgepodge of rounded white domes, jutting spires and even a landlocked version of a tropical reef. Guests are invited to make s'mores, sip hot chocolate, and explore the 135-foot tunneled walkway. The event, which benefits patients at Intermountain Primary Childrens Hospital, will be held virtually Tuesday, Nov. 30, through Saturday, Dec. 4, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. St. George is a city on the southwest corner of the Arizona border and is known for its recreational opportunities all year round. Get discounts on lift tickets. Yes, Temple Square in Salt Lake City is open for the Christmas season. Get some ideas from our road tripitineraries, bucket lists and family-friendly hikes. Not only does it guarantee a great time for skiers; it also offers non-skiers and snowboarders lots of chances to frolic in the snow. This desert is dramatic. Forever Mighty. Since the dawn of time, families have been balling up snow and throwing it at each other. But with some advanced planning and a good set of layers, these small impediments are easily handled. June to August is the season of spectacular activities like Bonneville Speed Week or stargazing . Grand America Holiday Windows: Nov. 1-Dec. 31 M- TH: 4 PM 8 PMand FRI SUN: 10 AM-5PM. By clicking "I Agree", you consent to the use of cookies. If you cant make it to Christkindlmarkt, head for the Holiday Market at Rio Grande where local vendors offer up their wares. Four furry friends help the Solitude Ski Patrol do their duties. To put it simply, the riding in Utah is epic. In the winter months, Utah's five national parks and their surrounding country are full of solitude and with an adventurous spirit to shrug off mild doses of moody weather you can count on having red rock country all to yourself. Find your sense of adventure and awe in the vast yet intricate swaths of desert from Arches National Park to Monument Valley. During the holiday season, Utah's Hogle Zoo lights up with over 200 lighted animal and holiday-themed displays in the evenings. Tremonton Lights (Tremeonton) Nov. 24-Jan 1 from 5:30-11:30 pm every night at the Tremonton City Office. How about you take that fascination to the next level by going where dinosaurs once roamed? Your browser is not supported for this experience.We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. Stroll through the re-created Utahn terrain and fall in love with desert flora. Let us know if we are missing your favorite Christmas activity by sending us an email: info@utahsadventurefamily.com, Christmas in Downtown Tree Lighting and Parade (Logan): November 27 at 4:30-7:30 (4:30 Santa arrives, 5:30 Tree Lighting, visits with Santa until 7:30 FREE. 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. Previously a prehistoric lake that once covered a large area of Utah millions of years ago, the Great Salt Lake is the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Grand America Hotel, Related: Best Things to Do in Salt Lake City, 1345 Lowell AvenuePark City, UT 84060(435) 649-8111. U.S. Olympic Team Trials Speed Skating December 17-19, 2021, 11 am-9 pm Utah Olympic Oval, Kearns. Experiencing the peace of canyon country in the winter is an attraction of its own. For Sparta! Cocoa and cookies provided. Rocky Mountain Outfitters Carriage Rides(Jordanelle State Park): Sleigh Rides through the lights all the way through winter. Then add color with snow paint. Tree will be lit at 6:00. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Inn Kanab, Related: Things to Do in Zion National Park, See Ticket Price for Tour that Includes This Activity. All Rights Reserved. A new walk-thru light display. Nov. 29-Dec. 4. Hiking, Non-ski Winter Activities, Scenic Drives/Road Trips, Ski and Snowboard, Stargazing. For the holidays, This Is The Place Heritage Park transforms into a Christmas wonderland with sweet treats and arts-and-crafts events. For tickets and reservation information, click HERE! 4.5 /5 (805 reviews) Lake Powell is part of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Ice skating is a favorite winter activity among Salt Lakers. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Comfort Inn & Suites Tooele-Salt Lake City, 11625 E 1500 SJensen, UT 84035(435) 781-7700. All rights reserved. Towering red rocks dusted in snow, often set against bright blue skies, welcome winter visitors to Capitol Reef National Park. Families, on the other hand, have an endless array of cultural institutions to choose from. Wide open vistas, historic main streetsand storied Olympic venues. Imaginorium: Nov. 29-Dec. 23, M-Th 4-9 pm and F-Sat 4-10 pm. Family Destinations Guide is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Since hosting the 2002 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, in many ways the Olympic spirit and world-class athletes that seized Utah have never left. 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. Completed in 1916, this Neoclassical revival, Corinthian-style building has seen so much struggle and growth since Utahs early beginnings as a state. A Pioneer Christmas: Provo Pioneer Village on Dec. 17, 18, and 20 from 5-8 pm.