things to do in utah in december 2021

Join ski cat driver Kevin Irons on a day's adventures to Lightning Ridge at Powder Mountain, complete with pizza bribery, remote access and lots of powder. The Galliavan Center offers ice skating opportunities, bringing you closer to the wintry season. Arts & Museums Backpacking Camping Cycling Dinosaurs Festivals & Events Filmed in Utah Fishing Food & Nightlife Hiking History Mountain Biking OHV & Off-Road Rafting Road Trips Rock Climbing Skiing Slot Canyons Snowboarding Snowmobiling Snowshoeing Stargazing Tribal Cultures Urban Experiences ExploreToggle Menu Close Menu Forever Mighty Itineraries The Clark Planetarium opened way back in April 2003, replacing the historic Hansen Planetarium under a grant from the Clark Foundation. The holiday market is only open for one weekend in December and it's this weekend, from Dec. 1 to Dec. 4. Within this natural sandstone cave in southern Utah is a natural history museum boasting a bar and fluorescent minerals. 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. As you visit, do your part to keep Utah Forever Mighty. Mon, Fri, and Sat from November 26December 22. 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. Tickets required. Cedar City - 5.5 days / 13.2 inches. 4:30-8:00 pm at Zootah with reindeer encounters. Fine, here's a plethora of Utah events to keep you feeling fulfilled. Tours around the temple are available daily for you to check out the temples elaborate architecture, animals, and organic crops. Santas Grand Arrival at University Place: November 26 @ 9:30 am (Santa arrives via helicopter), Salem Pond Christmas Lighting(Salem): November 26 @ 6-9 PM. The Park City Mountain Resort Alpine Coaster is an elevated track featuring toboggan-style cars that take you through more than . Find the perfect spot to sit down, and enjoy all the different things in this library thatll keep you occupied for hours and hours. Get some ideas from our road tripitineraries, bucket lists and family-friendly hikes. Popular things to do Winter Sports Rentals Half-day Tours Geologic Formations Cultural Tours 4WD Tours Canyons Nature and Wildlife Tours Hiking Tours Scenic Drives Climbing Self-guided Tours National Parks Bus Tours City Tours Bodies of Water Historical Tours Overnight Tours Mountains Sporting Events Transfers & Ground Transport 90 South West Temple Looking for things to do in Utah? Rent snowshoes to go off-trail in that fresh Utah powder snow. All Rights Reserved. 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. Their boat launch is perfect for families who want to motor or sail atop the salty waters. Written October 2, 2021. The world-famous Grand Canyon is near St. George too! Its time to plan your winter break, a break from everything, and were going to make it easy by choosing Utah. Navajos have been here since AD 1,400. Ready to experience snowshoeing in Utah? The sweeping views from the visitor center are already spectacular; youll be blown away when you explore the park up close! Where: Various locations along the Wasatch FrontUtahs new and improved public swimming pools are basically playgrounds. George, UT 84770(435) 673-3617. Gingerbread House Scavenger Hunt (Logan): Dec. 6-25, 2021 FREE, Parade of Gingerbread Homes (Logan): Dec. 4-31. 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. Finally, businesses in many of Utahs smaller communities shutter for the season. Over a million curious guests visit the aquarium every year for their interactive exhibits. 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. Forever Mighty. Anna and Elsa fans will appreciate the frozen wonderland all lit up at night in blue and pink. And the 2021 holiday season offers a slew of new activities for you and your family. Travel Guide For Visiting Utah in December - PhotoJeepers Needless to say kids love it! You either drive through Monument Valley and soak up the sights or explore it fully by getting a tour guide from the visitor center. Ski Southern Utah: High Alpine Trails + Red Rock Wonder. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Home2 Suites by Hilton Salt Lake City-East, 300 Wakara WaySalt Lake City, UT 84108(801) 585-0556. Next Group. Come enjoy More Mountain Time, whether it is on a ski slope, a snowshoeing trail or in an alpine spa destination. How to Visit Southern Utah in Winter FREE, Twas the Lights Before Christmas: Riverton Nov. 30-Dec. 31 FREE. Actually, deals are everywhere, with free events taking place throughout Utah. A Babe is Born (Lehi): Dec. 17-22. If youve been dreaming of Martian-like deserts, rust-colored gargantuan rock formations, and blooming succulents for your next vacation, Utah is your best bet. St. George Gingerbread House Parade (St. George): Nov. 29-Dec. 11 Different businesses have gingerbread houses on display. 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. Hiking, Non-ski Winter Activities, Scenic Drives/Road Trips, Ski and Snowboard, Stargazing. Pro tip:Pack your own lunch and a thermos of hot chocolate to keep spirits up and costs down. If you cant make it to Christkindlmarkt, head for the Holiday Market at Rio Grande where local vendors offer up their wares. Hiking, rafting, and camping are some of the most popular activities at Dinosaur National Monument. For a more unforgettable experience, book a tour with a Navajo guide! Go as far as you want on Little Cottonwood Trail up Little Cottonwood Canyon. Towering red rocks dusted in snow, often set against bright blue skies, welcome winter visitors to Capitol Reef National Park. See red rock hoodoos coated with a dusting of snow against a stunning scenic backdrop on an unforgettable winter visit to Bryce Canyon National Park. Take a road trip from Capitol Reef to Bryce Canyon and enjoy the best of Utah landscapes during its quiet season. Its a contender for ultimate winter family photo, and a winter wonderland the kids wont soon forget. Tickets sell out quickly for this limited engagement event, so make sure to buy your tickets well in advance. Ogden, Utah Attractions & Activities - Visit Ogden 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. Nativity in the Glen(SLC): Dec. 3 from 6-9 PM. Theres no better way to experience a bit of everything Utah offers. Park City Mountain Resort is the largest ski resort in the US! AndShesDopeToo is a worldwide adventure community of women run by Jennifer and Taylor Killian from Ogden, Utah. As the largest national park in Utah, Canyonlands provides a variety of winter adventures, including winter hiking and stargazing. Whether youre a geek or an adventurer, this national monument has so much in store for you. The Great Salt Lake may sometimes be called Americas very own Dead Sea, but unlike the actual Dead Sea, a treasure trove of life thrives in this lake. Take a contemplative walk around the grounds and catch the hourly docent-led tours inside the Utah State Capitol. Live Nativity at the Orchard (Orem): December 10 from 6-8 pm. Copyright Family Destinations Guide 2023. Are you ready for Christmas activities? FREE, Ogden Electric Light Parade: November 27 @ 5:30. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Ramada by Wyndham Cedar City. Imagine a desert of peach-pink sand surrounded by rust-colored cliffs and contrasted by pastel blue skies. Let your kids get soaked in the Waterworks section or break out of jail in Kidopolis. 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. Free Events & Activities in Salt Lake City, Utah It's like going from the bottom of the ocean to the canopies of the Amazon Rainforest in one day. Lake Powell. Rocky Mountain Outfitters Carriage Rides(Jordanelle State Park): Sleigh Rides through the lights all the way through winter. 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. 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. But these days libraries are humming with activity. See All Itineraries Previous Group 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. Definitely among the top places to see in Utah, the Grand StaircaseEscalante National Monument is nothing short of, well, grand. More than 6,000 lights illuminate a milelong walk through the Ashton Gardens at Thanksgiving Point. Admission Free after 5:00 PM for the light display. And you can visit Santa as part of your admission price to Zoo Lights. Sled for free at the iconic hill at Sugarhouse Park inSalt Lake City. Red Hills Desert Garden Lights(St. George): Nov. 26-Jan. 2 at 5-10 pm. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Cathedral Valley Inn, 375 Red Hills ParkwaySt. Stay for the sunset; its heavenly here. Whether you're a local, new in town or just cruising through we've got loads of great tips and events. Miscellaneous November 26-Jan. 2. Learn everything you need to know for a cheap luxury ski trip. Dec. 11 & 13 from 6-8:30 pm. Lights on at 6:30 pm. Built in 2011, this modern museum has a collection of exotic butterflies, minerals and indigenous masterpieces. Find your next ride here. Families, on the other hand, have an endless array of cultural institutions to choose from. Once upon a time, the library was a place of silence and stern librarians. Dont miss the cliff wall at Carnegie Quarry, where more than 1,500 dinosaur fossils are embedded, frozen in time even after millions of years. Walk through time on a switchbacking boardwalk through the fossil record at the Natural History Museum of Utah. Enjoy this beautiful marble structure and the majestic views of snow-capped mountains in the background. Visit Hogle Zoo in the Winter: Tips for Families, Christmas in Downtown Tree Lighting and Parade, West Salt Lake Valley Christmas Light Drive, East Salt Lake Valley Christmas Light Drive, Larry H Miller Christmas Carole Sing-Along, Benson Grist Mill Lighting and Live Nativity, Outlets at Traverse Mountain Virtual Tree Lighting, Santas Grand Arrival at University Place, Young Living Family Farm Country Christmas, Christmas In Dixie Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, Hedgehog Electric Christmas Light Display Map, Picture This Utah: An Interactive Photo Experience, What to Expect When Visiting Historic Nauvoo, Joseph Knight Home and Josiah Stowell Home, FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM FOR ADVENTURES ALL YEAR. Check out this snowshoe excursion then plan yours today for fun and adventure. Think of them more like community hubs where staff and volunteers teach free workshops on reading, art, computers, legos, yoga, storytime and more. Utah's metropolitan areas are situated right by our snow-packed mountains, offering visitors unparalleled access. Kids will have a swell time at the St. George Childrens Museum. Youll get to see firsthand how much the dogs love being on the team and pulling guests on the sleds. Zion offers horseback riding, glamping, scenic drives, nature walks, picnic sites, and lodging. No matter your level of adventure, you will find good reason to save some time for a day away from the resort. Southern Utahs wilds are wearing their winter splendor. Things to do in Utah | Top Attractions, Events, and Recreation Utah.com You can now visit the iconic house from the tear-jerking film Up at 13218 Herriman Rose Boulevard in Herriman, Utah. Four furry friends help the Solitude Ski Patrol do their duties. Sometimes an adrenaline pumping day on the slopes calls for an early morning hike along a peacefully quiet snowshoe track. Moderate crowds and temperatures in April-May and September-October make these months the best time to visit Utah and its national parks. With its iconic reddish and tan-colored canyon walls, desert, woodlands, and forests, this massive national park has a wealth of sights to offer. Utahsstateandnational parkswill be thawed out before you know it! Try these indoor and outdoor winter activities for kids and parents alike. Located 25 minutes away from Park City, Bear Ridge Adventures also offers authentic dog sled tours on scenic private property. This review is the subjective opinion of a . Live Nativity and Luminary Walk: Clark Historic Farm in Grantsville. Benson Grist Mill Lighting and Live Nativity: Nov. 29 from 6-8 pm. Start Planning Your Summer VacationIt's never too late to look forward to summer. The dogs participate in a dog sledding operation to help find their purpose. FREE. Here are the details on local pros who can help get you the gear or guide your adventure. Gingerbread House Display: University Place Mall in Orem. 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. If theyre not in space suits, however, you can go ahead and ask for a brief tour. Find out tips for riding and the best places to explore in Utah. The Salt Lake Tabernacle will have a unique Peace on Earth Christmas Nativity. Recommended Hotel Nearby: SpringHill Suites by Marriott Salt Lake City Draper, 350 State StreetSalt Lake City, UT 84103(801) 538-1800. The Bonneville Salt Flats are among the most interesting things to see in Utah, but the conditions here can be quite extreme, so come prepared. We all have been entranced by the existence of dinosaurs at some point of our lives. Yes, Temple Square in Salt Lake City is open for the Christmas season. Things to Do Discover Ogden's Attractions and Activities From the fun to the downright funky, Ogden, Utah is anything but your typical mountain town. With a little extra planning, good layers, and the right equipment, however, you can enjoy Utah's national parks in the solitude of winter. FREE. 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. Brilliant. Things to Do in Sandy, Utah: See Tripadvisor's 12,193 traveler reviews and photos of Sandy tourist attractions. Evermore Park Aurora Winter Festival:Pleasant Grove. 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). Experiences | Events, Skiing, Hiking | Visit Utah Things can be a little quieter down here this time of year. Time: 2-3 hours. But that's just the beginning. 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. Grand America Holiday Windows: Nov. 1-Dec. 31 M- TH: 4 PM 8 PMand FRI SUN: 10 AM-5PM. In fact, its the only warm water scuba destination in the continental United States. With a little extra planning, good layers, and the right equipment, however, you can enjoy Utah's national parks in the solitude of winter. Where: Snow banks, backyards, fields, parks. Experience snowshoeing the greatest snow on Earth. The top-rated Utah Shakespeare Festival has been offering widely acclaimed Shakespearean and contemporary theater shows to locals and tourists in Utah since 1961. North Pole Festival: Rio Tinto Stadium. Boutiques within the grounds create breathtaking displays for the holidays season and there's the not-to-be-missed Grand Gingerbread House that can stretch upwards of 15 feet. Now you can start planning your holiday season. This desert is dramatic. Youll step into two national parks, three state parks, and all the scenic winding roads your heart could desire. You can spend a day or a whole week here exploring the myriad trails, each offering their own sights, sounds and adventures. Feeling cooped up? Responsible Winter Recreation. Your browser is not supported for this experience.We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. This children's museum is educational in a delightfully tactile way. 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 . From snowmobiling to skiing, snowshoeing to sledding and fishing, Bear Lake in the winter is everything youll want from your next winter vacation. More details on their event post. Park City is one of the most popular destinations for cross country skiers, although Nordic centers can be found all over Northern Utah. Previous Group The gorgeous temple sits on a 15-acre landscape featuring outdoor stages, a large pavilion, a lake and waterfall, and a few animals. North Pole Express at Thunder Junction (St. George): Every Friday, Saturday, and Monday for the first 3 weekends in December from 6-8 PM. Tickets required, Christmas on the Farm Live Nativity(Cedar City): Dec. 6, & 13 at 6-8 PM. Young Living Family Farm Country Christmas (Mona): Wagon Rides and Light Display. Its called the Payson Community crche on Dec. 3 and Dec. 4. 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. How's that for a Utah family winter activity? People can bid on trees, wreaths, quilts and more at FestivalofTreesUtah.org. 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. Everyone in the family will get fired up about this one. These special walking tours include hot chocolate and cookies for saleas guests and visitors to the hotel observe these displays. 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. Built in 2011, this modern museum has a collection of exotic butterflies, minerals and indigenous masterpieces. Lightwalk at Liberty Park: SLC Dec. 3-18 from 5-10 pm. A museum where kids can touch and play with everything! But do know that theyre busy during this time, especially if you see them in space suits, so dont go about approaching the station without permission. Arches National Park has been frequented by humans since 10,000 years ago, as evidenced by petroglyphs and artifacts found in the area.