Private Utah High Country Rafting Adventure from Provo. 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. Utahs windswept beauty, however, doesnt stop there. Where: Utahs family-friendly ski resorts. Find the best ice skating rinks in Utah and plan the perfect skate night with your friends and family. Browse through the museums artifacts, and enter the teepee to check out the black-lit room that features glowing minerals and paintings. Holiday Choices Are Abundant in Salt Lake City, 10 Best's Top Freebies in Salt Lake City: Highly Recommended, Regardless of Budget Size, 10 Best's Top Choices for Salt Lake's Mormon - and Minority - Historic Sites, Salt Lake City's Best Kid-friendly Attractions: Just as Fun for Adults as for the Wee Ones, History, religion, and bizarre landscapes: sightseeing as diverse as it is interesting, Salt Lake City's top activities, in any season, Photo courtesy of The Grand America Hotel, Photo courtesy of Park City Mountain Resort, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. AndShesDopeToo is a worldwide adventure community of women run by Jennifer and Taylor Killian from Ogden, Utah. Utahs Wasatch Mountains are a popular destination. Families, on the other hand, have an endless array of cultural institutions to choose from. Located 25 minutes away from Park City, Bear Ridge Adventures also offers authentic dog sled tours on scenic private property. Map coming soon of where to visit. 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 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. Hedgehog Electric Christmas Light Display Map: this map of St. George Christmas Lights isnt out yet, but we will update this link once it is readythe link currently goes to the 2020 list. This review is the subjective opinion of a . Recreational opportunities and gorgeous scenery also await, and sunsets here turn skies into a kaleidoscope of colors. We all have been entranced by the existence of dinosaurs at some point of our lives. But that's just the beginning. Watch current conditions, as unsettled winter weather can bring storms. For an extraordinary adventure, plan winter hikes in Utahs Zion National Park. Copyright 2023 Utah.com. Winter rewards hikers with stunning sights of stalactites and snow covered mountains. This colossal national monument makes a lovely endless playground for off-roaders, canyoneers, and hikers. All Rights Reserved. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Plus Greenwell Inn, 12500 Sand Dune RoadKanab, UT 84741(435) 648-2800. Zoo Lights: SLC Dec. 3-23, 26-31 from 5:30-9:30 pm. Book ariver tripor reserve that popularcampsiteyour family loves. Its a relatively easy and affordable way to get outside and the perfect way to watch the sun rise over the Wasatch range. 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. Check out this snowshoe excursion then plan yours today for fun and adventure. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Ramada by Wyndham Cedar City. Read these insights and tips gathered from a novices first-ever camping trip on BLM and public lands to gain the confidence you need to recreate happily and respectfully on Utahs public lands. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Cathedral Valley Inn, 375 Red Hills ParkwaySt. 25 Best Things to Do in Utah Fun Activities & Stuff to Do! Afterwards, try ice skating at the Midway Ice Rink. Who wouldve thought that amidst a rocky desert landscape with cities inhabited predominantly by Mormons a grand Hindu temple would rise? Star of Wonder opens this week at the West Valley Performing Arts Center. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection By Hilton, US Highway 160 & US Highway 163Monument Valley, UT 84536(928) 871-6647. St. George is a city on the southwest corner of the Arizona border and is known for its recreational opportunities all year round. Southern Utahs wilds are wearing their winter splendor. Browse through Lovelands educational exhibits and experience one-of-a-kind animal encounters with sharks, stingrays, and penguins! 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. Thousands of people each day enjoy Utah's famous backcountry the areas outside of ski area boundaries. Adventurous nature lovers will love the trails that lead to rocky and sandy state parks. Christkindlmarket at This is the Place: Dec. 1-4. FREE, Brigham City Christmas Village (Brigham City): Dec. 2-Jan. 3 Located at 1 South Main street in Brigham CIty. International finals, national championships, regional events and homegrown extravaganzas all take place in Ogden, Utah. (Salty and sweet? Admission Free after 5:00 PM for the light display. Southern Utah comes alive in winter with unexpected experiences for those who are well-prepared and solitude for those who want to expand their view. Loveland Living Planet Aquarium brings together the critters from South America, Utah, the Antarctic, Asia, and all of the earths oceans. Youre about to be even more inspired when you watch the Clark Planetariums amazing IMAX films. FREE, Spanish Fork Winter Lights Parade: November 27 @ 7:00 PM FREE, Luminaria: Thanksgiving Point in Lehi. This insider's guide video highlights their unparalleled access to both the outdoors and the city's "fun counterculture vibe" at the foot of the mighty Wasatch Mountains. This desert is dramatic. Navajos have been here since AD 1,400. Adventure, Hiking, History and Heritage, Native American, Non-ski Winter Activities, Scenic Drives/Road Trips, Stargazing. Camping & Backpacking, Climbing & Canyoneering, Cycling, Fishing, Glamping, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Non-ski Winter Activities, Scenic Drives/Road Trips, Stargazing. Walk through time on a switchbacking boardwalk through the fossil record at the Natural History Museum of Utah. Explore snowmobiling. As you visit, do your part to keep Utah Forever Mighty. 4:30-8:00 pm at Zootah with reindeer encounters. Town Hall (435) 425-3600 Fax (435) 425-3603 P.O. Experience Exciting Events Every Day of the Year! It's one of the state's top snowmobiling destinations. Moqui Caves temperatures never go beyond 65 degrees, and theres a nice outdoor cafe that serves refreshing snacks and cold drinks. Payson Community Creche: (Payson): Dec. 3 & 4 from 4-9 pm. Christmas at the Homestead(Cedar City): Frontier Homestead Museum has decorations, including the Twelve Trees of Christmas. Follow this itinerary for a week-long winter road trip across the snow-covered desert of Southeastern Utah. How's that for a Utah family winter activity? Gingerbread House Display: University Place Mall in Orem. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Grand America Hotel, Related: Best Things to Do in Salt Lake City, 1345 Lowell AvenuePark City, UT 84060(435) 649-8111. 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. Of Utah's 15 resorts, 10 are within an hour of the Salt Lake City International Airport. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Plus Wendover Inn. At the Utah Olympic Park in Park City, you can learn all about our Olympic heritage, watch future Olympians train for competition and reach over 60 mph on the Comet Bobsled Ride. More details on entering here. The Salt Lake City Public Library is one of the most stunning works of modernist architecture, designed by internationally acclaimed architect Moshe Safdie. With a little extra planning, good layers, and the right equipment, however, you can enjoy Utah's national parks in the solitude of winter. 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. Non-ski Winter Activities, Ski and Snowboard. We were there in late December 2021 and it was chilly but not particularly cold during the day. They bloom during the spring, by the way! Channel your inner figure skater as you race and twirl around the rink. There is a live nativity, indoor and outdoor nativity displays. Dan Craner, Festival of Trees executive board member, puts signs on trees for the 51st annual Festival of Trees at the Mountain America Expo Center in Sandy on Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021. We also highly suggest taking the three-hour Sound and Light Show tour along the Colorado River. When winter blasts its arctic forcefield, the Utah ice castles a frozen fairytale of ice and snow emerge on an acre of land at Soldier Hollow Nordic Center in Midway. 6 followers 6 connections. Tickets are $5/person. Things to Do in Sandy, Utah: See Tripadvisor's 12,193 traveler reviews and photos of Sandy tourist attractions. Everyone in the family will get fired up about this one. However, you dont have to get too far out of town to get lost down a ski track. Use the search tool below to see what holiday events you can enjoy during your next winter visit and create new traditions for your family this year. Live Nativity at Christmas Celebration: Dec. 15 at 6:00 and 7:30 pm FREE. From pink desert sand and castle-like Mormon temples to glowing rocks and Hindu architecture, Utah is actually and unbelievably underrated. Hiking, rafting, and camping are some of the most popular activities at Dinosaur National Monument. Christmas In Dixie Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony (Washington): November 29 at 6-8 pm at Veterans Park. Cross-country skiing Utah is awesome! Other presentations include "The Christ Child" in the Conference Center Theater. No matter what kind of winter adventure youre looking for, youre sure to find it in Ogden. Showings run every 15 minutes from 4:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. No list of the best places to visit in Utah is complete without a visit to Zion National Park. If you were looking for cheap yet visually appealing destinations, Red Hills Desert Garden opens its doors to you for free! Sounds good!) Copyright 2023 Utah Office of Tourism. Stroll through the re-created Utahn terrain and fall in love with desert flora. Next Group. A museum where kids can touch and play with everything! Find the perfect spot to sit down, and enjoy all the different things in this library thatll keep you occupied for hours and hours. The water is comfortably warm and shallow enough for toddlers. Lace up and get skating! Thirteen snowboarding resorts are positioned perfectly for dumps of fluffy powder all winter long. . Enjoy winter hikes, scenic drives and some of the best stargazing in the world. 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. Skip the crowded peak season and embrace the quiet of a winter visit to Arches National Park. 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. Experience snowshoeing the greatest snow on Earth. (And true enough, this isnt the only time Utah was chosen for Martian simulations.). FREE. Sleigh Rides on the Farm at American West Heritage Center (Wellsville): Dec. 4, 11, 18, 20-23, 27-Jan. 1. All Rights Reserved. See All Itineraries Previous Group Bikers, hikers, campers, and families come here in throngs for its spring and fall excitement. For an extraordinary adventure, plan winter hikes in Utahs Zion National Park. The 2002 Winter Olympics helped put Utah on the map, and the 2014 Olympics in Sochi, Russia, proved that Utah is a hub for Winter Olympic glory with Utahns collecting 11 medals. Nov. 18-Jan. 1, Saratoga Springs Christmas Light Drive: 8 different houses in one nightFREE, Engh Family Christmas Lights: Saratoga SpringsFREE, A Very Merry Meridian: Saratoga SpringsFREE, Lehi Christmas Lights: Lehi (11 different houses pretty close to each other)FREE, Edwards Family Lights Show: Pleasant GroveFREE, Pleasant Grove Christmas Lights:9 Houses in one night. Live Nativity and Luminary Walk: Clark Historic Farm in Grantsville. With 4,500 animals representing 550 different species and categorized into 74 major exhibits, the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium regularly makes it to lists of the top places to go in Utah. Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is home to tons of great stuff to do in Utah, such as sandboarding, ATV riding, camping, hiking, star gazing, wildlife watching, horseback riding, and more. It is a fundraising event for the Primary Childrens Hospital, too. It's quaint and cute just like Midway. Breakfast With Santa December 5,12,19, 2021, Multiple Times Zermatt Mountain Resort, Midway Recommended Hotel Nearby: Quality Inn Payson I-15, 13218 S Herriman Rose BoulevardHerriman, UT 84096. Comfort Inn & Suites Tooele-Salt Lake City, Canyons Boutique Hotel A Canyons Collection Property, Best Western PLUS Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel, Comfort Suites St George University Area, Home2 Suites by Hilton Salt Lake City-East, University Guest House & Conference Center, SpringHill Suites by Marriott Salt Lake City Draper, Salt Lake Marriott Downtown at City Creek, 35 Best Places to Visit in August in the USA, 35 Best Places to Visit in July in the USA, 35 Best Places to Visit in June in the USA, 35 Best Places to Visit in May in the USA, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Kanab, Salt Lake City Public Library Salt Lake City, Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple Spanish Fork, Mars Desert Research Station Hanksville, Natural History Museum of Utah Salt Lake City. Discover three world-class ski resorts located just 20 minutes from downtown, and enjoy 450 inches of powdery snow each season. Just make sure you do it before Dec. 24 since hes pretty busy that day. The Bonneville Salt Flats cover 30,000 acres of white salt crust one the western edge of the Great Salt Lake. Or hikeEnsign PeakTrail on a clear day and get a 100-mile view of Salt Lake Valley. The gorgeous temple sits on a 15-acre landscape featuring outdoor stages, a large pavilion, a lake and waterfall, and a few animals. 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. Wondering where to go snowshoeing? 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. Visitors have to option to book a 1 hour, 2 hour, or half day dog sled tour from December (sometimes November) to March. Weve collected 11 iconic Christmas events for you and your family to embrace this holiday season. Kite skiing (snow kiting) is attracting freestyle adventure seekers to Utah. FREE, Twas the Lights Before Christmas: Riverton Nov. 30-Dec. 31 FREE. 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. Tickets include sleigh ride, cocoa, and sledding hill. Theres no better way to experience a bit of everything Utah offers. Salt Lake during the holidays? 69 p.m.The week of Christmas, wagon rides on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, December 2022. Santas Arrival at Station Park(Farmington): November 26 @ 9-11 AM. Four furry friends help the Solitude Ski Patrol do their duties. Youll step into two national parks, three state parks, and all the scenic winding roads your heart could desire. Rocky Mountain Outfitters Carriage Rides(Jordanelle State Park): Sleigh Rides through the lights all the way through winter. Sunsets and sunrises further enhance the colors of this surreal spectacle, so come early or stay for the night. Next Group. To put it simply, the riding in Utah is epic. Instead of having yet another movie night, try a backyard bonfire with hot chocolate and smores. Time: 2-3 hours. The Clark Planetarium opened way back in April 2003, replacing the historic Hansen Planetarium under a grant from the Clark Foundation. Mon, Fri, and Sat from November 26December 22. 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. Winter visitors to Zion National Park will find plenty to do, including hiking, photography and gazing up at the wonders of the night sky. Cant decide where to go in Utah with your other half? All rights reserved. Ride the Heber Valley Railroad with Santa. Cedar City - 5.5 days / 13.2 inches. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western PLUS Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel, 210 E 400 SSalt Lake City, UT 84111(801) 524-8200. A lot of the fun things to do in Utah are in Moab, such as off-roading, hiking, and even whitewater rafting. Use that energy to build a snow fort. 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. Traditionally a sing-along, this has been changed to a performance only due to the pandemic. Capitol Reef - 1.8 days / 2.2 inches. What if you and/or the kids are caught somewhere between feeling confident on the slopes and too energetic to go snowshoeing? 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. They have lazy rivers, slides and buckets that pour water in your eyeballs when you least expect it. Here are just a few of our favorite annual holiday events to check out here in Salt Lake. Discover deals on the best attractions, breweries, and locations in Salt Lake! In fact, its the only warm water scuba destination in the continental United States. Whether youre a geek or an adventurer, this national monument has so much in store for you. Copyright 2023 Utah Office of Tourism. You and your family can head over to check out the lights. 90 South West Temple 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. We are a family of 5 with three boys who love to be outside. The only challenge is deciding if you want to stay in a slope-side lodge or a hotel in the city. By clicking "I Agree", you consent to the use of cookies. Dont forget to wear long underwear under your Olaf costume. To help you jump-start your journey to the American West, here are the best things to do in Utah. Alpine Living Nativity (Alpine): Dec. 2-4, 10-11. Dates beginning Nov. 26, 2021 on Fridays & Saturdays. The Salt Lake Tabernacle will have a unique Peace on Earth Christmas Nativity. Utah's metropolitan areas are situated right by our snow-packed mountains, offering visitors unparalleled access. Recommended Hotel Nearby: University Guest House & Conference Center, 12033 Lone Peak ParkwayDraper UT, 84020(801) 355-3474. Zoo Lights: SLC Dec. 3-23, 26-31 from 5:30-9:30 pm. Responsible Winter Recreation. 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. For Sparta! Let it all go on a walk through the Ice Castles in Midway. Thanks for @Stgeorge_Kids for giving us a few ideas for the St. George area. Best of all, you wont need to worry about checking your snowshoeing gear at the airport (although it would be much easier now). Completed in 1998, the Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple was inspired by Rajasthani architecture from India and caters to the Hindu population of Utah. All Rights Reserved, 11 Utah Christmas events you might want to check out this year, The 2023 Utah Legislature has wrapped. Learn about the American Wests unique natural world through the museums 1.6 million objects on display. You can explore by location, what's popular, our top picks, free stuff. More details on their event post. North Pole Express(Heber) Nov. 22 Dec. 23. Imaginorium: Nov. 29-Dec. 23, M-Th 4-9 pm and F-Sat 4-10 pm. 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. 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. Tickets required, Christmas on the Farm Live Nativity(Cedar City): Dec. 6, & 13 at 6-8 PM. FREE. Want to avoid the Utah national park crowds? Heres how its spending your money, Parents know best: Rep. Burgess Owens wants to fund school choice at national level, Sterling Scholars: Here are Utahs 2023 semifinalists, 2023 Sterling Scholars semifinalists: Southwest Region. Additional skating venues can be found throughout the valley and include the Olympic-level facilities that are open to the public. As youre mapping out your winter trip through southeastern Utah, consider adding the following parks and natural wonders to your itinerary. All Rights Reserved. With funding from NASA, the Mars Society has been preparing for the hypothetical future when human civilization will have to expand to Earths next-door neighbor. Learn more about why Bryce Canyon and the surrounding areas are the perfect place for winter hiking, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Nativity in the Glen(SLC): Dec. 3 from 6-9 PM. Lightwalk at Liberty Park: SLC Dec. 3-18 from 5-10 pm. Towering red rocks dusted in snow, often set against bright blue skies, welcome winter visitors to Capitol Reef National Park. Characterized by red rocks and natural amphitheaters carved by frost weathering and stream erosion, Bryce Canyon attracts almost three million visitors every year. Where: Various locations on the Wasatch Front andPark City. We use cookies to improve your experience on Utah.com. Heber Tree Lighting Old Fashion Christmas December 3, 2021, 6-8 pm City Hall, Heber. 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. Are you ready for Christmas activities? How to Visit Southern Utah in Winter Stay for the sunset; its heavenly here. Tickets sell out quickly for this limited engagement event, so make sure to buy your tickets well in advance. June to August is the season of spectacular activities like Bonneville Speed Week or stargazing . Next Group. 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. I think theres live music as well. 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. Box 750027 75 East 100 North Torrey, Utah 84775 1661 East Murray-Holladay Road (4800 South), Where: Various locations in Salt Lake City. 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. The real Up house was built in 2011 by Bangerter Homes with permission from Disney. In a really good way. From sliding down gentle slopes to racing down 1,200 foot lanes, there is tubing for everyone in Utah. After an adventure packed vacation of skiing, sliding, exploring and marvelling, the only thing left to do is relax and recount your favorite moments. The Uinta Mountains are about 100 miles east of Salt Lake City and just a few minutes from Vernal in Eastern Utah. Where : Salt Lake City. Cost: $9.95-$14.95 per person. Find out tips for riding and the best places to explore in Utah. But these days libraries are humming with activity. Salt Lake City, UT 84101 Here are a few of the most popular places to go, from north to south: "City Slicker" trail at Soldier Hollow in Heber Valley, Another winter activity with seemingly endless boundaries, cross country skiing is one of the best ways to soak up Utahs wide open spaces. Encompassing almost 36,000 acres, the monumental splendor of Bryce Canyon National Park has long been recognized by man for thousands of years. It's like going from the bottom of the ocean to the canopies of the Amazon Rainforest in one day. Night in Bethlehem(Pleasant Grove): November 26-29 and December 2-4 reserveFREEtickets ahead of time. In winter, families may try icy pursuits, such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. 10. Temple Square Lights: SLCFREE Limited Lights due to construction. You either drive through Monument Valley and soak up the sights or explore it fully by getting a tour guide from the visitor center. Winter rewards hikers with stunning sights of stalactites and snow covered mountains. Find your next ride here. Festival of Trees(Virtual): No dates, but virtual again this year. The counties are listed generally from north to south in Utah.