Your Guide to Holiday Lights, Festivals & Family Fun Across Utah

Utah truly comes alive during the holiday season. From big-city Christmas lights to small-town parades, gingerbread villages, European markets, firework shows, and peaceful nativity displays, December offers endless ways to make magical memories across the state.

To help you plan easily, this guide organizes every major event by county, complete with expanded descriptions and insider tips.

⭐ SALT LAKE COUNTY

Temple Square Christmas Lights — Salt Lake City

📍 50 W North Temple, SLC
🔗 https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/learn/christmas-on-temple-square?lang=eng
🗓 Day after Thanksgiving – Jan 1

Temple Square glows with more than a million lights, reflecting beautifully off the historic architecture and walkways. Nativity displays, peaceful music, and softly illuminated trees make this one of Utah’s most cherished holiday traditions. Even with ongoing renovations, there’s still plenty to explore and photograph.

Tips:

• Best time to visit: Weeknights before 7 PM

• Parking fills quickly — consider TRAX

• Amazing for family or engagement photos

Grand America Holiday Window Stroll — Salt Lake City

📍 555 S Main St, SLC
🔗 https://www.grandamerica.com/holiday-window-stroll
🗓 Nov 1 – Jan 3

Grand America transforms its windows into an enchanting storybook display featuring “Songs of the Season,” guided by Tux the Penguin. Inside, a life-size gingerbread masterpiece steals the show. This is one of the prettiest indoor/outdoor Christmas experiences in Salt Lake.

Tips:

• Stroller and winter-friendly — great on cold nights

• Stop in the lobby for warm drinks or photos

• Best window-stroll times: weekdays after 6 PM

Christkindlmarkt SLC — This Is The Place Heritage Park

📍 2601 Sunnyside Ave S, SLC
🔗 https://www.thisistheplace.org/events/christkindlmarkt
🗓 Dec 3–6 | 11 AM–8 PM

Utah’s most authentic European holiday market returns with dozens of vendors, warm pretzels and bratwurst, artisan gifts, live music, cultural parades, and a festive old-world atmosphere. This is one of the state’s busiest and most beloved Christmas traditions.

Tips:

• Use the free shuttle — parking is extremely limited

• Arrive early for the best shopping

• Bring cash for some vendors

Larry H. Miller Christmas Carol Sing-Along — Delta Center

📍 301 S Temple, SLC
🔗 https://westvalleysymphonyutah.org/event/christmas-carole-sing-along-8
🗓 Dec 16

Tens of thousands gather for this iconic free concert, singing Christmas favorites together with the West Valley Symphony and The Lower Lights. It’s joyful, emotional, and unforgettable — like a giant holiday family reunion.

Tips:

• Doors open early and lines form fast

• Bring water and warm layers

• Plan parking ahead of time

Light the Night — South Jordan

📍 Towne Center Drive, South Jordan
🔗 https://www.sjc.utah.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=406
🗓 Dec 5 | 6–8 PM

South Jordan’s beloved tree lighting includes glowing lights, a winter market, music, festive displays, and gingerbread creations. It feels like stepping straight into a cozy Christmas village.

Tips:

• Arrive 20–30 minutes early for parking

• Great for families with young kids

• Bundle up — this event is fully outdoors

Gardner Village Elves & Christmas in the Village — West Jordan

📍 1100 W 7800 S, West Jordan
🔗 https://www.gardnervillage.com
🗓 Nov 22 – Dec 31

Gardner Village becomes a storybook setting with whimsical elf displays, a free scavenger hunt, twinkling lights, shops full of holiday décor, festive treats, and themed experiences like escape rooms and Santa breakfasts.

Tips:

• Go on weekdays for lighter crowds

• Parking is free but fills quickly on Saturdays

• Don’t miss the photo spots near Archibald’s

⭐ UTAH COUNTY

Luminaria — Thanksgiving Point (Lehi)

📍 3900 N Garden Dr, Lehi
🔗 https://thanksgivingpoint.org/events/luminaria
🗓 Nov 13 – Jan 10

Luminaria transforms Ashton Gardens into a glowing world of 8+ million lights across 50 acres. Enjoy the Fire & Ice show, Snow Glow dance floor, Enchanted Castle projections, Merry Mosaic light show, fire pits, treats, and private igloos. It’s Utah’s most immersive Christmas attraction.

Tips:

• Tickets sell out fast — book early

• Go at the earliest time slot for fewer crowds

• Dress very warmly — this is a long walking event

Tallest Christmas Tree & Gingerbread Festival — Traverse Mountain (Lehi)

📍 3700 N Cabela’s Blvd, Lehi
🔗 https://www.outletsattraversemountain.com/event/33539-grand-gingerbread-village
🗓 Nov 22

Kick off the holidays with a life-size gingerbread village, free crafts, letters to Santa, a scavenger hunt, a community sing-along with Thurl Bailey, and the lighting of Utah’s tallest fresh-cut Christmas tree.

Tips:

• Come early for gingerbread activities

• Parking is easier behind Cabela’s

• Stay for the 6 PM lighting — it’s spectacular

Lighting of the Riverwoods — Provo

📍 Shops at Riverwoods
🔗 https://shopsatriverwoods.com/event/lighting-of-riverwoods-2025
🗓 Nov 21 | 6–8 PM

Riverwoods lights up with 1.5 million lights, live entertainment, giant photo spots, carriage-style scenes, and fireworks. It’s a lively and family-friendly way to start the season.

Tips:

• Fireworks start at 8 PM

• Restaurants fill early — reserve seats if dining

• Free parking but limited close spots

Orchard Lighting & Christmas Lights — University Place (Orem)

📍 575 E University Pkwy, Orem
🔗 https://www.universityplaceorem.com/events/2025-christmas-light-display/
🗓

• Orchard Lighting: Nov 17

• Light Display: Nov 18 – Jan 3

Featuring over 100,000 lights, fireworks, choirs, giant Lite Brite, character meet-and-greets, and festive giveaways. The Orchard is walkable, bright, and magical for kids.

Tips:

• Free treats go fast — arrive early

• Best photos near the 30-ft walk-through tree

• Great stroller-friendly layout

Orem Lights On — City Center Park

📍 300 E Center St, Orem
🔗 https://orem.gov/lightson
🗓 Dec 1 | 5–8 PM

This large community celebration features a drone show, Santa and live reindeer, train rides, a holiday market, entertainment, and more than 500,000 lights.

Tips:

• Drone show is best viewed from the east side

• Free hot cocoa for first 5,000 guests

• Bundle up — the event is spacious and chilly

Spanish Fork Festival of Lights (Drive-Through)

📍 Canyon View Park
🔗 https://www.spanishfork.gov/events/fol/index.php
🗓 Nov 28 – Jan 1

A long-running drive-through tradition with animated displays, tunnels, and themed light scenes. Fun for all ages and perfect for cold nights.

Tips:

• Advance tickets required

• Choose weekday time slots for minimal line wait

• Keep headlights on dim for the best view

Salem Pond Town Christmas

📍 100 E Center St, Salem
🔗 https://www.salemutah.gov/pond-town-christmas.htm
🗓 Nov 28 – Jan 1

Walk or drive the glowing path around Salem Pond as lights reflect beautifully on the water. Peaceful, charming, and one of Utah County’s most underrated displays.

Tips:

• Best viewed walking the pond loop

• Great place for quiet photos

• Free to the public

CLAS Ropes Course Christmas Cruise — Provo River

📍 3606 W Center St, Provo
🔗 https://www.clasropes.com/christmas-cruise
🗓 Dec 1–23 | 5:30–9 PM

A magical 20–25 minute riverboat ride with lights along the river, Santa greeting guests from the shore, cocoa stands, and festive displays.

Tips:

• Cruises sell out fast

• Wear warm layers + blankets

• Arrive 15 min early for boarding

Festival of Crèches — Payson

📍 608 W 1400 S, Payson
🔗 https://www.facebook.com/events/833650269828056
🗓 Dec 5–6

A reverent and beautiful experience featuring hundreds of nativity displays, music, and community celebration.

Tips:

• Quietest times are during the first hour

• Free and family-friendly

• Allow 45–60 min to explore

Holly Days Festival — Santaquin

📍 110 S Center St, Santaquin
🔗 https://www.santaquin.gov/comservices/page/santaquin-holly-days
🗓 Dec 5–6

A cozy small-town celebration with a Christmas boutique, gingerbread contests, vendors, and festive community activities.

Tips:

• Bring cash for boutique vendors

• Gingerbread displays are best earlier in the day

• Easy event for young families

⭐ DAVIS COUNTY

Layton Lights Before Christmas

📍 Layton Commons Park
🔗 https://www.laytoncityutah.gov/LC/CommunityCalendar/Event/5283
🗓 Nov 24 – Dec 31

A cheerful community lighting with choir performances, a heated pavilion, and a dazzling countdown to the season’s first lights. The displays run nightly through December.

Tips:

• Free parking in surrounding lots

• Visit after 7:30 for lighter crowds

• Bring blankets — the park can be breezy

North Salt Lake Winter Lights Fest

📍 NSL City Hall
🔗 https://nslcity.org/Calendar.aspx?EID=2831
🗓 Dec 1 | 6–8 PM

Includes a tree lighting ceremony, hot cocoa, Santa visits, and holiday music in a warm community atmosphere.

Tips:

• Street parking fills quickly — arrive early

• Great for kids

• Shorter event — perfect for a weekday outing

⭐ WEBER COUNTY

Ogden Christmas Village

📍 2549 Washington Blvd
🔗 https://www.ogdencity.com/452/Christmas-Village
🗓 Nov 29 – Jan 1

Ogden’s downtown transforms into a whimsical Christmas Village with cottages, light displays, train rides, Santa visits, and a lively opening celebration featuring a Santa Run, parade, and fireworks.

Tips:

• Visit cottages earlier in December for fewer crowds

• Opening night parking fills up quickly

• Bring cameras — displays are extremely photogenic

North Pole & Hunt Family Nativity — North Ogden

📍 Barker Park
🔗 https://www.facebook.com/events/1509590730183722
🗓 Dec 20–23

Barker Park becomes a Christmas wonderland with Santa visits, hot cocoa, cookies, reindeer sightings, and a beautifully performed live Nativity.

Tips:

• Live Nativity fills up — arrive 10–15 min early

• Fully outdoors — dress warmly

• Free community event

⭐ CACHE COUNTY

ZooLights at Zootah — Logan

📍 419 W 700 S, Logan
🔗 https://zootah.org/zoo-lights
🗓 Select dates: Dec 4–6, 11–13, 18–20, 26–27 + Jan 1–3
🕒 4:30–8 PM

ZooLights brings a charming, small-town holiday glow to Logan, with twinkling lights winding through the zoo pathways, warm treats, and festive displays. Kids especially love the meet-and-greets with Santa and the Grinch, making each night feel like its own little adventure. Admission also includes cocoa, cookies, and a glow stick for every guest.

Tips:

• Fridays are busiest — go early in the evening

• Wear boots; pathways can be snowy

• Great stroller-friendly layout

26th Annual Parade of Gingerbread Homes — Downtown Logan

📍 Various Main Street locations
🔗 http://www.logandowntown.org/parade-of-gingerbread-homes.html
🗓 Dec 6 – 31

Downtown Logan transforms into a gingerbread art gallery, with over a dozen masterpieces displayed in shop windows along Main Street. Each creation is built by local families, artists, and bakers — many with delightful themes tied to stories, winter scenes, or holiday nostalgia. Guests can walk the route, admire each display, and vote for their favorites.

Tips:

• Visit at dusk for the best window-viewing glow

• Most stops are walkable within a few blocks

• Print or screenshot the map to follow the trail

⭐ WASHINGTON COUNTY

Red Hills Desert Garden Christmas Lights — St. George

📍 375 E Red Hills Parkway, St. George
🔗 https://www.redhillsdesertgarden.com
🗓 Nov 27 – Dec 31 | Lights on until 10 PM

The desert landscape takes on a magical new look as thousands of lights illuminate cacti, rock features, bridges, and gentle waterfalls. It's peaceful, walkable, and beautifully unique to Southern Utah — a must-see if you're visiting St. George during the holidays.

Tips:

• Ideal for warm-weather holiday sightseeing

• Free parking and free admission

• Bring a camera — the lit desert garden photographs beautifully

⭐ DUCHESNE COUNTY

Christmas Town Utah — Duchesne

📍 Various locations throughout Duchesne
🔗 https://www.facebook.com/events/859173916683190

A full multi-day festival filled with hometown Christmas magic — lights, parades, activities, Santa visits, holiday markets, community performances, treats, and themed events all across Duchesne. You will upload the full itinerary graphic, making this section the perfect place to embed the detailed schedule.

Tips:

• Plan to spend several hours — this festival is packed

• Parking varies by event; arrive 15 minutes early

• Great for families, especially younger kids

⭐ WASATCH COUNTY

Midway City Tree Lighting

📍 Midway Town Square
🔗 https://www.gohebervalley.com/midway-tree-lighting
🗓 Nov 29 | 6–8 PM

A picture-perfect small-town celebration featuring live entertainment, Santa visits, fire pits, community carols, fireworks, and Midway’s famous treat bag tradition. With festive lights against the backdrop of the Heber Valley mountains, this event feels like a Hallmark movie brought to life.

Tips:

• Bundle up — Midway nights are extra chilly

• Parking fills up quickly; carpool if possible

• Don’t miss the treat bag tradition

⭐ SUMMIT COUNTY

Park City Snow Globe Stroll — Historic Main Street

📍 Main Street, Park City
🔗 https://historicparkcityutah.com/snow-glove-stroll-scavenger-hunt
🗓 Nov 27 – Jan 3

Seven life-sized snow globes appear along Main Street, each created by a different local artist and themed around a “Winter Wonderland.” Hidden silver snowflakes encourage a fun scavenger-hunt element. The stroll pairs perfectly with holiday shopping, hot cocoa stops, and those iconic Park City lights.

Tips:

• Best during evenings for full glow

• Parking is easier at the China Bridge Garage

• Dress warmly — wind can move through the canyon

🎁 Make the Most of Utah’s Holiday Season

Utah offers something magical in every direction during December — from glowing cities to peaceful small towns, dazzling firework shows to European-style markets, reindeer sightings to riverboat rides, parades to nativity displays, gingerbread contests to tree lighting ceremonies. Whether you’re exploring Salt Lake, Utah County, Summit County, Cache Valley, or heading south to St. George, there's a festive celebration waiting for you and your family.

Bookmark this guide, come back as you plan your holiday outings, and make this season your most magical yet. 🎄✨

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