As if our 45 state parks, six national monuments and five national parks aren't cutting it? Everyone in the family will get fired up about this one. Recommended Hotel Nearby: University Guest House & Conference Center, 12033 Lone Peak ParkwayDraper UT, 84020(801) 355-3474. After an adventure packed vacation of skiing, sliding, exploring and marvelling, the only thing left to do is relax and recount your favorite moments. Utahs windswept beauty, however, doesnt stop there. The Park City Mountain Resort Alpine Coaster is an elevated track featuring toboggan-style cars that take you through more than . Find out tips for riding and the best places to explore in Utah. Say hi to the toucans, then stare at the mesmerizing sharks. And you can visit Santa as part of your admission price to Zoo Lights. Lights on at 6:30 pm. Channel your inner figure skater as you race and twirl around the rink. 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. You can explore by location, what's popular, our top picks, free stuff. Temple Square Lights: SLCFREE Limited Lights due to construction. The Grand America hosts walking tours for the holiday season that show off new displays in windows for the holiday season. Where: Various locations along the Wasatch FrontUtahs new and improved public swimming pools are basically playgrounds. What if you and/or the kids are caught somewhere between feeling confident on the slopes and too energetic to go snowshoeing? 10. Mon, Fri, and Sat from November 26December 22. Learn more about Utah's Olympic legacyand best spots to relive the games. 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. Admission Free after 5:00 PM for the light display. Maybe your teens can help you come up with the weirdest smore combination like starbursts and saltines. Of Utah's 15 resorts, 10 are within an hour of the Salt Lake City International Airport. Friday-Monday1-7 pmthrough Dec. 20. 69 p.m.The week of Christmas, wagon rides on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, December 2022. Here are the details on local pros who can help get you the gear or guide your adventure. 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. Tickets must be purchased in advance at the St. George Leisure Services Office, starting Nov. 22nd, 2021. Nowhere else in the world do individuals have the choices and proximity to ski and golf the same day as they have here in Utah. The counties are listed generally from north to south in Utah. Follow His Star Creche exhibit (Midway): exhibit of over 500 creches. Gingerbread House Display: University Place Mall in Orem. The annual performance of William Christensens The Nutcracker returns for 2021. As you visit, do your part to keep Utah Forever Mighty. 4:30-8:00 pm at Zootah with reindeer encounters. 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. Additional holiday events at Thanksgiving Point abound, so be sure to check for the events that best fit your family and budget. The Galliavan Center offers ice skating opportunities, bringing you closer to the wintry season. Red Hills Desert Garden Lights(St. George): Nov. 26-Jan. 2 at 5-10 pm. Exhibits around the building will also immerse you in the mystery of outer space. A museum where kids can touch and play with everything! Watch current conditions, as unsettled winter weather can bring storms. Liberty Park is popular for hosting food . Recommended Hotel Nearby: Marriotts MountainSide, Related: Best Ski Resorts in Utah for Families. Find the best ice skating rinks in Utah and plan the perfect skate night with your friends and family. Loveland Living Planet Aquarium brings together the critters from South America, Utah, the Antarctic, Asia, and all of the earths oceans. Cocoa and cookies provided. Shop for ski gear like a local. A lot of the fun things to do in Utah are in Moab, such as off-roading, hiking, and even whitewater rafting. Perhaps another activity you wouldnt expect to be available in Utah,sled dog toursare available in Park City. Youll find the festive spirit in every direction, without breaking the bank. Get into the holidays by walking through one of Salt Lakes most elegant hotels. Ride the glass elevator toward the rooftop for a panoramic view of the entire library and an arguably more beautiful sight of the whole citys mountains once you reach the sky deck. (Read: "Fresh Tracks in Kamas Utah's Snowcountry"). Their boat launch is perfect for families who want to motor or sail atop the salty waters. Time slots are available every half hour, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Plan a winter Southeastern Utah trip. Pleasant fall wraps Utah in colorful foliage along the scenic drives. Salt Lake during the holidays? The Loveland Living Planet Aquarium is home to many creatures both scaly and feathered. Today the park is a natural marvel well loved by adventurers who want to witness the grandeur of its dramatic sandstone formations in person. 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. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. FREE, Ogden Electric Light Parade: November 27 @ 5:30. 10. Map coming soon of where to visit. In a really good way. Landscaping and gardening workshops are also offered here, so if you dont know what to do in Utah this weekend, consider signing up. 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. We all have been entranced by the existence of dinosaurs at some point of our lives. You can also watch scientists as they prep new specimens and be a paleontologist for a day at the dinosaur dig! Your kid likes trains? 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. Theres a vegetarian buffet afterwards, a brief session of kirtan in the temple room, a visit to the gift store, and a tour around the grounds. Four furry friends help the Solitude Ski Patrol do their duties. From snowmobiling to skiing, snowshoeing to sledding and fishing, Bear Lake in the winter is everything youll want from your next winter vacation. Head to Utah County and check out the beautiful Bridal Veil Falls in its icy glory. Ready? Definitely among the top places to see in Utah, the Grand StaircaseEscalante National Monument is nothing short of, well, grand. This desert is dramatic. No list of the best places to visit in Utah is complete without a visit to Zion National Park. Utah hotels near Lake Powell can be found scattered from north to south, with the southern end being the most active for one of the major activities on Lake Powellhouseboating. Athletes still train here, and ski schools in Utah resorts might be the start of a future Olympians career. Brilliant. Families, on the other hand, have an endless array of cultural institutions to choose from. Dont forget to wear long underwear under your Olaf costume. Need winter break ideas? Learn about the cool places to kite ski in Utah, grab your equipment and go! With a little extra planning, good layers, and the right equipment, however, you can enjoy Utah's national parks in the solitude of winter. 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. Let it all go on a walk through the Ice Castles in Midway. In downtown Salt Lake, the city lights the streets with holiday-themed displays. Free cookies and hot cocoa. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Ramada by Wyndham Cedar City. Winter rewards hikers with stunning sights of stalactites and snow covered mountains. 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. Youll get to see firsthand how much the dogs love being on the team and pulling guests on the sleds. 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. It's quaint and cute just like Midway. Everything is fascinating but your kids might beeline to the dinosaur gallery to get skull to skull with Allosaurus, Utahceratops and Utahraptor. The warm pink sand of Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is naturally formed out of the erosion of Navajo sandstone surrounding the park. If you cant make it to Christkindlmarkt, head for the Holiday Market at Rio Grande where local vendors offer up their wares. Enjoy this beautiful marble structure and the majestic views of snow-capped mountains in the background. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Ledgestone Hotel Vernal. Discover Utahs Wellness Retreats. 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. We use cookies to improve your experience on Utah.com. George, UT 84770(435) 673-3617. Nighttime is the right time for skiers and boarders seeking solitude on the piste. Join to view profile . Ice skating is a favorite winter activity among Salt Lakers. For most travelers, Southern Utah winters prevent comfortable camping, and occasional snowfall can make outdoor adventure a little more challenging. Then add some ice sculpture gargoyles to intimidate the enemy. 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. Request a free copy or view the latest guide online. Christmas In Dixie Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony (Washington): November 29 at 6-8 pm at Veterans Park. Next Group. 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. A lovely spot to learn to skate while enjoying pop music, The Gallivan Center offers skating throughout the winter months along with ice skate rental included for just $5 on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Contact Info. However, as more dogs joined the pack Team G Sled Dogs was born. 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. This review is the subjective opinion of a . Moving from city to summit doesn't take long. 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. And the fun doesnt stop on Christmas Day. FREE. Ski Southern Utah: High Alpine Trails + Red Rock Wonder. During the spring, the snow from the previous season melts into the clearest water, mirroring the sky above and the surrounding mountain ranges. Whether you are a participant or spectator, the calendar is bursting with celebrations, festivals and athletic events - providing plenty of things to do for everyone, no . For an extraordinary adventure, plan winter hikes in Utahs Zion National Park. The holiday market is only open for one weekend in December and it's this weekend, from Dec. 1 to Dec. 4. 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 It is a fundraising event for the Primary Childrens Hospital, too. (Salty and sweet? Check out this snowshoe excursion then plan yours today for fun and adventure. The gorgeous temple sits on a 15-acre landscape featuring outdoor stages, a large pavilion, a lake and waterfall, and a few animals. In warmer months, outdoor adventurers will have a blast exploring the natural beauties through horseback riding or hiking. At its end, this leads to the Narrows area, which involves a more strenuous and adventurous . When visiting the Sundance Film Festival in Utah, movies are only part of the experience. Home to more than 2,000 gigantic sandstone arches, this national park sees more than 1.6 million curious visitors every year. Visitors and locals alike flock to this annual performance of William Christensens The Nutcracker, which highlights the incredible full-length choreography of this classic childrens story. Experience snowshoeing the greatest snow on Earth. In Provo it's a misdemeanor to have a snowball fight. Hiking, Non-ski Winter Activities, Scenic Drives/Road Trips, Ski and Snowboard, Stargazing. If youre curious about the extravagance of Hindu festivals, you can also join the temples grand celebrations of Holi and Diwali! It's one of the state's top snowmobiling destinations. For more information, see our Privacy Policy. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Salt Lake Marriott Downtown at City Creek, 110 400 WSalt Lake City, UT 84101(385) 468-7827. Experience more peace, quiet and solitude. 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. 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. Discover three world-class ski resorts located just 20 minutes from downtown, and enjoy 450 inches of powdery snow each season. There is a live nativity, indoor and outdoor nativity displays. 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. Learn about the American Wests unique natural world through the museums 1.6 million objects on display. Now you can start planning your holiday season. Once upon a time, the library was a place of silence and stern librarians. Even the interior of the house from wallpaper to furniture is a complete replica from Carl and Ellies home in the film! 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. Bikers, hikers, campers, and families come here in throngs for its spring and fall excitement. Lights, train rides, live Nativities, and Santa. If you're into thrills, and wondering what to do in Park City, Utah, try the Utah Olympic Park bobsled ride aptly called "The Comet" - one of the longest slides in the world, with over 3,000 feet of fast and furious gliding and sliding. Imaginorium: Nov. 29-Dec. 23, M-Th 4-9 pm and F-Sat 4-10 pm. Kid-friendly activities include daily parades, a live nativity, a gnome festival, and more. During the holiday season, Utahs Hogle Zoo lights up with over 200 lighted animal and holiday-themed displays in the evenings. Things To Do in Salt Lake in Winter Ice Skating. Gingerbread House Scavenger Hunt (Logan): Dec. 6-25, 2021 FREE, Parade of Gingerbread Homes (Logan): Dec. 4-31. Pro tip:Pack your own lunch and a thermos of hot chocolate to keep spirits up and costs down. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Plus Greenwell Inn, 12500 Sand Dune RoadKanab, UT 84741(435) 648-2800. 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. 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. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection By Hilton, US Highway 160 & US Highway 163Monument Valley, UT 84536(928) 871-6647. 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. Enjoy winter hikes, scenic drives and some of the best stargazing in the world. Park City is one of the most popular destinations for cross country skiers, although Nordic centers can be found all over Northern Utah. Time: 2-3 hours. Whether youre a geek or an adventurer, this national monument has so much in store for you. A local favorite for celebrating the season, families can enjoy breakfast with Santa and other holiday characters on select days in December at this annual holiday event in Salt Lake. Utahs award-winning waters hold some of the best ice fishing in the country, and with so many large lakes and reservoirs, its easy to grab your gear and join in. Since we live in Utah County, you will notice that we have visited many more spots in Utah and Salt Lake counties. The historic park transforms for the season with costumes, decorations, treats, sweets, and arts and crafts of all kind available for purchase. For an extraordinary adventure, plan winter hikes in Utahs Zion National Park. Whether youre looking for a break, vacation or quest for fun this winter, Utah is the place, as always, for adventure whatever you plan to do or wherever the trail takes you along the way. No matter your level of adventure, you will find good reason to save some time for a day away from the resort. Utah's metropolitan areas are situated right by our snow-packed mountains, offering visitors unparalleled access. U.S. Olympic Team Trials Speed Skating December 17-19, 2021, 11 am-9 pm Utah Olympic Oval, Kearns. Christmas at the Homestead(Cedar City): Frontier Homestead Museum has decorations, including the Twelve Trees of Christmas. Nativities Nativity in the Glen (SLC): Dec. 3 from 6-9 PM. Tickets required, Christmas on the Farm Live Nativity(Cedar City): Dec. 6, & 13 at 6-8 PM. Cedar City - 5.5 days / 13.2 inches. For most travelers, Southern Utah winters prevent comfortable camping, and occasional snowfall can make outdoor adventure a little more challenging. How to Visit Southern Utah in Winter By clicking "I Agree", you consent to the use of cookies. FREE, Cross E Ranch Christmas at the RanchNovember 26-Dec. 23. Its our chance to sparkle as the streets light up with celebrations and joy. Walk through time on a switchbacking boardwalk through the fossil record at the Natural History Museum of Utah. Whether youre looking for commercial parks with structured lanes or a local hill and your own thermos of hot cocoa, weve got it all. Young Living Family Farm Country Christmas (Mona): Wagon Rides and Light Display. Aside from having The Greatest Snow on Earth, what sets Utah apart from other skiing locations is the easy access. Then add color with snow paint. Winter in the Ogden Valley showcases some of the best of Northern Utah, from backcountry trails to downtown eats and events. You either drive through Monument Valley and soak up the sights or explore it fully by getting a tour guide from the visitor center. Ride the Heber Valley Railroad with Santa. Town Hall (435) 425-3600 Fax (435) 425-3603 P.O. Stroll through the re-created Utahn terrain and fall in love with desert flora. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Plus Wendover Inn. 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. Things To Do Lodging Tours & Guides Deals Events Store Maps & Brochures Share Events So, you're looking for things to do in Utah . 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. 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. 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. But with some advanced planning and a good set of layers, these small impediments are easily handled. Box 750027 75 East 100 North Torrey, Utah 84775 Use code AdventureFamily15 to save 15% off tickets. 6 followers 6 connections. 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. How's that for a Utah family winter activity? Walk through time on a switchbacking boardwalk through the fossil record at the Natural History Museum of Utah. You can save a whole lot of money on accommodations by pitching a tent and camping at one of Zions three campgrounds too. We look for fun, easy adventures throughout the state of Utah and beyond. 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). Spending some time on the ice rink might bring that magical vibe of the holiday season.