The holiday season will soon be upon us, and there are plenty of events where you can celebrate the season with your family and friends. Salt Lake County will have many opportunities – from music events and Christmas lights to gift exchanges and shopping opportunities – and there will be no shortage of fun things to do over the next two months.
Whether you are looking for a cozy event to hang out and spend time with others or a festive concert or light-up event to spread the cheer, there will be something for you. You should check out these upcoming events to spend with your family and friends this holiday season.
Salt Lake County Holiday Events and Light Displays
Holiday Lights in Salt Lake City
#1 Zoolights at Utah’s Hogle Zoo
#2 Luminaria At Thanksgiving Point
#3 Draper Tree Lighting Ceremony
#4 Sandy’s Light up the Cairns 2022
Holiday Performances & Entertainment Events
#5 William Christensen’s The Nutcracker
#6 Pentatonix: A Christmas Spectacular!
Holiday Shopping and Fairs
#10 Breakfast with Santa at Gardner Village
Holiday Lights in Salt Lake City
Light-up events and festivals are a staple of the holiday season. They are family-friendly and offer a hearty way to enjoy the season with your partner, family, and friends. Here are a few light-up events in Salt Lake County for you to check out this holiday season.
#1 Zoolights at Utah’s Hogle Zoo
Starting on December 2nd, Utah’s Hogle Zoo will be back for its 16th annual ZooLights events, which will run through the end of the month. Remember to bundle up like a snow leopard and grab a cup of hot chocolate before enjoying the festival lights on display, the kaleidoscopic light tunnel, and the life-size animal lanterns. If you visit before the 23rd, you may even have a chance to meet Santa, so don’t forget to make your calendar for this festive opportunity!
When: 5:30 PM – 9 PM, December 2-30
Where: Utah’s Hogle Zoo, 2600 Sunnyside Avenue, Salt Lake City, UT 84108
Cost: Adults: $14.95, Children: $11.95, and Children 2 and under: Free Admission
Website: https://www.hoglezoo.org/upcoming-events/zoolights/
#2 Luminaria At Thanksgiving Point
Get ready for an enchanting walk through Ashton Gardens, full of visual spectacle, sounds, and tastes that will hype you up for the holiday season. Luminaria At Thanksgiving Point features over 6,500 programmable lights blanketing a hill, with each pixel of light recreating a flying reindeer, ombre waves, and much more to celebrate the time of year. It is one of the best places to enjoy a holiday light-up event, and don’t forget to look for the Yeti! You can spot him throughout the event and find his lair in the Himalayan Heights section of the Luminaria.
When: 5 PM – 9 PM, November 17 – December 31
Where: 3900 N. Garden Drive Lehi, Utah 84043
Cost: Adult: $24.00, Child: $17.00, Senior: $21.00, and Youth: $19.00
Website: https://thanksgivingpoint.org/events/luminaria/
#3 Draper Tree Lighting Ceremony
Kick off the holiday season by visiting Draper City’s annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, where you can get an early glimpse of Santa and view the holiday lights. With over 3 million lights bedazzling the entire location, this event can go a long way to spark the joy of the holiday season in your heart.
When: 6 PM – 8 PM, November 28
Where: 12500 S 1300 E, Draper, UT 84020
Cost: Free Admission
Website: https://www.draperutah.gov/1892/Tree-Lighting-Ceremony
#4 Sandy’s Light up the Cairns 2022
If you prefer Sandy City’s dense suburban vibe, don’t forget to attend their light-up event at City Hall. This event will feature a countdown until the lights turn on, with lots of music and hot chocolate for all guests. There will even be a drone show, so don’t forget to mark your calendar.
When: 6 PM – 11:59 PM, November 28
Where: 10000 Centennial Parkway, Sandy, UT 84070
Cost: Free Admission
Website: https://www.visitsaltlake.com/event/sandys-light-up-the-cairns-2022/44465/
Holiday Performances & Entertainment Events
If you are looking for other ways to fill your calendar, check out these performances and entertainment events to celebrate the holiday season.
#5 William Christensen’s The Nutcracker
Book your ticket to a rendition of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker that will be hosted every day from December 2nd through 24th. It is a family-friendly event where you can restore your beliefs in magic and relive your most beloved childhood dreams together in the Land of Sweets and dancing snowflakes.
When: December 2-24
Where: 50 West 200 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Cost: Single Ticket: $30
Website: https://balletwest.org/events/nutcracker22
#6 Pentatonix: A Christmas Spectacular!
If you are a music fan looking spread holiday cheer, this event is for you. Pentatonix is an acapella quintet that has gained popularity as a full-fledged band—all without using conventional instruments. There will be performances on multiple days throughout November and December, so check their website for tickets and availability to book a day that works for you and your friends!
When: 7 PM, November 17 – 29
Where: 3200 S Decker Lake Dr, West Valley City, UT 84119
Cost: Single Ticket: $31 – $250
Website: https://www.ptxofficial.com/
#7 GENTRI Christmas
On November 25th and 26th, the George S. And Dolores Dore Eccles Theater presents GENTRI: The Gentleman Trio on Main Street in downtown Salt Lake City. Join the community in one of Utah’s favorite holiday traditions with epic orchestrations, lush harmonies, and moving storytelling that will include some of your favorite renditions of timeless holiday songs. This event is sure to warm your heart, so book tickets with your entire family or group of friends to enjoy the day and holiday cheer together.
When: November 25 – 26
Where: 131 Main Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Cost: Single Ticket: $25 – $97.50
Website: https://www.saltlakecountyarts.org/events/gentri-christmas/
Holiday Shopping and Fairs
In addition to festivals and performances, the holiday season is a great time to take advantage of shopping events and deals. If you fancy a day shopping with your friends and family, check out these events and fairs in Salt Lake County.
#8 Christkindlmarkt
Inspired by the German Christmas markets, Christkindmarkt is a martial celebration of the holiday season that features unique holiday-themed shopping, cultural experiences, and delicious food as you stroll through the wooden vendor booths. You can browse over 90 vendors that each other unique wares and dishes, or you can take your children to visit a delightful storytelling of St. Nikolaus Haus or a scavenger hunt.
When: 11 AM – 8 PM, November 30 – December 3
Where: 2601 E. Sunnyside Avenue, Salt Lake City, UT 84108
Cost: Free Admission
Website: https://www.christkindlmarkt-slc.com/
#9 Wheeler Holiday Market
Taking place between November 25th and November 27th, the Wheeler Holiday Market is a free-for-all event where you can get in the mood for the holiday season by supporting local businesses and finding something to take home with you. You can find handmade treasures that will make perfect gifts for your family and friends—or yourself if you feel like treating yourself out! It is an excellent event for all ages, making it an ideal place for families to do holiday shopping for the year.
When: Friday: 5 PM – 8 PM, Saturday and Sunday: 9 AM – 5 PM, November 25 – 27
Where: 6351 South 900 East, Murray, UT 84121
Cost: Free Admission
Website: https://slco.org/wheeler-farm/events/wheeler-holiday-market/
#10 Breakfast with Santa at Gardner Village
On select days between November 26th and December 20th, you can join Santa for a magical breakfast at The Gardner Village! Enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet, music, and activities that people of all ages will love. Seats are limited, so grab a ticket now!
When: 9 AM – 11 AM, November 29 – December 20
Where: 1100 W 7800 S, West Jordan, UT 84088
Cost: To Reserve a table: $31
Website: https://www.gardnervillagetix.com/breakfast-with-santa
These are just a few festive events in Salt Lake County this holiday season. Grab your tickets for spots at some of the best performances, or get your gift shopping done at special holiday-themed shopping fairs!
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