Join in the holiday spirit with a variety of activities and events going on everywhere along the Wasatch Front and Back, from Park City to Thanksgiving Point to the heart of SLC!
Beehive Statesmen Barberhop Chorus, Photo Credit: ©2011 Steve Zimmerman, stevezphoto@gmail.com
MUSIC
Salt Lake Men's Choir “We Wish You Christmas,” Dec. 7–9
The Salt Lake Men's Choir is pleased to once again be performing the sounds of the season in the First Baptist Church. As part of their annual tradition, canned foods are collected at each performance to be donated to the Utah AIDS Foundation Food Bank.
Carolers on Main Street in Park City, Dec. 7 and 14
Listen to or participate in the sounds of the season with other Park City residents.
Beehive Statesmen Barbershop Chorus at UCCC, Dec. 10
The Beehive Statesmen Barbershop Chorus presents a free public concert featuring beautiful chorus and quartet renditions of traditional Christmas music.
The Lower Lights at the Salt Lake Masonic Hall, Dec. 12–13
Come listen to a quirky, old-timey group bringing back some of the favorite holiday hymns from Celtic carols to "Silver Bells" in a special, but familiar way.
A Kurt Bestor Christmas at Abravanel Hall, Dec. 13–15
Kurt Bestor celebrates the 25th season of his unique show. A great family event full of unique holiday performance involving special musical guests, storytelling and humor. You won't want to miss this performance!
Elvis Christmas Show at Park City’s Egyptian Theatre, Dec. 14–16
Justin Shandor, winner of the World’s Ultimate Elvis Contest, delights audiences with hip-swiveling, booty-shaking Elvis favorites and Christmas songs.
Winter Solstice Concert at Jeanne Wagner Theatre, Dec. 15
Utah’s Celtic-fusion band, Stonecircle, presents its 8th annual winter solstice concert featuring original and contemporary Celtic music to bring beauty to the darkest season of the year.
Christmas Carol Sing Along at EnergySolutions Arena, Dec. 17
Join in the spirit of Christmas with a 30-piece orchestra, Collin Raye, LaVell Edwards, Rod McBride and Big Budah. Many free special gifts for guests including free parking, a gift package and a delicious holiday treat while supplies last!
Traditional Christmas Carol Services at the Cathedral of the Madeleine, Dec. 17, 18 and 24
The Madeleine Choir School offers traditional Christmas carol services. These services begin with a child's voice intoning the traditional Latin chant “Rorate caeli” as others join in.
Voice Male In Concert at Thanksgiving Point, Dec. 18–19
The popular a cappella group is sure to make you jolley with many of the old familiar Christmas tunes you grew up with, as well as a few extra new treats!
Utah Symphony Annual Lollipops Concert for kids, Dec. 22
Santa Clause, Jingle Bells and festive tunes are all part of the Utah Symphony's annual family-friendly holiday concert. Enjoy popular tunes and children's activites in the lobby prior to each performance.
Donny & Marie—A Salt Lake Christmas at Abravanel Hall, Dec. 26–29
The famous sibling duo is excited to invite Salt Lake families to celebrate Christmas Osmond-style, complete with jingle bells and holiday comedy.
Photo courtesy of Phillips Gallery
ART, THEATER AND DANCE
Salt Lake Holiday Gallery Stroll, Dec. 7
Wander through galleries across Salt Lake to meet artists and take in the visual arts during the free citywide Holiday Art Stroll.
Holiday Exhibition at Slusser Gallery, Dec. 7
See the beautiful Southern California landscape in Utah during a holiday exhibit of 11 top plein air painters and six top Utah artists. Everyone is welcome to come enjoy the art, music and refreshments of the evening. The exhibition will run through Feb. 8, 2013
A Christmas Carol: The Musical at Simmons Pioneer Memorial Theatre, now–Dec. 15
Scrooge and his famous “bah-humbug” attitude are reappearing in an exciting musical form with music by acclaimed composer Alan Menken. The musical version of this classic Christmas tale promises to be a fun production for the whole family.
The Nutcracker with Ballet West, now–Dec. 29
Tchaikovsky’s classic score put to William Christensen’s well-loved production, The Nutcracker, comes back to life with brilliant costumes and choreography each year thanks to Ballet West.
A Christmas Carol on the Air at the Egyptian Theatre in Park City, Dec. 19–22
Starring Utah Shakespearean Festival Founder, Fred C. Adams, as Scrooge, “A Christmas Carol” is cleverly woven as a live radio broadcast into a story about The Wright Brothers and Christmas cheer.
FAMILY, KIDS AND SANTA
Dickens’ Christmas Festival at Utah State Fairpark, Dec. 6–15
Walk into an exciting part of history as nineteenth century London comes to life in Olde England style shops, mini-productions of Dickens’ stories and many other sights and sounds of the time. Don’t forget to to stop and visit the Father Christmas before you step back into the present!
Breakfast with Santa at Thanksgiving Point, Dec. 8, 15 and 22
Kids spend the morning playing games, singing and eating breakfast with your favorite holiday friends like Buddy the Elf, the Gingerbread Man and Mrs. Claus before telling Santa their Christmas wish list.
Pictures with Santa-Pets, Miner’s Park in Park City, Dec. 8
You got all the kids to take a snapshot with Santa, but what about your two dogs, four cats and turtle? $10 per photo, proceeds to benefit Friends of Animals.
Breakfast With Santa at Discovery Gateway, Dec. 8 and 15
Holiday crafts and breakfast just aren’t the same without Jolly Old Saint Nick!
“How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” in Park City, Dec. 8
Stop by the outdoor deck of the Kimball Art Center in Park City for a fun live retelling of Dr. Seuss’s “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” by a real green-faced grinch!
Macy's National Santa Bus Tour at Macy’s Valley Fair Mall, Dec. 9
Santa’s national bus tour is part of Macy’s Annual “Believe” campaign. Now in its fifth year, Macy’s “Believe” campaign invites children of all ages to mail letters to Santa using Macy’s Santa Mail letterboxes. Macy’s donates $1 for each letter mailed in store, up to $1 million, to the local Make-A-Wish.
A Ceremony of Carols at the Cathedral of the Madeleine, Dec. 14 and 21
Listen to a little known arrangement of traditional English Christmas music put together by Benjamin Bitten on his wartime sea journey from America to England in 1942.
Santa at the Town Lift in Park City, Saturday, Dec. 15
Welcome Santa and his entourage on the ski lift as you enjoy hot chocolate, holiday treats and caroling.
Artful Afternoon for Families: Winter Solstice at UMFA, Dec. 15
Participate in art creation, science experimentation and fun performances both inside and outside the Utah Museum of Fine Arts in celebration of the Winter Solstice!
Santa Visits Waldorf Astoria Park City Hotel, Dec. 22
Join Santa in the lobby from 3-6 p.m. for pictures and story time. Complimentary hot chocolate, milk and cookies for everyone.
Winter Solstice at Red Butte Children’s Garden, Dec. 22
Yule logs, hot chocolate, make your own winter candles and solstice head wreaths are all part of this fun celebration of the return of light!
Gingerbread House Making at Waldorf Astoria Park City Hotel, Dec. 22–23
Learn the secrets to building a gingerbread house from Slopes restaurant's culinary team from 4–5:30 p.m. Children of all ages are welcome for a price of $25 per child.
EVE in Downtown Salt Lake City, Dec. 29–31
Music, art performances, dance parties, sports and so much more are a part of this enormous Salt Lake City New Year’s Celebration. Catering to families, the single wristband gives participants access to a variety of events in a variety of locations as well as free riding on Trax and FrontRunner through Dec. 31.
Park City Electric Parade, Photo courtesy of Historic Park City website
LIGHTS
Windows & Lights in Downtown Salt Lake City, now-end of December
Every year downtown businesses take the challenge to bring the holiday spirit through creative window and storefront displays. Wander through the displays, then vote for your favorite as well as be entered into a drawing for Salt Lake’s major winter festival, EVE. Voting ends Dec. 25.
Visitors can vote for their favorite window display or find out more by clicking here.
The Electric Parade on Historic Park City Main Street, Dec. 21
Brighten up the darkest day of the year by watching a parade of lit-up vehicles of all kinds make their way down Main Street.
Simon Dewey nativity scene
Visitors will view more than one million multicolored light animations and illuminated trees in the various Christmas lights displays. Wrap up your visit with a special nativity scene illustrated by Simon Dewey.
ZooLights at Utah's Hogle Zoo, now–Dec. 31
Back for its 6th season, Hogle Zoo’s 300 animated light displays are more dazzling than ever. Grab some dinner, visit the polar bears in the heated underwater viewing building and don’t forget to visit Santa on your way out!
Click here for more info and times
Jingle Bus picture courtesy of Downtown Alliance
MISCELLANEOUS
Candlelight Christmas at This is the Place Heritage Park, Dec. 7–29
Take a step back in time with Father Christmas, live reindeer, performances by The Heritage Village Carolers and a live nativity set off by a backdrop of firelight and Christmas smells.
Hanukkah Menorah Lighting at Waldorf Astoria Hotel, Dec. 8–15
Waldorf Astoria Hotel invites you to join a special menorah lighting in honor of Hanukkah each evening at sundown in the lobby. A local rabbi will preside and small offerings will be provided.
Christmas Eve Dinner at Slopes Restaurant, Waldorf Astoria Hotel, Dec. 24
A family-style dinner with all the holiday favorites such as honey ham, pheasant, turkey, stuffing and desserts without the hassle of cooking. Served from 5–10 p.m. at $72 for adults and $26 for children. Call 435-647-5566 for reservations.
North Pole Express at Heber Valley Railroad, now–Dec. 24
Take a train ride inspired from the one in the popular children’s book The Polar Express. Enjoy hot drinks and treats served to you by elves and wait with anticipation for Santa’s magical appearance onboard.
Christmas Breakfast at Slopes Restaurant, Waldorf Astoria Hotel, Dec. 25
Enjoy a festive breakfast of strudel, smoked pork loin, eggs and more. Complimentary hot chocolate will be served during breakfast hours from 7–11 a.m. at $36 per adult and $26 for children. Call 435-647-5566 for reservations.
Jingle Bus in Downtown Salt Lake, now–Dec. 28
If you’re holiday shopping has worn you out too much to walk, don’t worry! You can still see all the lights and get to all the malls using the free holiday themed Jingle Bus circulating between.
Bus map and more info available by clicking here.
Window Stroll at Grand America Hotel, now–Dec. 31
The third annual stroll features art relating to this year’s theme, "Celebrating the Language." There will also be retail stores, dining venues, and a beautiful Angel Tree to benefit children and seniors in need. The Window Stroll is complimentary and open to both the public and hotel guests.
New Year's Eve Party at Slopes Restaurant, Waldorf Astoria Hotel, Dec. 31
Bring in the new year with a romantic five course meal at Slopes Restaurant. Seatings at 5 p.m., 7 p.m., and 9 p.m. at a cost of $110 per adults without wine parings, $135 per adult with wine parings, and $35 per child under 12. For reservations call 435-647-5502.
Photo courtesy of New Vine St. Holiday Market
HOLIDAY MARKETS
2012 People's Market Holiday Market at Trolley Square, Dec. 8 and 15
Browse a variety of handmade gifts to satisfy all your holiday shopping needs.
New Vine St. Holiday Market on Historic Murray Property, now–Dec. 22
Over 25 local artists and food purveyors create a festive indoor market atmosphere for shoppers in a former church in the historic district of Murray.
Holiday Market at Gallivan Plaza, Fridays and Saturdays through Dec. 22
Holiday charm comes to Salt Lake with the Downtown Holiday Market at Gallivan. Local and handmade goods available in addition to ginger snaps and glogg, a warm Scandinavian drink, provided by IKEA.
Annual Holiday Trunk Show at the Natural History Museum of Utah, Dec. 7–8
Browse and buy a variety of unique, handmade jewelry made by four local artists. This popular annual event gives talented artisans a chance to show off their collections and community memebers to find special holiday gifts.
Season Multitasking Shopping Event at Joseph Smith Memorial Building, Dec. 11
Take part in an exciting annual event sponsored by Utah WIFS, a non-profit organization helping women be successful in the professional world, featuring food, shopping, networking, and fundraising for Helping Kids with Cancer foundation.
The 12 Days of Craft Lake City
You don't even have to leave your house to participate in this online auction where new items are available to be bid on each day. All items are contributed by local Utah artists and companies and all proceeds will go towards expanding the annual Craft Lake City's Do It Yourself Festival.
Downtown Alliance Pop-Up Winter Market at the Gallivan Center, Dec. 15
Locations to these pop-up markets are only announced a week or two before the event, but “The Holiday Table” pop-up market on Dec. 15 will boast locally made pies, sustainably raised beef and lamb, cider from local apples, and much more.
SLC Arts Council Annual Holiday Craft Exhibit and Salt at the Art Barn, now–Dec. 19
This event includes handmade artwork from local artists from letterpress cards to holiday ornaments to jewelry and glass art.
Candy Cane Corner Store, 502 West 300 South, now through Dec. 23
Teach your kids about the true meaning of Christmas and giving by taking some items to the Candy Cane Corner Store, a special store open only to needy families so they can pick out Christmas gifts for themselves and their families. Open for donation drop off Monday–Friday from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday–Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
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