Salt Lake magazine offers an insightful and dynamic coverage of city life, Utah lore and community stories about the people places and great happenings weaving together the state’s vibrant present with its rich past. Its Community section highlights the pulse of Salt Lake City and around the state, covering local events, cultural happenings, dining trends and urban developments. From emerging neighborhoods and development to engaging profiles long-form looks at newsmakers and significant cultural moments, Salt Lake magazine keeps readers informed about the evolving lifestyle in Utah.
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Not to sound sappy, but Thanksgiving is the one time of year when we can connect, without expectations of gifts and best decorations, but through shared food, drinks and conversations (good and bad). As a kid, seeing distant relatives my age was like meeting new friends, or seeing an old friend and reconnecting. As an adult, it can be much harder to reconnect, make new friends or even schedule Thanksgiving dinner to meet everyone’s busy schedules. If you’re looking for ways to connect and get out of the house by yourself, with your immediate family, in-laws or long-lost relatives, here are some ideas to get out and enjoy Thanksgiving weekend in Utah.
Take a Scroll Through The Grand America Hotel
Stay warm strolling through the Grand America during their annual window stroll; this year’s theme is Chuck the Snowball and his Yeti friends. Follow the window stroll map and be entered to win a stay at the Grand America Hotel after correctly answering 14 questions to prove you’ve found Chuck at each display. During your stroll you will come across the hotel’s annual gingerbread house and many more fun holiday activities, food and performances.
Hit The Ice at the Gallivan Center Outdoor Ice Rink
Ready to work off all that turkey and pie? Bundle up, lace up and hit the ice at the Gallivan’s outdoor ice rink. You’ll feel like you’ve entered a holiday movie while skating outdoors in the middle of the city and maybe even with some Thanksgiving drama included. Stay warm with hot chocolate and snacks for purchase; and if you plan on bringing your entire Thanksgiving party, consider reserving a party area, or even rent the entire rink outside of their regular hours. Find more information here.
Enjoy an Untraditional Light Show at the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium
The Loveland Living Planet Aquarium is starting new traditions with its all-new outdoor holiday Aquarium Lantern Festival, open daily from 5:30 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. You will be enchanted with larger-than-life lanterns, enjoy holiday activities and head inside to see the many animals of the aquarium.
Get Crafty with help from Gale Museum
This month’s free family activity at the Gale Museum is Museum Mashup: Pumpkin Pie Plates. While craft kits are available, pick up and create your own fun pumpkin pie craft plate. Check out more information here.
Learn to Make Pie with a Harmons Chef
Feel like showing off your baking skills to your family this year? Join Harmons’ Chef Tyler, on November 27 and learn to bake both a cheddar crumble apple pie and a mango cream pie. And get a third pumpkin pie to take home from Harmons; we won’t tell if you claim it as your baked masterpiece. Register here.
Feast with a Beast at Utah’s Hogle Zoo
Need to send your family out of the house while you cook? Send them off to Utah’s Hogle Zoo where the animals are participating in a special feast of their own. The zoo’s lions, polar bears and more stomp, roll and chomp pumpkins and other themed items for themed enrichment. The Zoo will be open from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. that day, get tickets here.
Kick Off the Holidays at City Creek
Take the family to City Creek to kick off the holidays with fountain shows, balloon artists, an elf hunt and welcoming in Santa, happening on Monday, November 25 from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. While you’re there get started, or finish, your holiday shopping. Find more details and register for the free event here.
Be Dazzled at the Christmas in Color Light Show
Beat the December crowds and enjoy the light shows early, at the Christmas in Color drive-thru light show. Enjoy sparkling lights that are synchronized to fun Christmas music all while in the warmth and privacy of your car. Pack a snack, a warm beverage and get ready to sing and dance in your seat and be amazed by the beautiful glowing holiday lights.
Go to the Ballet
The Utah Festival Ballet presents a classic, The Nutcracker, performing on November 29 at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. and November 30 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., at the Mid Valley Performing Arts Center, Main Stage Theater, in Taylorsville. Get your tickets here.
If a Thanksgiving run is your thing, do it at the largest one in Utah. Thanksgiving Point hosts a half marathon, 10K, 5K, or a kid’s ½ mile run along the scenic Jordan River Trail. Runners will receive a shirt, a finishers medal, a finishers shirt, stickers, swag from local sponsors and free event photos. After the race, stop by for some pie and other treats and drinks. Plus, complimentary recovery sessions from Athlecare offering hyperbaric chamber, dry needling, sports massage, stretching and coaching; and Performance Recovery, offering TheraGuns or an upgraded Normatec Compressions Boots sessions or a race special IV hydration therapy. Sign up and find out more here.
When there are so many ways in Utah to experience holiday cheer, winter wonder and goodwill toward all, why should we settle for just 12 days of Christmas? Salt Lake Magazine has curated a calendar of our favorite ways to take in the sights and sounds of the holidays, embrace the generosity and spirit of the season, as well as enjoy the best Utah winters have to offer.
November
25, Monday
Take a cooking class before Thanksgiving Day
At Station Park, Harmons Chef Jake Driffill is offering a “three-Day Thanksgiving Workshop Throw Down” to help you plan and meal-prep. At City Creek, Chef Tara Walker will help you get a head start on Thanksgiving baking. At Traverse Mountain, Chef Freyka Nunez Del Prado will help you learn how to artfully design grazing boards.
This is the last day before Thanksgiving to participate in the Thanksgiving Drives and Food Box Giveaway. this is a several-week activity, in which the Salt Lake City Mission asks the public to volunteer and gather the much-needed food and supplies to host our holiday events that provide thousands of meals to the hungry and homeless. The mission also hosts an event to provide needy families with holiday boxes.
Recognize Native American Heritage day by donating to a good cause
Donations help support community programs and services of the Urban Indian Center of Salt Lake, which supports tribal members in the Greater Salt Lake and Wasatch-front area.
The Ogden Santa Run 5K is the first and largest of the Utah Santa Runs. This race runs just before the Ogden Holiday Light Parade and down Washington Blvd. All participants get a Sant Suit to run in and use the Milk and Cookie Aid stations supported by elves who dress as volunteers. Music is played over the entire course of the race.
Let the holiday music begin with this cherished tradition. Composed by Handel in 1741, the oratorio Messiah draws inspiration from both the Old and New testaments. Sing along with this famous composition.
Float the Provo River beneath twinkling Christmas lights
Enjoy festive decorations and lights that twinkle above the river with Christmas music playing softly in the background. Santa may make a surprise visit.
You can help food-insecure Utah families by volunteering with or donating to the Utah Food Bank, which distributes millions of free meals. Donating on Giving Tuesday often means that your gift will be matched in kind Utah Food Bank partners.
Part food festival and part unique holiday shopping experience, ChristKindlmarkt SLC is inspired by traditional German Christmas markets. Enjoy traditional German food and holiday entertainment.
Christmas with the Celts combines ancient Irish Christmas Carols and Irish dance with contemporary songs but with with Irish instrumentation…kind of like Irish ‘bardcore.
Explore the Holiday Tree Show’s dozens of beautifully decorated trees, menorahs and other symbols of the holidays. Each tree is donated, designed and decorated by local businesses, designers, community groups. Hosted by Habitat for Humanity of Summit and Wasatch Counties, the event benefits housing affordability efforts.
7, Saturday
Turn on the lights with Salt Lake City
The city will illuminate the Pioneer Park with thousands of holiday lights. When the night gets chilly, step inside a heated event tent to enjoy live music, a treats form food trucks and seasonal drinks from local cider house. Those 21 and older can enjoy a selection of ciders and beers.
The Holiday Open House and Art Fair features 19 local artists vending their hand-made art including jewelry, pottery fiber art and more, in beautiful Red Butte Gardens.
Pause your daytime marathons of A Christmas Story movie to catch the musical based on the classic holiday film. Set in the 1940’s, the musical follows 9-year-old Ralphie Parker and his quest for the Holy Grail of Christmas Gifts – an Official Red Ryder carbine-action 200-shot Range Model air rifle.
Dec. 6-12 Scera Center for the Arts , Orem scera.org
10, Tuesday
Revisit a black and white holiday gem
Peery’s Egyptian Theater is screening favorite black and white films.Before holiday movies centered around slapstick adventures, leading men learned lessons from visiting ghosts and angels. (1946), George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart) finds out what his town would have looked like if it hadn’t been for all his good deeds. We, the audience, remember the true antagonist to the spirit of the holidays:greed and capitalism.
Zoolights returns for its 18th year in December 2024! While the animals slumber, immerse yourself in a wonderland of brilliant light displays featuring animal and holiday scenes throughout the zoo. Explore a holiday walk-through event filled with your favorite animals in a nature-focused lighting experience. ZooLights runs through December.
In God is a Scottish Drag Queen Christmas Special, Comedian Mike Delamont imagines God, dressed in a floral power suit, coming down to skewer everything from fruit cake and Boxing Day to Tiny Tim and EggNog, in a heartwarming and hilarious holiday special.
Dec. 13, 7 p.m. Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center, SLC mikedelamont.com
14, Saturday
Shop local markets
Visit the Winter Market at The Gateway Market to find local goodies. Nearby, find a thoughtful gift at Under the Umbrella Bookstore, like the perfect book or colorful crafts for unique centerpieces.
Celebrate Christmas at the Cathedral of Madeleine with a spectacular holiday performance, which combines the powerful sound of the brass section of the Utah Symphony accompanied by the Eccles Memorial Organ and the wonderful architecture of the Cathedral.
The Ogden Christmas Village illuminates historic downtown with NorthPole-inspired cottages, lights, entertainers and fireworks at the Ogden Amphitheatre. The Christmas Village is free to attend.
At Candlelight Christmas, you’ll feel like you’ve taken a step back in time. Visit with Father Christmas, enjoy the live Nativity in the quiet of the Village, and feel the glow of a warm fire Heritage Village Carolers sing.
Help the Road Home provide lifesaving shelter and services by donating or serving a meal. Individuals and small community groups are invited to help with meal prep and service. volunteers are needed 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Pamela Atkinson Resource Center & Gail Miller Resource Center, SLC theroadhome.org
20, Friday
Learn why we all love Muppets
Bring lawn chairs, and pillows, and get cozy for The Muppets Christmas Carol. The community center will provide treats for all.Dec. 20, 7 p.m. Lindon Community Center lindon.gov
21, Saturday
Find out about the Winter Solstice
Before Christmas, there were festivals like Yule, which marked the shortest days of year: the winter solstice. Celebrate Solstice with the Natural History Museum by creating sun catchers and intricate paper snowflakes and exploring the magic of polymers by making “InstaSnow.”
Dec. 21 Natural History Museum of Utah, SLC nhmu.utah.edu
22, Sunday
See downtown on display
Strap on skates and sip hot cocoa at the at Gallivan Center Ice Rink. Before you leave downtown, visit the Grand America to view the holiday window gingerbread displays.
Ice Rink – Gallivan Center, Holiday Window Stroll,, The Grand America, SLC grandamerica.com
23, Monday
Make the pilgrimage
A Kurt Bestor Christmas has, for 28 years, become a holiday tradition for thousands of Utahns. For many it is the “must-see”show of the Christmas season. You can’t escape it. Might as well lean in.
Snowbasin Resort’s annual Christmas Eve celebration includes a skiing Santa, a torchlight parade and a fireworks show.Head inside Earl’s Lodge for Christmas Eve dinner and photos with Santa.
This 90-minute round trip journey includes hot cocoa and cookies. Sing along to Christmas favorites the along the way. At the ‘North Pole,’ Santa comes aboard.
Last year more than 42,000 attended the hottest ticket in town. The first and longest-running in America, Ballet West’s annual production is a legacy that brings families and friends back year after year.
Sometimes the best gifts come in small packages. This day is your last chance to check out Urban Arts Gallery’s tiniest show yet. With size restrictions of 12 inches and under, “Bite-Sized” showcases the miniature side of creation just in time for the holiday season. Come explore the vast universe of artistic expression that can exist in limited space.
Soldier Hollow Nordic Center is home to a 1,200-foot-long snow-tubing hill. On the same day, you can explore the nearby Ice Castles- an architectural marvel and the work of dozens of artists, featuring ice caverns, slides tunnels. and sculptures, weighing more than 25 million pounds.
Say “good riddance” to 2024. The ball drop at the Mountain American Expo Center is the largest midnight celebration in Utah with a balloon drop and a laser show.
Grab your camera and dust off those holiday threads, Santa is coming to town. Whether you’re looking to capture that cheesy holiday card or just need to convince Sally to be good for a few more weeks, snapping photos with Santa is a must-do seasonal activity. Find the big man himself at the following events, festivals and pop-ups around Utah.
Date-Specific Santa Appearances
Santa Comes Down Park City’s Townlift Ahead of his busiest night of the year, Santa will be making a stop at Park City’s Town Lift on December 21st at 5 p.m. Kids can wish him well on his forthcoming journey, enjoy complimentary cookies, holiday tunes and photo opps with Santa. Afterward, make sure to meander Main Street which has been decorated by seven life-size snow globes designed by local artists. And, for those 21+ Santa seekers, the annual Park City Santa Pub Crawl is happening on December 7th at 6 p.m., starting at Butchers Chop House. There will be plenty of boozed-up Santa’s to ask for a photo.
Lights On! At the Gallivan Join The Blocks Arts District and In Theory Art Collective unveil the fifth installment of GLOW at the Gallivan center on November 22nd at 4-6 p.m. This year’s edition features dozens of unique sculptures and interactive light displays designed by local artists. Opening day includes free ice-skating, a live DJ, Disney princes sightings and Santa Claus himself.
Tree Lighting Ceremony at Pendry Experience the magic of the season at the second annual Tree Lighting ceremony, where guests and locals alike can admire the beautiful thirty-foot tree and holiday decorations in Pendry Plaza on November 30th at 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The holiday kickoff will also feature a special visit from Santa and his reindeer who will be available for complimentary photos.
Christkindlemarket at This is The Place Heritage Park.
Meet St. Nikolaus at the ChristkindlMarkt Utah’s annual German Christmas Market returns to This is the Place Heritage Park with vendor booths, seasonal threats and plenty of activities for the whole family. Kids can meet and take photos with St. Nick throughout the festival, taking place Dec. 4th through the 7th. Find the entire schedule on the ChristkindlMarkt website.
2024 Festival of Trees The 54th annual Festival of Trees will take place at the Mountain America Expo Center on December 4th through the 7th. The event supports Primary Children’s Hospital with a silent auction, holiday vendors and plenty of opportunities to snap a pic with Father Christmas in Santa Land.
Craft Lake City Holiday Market Taking over Ogden Union Station on Dec. 6th and 7th, the Holiday Market features over 140 local artisans, crafters, performers and more. Be sure to say hello to Santa for a quick chat and free photo as you tackle holiday shopping.
All-Season Long Santa Sightings
Hyatt Santa’s Village The sleek downtown hotel has transformed their 6th floor terrace into a charming holiday village, complete with a massive 18-foot tree, custom-built Santa cabin and of course, Santa himself. The rooftop is open to guests every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. through December 21st. Tickets are $20 per photo for non-dining guests, but for those who’d like to dine after at Basque-style restaurant Mar | Muntanya or the Salt Republic on the first floor, tickets are $10.
Meet Santa at Hyatt’s Santa’s Village. Photo courtesy of Hyatt.
Photos with Santa at City Creek Center From November 25th through December 24th City Creek’s resident Santa will be onsite to take holiday photos. Choose from a variety of packages that include digital downloads, holiday postcards and 4×6 prints. The shopping destination is also hosting a series of fun festive events throughout the holiday season, like the Paw Palooza event on December 5th that invites your fur baby to meet Santa himself. How else will you know what Fido wants for Christmas?
Ogden Christmas Village Downtown Ogden lights up for the holiday season from November 25th all the way through the New Year with adorable cottage installations, magnificent holiday displays and all the twinkling lights. Celebrate the opening day with a Santa Run, followed by the iconic Holiday Electric Light Parade that starts on 22nd Street and ends on 27th. Of course, no Christmas village is complete without the Big Man himself. Santa visits the village Monday through Friday from 6-9 p.m., and Saturday 5-9 p.m. starting on November 30th. Meet-and-greets are free as well as photos, but prepare to stand in a line as you wait to find out if you are naughty or nice!
Lightwalk at Tracy Aviary. Photo courtesy of Tracy Aviary.
Tracy Aviary Light Walk Immerse yourself in holiday spirit at Tracy Aviary’s annual Light Walk. The eight acres of dazzling light displays also include life-size gingerbread houses, holiday beverages, interactive light shows and a chance to meet Santa. Lightwalk is available on select weekends, and also hosts special events throughout the season, check their website for more details.
Sugar House Santa Shack Santa makes his grand appearance this season in a motorcycle parade on November 30th at 11 a.m. Afterwards, he’ll be at the Sugar House location every Monday-Friday 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., and on Saturdays 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Join the holiday tradition with your little ones, fur babies, or friends!
Santa’s Cottage at Traverse Mountain Outlets Lehi’s shopping center is all dressed up for the holidays with a gingerbread village, Utah’s tallest Christmas tree, and visits with Santa. The holiday hero will be available for photo opportunities on select dates and times through December 24th, see the full schedule here.
Santa’s Wonderland at Cabela’s. Photo courtesy of Cabela.
Santa’s Wonderland at Cabela’s Outdoor retailer Cabela’s is offering free studio-quality photos with Santa everyday through Tuesday, December 24th. Every Cabela’s, and Bass Pro Shops, have been decked in their holiday best with cozy cabins, snowy backdrops, elves and festive decorations. Along with daily photos with Santa, Cabela’s hosts a weekly story hour with Santa or Mrs. Claus every Tuesday at 5 p.m. until December 17th. Reservations are free but required to confirm your family’s spot.
Festive Fridays at Wheeler Farm Starting on November 29th, Wheeler Farm will host a family-friendly weekly event. Bring the kids for a wagon ride and holiday light displays, and make sure to stop by the Farmhouse Porch to greet Santa. Visiting with St. Nick is free and there will be plenty of onsite elves to help with photos.
Zoolights at Hogle Zoo The zoo’s beloved holiday walk-through event runs on select nights through the holiday season, featuring brilliant animal-themed light displays, yummy smores, and a chance to meet Santa at the High Desert Oasis lodge
Winter is settling in and those pre-holiday jitters are in full throttle! Stave off your cold weather nesting for one more week and instead enjoy Christmas concerts, elevated paired dinners and master cooking courses just in time for hosting season. There’s plenty of fun to go around our salty city, find even more events November events in Salt Lake on our community calendar!
Monday 11/18
What: Hollywood in Utah Pre-Screening Events Where: Browning Building, Utah Tech Campus When: 11/18 at 7 p.m. Enjoy a private screening of PBS’s Hollywood in Utah, a documentary celebrating 100 years of filmmaking in Utah. Producer Nancy Green and historian James D’Arc will host a Q&A session prior to the screening.
What: Christmas Carol Pt. 2 Where: The Off Broadway Theatre When: 11/1-11/30, various showtimes The Off Broadway Theatre presents a Christmas Carol Pt. 2, a family-friendly show storying the tale of Scrooge and the spirit of Christmas. Get tickets here.
What: Holiday Window Stroll Where: The Grand America When: Now through Jan. 1st This year’s holiday window stroll theme is ‘Yeti for the Holidays.’ Scan the QR code at the first window to follow Chuck the Snowball and his Yeti friends through their magical forest home. Keep an eye out for Chuck in each display, and answer the quiz questions at the end to be entered into a drawing for a one-night stay at The Grand America Hotel.
Tuesday 11/19
What: World of Illumination Where: Utah State Fairpark When: 11/19-12/29, select dates A magical drive-through light show fun for the whole family. This year’s show, “Reindeer Road”, featured over a million lights synced to music, and over 500 uniquely themed displays. Tickets available here.
Wednesday 11/20
What: Wild Wednesday at Hogle Zoo Where: Hogle Zoo When: 11/20 As part of the ZAP program, Hogle Zoo offers special wednesday pricing for $6 online, and $8 in person admission. Don’t forget to visit the zoo’s newest residents, snow leopard cubs Bhutan and Pavlova!
What: Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Lost Christmas Eve Tour Where: The Delta Center When: 11/20, show at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Witness the magic of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra at the Delta Center. The production is touring their brand new version of The Lost Christmas Eve, featuring all the heavy metal Christmas songs, lasers, and pyrotechnics you know and love.
Thursday 11/21
What: Leo Libations—Thanksgiving Day Wines Where: The Leonardo When: 11/21 at 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Celebrate the abundance of the season with a delightful tasting menu featuring beat taurine and goat cheese, Turkey Roulade and more. Wine Academy of Utah Sommelier Jim Santagelo will be onsite to discuss the lush whites and traditional Beaujolai Village Crus pours you’ll be sipping on. Tickets are $70, get yours here.
Friday 11/22
What: Lightwalk at Tracy Aviary Where: Tracy Aviary When: Select dates in November and December Tracy Aviary’s beloved Lightwalk returns on November 22nd! The holiday display features eight acres of dazzling light displays, life-size gingerbread houses, holiday beverages and a Santa meet-and-greet. Save $2 on admission when you bring non-perishable food items to donate.
What: Thanksgiving Master Cooking Class Where: Park City Culinary Institute When: 11/22 at 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Dive into a hand-on class where Chefs guide you through essential techniques and twists on Thanksgiving classics. Dinner will be paired with wine for those 21+ Reserve your spot here.
What: Annual Crazy Daisy Holiday Show Where: Mountain America Expo Center When: 11/22 at 2 p.m to 8 p.m. and 11/23 at 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Get ahead of your holiday shopping at this two-day Christmas extravaganza featuring 200 small businesses, unique treats, local entertainment and a Santa appearance.
What: Lights On! Where: The Gallivan Center When: 11/22 at 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The Blocks Arts District is unveiling the fifth season of GLOW at the Gallivan center with a very special family-friendly event. The annual free event features ice skating, a live DJ, Disney princess sightings and a Santa meet-and-greet. After the unveiling, the immersive holiday display is open to the public through March 1st, 2025.
What: Utah Valley Ski Swap Where: 2975 N. Thanksgiving Way, Lehi When: 11/22 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Shop and sell your favorite brands of ski and snowboard gear at a discount.
Saturday 11/23
What: Creator’s Collective SLC Holiday Market Where: Publik Roasting Company When: 11/23 at 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Shop 35 local small businesses, artists, makers and curators at this one-day only holiday market. Enjoy unique activities as you shop like permanent jewelry, treats from Publik Cafe, custom charm bar, photo opps and more.
What: KRCL’s 45-Anniversary Party: A Birthday Benefit Where: The Commonwealth Room When: 11/23 at 6 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Celebrate KRCL’s 45th Birthday with live performances from The Mellons, The Pranksters, Talia Keys & The Love. Attendees can also enjoy special drinks from Dented Brick, a photo booth, birthday cupcakes and a “History of KRCL” panel discussion. Get tickets here.
Sunday 11/24
What: Friends of Friends Flea Market Where: Coterie SLC When: 11/24 at 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy a day of good vibes and unique finds from Coterie’s community of vendors. Hosted every last Sunday of the month, this is a 21+ event with free entry.
According to Feeding America, over 414,000 people face hunger in Utah, including one in six children. It’s a heartbreaking reality for more Utahns than ever, as inflation has sky-rocketed in recent years and resulted in alarming food insecurity. This holiday season, we can show our gratitude by getting involved with community efforts to alleviate hunger. Here are a few ideas of where you can volunteer in Utah:
The Utah Food Bank is doing their annual food and fund drive through the holiday season. To participate, drop off food donations at any Harmons in the state, the Riverton Chevrolet Car Dealership, Karl Malone Auto, or Utah Food Bank’s locations in SLC or St. George. Their most needed food items are peanut butter, mac & cheese, canned meats, chili, spaghetti-Os or ravioli, canned fruits or any other boxed meal. You can also volunteer in person by working in the warehouse or by decorating and delivering food boxes. If you don’t have time to go in person, you can donate money to the food bank. Every dollar donated turns into $7.80 worth of goods and services. Learn more about volunteering opportunities.
Get Involved with The Road Home
The Road Home invites volunteers to help with meal prep and service seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner. You also get involved by donating items, reading books on their literacy night, and leading craft activities.
Volunteer at the International Rescue Committee
The International Rescue Committee’s programs are designed to help refugees thrive in the United States. There are a variety of ways you can get involved: donate, volunteer, gather supplies, advocate, partner, raise awareness, and stay informed. Find out how to get involved.
Serve a Thanksgiving Meal with Salt Lake City Mission
Take some time this Thanksgiving to serve dinner to those who are currently going without food or shelter. The Salt Lake City Mission needs volunteers of all ages to help distribute the meals. If you can’t make it for Thanksgiving, the Mission also does a Christmas food box giveaway and another dinner on New Year’s Day. They could also use some help with their day-to-day operations including attendants in the food pantry and clothing room as well as drivers to pick up and deliver donations.
Be a Driver for Meals on Wheels
Every day, Meals on Wheels delivers food to homebound seniors. Volunteers are needed to help deliver these meals, but perhaps the most important part of this job is being the friendly connection for these isolated elders as you deliver their meals. Volunteers will be asked to deliver meals during a 1-2 hour route at least twice a month with a delivery time between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This service opportunity is available year-round, so help is needed even after the holiday season.
Prepare and Serve a Meal at the Women’s Resource Center
The WRC serves up to 200 women experiencing homelessness a day. Volunteer your time to help prep weekly meals, or spend your time providing positive community engagement as you serve a meal. Other volunteer opportunities include sorting donations, refilling hygiene bins, mentoring youth and more. Apply for a shift here.
Can Food at Welfare Square
Volunteers are essential to the success of the Welfare Square cannery, which supplies food banks and other community resources with food for those in need. Get a couple friends or your family and come help process and can goods like applesauce, jams, salsa, and spaghetti sauce. Schedule a shift with the program coordinator.
These organizations rely on volunteers and donations from the community, so give the gift of your time and generosity this holiday season.
Donate your Food When You Move
Move for Hunger is an organization committed to reducing food waste during moves. Instead of throwing out your non-perishable pantry items when relocating, connect with their large network of volunteers to donate items. Simple set aside unopened, non-perishable food items and their crew will pack it up and deliver it to a local food pantry. Find a mover near you here.
“Rescue” Edible Food for Waste Less Solutions
Help Waste Less Solutions divert food from landfills to feed those in need. The organization teams up with food purveyors and companies with excess high quality food to transform their would-be needless waste into nutritious meals. Get involved in food rescue using your own car to transport edible food to nonprofit partners. Create an account with Food Rescue US to get started.
Scrambling to prep Thanksgiving dinner? Check out these restaurants serving Thanksgiving feasts for dine-in or take-out.
Sept. 10–11, 2024 • Tracy Aviary, Liberty Park, SLC Photos by Austen Diamond
Salt Lake’s cultural community came together with chef-driven, locally-owned restaurants, craft beverages, and artisan purveyors on Sept. 10 and 11, 2004. The 10th Annual Eat Drink SLC festival took place over two days on the lush grounds of Tracy Aviary. Each night featured different food and drink partners accompanied by live music, dance and other performing arts. Eat Drink is hosted by a nonprofit partnership between Tracy Aviary and SB Dance. These two organizations represent, respectively, a place and an arts-maker that contribute to the unique character of our community. 50% of net proceeds is split to support these two organizations. 50% of proceeds are contributed to a third local nonprofit that works with underserved communities. This community beneficiary has included Women of the World, Neighborhood House and Race Swami. eatdrinkslc.com
The Franklin Ave Cocktails and Kitchen team (from left to right): Jim Rose, Keshav Pandey, Matt Crandall, Executive Chef Jason Andersen and John Parrott. Kristin Case, Virginia Rainey, Lesley Christoph and Sue Piccone FELT Bar and Eatery was represented by Chef Travis Herbert, Darren Witkowski, Richard Romney (Owner) and Josh Van Gorden. They served their cocktail “Dreamboat Annie”: (Uncle Val’s Botanical Gin, cucumber cordial, mango, lime and Aperol).Scott and Michelle Woodward from Appellation Wine Co.Julia Dehring and Alex Slater of Vine Lore Wine and Spirits
At its inception, Zion’s Cooperative Mercantile Institution was a specifically Mormon institution. Known more often by its acronym ZCMI it was envisioned by Brigham Young, Utah’s Territorial Governor and LDS Church leader as a method for early settlers to financially cooperate to avoid price gouging from eastern merchants and acquire goods that could not be produced locally. ZCMI was often the only store in smaller Utah communities and was essentially the Utah equivalent of Sears & Roebuck along with its own catalog.
That’s frontier history. Meanwhile, the facade on the flagship store is a piece of American architectural history, says Robert Baird, a retired principal at Historical Arts & Casting. “Brigham Young wanted to build a model city,” Baird says. “He’d been to New York City and Philadelphia. He wanted to bring what those cities had to Salt Lake.” What those cities had was cast iron. Previously, large buildings were made out of masonry. However, the innovation of the cast-iron facade allowed taller, stronger structures with bigger windows.
A 1970s rendering of the remodeling of the ZCMI Center design that preserved the cast-iron facade.
Photos courtesy of Utah Historic Society and Stuart Graves
“A department store is all over that,” says Martha Bradley, author of the book ZCMI: America’s First Department Store. “You want to display goods, and the advent of the cast-iron facade allows for this moment where life in American cities really takes off. Suddenly you’re walking down city streets, dazzled by this variety of goods. This sense of abundance made cast iron the backbone for a new era.”
Utah’s ‘Bloomies’
Book Cover of America’s First Department Store written by Utah Historian
ZCMI started as a frontier store to supply Utah settlers and became America’s first department store.
Photos courtesy of Utah Historic Society and Stuart Graves
And with the completion of the transcontinental railroad, Young could bring cast-iron building technology to Utah. The facade was installed in 1868. Flash forward a century later. In 1973, the facade was slated for demolition to make way for the ZCMI Center Mall. There was an outcry from local preservationists like Baird’s father, Steven. The group demanded that ZCMI shoppers cut up their store charge cards and send in the pieces in protest, which they did. In large numbers. The “charge card” protest saved the facade. But déjà vu! It again faced the wrecking ball in 2006 to make way for yet another mall, City Creek Center. By 2006, ZCMI, after years of falling sales, had sold out to Macy’s, one of the marquee stores in City Creek Center. Macy’s owners, mindful of the history and beloved nature of the facade, agreed to preserve and install it on Macey’s storefront on Main Street. No credit card protest was required.
In her book, America’s First Department Store, Utah Historian Martha Bradley makes a compelling case that ZCMI was essentially the first department store in America. “From the word go, it had a range of products under one roof from dry goods to horse tack,” she writes. Take that Bloomingdale’s!
At the top of the hills in the Avenues, the northern part of Salt Lake City, is the Salt Lake City Cemetery, a sprawling graveyard—one of the largest city-owned cemeteries in the United States. About 120,000 people have been buried there since its formation in 1851, but one mausoleum in the Jewish section has become a legend among ghost hunters. And teenagers looking for a lark.
Jacob Moritz. Photo courtesy of Utah State Historical Society.
The legend claims that if you hold a lighted candle and circle the grave three times, chanting “Emo, Emo, Emo,” a pair of demonic red eyes will glower out of the mausoleum’s window. Only there’s no window now, just a sheet of rusty metal. The legend evolved, and now has it that you’ll see a ghost with red eyes appear near the grave. It is also alleged that this was the grave of Salt Lake’s first acknowledged Satanist. Other versions claim this is the grave of a 7-foot-tall Native man or that it is the grave of a miner killed in an explosion engineered by his wife and her lover. There are more variants but all agree on the grave-circling and the red eyes.
It’s actually the grave of Bavarian-born Jacob Moritz, founder of Salt Lake Brewery and once owner of 36 local pubs. Moritz became a respected man in Utah, a member of the 1895 convention that drafted Utah’s original constitution under which it would finally become a state. Moritz’s brief political stint also brought him head-to-head with Simon Bamberger when the two ran heated campaigns for a seat in the state legislature. In the end, Bamberger became the first Jewish governor of Utah and Moritz suffered some bad press. Bamberger, that very same opponent, is buried in a grave directly across from Moritz. Perhaps a lingering resentment for Mr. Bamberger is the cause for “Emo” to rise from the grave when called upon, casting an eternal withering glare at his former political rival. Or so says Kristen Clay, director of Salt Lake City and Ogden Ghost Tours, “Imagine if Trump and Biden were buried across from one another, one of them would definitely rise up to face their mortal enemy as a ghost.”
As we get older,it’s hard to remember how much the holidays meant to us when we were just little kids. There were so many mysteries and questions. Why is Dad bringing a tree into our house? Why are we putting our socks up on the fireplace? A man in a red suit climbs down our chimney in the middle of the night and he gets cookies? It’s like the whole world is playing an elaborate practical joke on 5-year-olds. But, of course, the presents have a way of clearing up any misunderstandings.
We still retain those magical memories even as we take up the responsibility of creating them for our loved ones. That doesn’t mean, however, it must be a chore. We’re insiders, after all, we know who the man in the red suit is. (And we know the secret ingredient to grandma’s punch.)
Executive Editor, Jeremy Pugh Photo by Adam Finkle
This year, we wanted to help you in your quest to capture that holiday magic again. We spoke to five entertaining pros who offered their secrets to creating wonderful holiday moments with your favorite people. On the cover, for example, we have Cara Fox, who once again has the honor of decorating the Christmas Tree at the Governor’s Mansion for Utah’s first family. And while it’s perfectly understandable that you won’t go the same great lengths for your holiday decorating, she offers advice we can all use to inject whimsey and, most of all, have fun. The latter is the common denominator in advice offered by all our pros, who remind us to relax and remember why we get together for the holidays. “If I’m not relaxed my guests aren’t relaxed,” says expert Tracey Thompson. “I don’t rush to the finish line anymore. Sometimes things won’t be perfect.”
Aside from your own gatherings, there are more ways to enjoy this time of year. To that end, we offer you a day-by-day calendar of fun thing to do around the state. There’s likely no way you’ll be able to do everything on this jam-packed list (although we dare you to try), but there’s something for everyone to explore.
As Chelsea Thurman-Westling and her husband prepared to welcome their daughter, Delilah, two years ago, they looked all over Utah for quality maternity wear.
An internet search for maternity clothing brought them to brick-and-mortars where they were told to instead go to the website for the clothes Thurman-Westling needed — comfortable jeans for her clerical supervisor position topping the list.
Half the items she ordered online, however, didn’t fit well or seemed low-quality once seen up close. She eventually found clothes that suited her at a fast-fashion chain, but the far-reaching quest to find them revealed an untapped market.
“I had just so wished that there were an actual maternity store here in town,” she said. When Motherhood Maternity closed many stores five years ago as part of its parent company’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection case, maternity clothing became difficult for Utahns to find, forcing many to go online or scour thrift store racks. Thurman-Westling decided to help fix the problem by opening Delilah’s Maternity in April. While she worked in retail before in many capacities, Delilah’s is her first business.
Photos Courtesy of delilahsmaternity.com
META Backpack – Playful Pooh by Petunia. $184
Named in honor of her daughter, the store carries unique brands, many from other woman-owned companies. While it mostly sells clothing for expectant and nursing mothers, it also has diaper bags, skin-care products and other needed items.
Photos Courtesy of delilahsmaternity.com
Five piece cruelty-free set includes travel sizes of must-have pregnancy essentials – by Earth Mama Organics, $29
This fall, look for dresses, sweaters and jackets for the cold months. “What we try to really focus on is having really good quality clothing that makes you feel beautiful in motherhood,” Thurman-Westling said. The store’s most popular items include nursing bras, nursing shirts, dresses, and maternity pants and jeans, much like those Thurman-Westling searched so hard to find. “That’s usually the first thing to stop fitting,” she laughed.
Delilah’s plans to eventually go beyond only selling products to offer parent support groups, childbirth classes and more. And for pregnant women and new mothers who actually prefer online shopping, they also have a website: delilahsmaternity.com.
