The holidays are nearing and Salt Lake is celebrating the season with another exciting week of events. From festive performances to winter bazaars and visits from Santa, there are plenty of December events in Utah. For even more events happening in Salt Lake City this week and throughout the month, visit our community events calendar!
Monday 12/16
What: Manheim Steamroller Christmas
Where: The Eccles
When: 12/16-12/17 select showtimes
America’s favorite holiday show returns for its 35th season! The traveling ensemble will perform on The Eccles stage for two nights, bringing with them dazzling multimedia effects and a signature sound of the season.
What: A Christmas Carol
Where: Hale Center Theatre
When: Various dates through 12/28
HCT’s 40th retelling of Dicken’s Famous Tale, and the show never disappoints. Scrooge’s timeless journey is told alongside dancing, music, lighting and costume. Select dates still available.
Tuesday 12/17
What: Candlelight Christmas
Where: This is The Place
When: Through 12/23
Step back through time at This is The Place’s pioneer-era Christmas Village, complete with heritage carolers, a live nativity, and a magical shopping experience.
What: Trees of Diversity exhibit
Where: Utah Cultural Celebration Center
When: On display through 12/31
In a tradition that began over 20 years ago, the Trees of Diversity represent an array of cultural and ethnic backgrounds and family traditions. Enjoy the range of colorful trees, wreaths, nativities and festive decor as you explore the exhibit, and stop by the Winter Scenes and Holiday Dreams exhibit while you’re there.
What: Annual Christmas Carol Sing a long
Where: The Delta Center
When: 12/17 at 7 p.m.
Warm up those pipes, Utah’s annual Christmas Sing-a-Long is back. This year’s free event features special musical guests Calvary Baptist Church Choir, Jon Schmidt of the Piano Guys, and more.
Wednesday 12/18
What: Santa’s Village
Where: Daybreak
When: 12/18-12/21
Daybreak has been transformed into a magical Christmas village filled with craft stations, holiday decor, and special appearances by Buddy the Elf, The Grinch, and of course Santa. This event is free to attend but requires a timeslot reservation. Register here.
What: Utah Grizzlies v. Tahoe Knight Monsters
Where: Maverik Center
When: 12/18 at 7 p.m.
Cheer on our Grizzlies as they take on Tahoe’s Knight Monsters on Wednesday. Save on tickets for Bud Light Wednesdays, when online fees are waived 50%.
Thursday 12/19
What: Odyssey Dance Theatre’s Christmas Spectacular SPECTACULAR
Where: Grand Theatre, 1575 S State St., SLC
When: 12/19-12/23
Odyssey Dance Theatre has compiled all the holiday favorites into one ultimate show, featuring excerpts from A Christmas Carol, The Nutcracker, A Christmas Story, the Rockettes and more. Purchase your tickets here.
Friday 12/20
What: Jolly Holly Diva Drag Show
Where: Metro Music Hall
When: 12/20 at 8:30 p.m.
Enjoy a nostalgia-packed extravaganza with tribute acts to Elvis Presley, Elkton John, Jack Skellington and more. The award-winning Jason CoZmo will be taking to the stage to perform his larger-than-life impersonations and interactive stand-up comedy. Tickets are available here.
What: Festive Fridays at Wheeler Farm
Where: Historic Wheeler Farm
When: 12/20 at 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Bundle up in your best festive winter wear and enjoy an evening at Wheeler Farm. The farm is dressed in its holiday best with holiday light displays and a meet-and-greet area with Santa.
Saturday 12/21
What: Celebrate the Winter Solstice
Where: The Natural History Museum
When: 12/21 at 10:15 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Welcome the shortest day and longest night of the year with NHMU. The museum will be hosting a sun catcher and paper snowflake workshop, and exploring the magic of polymers by making Insta-Snow. Register here.
What: Ken Sanders Rare Books Flea Market
Where: The Leonardo
When: 12/21-12/22 at 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
KSRB has partnered with the Leonardo to host a weekend of local shopping. Find the perfect gift amongst artisan vendors, handmade goods and vintage finds.
What: Winter Solstice Bazaar
Where: Millcreek Common
When: 12/21 at 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Peruse an eclectic winter market with artisan foods, creative wares and holiday entertainment. Try your skills on the ice rink afterward all lit up for the Christmas season.
What: A Very Merry Christmas Party
Where: The Westerner
When: 12/21 at 6 p.m.
Join the Westerner’s holiday celebrations with an ugly sweater contest, seasonal cocktails, pictures with Santa and more.
Sunday 12/22
What: Fantasy at the Bay Light Show
Where: Willard Bay State Park
When: through 12/23 at 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Load up the family station wagon and enjoy a drive-through light show at Willard State Park.
See more stories like this and all of our culture and community coverage. And while you’re here, why not subscribe and get six annual issues of Salt Lake magazine’s curated guide to the best of life in Utah?
