Looking for something to liven up your week ahead? Whether you’re craving a cozy family night out or looking to expand your skillset with a new hobby, there’s a little something for everyone this week. Curated by the editors of Salt Lake magazine, we hope this day-by-day event guide introduces you to something new to explore in our Salty City. Find even more things to do on our community calendar!
Monday, Dec. 8
What: Silent Night: Christmas with Millennial Choirs and Orchestras
When: Dec. 8 – 10
Where: Maurice Abravanel Hall
What’s happening: Celebrate the holidays with the 19th season of Millennial Choirs and Orchestras. Beginning Monday, this unforgettable evening will bring together hundreds of children and adult voices as well as a symphonic orchestra. This year’s concert will feature a new arrangement of Silent Night along with other holiday favorites and well-known carols.
One Cool Thing: There will be two shows each day, one at 5 p.m. and the other at 8 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 9
What: 2025 Candlelight Christmas
When: Dec. 9 -23
Where: This is the Place Heritage Park
What’s happening: Hopping on the holiday train, This is the Place Heritage Park celebrates with their annual Candlelight Christmas. Guests can enter the park after hours and experience a multitude of holiday activities, including a visit from Father Christmas. The event will be ongoing until Dec. 23 and you can find your tickets here.
One Cool Thing: Alongside the activities and holiday sweets, there will be a live Nativity within the park.
What: Christmas Creatures with PBS Kids Utah
When: Dec. 9, 5:00 p.m.
Where: Utah Cultural Celebration Center
What’s happening: PBS Utah partners with the Utah Cultural Celebration Center for an evening of holiday cheer. Part of the Shared Stories Series, guests can join for a screening of Wild Kratts Christmas Creatures and a new episode of Weather Hunters. There will also be a hot cocoa bar and Christmas crafts.
One Cool Thing: Find future events at PBS Utah’s page here.
Wednesday, Dec. 10
What: Lightwalk 21+ Night: Cocktails and Cardenalitos
When: Dec. 9, 5:30 – 9 p.m.
Where: Tracy Aviary
What’s happening: Guests can enjoy food, brews and locally curated cocktails all by the accompaniment of stunning light fixtures surrounding the Aviary. Along with a walk around the park, you can learn from Aviary experts about the rare Cardenalitos and their endangerment. Tickets are $40 and are available for purchase now at their website.
One Cool Thing: A free drink ticket is included with admission. Any other food or drink will be available for purchase.
Thursday, Dec. 11
What: Leon Thomas: Mutts Don’t Heel Tour
When: Dec. 11, 7 p.m.
Where: The Depot
What’s happening: Longtime musician and TV star Leon Thomas brings the Mutts Don’t Heel Tour to Utah. Celebrating his 2024 release, Mutt, audiences can join the crowd for songs like the title track Mutt and Far Fetched.
One Cool Thing: You can watch his Tiny Desk Concert from earlier this year here.
What: The Yuletide Market at the Other Side Village
When: Dec. 11 – 13
Where: The Other Side Village
What’s happening: Celebrate and shop small this holiday season. Beginning Thursday, The Other Side Village presents the annual Yuletide Market. The event is free admission and will feature local vendors, hot cocoa and live music. Bring a neighbor, friend or family member and don’t miss this weekend of holiday cheer.
One Cool Thing: This event locally supports the mission of the Other Side Academy, helping people overcome difficult situations.
Friday, Dec. 12
What: Chalet on Six: An Elevated Holiday Yurt Experience
When: Dec. 12 – 27
Where: Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City
What’s happening: Step inside a festive alpine-inspired Yurt and relax into a cozy evening of holiday dishes. Strap on your winter gear and enjoy a curated beverage alongside a main course. This event is an adults-only communal experience. Reserve your spot now on their website.
One Cool Thing: The seating and arrangement encourage community and embrace the holiday spirit.
Saturday, Dec. 13
What: Highly Decorated Tree-Lighting Ceremony
When: Dec. 13, 12 – 5 p.m.
Where: Snowbird Resort
What’s happening: This will be the 13th annual ceremony and is part of the resort’s celebration of active military, veterans and their families. At 4:30 p.m. there will be a tree lighting open to the general public.
One Cool Thing: Highly Decorated supports and commits to the Wasatch Adaptive Sports Veterans program, which provides opportunities to be active and find community. Those being honored will also be treated to a half-day of skiing.
What: Santa’s Holiday Welcome
When: Dec. 13, 9 – 11:45 a.m.
Where: Midway Homestead
What’s happening: Throughout this holiday season, Homestead welcomes guests to celebrate with Santa and breakfast at the Sunroom and Dining Globes. Tickets can be purchased now and are $30 for adults and $15 for children 11 and under.
One Cool Thing: If you miss the event on Saturday, there will be another held next Saturday, Dec. 20.
What: Breakfast with Santa
When: Dec. 6
Where: The Grand America
What’s happening: Enjoy a luxe holiday buffet with a special appearance by Mr. and Mrs. Claus at the Grand America. The Hotel has transformed its Oak Room into a winter wonderland, enjoy singing, storytime and photos with Father Christmas, as well as a memorable meal. Adults dine for $65, children 3-11 $35.
Sunday, Dec. 14
What: One Small Miracle
When: Dec. 14, 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Where: Fisher Brewing
What’s happening: One Small Miracle is a non-profit that helps service industry people with physical and mental health. Join together for their fundraising event at Fisher Brewing for an evening of celebration and introductions to a new generation of leadership in the community. Food will be provided with live music by Ryan Condrick. Tickets available here.
What: Winter Onederland at One Burton
When: Dec. 14, 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Where: One Burton
What’s happening: One Burton is hosting a community-focused market featuring food, music, local gifts and holiday cheer. The public is invited to stroll through the building and explore all there is to offer. Entry is $5 if you don’t live in the building. One Burton residents can enter for free.
One cool thing: The event will include decor from different holiday traditions, including a menorah lit for the first night of Hanukkah and a Christmas tree.
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