Salt Lake Area Community Christmas Events

2011

By Marsha Maxwell, About.com Guide

Comstock Images

Communities throughout the Salt Lake Valley will celebrate a hometown Christmas with these free events.

Community Songfest: Saturday, Dec. 10, 2011, Butler Middle School, 7530 S. 2700 e. Local elementary school choirs and orchestras showcase music of the season.
Handel's Messiah: Sunday, Dec. 18, 7 p.m., 6890 S. 2228 E., Handel's classic Messiah performed by a community choir with more than 70 voices and 30 instrumentalists.

Tree Lighting Ceremony: Monday, Nov. 28, 2011, 6-8 p.m., Draper Park, 1300 E. 12500 S. Entertainment, tree lighting, treats, and visits with Father Christmas.
Jingle Bell Jog: Saturday, Dec. 3, 2011, 9-10 a.m., Draper Park, 1300 E. 12500 S. A family-friendly 5K Run/Walk/Stroll to benefit the Utah Food Bank.
Messiah Sing-Along and Performance: Messiah sing-along Sunday, Dec. 4, 2011 at 6 p.m., community choir performance, Sun. Dec. 11, 7:30 p.m. Both at LDS chapel, 13350 S. 1300 E.
Santa at the Sorenson Home: Saturdays, Dec. 3 and 10, 2011, 12-3 p.m., 12597 S. 900 E. Free visits with Santa at a historic Pioneer home and museum, pictures $10.
Draper Christmas Festival: Thur.-Sat., Dec. 15-17, 2011, hours vary, Hidden Valley Shopping Center in the former Rite-Aid space. Entertainment, gift items for sale, food vendors.
Candy Cane Hunt: Monday, Dec. 19, 2011, 4:30-5:30 p.m., Draper Historic Park, 12625 S. 900 E. Candy cane hunt with prizes for children ages 3-6.

Annual Christmas Lighting and Santa's Arrival: Monday, November 28, 2011, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Sandra N. Lloyd Community Center, 12830 S. 1700 W. Santa arrives in a fire engine, plus crafts, treats, hay rides and more.
Candy Cane Corner: Drop off NEW, unwrapped donated items for The Road Home homeless shelter. Items needed by Dec. 15 at 12830 S. Redwood Rd. 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

Lights On! Holiday Kickoff: Friday, Nov. 25, 2011, 5 p.m., Gallivan Center, 239 S. Main St. Illumination of Salt Lake City's holiday lights, plus special appearances by Kurt Bestor, One Voice Children's Choir and Santa Claus.

Deck the Hall: Friday, Nov. 25, 2011, 5-7:30 p.m., Sandy City Hall, 10000 Centennial Pkwy. Symphony, choirs, lighting ceremony and visits with Santa.

Santa Run West 5K: Friday, Nov. 25, 2011, 8 a.m., Valley Fair Mall, 3601 S. 2700 W. Santa Run West raises money for holiday events in Taylorsville, West Valley and Kearns.
Saturday With Santa: Saturday, Dec. 3, 2011, 2-4 p.m. Visit with Santa and donate items for the Utah Food Bank.

Christmas at City Hall: Saturday, Dec. 3, 2011, 6-8 p.m., 8000 S. Redwood Rd. Lighting ceremony, Mountain West Chorale, Symphony, Band, carol sing-along, refreshments.
Messiah Sing-Along: Sunday, Dec. 18, 2011, 7 p.m., SLCC Institute of Religion, 3431 W. Wights Fort Rd. Free Messiah sing-along.

Santa Parade and Fun Run: Friday, Nov. 25, 2011, Fun Run at 8 a.m., Santa Parade at 9 a.m., Valley Fair Mall, 3601 S. 2700 W. 5k fun run, plus Santa Parade ending at Valley Fair Mall.
Trees of Diversity Exhibit: Nov. 17-Dec. 29, Mon.-Thur. 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Utah Cultural Celebration Center, 1355 W. 3100 S. Trees, nativities and gingerbread houses decorated to celebrate Christmas traditions from around the world.
2011 Annual Winter Market: Saturday, Dec. 3, 2011, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Utah Cultural Celebration Center, 1355 W. 3100 S. Handcrafted goods from over 40 local artists, food, music and dance.