1. Christmas Concerts on Temple Square
Photo by Jeff Clay
Christmas concerts on Temple Square and nearby locations begin with "Ringing in the Season" Friday, Nov. 18, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. in the Tabernacle and continue almost nightly until New Year's Eve. Some events require tickets obtained in advance; others do not require a ticket. Most events are free, but "Savior of the World," performed in the LDS Conference Center, is $8 for evening performances and $5 for matinees.
2. Light Up the Night at the Gateway
Courtesy the Gateway
The annual "Light Up the Night" celebration at The Gateway features musical guests Jon Schmidt and the One Voice Children's Choir, as well as the lighting of the Gateway's Christmas tree and the arrival of Santa Claus.
Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011, 6 p.m.
The Gateway Shopping Center
400 W. between 200 S. and South Temple
801-456-2000
3. Lights On! Holiday Kickoff
Courtesy Downtown SLC Alliance
"Lights On!" is an annual celebration of the illumination of the downtown holiday lights to showcase the downtown holiday season. This year's celebration features special appearances by Kurt Bestor, the One Voice Childrens Choir and Santa Claus.
Friday, November 25, 2011, 5 p.m.
The Gallivan Center
239 S. Main St.
4. Downtown Holiday Lights
Joe Sohm, Visions of America
5. Holiday Celebrations at Thanksgiving Point
Arctic Images
Free activities at Thanksgiving Point include live reindeer on the plaza and ice sculpting demonstrations.
- Live Reindeer in the Plaza - Nov. 25-Dec. 23, M-F 6-10 p.m., Sat. noon-10 p.m.
- Ice Carving Demonstrations - Dec. 5, 12, 19, 6-8:30 p.m.
3003 N. Thanksgiving Way in Lehi
801-768-2300
6. Community Christmas Events
Comstock Images
7. Gingerbread Display and Treasure Hunt at Grand America
Courtesy Grand America
8. Utah Governor's Mansion Tours
Scot Zimmerman
The Utah Governor's Mansion is decked out for the holidays, and free tours are available to the public throughout December.
Tuesday and Thursdays in December, 2-4 p.m.
603 E. South Temple
801-538-1005
Parking is available east of the Governor's Mansion behind the Utah Arts Council building. The lot is accessible from H Street.
9. Red Butte Garden Holiday Open House
Laurie Rubin
Red Butte Garden's annual open house event features free admission, free cider and hot chocolate, and handmade gifts for sale.
Friday and Saturday, Dec. 3-4, 2011, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
300 Wakara Way
801-585-0556
10. Utah Film Center Presents 'Christmas Story'
Courtesy Utah Film Center
Have you ever wondered how Santa Claus came to be Santa? Christmas Story reveals the unknown childhood of Santa Claus and the origin of the legend that has been carried on for generations (Not to be confused with A Christmas Story).
Saturday, Dec. 3, 2011, 11 a.m.
Salt Lake City Library
210 E. 400 S.
801-746-7000
