Holiday light displays are an indispensable part of the season. Here are three of the best in the Salt Lake area.
1. Downtown and Temple Square
Temple Square and downtown SLC are lit with more than a million lights, going from the Gateway to Temple Square, down Main Street to the Gallivan Center, and along Broadway Boulevard. There are three old-fashioned holiday window displays at the new 222 South Main high-rise, reminiscent of the old ZCMI window displays.
Nov. 25-Dec. 31, 2011, dusk-10 p.m.
Tips: The downtown holiday lights are amazing, but so are the crowds. If you have a small group, try taking TRAX downtown, or if you have a larger group, it might be more economical to park at one of the pay lots near the EnergySolutions Arena. If you can, go during the week on a night when there's no Jazz game. Downtown restaurants will be crowded, so call ahead. Dress warmly.
2. Zoolights at Hogle Zoo
Hogle Zoo's biggest special event of the year, Zoolights, runs from Dec. 3-31, 2011. Hogle Zoo began Zoolights four years ago with over a million sparkling holiday lights and animated light displays. Zoolights occurs after the zoo's regular hours, so the lights, not the animals, are the main attraction. However, some animals will be on display during Zoolights. Dress warmly.
Dec. 3-31, 2011
Sun.-Thur.,5:30-8 p.m. (grounds close at 9)
Fri.-Sat, 5:30-9 p.m. (grounds close at 10)
Closed Christmas Day
Adults $6
Children 3-12 $4
Seniors 65+ $4
Children 2 and under free
Zoo members $1 off
2600 East Sunnyside Ave.
801-582-1631
3. Holiday Lights at Thanksgiving Point
Stay warm in your car and take a mile-plus journey through one million twinkling lights, giant animated holiday displays and illuminated trees.
Nov. 25-Dec. 31, 2011 except Sundays, 6-10 p.m.
Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve 6-8 p.m.
Closed Christmas Day
Electric Park at Thanksgiving Point
3003 N. Thanksgiving Way in Lehi
Admission
Cars $8 (Members 1/2 off)
Trolley $3 per person, Reserved Trolley $75
Wagon $3 per person, Reserved Wagon $90
Carriage $40
Buses $25
To reserve an entire trolley, wagon, or carriage, call 801-768-2300.




