Christmas is a time to enjoy home and hearth, but it's also a wonderful time to enjoy music, dance and theater events. Here's a list of holiday events in Salt Lake City that can help add sparkle to your celebration.
The list keeps evolving as Christmas draws closer, so check back frequently for new ideas.
Note: While we do our best to verify details for all listed events, it's best to call the venue or visit the website to get the most up-to-date details before attending any event.
1. Free Holiday Events
Nicholas Monu
2. 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.
3. Heber Valley Railroad North Pole Express
Courtesy Heber Valley Railroad
Heber Valley Railroad's North Pole Express features a historic train ride through the beautiful Heber Valley, plus cookies, hot cocoa, Christmas carols performed by local choirs, and a visit with Santa. It's a holiday tradition for many Utah families.
Nightly except Sunday, Nov. 19-Dec. 23, 2011, trains depart at 5 and 7:30 p.m.
Matinee excursions Dec. 10, 17, 22, 23, 24, trains depart 2 p.m.
450 S 600 W. Heber City
435-654-5601
Coach: adults $32, seniors $29 (ages 60 and above), children $21 (ages 3-12)
First Class: adults $47, seniors $44 (ages 60 and above), children $36 (ages 3-12)
Matinee: adults $29, seniors $26 (ages 60 and above), children $18 (ages 3-12)
4. Old World Christmas Market
Courtesy the Downtown Alliance
The Old World Christmas Market at the Union Pacific Depot in the Gateway Mall features handmade gifts and seasonal treats and is modeled after European Christmas markets, a holiday tradition dating back to the 1300s.
Nov. 25-Dec. 3, 2011
Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Closed Sundays
Union Pacific Depot
400 W. South Temple at the Gateway
5. Holiday Light Displays: Downtown, Zoolights and Thanksgiving Point
Joe Sohm, Visions of America
Holiday light displays are an indispensable part of the season. Here's info on some of the best displays in the Salt Lake area.
6. Holiday Celebrations at Thanksgiving Point
Courtesy Thanksgiving Point
Thanksgiving Point becomes "holiday central" with the following special events in December:
- Live Reindeer in the Plaza - Nov. 25-Dec. 23, M-F 6-10 p.m., Sat. noon-10 p.m. (Free)
- Drive-Through Holiday Lights - Nov. 25-Dec. 31, M-Sat. 6-10 p.m., 6-8 p.m. Dec. 24 and 31 ($8 per car)
- Breakfast with Santa - Dec. 3, 10, 17, 9 a.m. ($15-$24)
- Ice Carving Demonstrations - Dec. 5, 12, 19, 6-8:30 p.m. (Free)
- Utah Symphony Holiday Concert - Dec. 5, 7 p.m. ($13-$19)
- Photos with Santa - Dec. 6, 13, 20, 6-8 p.m. ($2.50-$8)
- Voice Male in Concert - Dec. 13, 14, 7:30 p.m. ($12-$17)
3003 N. Thanksgiving Way in Lehi
801-768-2300
7. Community Christmas Events
Comstock Images
8. This is the Place Candlelight Christmas
Courtesy This is the Place Heritage Park
Stroll through a pioneer village decorated like a Currier & Ives card, enjoy a visit with Father Christmas, see live reindeer, witness a live Nativity scene, listen to the Heritage Village Carolers, make crafts and homemade decorations, and shop for unique gifts.
Nov. 25-26, Dec. 2-3, Dec. 8-30, 2011, excluding Sundays, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
6-9 p.m. (Mon.-Thur.)
6-10 p.m. (Fri.-Sat.)
Adults $10, children 3-11 $7, seniors 55+ $7
9. Off-Broadway Theatre: 'The Grouch Who Stole Christmas'
Courtesy Off-Broadway Theatre
This original comedy parodies the famed Dr. Seuss Novel and couples it with the beloved Sesame Street Character who lives in a garbage can. This lighthearted comedy shows how even the grouchiest of characters can find love and kindness during the most wonderful time of the year.
Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays Nov. 25-Dec. 26, 7:30 p.m.
272 S. Main St.
801-355-4628
Tickets $8-$16
10. The Festival of Trees
Courtesy Festival of Trees
More than 90,000 people visit the Festival of Trees each year to see over 1,000 imaginatively decorated Christmas trees, wreaths, centerpieces, gingerbread creations, playhouses and quilts, which are auctioned to raise funds for Primary Children's Medical Center In addition, the festival provides activities for children and entertainment for the entire family.
Wednesday-Saturday, Nov. 30-Dec. 3, 2011, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
South Towne Expo Center, 9575 South State Street in Sandy
Adults $5, seniors $4, children 2-11 $3
Discount tickets available at Zions Bank locations
Wednesday, Nov. 30 is “Family Day,&rdquo. Six immediate family members can attend for $15.
