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Salt Lake City Holiday Events

2011

By , About.com Guide

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
Most of us dig deep into our pockets during the holiday season - for gifts, dining out, and entertainment - but holiday cheer doesn't have to be expensive. There are lots of free holiday events and activities in the Salt Lake area that will bring joy to the season without breaking the bank.

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.

Temple Square Events

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
Check out this list of hometown holiday events in communities throughout the Salt Lake Valley, including Cottonwood Heights, Draper, Salt Lake City, Sandy, Taylorsville, West Jordan and West Valley.

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.

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