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.
Free Holiday Events
Grand America Hotel
Holiday Light Displays
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.
Christmas Events on Temple Square
Photo by Jeff Clay
Christmas concerts on Temple Square and nearby locations begin with "Winter Festival of Sound" Friday, Nov. 16, 2012 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.
Light Up the Night at the Gateway
Courtesy the Gateway
Gateway's annual "Light Up the Night" celebration features special appearances by Kurt Bestor, the One Voice Childrens Choir and Santa Claus. Complimentary cookies and hot chocolate.
Friday, November 17, 2012, 6 p.m.
The Gallivan Center
239 S. Main St.
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. 23-Dec. 24, 2012
Trains depart at 2, 5 and 7:30 p.m.; check website for times and availability
450 S 600 W. Heber City
435-654-5601
Coach: adults $30, children $20 (ages 3-12)
First Class: adults $47, children $37 (ages 3-12)
Downtown Holiday Market
Courtesy Downtown Alliance
The Downtown Holiday Market at Gallivan brings holiday charm to Salt Lake's urban center with a focus on local and handmade goods. You'll find unique, one-of-a-kind items, perfect for children or that hard-to-shop for person on your list.
Fridays & Saturdays, Nov. 23 - Dec. 22, 2012
11 a.m.-8 p.m.
The Terrace at Gallivan Center
239 S. Main St.
801-535-6110
Holiday Central at Thanksgiving Point
Courtesy Thanksgiving Point
Thanksgiving Point becomes "holiday central" with the following special events in December:
- Live Reindeer in the Plaza - Nov. 23-Dec. 23, M-F 6-10 p.m., Sat. noon-10 p.m. (Free)
- Drive-Through Holiday Lights - Nov. 23-Dec. 31, M-Sat. 6-10 p.m., 6-8 p.m. Dec. 24 and 31 ($8 per car)
- Ice Carving Demonstrations - Dec. 3, 10, 17, 6-8:30 p.m. (Free)
- Photos with Santa - Dec. 4, 11, 18, 6-8 p.m. ($2.50-$8)
- Breakfast with Santa - Dec. 8, 15, 22, 9 a.m. ($16-$25)
- Voice Male in Concert - Dec. 18-19, 7:30 p.m. ($12-$17)
3003 N. Thanksgiving Way in Lehi
801-768-2300
Off-Broadway Theatre: 'Off-White Christmas'
Off-Broadway Theatre
Another new Christmas comedy at the Off Broadway spoofs the Bing Crosby/Danny Kaye musical White Christmas. There may even be a Christmas Miracle or two.
Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays Nov. 23-Dec. 28, 2012, 7:30 p.m.
272 S. Main St.
801-355-4628
Tickets $8-$16
Desert Star Theater: 'My Big Fat Utah Christmas'
Chad Whitlock for Desert Star
Mitch and Dana McLaughlin decide to host a family reunion for Mitch's long-estranged family, hoping to bring them together again. But when his weird and wacky relatives start crowding into their home, it turns into a Big, Fat Utah Christmas!
Desert Star is a dinner theater with pizza, hamburgers, wraps, desserts and more served at tableside seating. Appropriate for all ages.
Aug. 30-Nov. 10, 2012, except Tuesdays and Sundays
4861 S. State St.
801-266-2600
Tickets $9.95-$17.95
Messiah Sing-In With the Utah Symphony
Courtesy ArtTix
Raise your voice as the Abravanel Hall audience becomes 3,000 voice choir. Bring your family (and your score) and sing along with the Utah Symphony.
Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 24-25, 2012, 7 p.m.
Abravanel Hall
123 W. South Temple
801-355-ARTS (2787)
Tickets $12-$32
