Not all Salt Lake City December events are related to the holidays - sports, arts, and outdoor recreation events continue throughout the month. Here's a list of non-holiday events to try, especially if you need a break from shopping, eating cookies and singing Christmas carols.
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.
Click here for a list of Salt Lake City Holiday Events1. Utah Grizzlies Hockey
Courtesy Utah Grizzlies
The Utah Grizzlies have seven home games this month.
- Friday, Dec. 2, 2011 vs. Colorado Eagles
- Wednesday and Friday, Dec. 14 and 16, 2011 vs. Ontario Reign
- Monday, Dec. 19, 2011 vs. Idaho Steelheads
- Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2011 vs. Las Vegas Wranglers
- Friday and Saturday, Dec. 30 and 31, 2011 vs. Bakersfield Condors
All games at 7:05 p.m.
Maverik Center
3200 Decker Lake Dr. (2200 W.)
801-988-8000
Tickets $9-$32; see website for promotions
2. Arctic Nights at the Living Planet Aquarium
Tom Brakefield
Learn about how animals survive in their harsh arctic environments! Visitors will have the opportunity to participate in story time, crafts, interactive educational activities, games and a scavenger hunt throughout the aquarium. This event is free with aquarium admission.
Fridays, Dec. 2, 9 and 16, 2011, 3-6 p.m.
The Living Planet Aquarium
725 E. 10600 S. in Sandy
801-355-Fish (3474)
Adults $9, Children 3-17 $7, Students, Military and Seniors(65+) $8
3. Utah Symphony: Liszt's Piano Concerto #2
Ivan Hunter
Conductor Gilbert Varga and pianist Kirill Gerstein return to Utah to present the Totentanz and 2nd Piano Concerto of Franz Liszt, a pair of virtuosic works written by the music world's original heartthrob performer. Two suites of Maurice Ravel complete the program, the extremely popular fairy tale music from Mother Goose and the passionate Greek romance of Daphnis and Chloe.
Friday and Saturday, Dec. 2-3, 2011, 8 p.m.
Abravanel Hall
123 West South Temple
801-355-ARTS (2787)
Tickets $17-$51
4. University of Utah Men's Basketball
The new-look Runnin' Utes have four home games in December:
- Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2011, 7 p.m. vs. Cal State Fullerton
- Saturday, Dec. 10, 2011, 12 p.m. vs. Brigham Young University (Fox Sports)
- Friday, Dec. 16, 2011, 7 p.m. vs. Idaho State
- Monday, Dec. 19, 2011, 7 p.m. vs. Portland
University of Utah Men's Basketball Full Season Schedule
Tickets $5-$40; check website or call for package deals and specials.
John M. Huntsman Center
451 S. 1400 E.
801-581-UTIX
5. Blue Man Group at Kingsbury Hall
Courtesy Kingsbury Hall
Blue Man Group is an exciting and outrageous show that leaves the audience in a blissful, euphoric state. With no spoken language, Blue Man Group is a unique form of entertainment, guaranteed to be an outing you will never forget!
Dec. 6-11, 2011; check website for times
Tickets $42.50-$67.50 plus fees. Children under age six not permitted.
1395 E. Presidents Circle at the University of Utah
801-581-7100
6. Winter Wednesdays at Tracy Aviary
Courtesy Tracy Aviary
Tracy Aviary is (almost) free every Wednesday in November, December, January and February! Just pay a one dollar conservation fee for admission to the aviary.
Wednesdays, Nov. 1, 2011-Feb. 29, 2012
9 a.m.-5 p.m.
589 E. 1300 S.
801-596-8500
7. 'How I Became a Pirate' at Salt Lake Acting Company
Courtesy Salt Lake Acting Company
SLAC's annual professional play for children is How I Became a Pirate, based on the book of the same title by Melinda Long. When Braid Beard's pirate crew invites Jeremy Jacob to join their voyage, he jumps right on board for an unforgettable musical adventure on the high seas!
Dec. 9-30, 2011
See website for dates and times
Salt Lake Acting Company
168 W. 500 N.
801-363-7522
Tickets $15-$25
8. Utah Film Center: 'Being Elmo,' 'Malls R Us,' 'Turtle, The Incredible Journey'
Larry Busacca, Getty Images
The Utah Film Center presents three free, all-ages documentaries at the Salt Lake City Library this month:
- Being Elmo - One of the favorite films from the 2011 Sundance Film Festival, Being Elmo introduces audiences to Kevin Clash, who secured a job at Jim Henson’s Children’s Television Workshop and imbued Elmo with his winning spirit. Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2011, 7 p.m.
- Turtle: The Incredible Journey - This film tells the story of a little loggerhead turtle, as she follows in the path of her ancestors on one of the most extraordinary journeys in the natural world. Part of the Natural History Museum of Utah "Science Movie Night" series. Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2011, 6:30 p.m.
- Malls R Us - Combining nostalgia, dazzling architecture, pop culture, economics and politics, this film examines North America’s most popular and profitable suburban destination – the enclosed shopping center. Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2011, 7 p.m.
Salt Lake City Library
210 E. 400 S.
801-746-7000
Free
9. Guns 'N' Roses at the Maverik Center
Courtesy Maverik Center
Guns 'n' Roses' first U.S. tour in over 5 years features old favorites plus new material from the album Chinese Democracy. With special guest Zakk Wylde and Black Label Society.
Thursday, Dec. 13, 2011, 9 p.m.
Maverik Center
3200 Decker Lake Dr. (2200 W.)
801-988-8000
Tickets $49.50-$69.50
10. Stonecircle Winter Solstice Concert
By Nigel Cox
Celebrated Celtic group Stonecircle will present their eighth annual "Winter Solstice" concert at the Jeanne' Wagner Theatre.
Thursday, Dec. 15, 2011, 7:30 p.m.
Jeanne' Wagner Theatre
138 W. Broadway
801-355-ARTS (3787)
Tickets $15
11. Red Butte Garden Winter Solstice Celebration
Laurie Rubin
Celebrate the return of the light at the Red Butte Children's Garden! Warm your hands at our fire barrels, enjoy a hot drink and make a wish at the yule log. Participants can also create wonderful winter candles and their very own solstice head wreath.
Saturday, December 17, 10 a.m.- 1 p.m.
300 Wakara Way
801-585-0556
Adults $8, children 3-17 and seniors 65+ $6, children under 3 free
