Within this natural sandstone cave in southern Utah is a natural history museum boasting a bar and fluorescent minerals. I'll be graduating with my associate's degree in December of 2021 after 2 years of school. 1661 East Murray-Holladay Road (4800 South), Where: Various locations in Salt Lake City. Copyright Family Destinations Guide 2023. Pleasant fall wraps Utah in colorful foliage along the scenic drives. A museum where kids can touch and play with everything! In winter, families may try icy pursuits, such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. There are trails that lead to slot canyons, arches, waterfalls, forest, and scrublands, all waiting for you to explore. Youre about to be even more inspired when you watch the Clark Planetariums amazing IMAX films. Discover some of the most picturesque places to photograph in Southern Utah, and learn some tips for how to shoot and travel responsibly. Learn about the American Wests unique natural world through the museums 1.6 million objects on display. Sunsets and sunrises further enhance the colors of this surreal spectacle, so come early or stay for the night. Everyone in the family will get fired up about this one. Learn everything you need to know for a cheap luxury ski trip. Learn more about why Bryce Canyon and the surrounding areas are the perfect place for winter hiking, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Yep you read that right. Its called the Payson Community crche on Dec. 3 and Dec. 4. No list of the best places to visit in Utah is complete without a visit to Zion National Park. Whether youre looking for commercial parks with structured lanes or a local hill and your own thermos of hot cocoa, weve got it all. North Pole Express(Heber) Nov. 22 Dec. 23. 4x4 Half-Day Adventure at Canyonlands National Park. For Sparta! Previous Group Recommended Hotel Nearby: Cathedral Valley Inn, 375 Red Hills ParkwaySt. International finals, national championships, regional events and homegrown extravaganzas all take place in Ogden, Utah. Heres what you need to know, Japanese official denies Lee statement on commitment to expedite release of Lt. Ridge Alkonis, Utah Legislature finalizes record $29B budget. By clicking "I Agree", you consent to the use of cookies. More details on entering here. Reservations are available every 30 minutes from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. You can purchase tickets there but also in advance to make sure your spot is reserved. This fundraising event for Primary Childrens Hospital is an excellent way to kick off the holiday season with doors open to the public for three days of oohing and ahhing while shopping for small gifts. Gingerbread House Display: University Place Mall in Orem. For an extraordinary adventure, plan winter hikes in Utahs Zion National Park. Moderate crowds and temperatures in April-May and September-October make these months the best time to visit Utah and its national parks. A Christmas Story - CenterPoint Legacy Theater- Centerville - $19.50-25 Gingerbread House Competition - Bountiful ($5 admission for kids, includes Santa photo) Ice Bumper Cars - Farmington (outdoor) Santa at Layton Hills Mall - Layton Santa Breakfasts - Station Park- Farmington South Davis Rec Center Ice Skating - Bountiful (indoor rink) Explore snowmobiling. Things to Do in Utah, United States: See Tripadvisor's 1,327,933 traveler reviews and photos of Utah tourist attractions. Ready to experience snowshoeing in Utah? Macys Candy Windows(SLC): No dates yetFREE, Gardner Village Elves(West Jordan): Nov. 20- Dec. 31FREE. Family Destinations Guide is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Christmas Town Utah(Helper): No dates yet. There are plenty of things to do in Northern Utah when you're in Ogden. Adventure, Hiking, History and Heritage, Native American, Non-ski Winter Activities, Scenic Drives/Road Trips, Stargazing. Find out tips for riding and the best places to explore in Utah. The holiday market is only open for one weekend in December and it's this weekend, from Dec. 1 to Dec. 4. You either drive through Monument Valley and soak up the sights or explore it fully by getting a tour guide from the visitor center. Book a dog sled tour with the pups and witness their story as they pull your sled through the area's snow blanketed open spaces. The only challenge is deciding if you want to stay in a slope-side lodge or a hotel in the city. Request a free copy or view the latest guide online. Dates beginning Nov. 26, 2021 on Fridays & Saturdays. Or hikeEnsign PeakTrail on a clear day and get a 100-mile view of Salt Lake Valley. Throughout the season, nights and shaded areas are quite chilly, while exploring in the sunshine can be delightful. Private Utah High Country Rafting Adventure from Provo. The museum is home to 5,000 desert plants, a replica slot canyon, a stream with native and endangered fish, and prehistoric dinosaur tracks from 200 million years ago. The warm pink sand of Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is naturally formed out of the erosion of Navajo sandstone surrounding the park. You might think the cold is unavoidable and the terrain impassable during the winter months, but if you can surpass these doubts you might just be rewarded with your best hike of the year. Feeling cooped up? 4x4 Safari Excursion in Arches National Park. BIG IRON TOUR CO. - Veteran & Locally Owned Off-Road Tour Company. North Pole Festival: Rio Tinto Stadium. Spending some time on the ice rink might bring that magical vibe of the holiday season. More than 200 lighted animal and holiday-themed displays illuminate the holiday season. Winter rewards hikers with stunning sights of stalactites and snow covered mountains. Definitely one of the must see tourist spots in Utah that you shouldnt miss! . Red Hills Desert Garden Lights(St. George): Nov. 26-Jan. 2 at 5-10 pm. Average temperature in Southern Utah (St. George): highs 63 / lows 40 degrees F. The average December snowfall in the Southern part of Utah: Moab (Arches/Canyonlands) - 2 days / 3.5 inches. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Plus Greenwell Inn, 12500 Sand Dune RoadKanab, UT 84741(435) 648-2800. Visitors have to option to book a 1 hour, 2 hour, or half day dog sled tour from December (sometimes November) to March. Moab is the gateway to Utahs famous red rock formations and home to some of the best resorts and hotels in the state. Well, you should absolutely watch Utah Shakespeare Festivals world-class outdoor performances for an unforgettable time! If you were looking for cheap yet visually appealing destinations, Red Hills Desert Garden opens its doors to you for free! The annual performance of William Christensens The Nutcracker returns for 2021. For adult beverages head to the Gibson Girl Lounge, and for something truly special with the family make a reservation for Afternoon Tea in The Lobby before checking out the displays. Beginning the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas comes to Temple Square with turning on the lights. Discover Utahs Wellness Retreats. Fire + candy = fun. Discover three world-class ski resorts located just 20 minutes from downtown, and enjoy 450 inches of powdery snow each season. Nov. 29-Dec. 4. Dinosaurs and Native Americans from millions to thousands of years ago once occupied this cave, leaving behind a trail of fossils, footprints, pottery, art, and more, all displayed at the natural history museum inside. If youve been dreaming of Martian-like deserts, rust-colored gargantuan rock formations, and blooming succulents for your next vacation, Utah is your best bet. Whether you are a participant or spectator, the calendar is bursting with celebrations, festivals and athletic events - providing plenty of things to do for everyone, no . Gingerbread House Contest Display (Brigham City): Dec. 2-Jan 3. We also highly suggest taking the three-hour Sound and Light Show tour along the Colorado River. As the largest national park in Utah, Canyonlands provides a variety of winter adventures, including winter hiking and stargazing. The Bonneville Salt Flats are among the most interesting things to see in Utah, but the conditions here can be quite extreme, so come prepared. Previous Group During the holiday season, Utahs Hogle Zoo lights up with over 200 lighted animal and holiday-themed displays in the evenings. Enjoy this beautiful marble structure and the majestic views of snow-capped mountains in the background. Zoo Lights: SLC Dec. 3-23, 26-31 from 5:30-9:30 pm. The Great Salt Lake may sometimes be called Americas very own Dead Sea, but unlike the actual Dead Sea, a treasure trove of life thrives in this lake. Experience Exciting Events Every Day of the Year! FREE, Brigham City Christmas Village (Brigham City): Dec. 2-Jan. 3 Located at 1 South Main street in Brigham CIty. It's just a natural way to release that pent up winter energy. Yes, Temple Square in Salt Lake City is open for the Christmas season. This children's museum is educational in a delightfully tactile way. Featuring fossils, dinosaur bones, minerals, insects, plants, and Native American artifacts all discovered from Utah and the American West, the Natural History Museum of Utah is a worthwhile escape into the ancient past. Utah Travel Industry Website, Printable Road Trip Activity Book For Kids, Monument Valley | Highway 163 Scenic Drive, Places to Stay Near Coral Pink Sand Dunes. With more than 800 miles of groomed snowmobile trails from the red rock canyons of Southern Utah to the rugged mountains in the northern reaches of the state, Utah has plenty of options for snowmobile vacations, lodging and packages. The real Up house was built in 2011 by Bangerter Homes with permission from Disney. Tickets include sleigh ride, cocoa, and sledding hill. Each year artists hand-place thousands of icicles to create magical castles, sculptures and playgrounds that shine bright in front of a rainbow of LED lights. Lake Powell. Plan a winter Southeastern Utah trip. Loveland Living Planet Aquarium brings together the critters from South America, Utah, the Antarctic, Asia, and all of the earths oceans. Park City Mountain Resort is the largest ski resort in the US! In Utah, a Pueblo name that means people of the mountains, well show you how to take a break from whatever work, weather, the world or just about anything else throws at you. And camping is an excellent option for those who want to explore the lake at a leisurely pace. Whether you come to ski or snowboard, to mountain bike Slickrock in Moab Utah, to take a summer whitewater rafting splash down Cataract Canyon, or to visit the Old West with a tour of outlaw hideouts and stickups, Utah has adventure waiting. Gingerbread House Scavenger Hunt (Logan): Dec. 6-25, 2021 FREE, Parade of Gingerbread Homes (Logan): Dec. 4-31. Smaller resorts likeNordic ValleyandBrian Headeven offer free season passes for kids 10 and under. St. George Town Square Tree Lighting: November 29 at 6 8 pm FREE Santa will be here! In a really good way. Dan Craner, Festival of Trees executive board member, puts signs on trees for the 51st annual Festival of Trees at the Mountain America Expo Center in Sandy on Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021. Natural History Museum of Utah. There is a live nativity, indoor and outdoor nativity displays. Afterwards, try ice skating at the Midway Ice Rink. For an extraordinary adventure, plan winter hikes in Utahs Zion National Park. This insider's guide video highlights their unparalleled access to both the outdoors and the city's "fun counterculture vibe" at the foot of the mighty Wasatch Mountains. And the fun doesnt stop on Christmas Day. Finally, businesses in many of Utahs smaller communities shutter for the season. Completed in 1916, this Neoclassical revival, Corinthian-style building has seen so much struggle and growth since Utahs early beginnings as a state. No matter your level of adventure, you will find good reason to save some time for a day away from the resort. What if you and/or the kids are caught somewhere between feeling confident on the slopes and too energetic to go snowshoeing? Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western PLUS Rubys Inn, 13312 West 1075 SouthMagna, UT 84044(801) 828-0787. Where: Utahs family-friendly ski resorts. Rileys Family Christmas(Genola): Monday, Friday, & Saturday starting November 29 from 5:30-8:30. Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity. Today the park is a natural marvel well loved by adventurers who want to witness the grandeur of its dramatic sandstone formations in person. Things to Do in Sandy, Utah: See Tripadvisor's 12,193 traveler reviews and photos of Sandy tourist attractions. Towering red rocks dusted in snow, often set against bright blue skies, welcome winter visitors to Capitol Reef National Park. Use the search tool below to see what holiday events you can enjoy during your next winter visit and create new traditions for your family this year. . Lace up and get skating! There are many events and tons of lights in Helper since it is know as Christmas Town Utah. The ski lift may be closer, but the Provo River, one of the best fisheries in Utah and the country, is mere minutes down the road from Sundance Mountain Resort. The dogs participate in a dog sledding operation to help find their purpose. From delicate river-fed ecosystems to crimson-hued rock buttresses, this magical landscape is awash in history, dating back thousands of years to the original Native American settlers to whom these places were sacred. Tremonton Lights (Tremeonton) Nov. 24-Jan 1 from 5:30-11:30 pm every night at the Tremonton City Office. 69 p.m.The week of Christmas, wagon rides on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, December 2022. Whether youre glamping or choosing a simpler option, yurt camping in Utah during the wintertime is a fun, unique experience you wont want to miss out on. See All Itineraries Previous Group Since we live in Utah County, you will notice that we have visited many more spots in Utah and Salt Lake counties. Ski Southern Utah: High Alpine Trails + Red Rock Wonder. Or feel the "freedom" at The Gateway and City Creek Center, two local malls also known for providing free, fun events. Heres how its spending your money, Parents know best: Rep. Burgess Owens wants to fund school choice at national level, Sterling Scholars: Here are Utahs 2023 semifinalists, 2023 Sterling Scholars semifinalists: Southwest Region. Experience snowshoeing the greatest snow on Earth. Winter visitors to Zion National Park will find plenty to do, including hiking, photography and gazing up at the wonders of the night sky. Bonus: you can ride the carousel and sometimes see a few animals. Copyright 2023 Utah Office of Tourism. Tickets are available atwww.starofwonder.comand the show runs Dec. 4-11. The Gallivan Center, an outdoor skating rink, falls within the free-fare zone of Salt Lake's public transportation.This means on chilly nights families can opt for a short ride on the TRAX light rail from this . June to August is the season of spectacular activities like Bonneville Speed Week or stargazing . Among the many venues that host free events are The Gallivan Center, Pioneer Park, and Temple Square. Families, on the other hand, have an endless array of cultural institutions to choose from. Built in 2011, this modern museum has a collection of exotic butterflies, minerals and indigenous masterpieces. Just make sure you do it before Dec. 24 since hes pretty busy that day. Now you are ready for total snowball war. Then add some ice sculpture gargoyles to intimidate the enemy. By clicking "I Agree", you consent to the use of cookies. When visiting the Sundance Film Festival in Utah, movies are only part of the experience. To watch or not to watch that is the question. Try these indoor and outdoor winter activities for kids and parents alike. Each of these annual events are held in Salt Lake and Utah counties. Passes to ski and snowboard resorts are expensive, but dont give up yet, powder pauper. Bryce Canyon - 5.7 days / 15.3 inches. See red rock hoodoos coated with a dusting of snow against a stunning scenic backdrop on an unforgettable winter visit to Bryce Canyon National Park. Thirteen snowboarding resorts are positioned perfectly for dumps of fluffy powder all winter long. You can also have supper at one of the booths. Definitely among the top places to see in Utah, the Grand StaircaseEscalante National Monument is nothing short of, well, grand. Of Utah's 15 resorts, 10 are within an hour of the Salt Lake City International Airport. Finally! However, you dont have to get too far out of town to get lost down a ski track. With its jaw-dropping architectural and interior design, the Salt Lake City Public Library offers amazing finds in every twist and turn. In the winter months, Utah's five national parks and their surrounding country are full of solitude and with an adventurous spirit to shrug off mild doses of moody weather you can count on having red rock country all to yourself. Tree will be lit at 6:00. Imagine an old-fashioned theater experience, with costumed vendors all around selling snacks and drinks. From snowmobiling to skiing, snowshoeing to sledding and fishing, Bear Lake in the winter is everything youll want from your next winter vacation. This desert is dramatic. More details on their event post. The Bonneville Salt Flats cover 30,000 acres of white salt crust one the western edge of the Great Salt Lake. Fat tire biking has become the latest rage among cycling enthusiasts and newbies. Whether youre looking for a break, vacation or quest for fun this winter, Utah is the place, as always, for adventure whatever you plan to do or wherever the trail takes you along the way. Snowmobile vacations are popular outdoor adventures. And you can visit Santa as part of your admission price to Zoo Lights. Lay back and watch the scenery as you and your kids glide down the longest tubing hill in Utah then take the magic carpet back up. The Salt Lake City Public Library is one of the most stunning works of modernist architecture, designed by internationally acclaimed architect Moshe Safdie. Ready? At its end, this leads to the Narrows area, which involves a more strenuous and adventurous . Written December 2, 2022. . AndShesDopeToo is a worldwide adventure community of women run by Jennifer and Taylor Killian from Ogden, Utah. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Salt Lake Marriott Downtown at City Creek, 110 400 WSalt Lake City, UT 84101(385) 468-7827. Grand America Holiday Windows: Nov. 1-Dec. 31 M- TH: 4 PM 8 PMand FRI SUN: 10 AM-5PM. Saltwater is highly corrosive, and soft mud lies beneath the layer of salt crust. Utah is a family-friendly place (highest birth rate in the nation, heh heh) so we have a kid-friendly infrastructure ready for long, dark winter days. Live Nativity and Luminary Walk: Clark Historic Farm in Grantsville. On the ArizonaUtah state line sits a unique landmark within the territory of the Navajo Tribal Nation. Southern Utah comes alive in winter with unexpected experiences for those who are well-prepared and solitude for those who want to expand their view. The five-acre Red Hills Desert Garden is actually Utahs first-ever desert conservation garden. However, the tough choices arent over yet. Explore the solar system, black holes, alien landscapes, and distant galaxies through interactive and mind-churning exhibits and activities at the planetarium. Camping & Backpacking, Hiking, History and Heritage, Non-ski Winter Activities, Scenic Drives/Road Trips, Stargazing. Christmas in Color: Located at the Salt Lake County Equestrian Center in South Jordan. As you visit, do your part to keep Utah Forever Mighty. As if our 45 state parks, six national monuments and five national parks aren't cutting it? Other presentations include "The Christ Child" in the Conference Center Theater. Lights on Wakefield: This event is currently not happening because of changes in city ordinances. More info here. (And true enough, this isnt the only time Utah was chosen for Martian simulations.). Exhibits around the building will also immerse you in the mystery of outer space. December 2-12, 2021 Utah Motorsports Campus, Grantsville. Whether youre a geek or an adventurer, this national monument has so much in store for you. You can also watch scientists as they prep new specimens and be a paleontologist for a day at the dinosaur dig! Capitol Reef National Park Get gazed and confused staring out at one of Utah's trippiest landscapes, a hodgepodge of rounded white domes, jutting spires and even a landlocked version of a tropical reef. 90 South West Temple Think of them more like community hubs where staff and volunteers teach free workshops on reading, art, computers, legos, yoga, storytime and more. Thinking about the Dead Sea sounds scary, but the Great Salt Lake is actually popular for swimming, sunbathing, sailing, wildlife viewing, kayaking, and more! Capitol Reef - 1.8 days / 2.2 inches. The house makes perfect photo ops inside and outside, but make sure you contact the current owners of the house first before you go beyond the white picket fence. While Utah's Greater Zion offers a few hundred trails, weve highlighted seven of the best hikes in the state's southwestern corner, from deep canyons to high peaks. The water is comfortably warm and shallow enough for toddlers. The Natural History Museum of Utah is a grand museum found within the University of Utahs research park. Such is the serendipitous landscape of Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, a huge sandy playground for outdoor adventurers. West Salt Lake Valley Christmas Light Drive: We created this list with 8 awesome stops in the West area of Salt Lake valley. Walk through time on a switchbacking boardwalk through the fossil record at the Natural History Museum of Utah. On Dec. 21 and Dec. 22, the Utah Symphony will perform the score to Home Alone, by John Williams. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Comfort Suites St George University Area, 301 Wakara WaySalt Lake City, UT 84108(801) 581-6927. In downtown Salt Lake, the city lights the streets with holiday-themed displays. The classic, winter tradition of finding the perfect hill from which to launch a tube or sled is alive and well in Utah. If youre curious about the extravagance of Hindu festivals, you can also join the temples grand celebrations of Holi and Diwali! Get some ideas from our road tripitineraries, bucket lists and family-friendly hikes. Tucked into the country atmosphere of a town called Midway is a fun activity that appears each winter out of thin airor, we should say, out of thin ice. With a little extra planning, good layers, and the right equipment, however, you can enjoy Utah's national parks in the solitude of winter.