5 Festive Activities to Brighten Your Utah Ski Holiday
Snowy mountains and cozy lodges make Utah the perfect winter escape. But during the holidays, things feel particularly festive. So if you’ll find yourself on a holiday ski escape in Utah this season, we’ve got a few ideas to brighten your travels and raise the bar on holiday spirit.
1. Delight in the Twinkling Lights
Holiday lights displayed on the darkest of nights can bring a sense of wonder to the season. And there’s no shortage of displays for visitors in Utah:
Luminaria at Thanksgiving Point (Lehi): features millions of lights and themed displays across the 50-acre Ashton Gardens, complete with a Fire & Ice show synchronized to 20-foot flames, lights and holiday music.
Salt Lake City Area Displays: Walk through the Lightwalk at Tracy Aviary, the ZooLights at Hogle Zoo, or the outdoor Lantern Festival at Loveland Living Planet Aquarium where nature-inspired lanterns illuminate the night. And if lights seen from the comfort of your warm car sounds more inviting, don’t miss the holiday light drive through at Christmas in Color in South Jordan or World of Illumination in Salt Lake City.
Temple Square (Downtown Salt Lake): The Temple Square Christmas Lights are also an annual rite of passage for many visitors. The lights typically turn on the day after Thanksgiving and remain on until January 1.
Northern Utah Displays: Stroll through Ogden’s free Christmas village display in the Municipal Gardens (near Powder Mountain, Snowbasin and Nordic Valley). In Richmond (just north of Logan near the family-owned Cherry Peak Ski Resort), navigate the Cache Valley Straw Maze with light maze and horse-drawn wagon rides.
Resort Torchlight Parades: If you’re staying slopeside, many of Utah’s ski resorts also host torchlight parades and fireworks to ring in the new year.
"Holiday lights displayed on the darkest of nights can bring a sense of wonder to the season. And there’s no shortage of displays for visitors in Utah."
Luminaria, at Thanksgiving Point in Lehi, features millions of lights and themed displays across the 50-acre Ashton Gardens.
The Loveland Living Planet Aquarium hosts an outdoor Lantern Festival where nature-inspired lanterns illuminate the night.
2. Take a Glittery Glide Across the Ice
Utah ice skating includes Olympic rinks, county complexes and magical light-strung rinks spinning the sounds of the holidays. You can find both indoor and outdoor skating options across Utah:
Gallivan Center Ice Rink (Downtown Salt Lake): Open mid-November through February, featuring the free annual "GLOW" art installation with 25 illuminated sculptures.
Millcreek Commons Ice Ribbon: Opens in November alongside a Utah’s Own public market pop-up—a great opportunity to shop local and support Utah small businesses.
Regional & Southern Utah Rinks: Find outdoor rinks in Midway, Millcreek, and Logan. In Southern Utah, skate at Brian Head Resort or glide along the ice ribbon at Ruby’s Inn near Bryce Canyon National Park. Need more Southern Utah ideas? (Read: Planning Your Utah Desert Holiday)
Ice skating at Gallivan Center.
Photo: Austen Diamond/Visit Salt Lake
3. Dash Aboard a Horse-Drawn Sleigh
Picture this: you're nestled snugly aboard an open sleigh, dashing through a snow-covered forest on a starry night. “Oh what fun it is to ride!” You’ll find a number of horse-drawn sleigh ride opportunities around Northern Utah.
Wasatch Mountain State Park (Midway): Rocky Mountain Outfitters guides sleigh riders through a light show in the woods, with hot chocolate and s’mores available to help fend off the cold.
Deer Valley Resort: Reserve a horse-drawn sleigh ride with Broken Arrow Sleigh Rides.
Park City Mountain Resort: A Western-inspired sleigh ride and dinner via Snowed Inn Sleigh Company.
Morgan: At Thurston Farms (about 30 minutes southeast of Ogden), Clydesdales lead the way for a historic ride across the 100-year-old farm.
"Picture this: you're nestled snugly aboard an open sleigh, dashing through a snow-covered forest on a starry night."
At Wasatch Mountain State Park in Midway, Rocky Mountain Outfitters guides sleigh riders through a light show in the woods.
An open sleigh in a snow-covered forest is pure winter fun.
4. Delight in a Holiday Performance
Swapping ski boots for a night on the town gives you direct access to Utah’s thriving arts scene supporting local performers, historic venues and dining spots that make our mountain communities so vibrant.
Ballet West's “The Nutcracker” (Capitol Theatre, Salt Lake City): Experience America’s longest-running production of The Nutcracker, running from late November through late December.
Utah Symphony (Salt Lake City): Enjoy festive, holiday-inspired classical and pop concerts throughout December. (Read: Salt Lake City: A Place to Play).
Egyptian Theatre (Historic Main Street, Park City): Hosts a cozy Holiday Spectacular & Sing-a-long in mid-December.
Southern Utah Shows: For travelers heading south, don’t miss the "Holiday Inn" performance at Tuacahn Amphitheatre near St. George, or their "Christmas in the Canyon" event featuring a live nativity performance.
Planning Tip: For a full listing of holiday performances and arts events, check nowplayingutah.com.
"The holiday season in Utah is a delight for all the senses, and taste is no outlier."
5. Savor Seasonal Holiday Food & Après-Ski
The holiday season in Utah is a delight for all the senses, and taste is no outlier. Après ski or “after ski,” is a cherished tradition rooted in the enjoyment of good food and drinks. And while there is always no shortage of après experiences in and around Utah’s ski resorts, you can also find some holiday-inspired treats come December.
Holiday Pop-Up Bars (Salt Lake City): Try festive holiday cocktails at Flanker Kitchen & Sporting Club, step into Ivy and Varley's Christmas lounge, or experience the immersive Nightmare Before Christmas themed pop-up at The Lake Effect.
Breakfast with Santa (Park City): Families can book holiday breakfasts with Santa at the Homestead Resort and Zermatt Resort.
Tastings & Yurt Dining: Experience artisanal chocolate and tea tastings at Taste 117 in Provo, or book an intimate multi-course yurt dinner tucked in the snow-covered mountains. Whatever dining experience you're after, just remember to get your reservations in early.
Nothing beats an après ski, especially during the holiday season.
Photo: Mike Schirf
Read the stories
-
3 Ogden Ski Resorts That Rival The Best
You may know Utah for Salt Lake City and Park City. But do you know Ogden? Only insiders know, and most would like to keep it way!
-
Planning Your Big Snow Trip
Let’s plan a powder ski trip to Utah and even help you save some time and money while you’re there. Just answer these three questions: Who? When? How much?
-
Pass Go: A Local’s Guide to Making the Most of the Ikon Pass
That's right, Utah is home to six incredible Ikon Pass resorts — all within a quick drive of each other. Here's the local guide to making the most of your Ikon Pass in Utah.
-
The Best Skiing in Utah
Out of 15 ski resorts, here's where families, friends groups, experts, luxury seekers and even night owls find their groove in Utah.
-
Why Ski School Isn't Just for Beginners: 8 Reasons to Book a Lesson
Ski school is cool, and it’s where beginners to experts find the secrets to skiing (and Utah’s secret powder stashes). Learn to ski the entire resort.
-
Everything in its Right Place
Bring your snowboard on your Brighton Ski Resort trip. Visit the six terrain parks – with new designs each week – to add some exhilaration to your ski vacation.
-
Another Day in Powadise
Join ski cat driver Kevin Irons on a day's adventures to Lightning Ridge at Powder Mountain, complete with pizza bribery, remote access and lots of powder.
-
AndShesDopeToo's Insider's Guide to Ogden
AndShesDopeToo is a worldwide adventure community of women run by Jennifer and Taylor Killian from Ogden, Utah. 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.
-
8 Elevated Ski Experiences That are Uniquely Utah
If you dream of the possibility of hitting six resorts in one day or carving your own lines from snow-covered summits served by helicopters, then this listicle is made for you.
-
How to Slow Travel in Utah
Avoid the mad scramble and consider slow travel as a better approach to your Utah trip.
-
Walking The Line Between Risk and Responsibility
Why a Hawaii-based highliner and influencer hasn't returned to Utah — yet.
-
How-to Guide for Salt Lake City Conference Attendees: Food, Drink and Fun
Here’s everything you need to know to get the most out of your time before, during, and after your conference in Salt Lake City, Utah.
-
5 Scenic and Awesome Runs for Confident Beginning Skiers
Ski resorts often provide tours, lessons or skiing tips for beginners. Ready? Take a chairlift to the best, most scenic skiing for beginners’ slopes in Utah.
-
While You Were Sleeping
Ever wonder why the snow is so perfect for the morning’s first runs? Take a peek into the life of a ski slope groomer at Snowbasin resort and learn all about it!
-
A Utah Ski Vacation (or Two) for Less
Shop for ski gear like a local. Get discounts on lift tickets. Learn everything you need to know for a cheap luxury ski trip.
-
Music of the Cottonwoods
Discover the sound of two iconic Utah bands — Talia Keys and the Love and Pixie and the Partygrass Boys — whose music is inspired by their love of life and nature.
-
Utah's Bucket List Expert-Only Ski Runs
Craving black diamond chutes or double-black cliff drops? The best skiing in Utah for experts can be conquered on these top 5 ski runs.
-
Max Out Your Multi-Pass
With so many ski and snowboard resorts easily accessible in and around Utah, using the state as your gateway can maximize the value of any multi-pass. Here's some tips on how to make your ski vacation more flexible, fun and affordable than ever before!
-
When to Ski and Eat and Play in Utah
From Thanksgiving to Memorial Day, travelers come to Utah to enjoy all that Mountain Time offers, but when is the best to time visit? The answer is: OFTEN!
-
Ice and rock, snow and splendor: Winter in Southern Utah
Come along on a five-day expedition to see Southern Utah’s wintry face, explore national parks, ski its mountains and find ways to play in the snow.
-
11 Classy Ski Experiences That are Uniquely Utah
From sheer proximity and the biggest mountains to a ski-in distillery and a celebrity-built resort, these are the reasons to ski Utah now.
-
Best Après Ski Bars in Park City and Beyond
Want to master the art of après? Here’s your guide to the best après-ski bars in Park City and the Wasatch Front.
-
Utah's Kid Ski Culture
Utah is happy to help you support your future skier or rider, and make things fun for parents, too. Read our guide to teaching kids to ski and plan a trip.
-
Best Spots to Get Olympic Spirit
Just because the Salt Lake 2002 Olympic Winter Games are in the past doesn’t mean that the Utah Olympic spirit is has been snuffed out. Athletes still train here, and ski schools in Utah resorts might be the start of a future Olympian’s career.
-
Utah’s Factory-to-Slope Culture
Utah’s gear scene benefits from being able to use its backyard as a testing ground, making the complete ski and snowboard cycle uniquely Utah
