1. Temple Square Christmas Lights
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Dates: Nov 28, 2025 – Jan 1, 2026, daily
- Website: Church News
Time: ~6:00–8:00 a.m. & 4:30–10:00 p.m.
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Tickets: Free, open to the public (outdoor walk-through display)
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What it is: Iconic millions-of-lights display around Temple Square and downtown—nativities, reflections in the pools, and views of the Salt Lake Temple.
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Map it: Search “Temple Square, 50 N West Temple, Salt Lake City”
2. Ballet West – The Nutcracker (Capitol Theatre)
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Dates: Dec 5 – 27, 2025 (SLC run; Ogden shows Nov 28–30 if you want to go north)
- Website: Ballet West
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Tickets: Single tickets start around $39+ through BalletWest.org or ArtTix.
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What it is: Willam Christensen’s legendary production—live orchestra, full classical staging at the historic Capitol Theatre.
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Map it: Search “Janet Quinney Lawson Capitol Theatre, 50 W 200 S, Salt Lake City”
3. Luminaria at Thanksgiving Point (Lehi)
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Dates: Nov 13, 2025 – Jan 10, 2026 (Mon–Sat, closed Sundays, Christmas Eve & Christmas Day)
- Website: Thanksgiving Point
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Tickets: Timed-entry tickets online; presale discounts (10%+ off if you bought in October). Pricing varies by date and time.
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What it is: 50 acres of choreographed light displays, fire features, nativity walk, and themed zones throughout Ashton Gardens.
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Map it: Search “Thanksgiving Point Ashton Gardens, 3900 N Garden Dr, Lehi”
4. ZooLights at Utah’s Hogle Zoo
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Dates: Nov 28, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026 (evenings; separate from daytime admission)
- Website: Utah's Hogle Zoo
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Tickets:
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Adult (13+): about $19.95
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Child (3–12): about $16.95
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Members: a few dollars less; age 2 & under free.
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What it is: After-hours light event with animal-themed lanterns, animated tunnels, music, and treats.
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Map it: Search “Utah’s Hogle Zoo, 2600 E Sunnyside Ave, Salt Lake City”
5. Christkindlmarkt at This Is The Place Heritage Park
- Dates: Dec 3 – 6, 2025
- Website: Christkindlmarkt
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Tickets: Market admission is typically low-cost or free; check the event site for current admission/parking details.
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What it is: Old-world German-style Christmas market with vendor stalls, live music, food, and the Stille Nacht program.
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Map it: Search “This Is The Place Heritage Park, 2601 E Sunnyside Ave, Salt Lake City”
6. Festival of Trees (Mountain America Expo Center, Sandy)
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Dates: Dec 2 – 6, 2025 (Opening Night Dec 2; public days Dec 3–6)
- Website: Intermountain Health
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Tickets (general admission, per day):
Adults: $10
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Children 2–11: $7
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Seniors 65+: $8
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Family (2 adults + 4 kids): $40
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What it is: Huge indoor forest of decorated trees, gingerbread houses, and boutiques, all fundraising for Primary Children’s Hospital.
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Map it: Search “Mountain America Expo Center, 9575 S State St, Sandy”
7. Grand America Holiday Window Stroll
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Dates: Nov 3, 2025 – Jan 3, 2026 (self-guided, typically noon–10 p.m.)
- Website: The Grand America Hotel
- Tickets: The stroll itself is free; food, drinks, and hotel extras are additional.
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What it is: The Grand’s block-long series of themed holiday windows, scavenger-hunt style, often with a prize drawing for completing the “find Tux the penguin” game.
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Map it: Search “The Grand America Hotel, 555 S Main St, Salt Lake City”
8. Holiday Tea at The Grand America
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Dates: Nov 21, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026, roughly 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. daily (reservations required)
- Website: The Grand America Hotel
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Tickets: Fixed per-person pricing with gratuity; check Grand America’s “Holidays at The Grand” page for current rates and booking.
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What it is: Formal afternoon tea in the Lobby Lounge with pastries, finger sandwiches, and live harp/piano on select dates.
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Map it: Same as above – “The Grand America Hotel, 555 S Main St, Salt Lake City”
9. Ice Skating at the Gallivan Center
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Season: Opens Nov 12, 2025; runs into early March 2026, weather permitting.
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Typical December hours: Most days noon or 4 p.m.–10 p.m.; later on Fridays/Saturdays.
- Website: gallivancenter
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Tickets: Paid admission plus optional skate rental; current rates posted on Gallivan’s site.
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What it is: Outdoor urban rink in the middle of downtown with surrounding lights, music, and food options nearby.
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Map it: Search “Gallivan Center, 239 S Main St, Salt Lake City”
10. Nativities from Around the World – Utah Cultural Celebration Center (West Valley City)
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Dates: Nov 20 – Dec 31, 2025
- Website: Utah Cultural Celebration Center
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Tickets: Listed as a free or low-cost community exhibit on local event calendars; confirm details on the center’s site or free-events listings.
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What it is: Exhibit of international nativity scenes, paired with the Trees of Diversity and Winter Scenes & Holiday Dreams art exhibits.
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Map it: Search “Utah Cultural Celebration Center, 1355 W 3100 S, West Valley City”
11. Lightwalk at Tracy Aviary (Liberty Park)
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Dates: Nov 21 – Dec 31, 2025, evenings (closed Thanksgiving and Dec 24–25)
- Website: Lightwalk at Tracy Aviary
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Tickets (approx.):
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General (13+): $17.95
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Child (3–12): $13.95
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Age 2 & under: Free
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What it is: Walk-through bird-themed light trail in Liberty Park with music, snacks, and special event nights.
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Map it: Search “Tracy Aviary, 589 E 1300 S, Salt Lake City”
12. Nativity in the Glen (One-Night Live Nativity)
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Date: Dec 2, 2025, 6–9 p.m.
- Website: Nativity in the Glen
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Tickets: No set ticket price; entrance is a canned food or cash donation for charity.
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What it is: A one-night, multi-faith immersive nativity experience in Bonneville Glen—live animals, music, and walk-through “Bethlehem” paths. Dress warm; no strollers or pets allowed.
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Map it: Search “Bonneville Glen, Salt Lake City, UT” (near the Capitol/Ensign area)
