2014 guide to Christmas lights, Santa and holiday events around Utah

2014 guide to Christmas lights, Santa and holiday events around Utah

(Hugh Carey/Deseret News)


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SALT LAKE CITY — Gear up, because Santa’s making a lot of appearances around Utah this holiday season. Start your celebrations with one of many lighting ceremonies, see the Nutcracker and more. Here’s your guide to holiday events this year.

Nov. 24: Orem's Lights On! Event: Come see Santa arrive in a fire truck at Orem's City Center. Take a picture with Santa, enjoy holiday treats from the City Council and hot cocoa from Treeo. Music will be provided by Windsor Elementary Choir. They will be collecting donations, including baby wipes, cleaning wipes, a small toy for a 2- to 10-year-old, a box of tissues, and $1 to help pay for therapy for the Now I Can Foundation. Starts at 6 p.m.

Nov. 25: Santa Paws at City Creek Center: Santa's making a special visit on Tuesdays for dog lovers in Utah. Owners can bring their dogs to get a picture with Santa. Goes from 6 to 9 p.m. Also on Dec. 2, 9 and 16. Dogs must be up to date on their shots.

Nov. 27: Midnight Freeze Skating at The Station: Come see the first annual Midnight Freeze Skating at The Station in Farmington. The party starts at midnight Thursday and goes until 5 a.m. Friday. Tickets are $8 and all the profits will go to Safe Harbor. Enjoy a live D.J., free treats and hot drinks and $1,000 in prizes to be given away.

Nov. 28: The Polar Express at Peery's Egyptian Theater: See this classic Christmas tale on the big screen again. Get $1 off your ticket price if you bring a can of food. Children 16 and under enter free.

Nov. 28-29: The Nutcracker by Ballet West Ogden Performance: Ballet West's version of the Nutcracker will kick off its 2014 schedule with three performances at the Browning Center in Ogden. It will continue its run in Salt Lake City on Dec. 6.

Nov. 28-Dec. 31: The Lights on Temple Square: Christmas season begins when millions of lights are turned on the day after Thanksgiving. The lighting ceremony begins at dusk. No tickets necessary.

Nov. 28-Dec. 27: Holiday Lights at Thanksgiving Point: Come see 1 million sparkling lights and light-up displays that include angels, snowmen and reindeer. Keep warm in your car or reserve a ride in a trolley or carriage.

Nov. 28-Dec. 23: Santa's Reindeer at Thanksgiving Point: Meet some of Santa's reindeer at the Water Tower Plaza. Runs Monday through Saturday from noon until 10 p.m.

Nov. 28-Dec. 28: Downtown Jingle Bus in Salt Lake City: Take this bus to see all the sights downtown. This free holiday-themed ride will circulate between City Creek, Temple Square and Capitol Theatre. The bus runs from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. Courtesy of the SLC Downtown Alliance, City Creek Center and The Gateway.

A group of about 350 running Santas leave from the starting ling during the 5k Santa Run in Provo Friday, November 26, 2010. (Brian Nicholson, Deseret News)
A group of about 350 running Santas leave from the starting ling during the 5k Santa Run in Provo Friday, November 26, 2010. (Brian Nicholson, Deseret News)

Nov. 29: 2014 Utah Santa Run Ogden: Run in the jolliest race of the year. Participants get a Santa hat, beard, jacket, pants and belt to run in. The course will have cookie and milk (and water) stations while Christmas music plays along the route. Volunteers receive an elf hat and long-sleeve shirt. Event takes place along the Ogden Holiday Light Parade, which will follow the event. Early registration fee is $36. Nov. 29: 2014 Electric Parade & Festivities in Park City: Visit the Historic Park City Alliance and see the Winter Electric Parade. The official lighting of Main Street and the Town Christmas Tree will be right before the parade starts. Light up your car and bike and be a part of the parade. Pre-registration required.

Nov. 29: Ogden Holiday Electric Light Parade: Santa will lead the parade that begins on Washington Boulevard and ends at the Ogden Christmas Village. Parade starts at 5:30 p.m. and Santa will light the Christmas Village at 6:30 p.m. There will also be a concert and fireworks show at the village after the parade.

Nov. 29-30: Messiah Sing-in with the Utah Symphony: Be a part of the choir for Handel's Messiah. Don't forget to bring your family and your score so you can sing along. Held at Abravanel Hall.

Nov. 29-Dec. 6: Willow Park Zoo Reindeer Trek: Enjoy games for kids, holiday displays and decorations and animals of the zoo. Kids can visit with Santa and pet two of his reindeer. A photographer will be on hand to take pictures. Price is $4 for adults and $2.50 for kids.

Nov. 29-Dec. 23: Ogden City Christmas Village: Starting immediately after the Light Parade, you can stroll through the lighted village, visit Santa and eat yummy treats. Hot chocolate proceeds will benefit the Shoes for Tots program. The village will be lit every night from 5 p.m. until midnight.

Nov. 29- Dec. 31: Zoo Lights at Hogle Zoo: The lights at Hogle Zoo return for its 8th year with more than 250 animated light displays. Wear hologram glasses to walk in the 135-foot lighted tunnel. Santa will also be at Macy's Santa Station with real reindeer. Lights go on at 5:30 p.m on Nov. 29.

Dec. 1: Deck The Hall at Sandy City Hall: Ring in the holiday season with Santa, a miniature old-time village and train and lots of activities from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Mayor Dolan will turn on thousands of sparkling lights at 6 p.m.

Dec. 1: Santa's Arrival in Riverton: Santa will arrive in a big, red fire engine at the Sandra N. Lloyd Community Center. Enjoy crafts, wagon rides, scones and hot chocolate, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Dec. 1: Christmas Tree Lighting at West Valley City Family Fitness Center: Visit with Santa and go on a candy cane hunt. The tree lighting will start at 6 p.m. and be followed by a Walk with Santa. Free hot cocoa and cookies will be provided.

Dec. 1-Dec. 23: Christmas Cruise at CLAS Ropes Course in Provo: See thousands of lights reflecting off the water as you enjoy a boat ride about 25 minutes long with lighted holiday scenes along the shore. Santa will also make an appearance in his canoe. Dress warm and bring blankets because it will be cold! Tickets are $8 per person. Kids 2 and under are free.

The Nativity 2012, a live production honoring the birth of the Savior, was presented by the Las Vegas Redrock Stake on December 5-8, 2012. (Photo: Intellectual Reserve Inc./File)
The Nativity 2012, a live production honoring the birth of the Savior, was presented by the Las Vegas Redrock Stake on December 5-8, 2012. (Photo: Intellectual Reserve Inc./File)

Dec. 1-4: The Live Nativity in Bluffdale: Originally held in Draper, this live nativity has moved to Bluffdale this year. Admission is free, and it is held every evening from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Dec. 2: Draper's Tree Lighting and Winter Market: Count down to the lighting ceremony at Draper City Park. Buy a gift or holiday ornament at the Winter Market that starts at 5 p.m. Father Christmas will be there to take pictures in the Day Barn. Enjoy free complimentary holiday refreshments and performances from local bands.

Dec. 3: Nativity in the Glen: This live Nativity started as a joint effort between First Baptist Church, the Wasatch Presbyterian Church, St. Ambrose and Lady of Lourdes Parish churches and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Bonneville Stake. Held for one night only, it goes from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 1050 S. 1500 East in Salt Lake City.

Dec. 3-4: Christmas Storytelling with Utah Valley Symphony: Storyteller Steffani Raff and the Utah Valley Symphony will help you celebrate the holidays with a night of stories and music at the Covey Center for the Arts in Provo. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for seniors and students.

Dec. 3-6: Festival of Trees in Sandy: Come see over 700 beautifully decorated trees, wreaths, centerpieces, gingerbread houses, quilts and playhouses. Treats will be available for purchase in the Sweet Shoppe. Every penny raised helps the Primary Children's Hospital; $5 per adult, $3 for kids ages 2-11. Family tickets for up to six people allowed on Wednesday, Dec. 3, for $15. Discount tickets can be purchased at most Zions Banks.

Dec. 3-20: The Forgotten Carols Christmas tour: See the timeless Christmas classic during its tour run in Utah. Performances in Logan, Ogden, Orem, St. George, Cedar City and Salt Lake City. Visit the website for exact dates and times.

Dec. 4: Weber County Holiday Festival: View holiday memorabilia from all over the world. There will also be a live Nativity. Held from noon until 8 p.m. and admission is free.

Dec. 4-6, 8: Alpine Living Nativity: This live Nativity is held at 900 N. Main in Alpine. Tickets are required and patrons are asked to donate $1 per ticket to go to their sponsored nonprofit organizations. Those that can't donate any money but would still like to visit can call 801-768-2686.

Dec. 4-23: A Christmas Carol A Musical by Hale Center Theater Orem: See the original musical re-telling of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol." Visit haletheater.org for ticket information.

Dec. 5: Moab City Holiday Tree Lighting: Live music with local choir and bands, Santa, cookies and hot cocoa will be provided at the tree lighting in Moab.

Dec. 5: Light the Night in South Jordan: It's the annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony for South Jordan. Enjoy free hot chocolate and cookies, free ice skating rentals and free wagon rides. Come and see Santa, who will arrive in a big fire truck. Starts at 6:30 p.m. at the South Jordan City Plaza.

Dec. 5: Holiday Stroll by the Salt Lake Gallery Stroll: Find the perfect art gift for any budget. Galleries across Salt Lake will be stocked with modestly priced pieces and craft items. Visit gallerystroll.org for more information.

Jahmani Stapleton (2) grins after getting to meet the big man (Santa) at West High School in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Dec., 5, 2009. The event was sponsored by Soroptimist International of Salt Lake City. Single mothers were encouraged to come and have "Breakfast with Santa." With the help of volunteers the children were able to pick out and wrap gifts for their mothers while gifts were picked out for them in a different room. (Photo: Mike Terry, Deseret News) (Submission date: 12/05/2009)
Jahmani Stapleton (2) grins after getting to meet the big man (Santa) at West High School in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Dec., 5, 2009. The event was sponsored by Soroptimist International of Salt Lake City. Single mothers were encouraged to come and have "Breakfast with Santa." With the help of volunteers the children were able to pick out and wrap gifts for their mothers while gifts were picked out for them in a different room. (Photo: Mike Terry, Deseret News) (Submission date: 12/05/2009)

Dec. 5-6: The Night Before Christmas by the Salt Lake Dance Center: See the annual Christmas showing of this fantasy ballet performed by Ballet Jeunesse and community dancers. Visit arttix.com for ticket information. Dec. 5-31: The Nutcracker by Ballet West: Come see the longest-running full production in America. Evening matinee performances run throughout the month at the Capitol Theatre in Salt Lake City.

Dec. 5-31: Candy Windows in South Jordan: View 10 difference holiday scenes created entirely from candy pieces in window shops along Towne Center Drive. Featuring artists Raelyn Webster, Gary Myers, Russ Wimmer and Coralee Wilson.

Dec. 6: Breakfast with Santa at Thanksgiving Point: Enjoy breakfast with Santa, Mrs. Claus and other North Pole characters. Kids can participate in dance contests, sing-a-longs, games, crafts and cookie decorating. Also on Dec. 13 and 20. Tickets can be purchased in advance for a discount.

Dec. 6: Provo Santa Run: Here's your last chance to run in Santa garb. This 5K starts and finishes at The Shops at Riverwoods in Provo. The race will be followed by a Christmas concert. Pre-race day registration is $36.

Dec. 6: Breakfast & Brunch With Santa: You can eat with Santa every Saturday and Sunday during the month of December at Discovery Gateway. The brunch will also include holiday crafts and play time in the museum with Santa. Tickets can be purchased online. From 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Dec. 6: Get Your Picture Taken with Scuba Santa: Suit up in your scuba gear to get a holiday photo you'll never forget. The dives will take place at Sport Chalet’s PADI Five-Star dive center in West Jordan. You only need to bring a swimsuit, towel and a smile. Pictures are free.

Dec. 6-7: Red Butte Garden Holiday Open House: 19 local artists will have handmade gifts for sale, including jewelry, pottery, photography and more. There will also be free cider and hot chocolate to enjoy as you walk through the winter wonderland garden. Open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Free admission thanks to ZAP.

Dec. 6-7: BYU's Christmas Around the World: More than 200 dancers will demonstrate this year's theme "See the Wonder." Visit BYUtickets.com for ticket information.

Dec. 6: Christmas Electric Light Parade in Moab: The parade begins at dark on Main Street. Hot cocoa will be provided.

Dec. 6: Cottonwood Heights Winter Songfest: Details TBA

Dec. 6-24: A Christmas Carol by Hale Center Theatre in West Valley City: See the holiday classic's 30th annual production. Visit hct.org for ticket information.

Dec. 7: Wasatch Community Symphony Orchestra Holiday Concert: The holiday concert will feature classic Christmas music and some lesser-known Christmas songs. Admission is free and the concert will be held at All Saints Episcopal Church in Salt Lake City at 7 p.m.

Dec. 11-13, 15-17: Echoes of Christmas Live Nativity: This guided tour of nativity scenes takes 40 minutes to walk through and features seven original songs. Held at Liberty Park in Salt Lake City. Tours start every five minutes and goes from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m.

Dec. 12-13: Christmas Jam of Utah: Bring the entire family to this all-ages show featuring familiar holiday tunes performed by local musicians and vocalists at the West Hills Middle School in West Jordan. Celebrating its fifth anniversary in 2014, this annual event is produced by Christmas Jam of Utah and proceeds from every performance benefit local charities. See christmasjamofutah.org for ticket information and show times.

Dec. 14: Candy Cane Hunt at Draper Historic Park: Thousands of candy canes will be hidden all around the park for kids to find. Open to boys and girls currently 3 to 6 years old. Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive on a fire truck. Take your own pictures with Santa for free under the gazebo. Starts at 4 p.m.

Dec. 15: Christmas Carole Sing-a-long: Lexi Walker will be leading this sing-a-long at the EnergySolutions Arena. Admission is free, and it starts at 7 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Dec. 18-20: "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" by Sugar Factory Playhouse/West Jordan Theater Arts: Bring your family to see this holiday classic play at the Viridian Event Center in West Jordan. Tickets are between $5 and $8. See sugarfactoryplayhouse.com ticket information and show times.

Dec. 20: ThePianoGuys A Family Christmas Concert: ThePianoGuys are making a stop in Utah on their Christmas tour at EnergySolutions Arena. They will feature classic Christmas songs you can sing along to as well as their other hits, including songs from "Frozen." You can buy tickets on the EnergySolutions Arena website.

See something missing? Leave a comment or email tsnowder@deseretdigital.com to add your event.

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