SALT LAKE CITY — The holiday season is upon us and the cold is settling in, but winter activities are in full swing before the new year begins.

See what events will warm you up with excitement and if they're in your neck of the woods.

Northern Utah

Now-Dec. 23: Zootah Zoo Lights

This event lets attendees see animals and birds during the winter months surrounded by sparkling holiday lights at night.

• Time: Fridays and Saturdays from 5-7:30 p.m.; Tuesdays from 6-8:30 p.m.
• Location: Willow Park, 419 W. 700 South, Logan
• Price: Tickets are $7 for adults, $6 for children ages 2-12, and free for kids under 2.

Now-Dec. 23: North Pole Express

This train ride on the Heber Valley Historic Railroad follows the storyline of the book and movie of the same title. The ride gives children the opportunity to head to the “North Pole,” alongside elves and hot cocoa chefs, to see Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus.

• Time: Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays. Departure times vary by day, so visit the website for details.
• Location: Heber Valley Historic Railroad, 450 S. 600 West, Heber City
• Price: Tickets prices range between $5 and $300, depending on departure date, group size and travel options.

Dec. 7: Craft Lake City Holiday Market

Making its first-year debut, the holiday market by Craft Lake City will feature handmade gifts and decor available for purchase, as well as food and drinks sure to satiate any attendee’s craving. Santa will also be available to take pictures with families and pets.

• Time: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Location: The Monarch, 455 25th Street, Ogden
• Price: Admission is $5 for adults, and kids 12 and under can get in for free.

Dec. 7: Nutcracker Tea Party

Families and little ones can meet their favorite characters from the popular Christmas ballet “The Nutcracker,” performed by Utah's very own Ballet West, while enjoying treats and making crafts. There will be a small performance from the second act of the ballet as well as a silent auction.

• Time: Begins at 1 p.m.
• Location: Ogden Eccles Conference Center, 2415 Washington Blvd., Ogden
• Price: Tickets for adults are $22, and $20 for children ages 2-16.

Dec. 14: Family Holiday Traditions

The Eccles historic home will be decorated for the holidays and open for tours. Art projects for kids will be available, as well as a surprise visit from Santa.

• Time: 3-6 p.m.
• Location: Eccles historic home, 2580 Jefferson Ave., Ogden
• Price: Donations will be accepted to enter. A tour of the home is priced at $10 for individuals and $20 per family, so long as there is someone to provide parental supervision within the family group.

Salt Lake City area

Dec. 4-7: Christkindlmarkt

Taking inspiration from the famous German Christmas markets, this event allows attendees to walk through and see vendors, outdoor entertainment and parades while partaking in a different cultural experience.

• Time: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, with a schedule of activities available on the event website.
• Location: This is the Place Heritage Park, 2601 E. Sunnyside Ave., Salt Lake City
• Price: Free admission

Dec. 4-7: Festival of Trees

This yearly festival lines up an array of decorated Christmas trees, centerpieces, wreaths and other decorations for attendees to see and buy at a silent auction on its opening night. Shops filled with local vendors selling homemade crafts and dolls, and food vendors are available to satiate anyone’s needs, food or otherwise.

• Time: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily
• Location: Mountain America Expo Center, 9585 S. State, Sandy
• Price: Tickets are $7 for adults, $6 for seniors, $4 for children between the ages of 2 and 11, and free to kids under the age of 2.

Dec. 6-Jan. 5: ZooLights!

Entering its 13th year, ZooLights! will have an array of lights set up and decorated in the shapes of animals and holiday themes. This year, it will also have new life-size, animal-shaped lanterns on display.

• Time: Sunday-Thursday, 5:30-9 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 5:30-10 p.m. Christmas Eve, 5:30-8 p.m. New Year's Eve, 5:30-9 p.m. Closed Christmas Day and New Year's Day
• Location: Utah’s Hogle Zoo, 2600 E. Sunnyside Ave. (840 South), Salt Lake City
• Price: Tickets are $9.95 for adults, $8.95 for seniors, $7.95 for children between the ages of 3 and 12; children 2 and under get in free.

Dec. 7-22: Made in Utah Winter Fest

This market showcases Utah musical artists, product makers and artisans in an effort to boost the local economy. Food trucks, beverage stations and local businesses will be on hand as shoppers make their way around The Gateway during the holiday season.

• Time: Saturdays from 1-9 p.m. and Sundays from 1-7 p.m.
• Location: The Gateway, 400 W. 100 South, Salt Lake City
• Price: Free admission

Utah County

Now-Jan. 1: Festival of Lights

This festival display has lights set up in a holiday-themed intricate exhibition for visitors to drive through and get into the spirit.

• Time: 6-10 p.m. daily
• Location: Canyon View Park, 3300 E. Powerhouse Road, Spanish Fork
• Price: Admission is priced per car at $8 for a single car, $22 for commercial vans or vehicles, and $30 per bus.

Now-Jan. 25: Evermore’s World of Aurora

The fantasy world of Evermore opens its doors to their winter-themed season of Aurora, known as the world of light. Attendees, or "world walkers," are they are referred to in Evermore, can enjoy various winter activities such, as ice skating, while they tour the grounds lit up by bright lights.

• Time: Mondays 5-9 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays 5-10 p.m.
• Location: Evermore, 382 S. Evermore Lane, Pleasant Grove
• Price: Tickets range from $15 to $32 depending on age and day of the visit.

Dec. 27-March 27: Night Owling

Snowshoeing or cross-country skiing at night might not seem the most appealing activity for some, but with the help of an expert and night owls this event might change your mind. The experience allows attendees to have a guide help them wander around Mount Timpanogos during nightfall while learning about owls in their natural habitat.

• Time: Two Fridays per month, 6:30-9 p.m. Visit the event website for exact dates.
• Location: Sundance Resort, 841 N. Alpine Loop Road, Sundance
• Price: $50 per person (which includes snowshoe rental and guided tour)

Central Utah

Dec. 14: Manti Christmas Festival

The yearly Manti Christmas Festival gets attendees into the spirit with fun-filled activities and the opportunity to win cash prizes. Live musical performances, food, baking competitions and a few surprise guests make this event fun for the entire family.

• Time: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Location: Manti High School Old Gymnasium, 100 W. 500 North, Manti
• Price: Free admission

Southern Utah

Now-Dec. 23: Christmas in the Canyon

Hundreds of thousands of Christmas lights, train rides, a visit from Santa, and a live nativity show are what await attendees during the month of December at the Tuacahn Center for the Arts. The nativity show has an entry fee of $3 per person or $20 per family (up to 10 people), and the train ride is priced at $2 per person.

• Time: 6-8:30 p.m. daily, except for Sundays and Tuesdays
• Location: Tuacahn Amphitheater, 1100 Tuacahn Drive, Ivins
• Price: Free admission, excluding the nativity show and train rides

Dec. 7: Light the Night

This charity event has various opportunities for families and individuals, alike, to get together and raise funds while also having fun. The full-day event has a golf tournament, hayrides, live entertainment and more. The golf tournament starts at 10 a.m. with a $50 entry fee, and the light the night event starts at 5:30 p.m.

• Time: 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Sand Hollow Resort, 5662 W. Clubhouse Drive, Hurricane
• Price: Prices are $20 per family (up to five) or $5 a person.

Dec. 13-14: Hurricane Valley Christmas Tree Festival

This two-day festival helps auction off decorated and themed trees for charity while also providing other opportunities for fun, such as visiting Santa, prize drawings, a bake sale and entertainment.

• Time: Friday 3-9 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Location: Hurricane Rec Center, 63 S. 100 West, Hurricane
• Price: Free admission

Dec. 14: 10th annual Light Parade & Sweets Social

Getting into the holiday spirit, this annual parade showcases floats decked out in bright lights for all to see. Following the parade, which starts at 7 p.m., there will be a community social in the Canyon Community Center where parade participants could win cash prizes.

• Time: Starts at 7 p.m.
• Location: Canyon Springs Road in Springdale
• Price: Free admission

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