Did you know that there are a TON of unique Christmas activities in Salt Lake City? Of course, there are plenty of fun activities to do that you can find in almost any city – choir concerts, ice skating, Christmas light-viewing, which Salt Lake City has in droves. But this article isn’t about those “traditional” activities. This is about those unique Christmas activities that make Salt Lake City that much more special.
This is my 13th Christmas season in Salt Lake City and I have never been more excited for the holiday season. Maybe because 2020 was robbed from most of us and we’re eager to celebrate again? Who knows. The excitement is palpable.
This past July, I conducted a 30 adventures in 30 days experiment, where I sought out adventure every day and recorded it on my YouTube channel. I created a list of adventures that always seemed to get pushed back to the “I’ll do it later” category. So I took the month of July to knock a bunch of items off of that list.
I decided to do the same thing this Christmas season (without the daily vlogs) and have come up with the ultimate local’s guide to unique Christmas activities in Salt Lake City.
Grab a steaming mug of hot chocolate and let’s take a trip down candy cane lane.
What makes it onto the list of unique Christmas activities in Salt Lake City?
These are all activities that are unique to the location in which they take place. Some of these are one-of-a-kind activities that haven’t branched out yet to other cities, states, or countries. Well, at least to my knowledge.
Does it always cost money to experience unique Christmas activities in Salt Lake City?
No. A lot of these activities are free of charge. The activities that are within a facility that traditionally has an entrance fee has an associated cost.
Are these Christmas activities in Salt Lake City family-friendly?
Yes, this is Utah. There are tons of kids and large families, so a lot of the activities, Christmas and otherwise, are family-friendly. Some are even dog-friendly, but do some research ahead of time.
Top unique Christmas activities in Salt Lake City:
Christkindlmarkt
Ever wanted to visit the famous European Christmas markets without having to leave Salt Lake City? Well, you definitely can. Christkindlmarkt is an open-air market at This is the Place Heritage Park just east of downtown Salt Lake City, inspired by the Christmas markets of Germany.
The market boasts over 90 food and gift vendors, complete with performances of local choirs, dance companies, and storytellers. My personal favorites are the accordion players.
Location: 2601 Sunnyside Ave S, Salt Lake City, UT, 84108
Cost: Free entrance and performances, food and gifts $$
Luminaria
Luminaria is a walk-through wonderland of Christmas and holiday light displays at Thanksgiving Point. Visitors follow a one-way path through Ashton Gardens, covered in luminaries, interactive displays, fire pits, cute vendor cabins, and a nativity.
PRO TIP: When booking your visit to Luminaria, go during the week, closer to the closing time. You’ll not only avoid the massive crowds and screaming kids, but you’ll save a little time and money as well.
Location: Ashton Gardens at Thanksgiving Point, 3900, Garden Dr, Lehi, UT 84043
Cost: varied ($12-$24), check their website for the price calendar
Nativity in the Glen
A glen is a Scottish term for a deep valley in the Highlands. Well, Salt Lake City isn’t located in Scotland, but we have a beautiful glen in the sugarhouse neighborhood that gets transformed into a live nativity once a year.
Walk amongst the live animals and cast as they recreate not only the nativity itself, but the events leading up to that magical moment. The entire glen is transformed into the city of Bethlehem!
This is an event that I took my cub scouts to, so the pictures weren’t exactly usable.
Location: Bonneville Glen, 1050 S 1500 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84105
Cost: free, but donations of canned goods is appreciated
ZooLights!
Spend an evening walking around the Hogle Zoo at night, surrounded by festive light displays, life-sized animal-shaped lanterns, and animal holiday-themed displays. Warm up with some hot chocolate, s’mores, or canter through the light covered tunnel.
Although this event is held at the zoo, viewing of the animals is not a guarantee. We did happen to see zebras, lions, and tigers.
Location: Hogle Zoo, 2600 Sunnyside Ave S, Salt Lake City, UT 84108
Cost: $9.95 for kids, $12.95 for adults
Tree of Life
“Nestled in the heart of Draper City Park, a lone willow tree lights up the crisp Christmas air with over 1,000 strands of lights. This tree, seemingly ablaze with white fire, symbolizes so much more than the light and warmth of the season.”
Who doesn’t love a brightly lit tree at Christmas time? Especially one that has over 1,000 strands of lights? When you think about it, the Tree of Life has enough light to beckon visitors from all over the city. Bring a blanket, some hot cocoa, and spend some time taking all the pictures you could ever want.
Location: Draper City Park, 12500 S 1300 E, Draper, UT 84020
Cost: free
Lights at Temple Square
Temple Square is a 10-acre complex, owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and is located in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City. Every year, months of labor and millions of lights are used to create one of the most spectacular light displays ever. Music fills the square, lights twinkle into every corner, and the beautiful nativities adorn the lawns.
Temple Square is currently undergoing extensive refurbishment and renovations, but that hasn’t stopped the lights. In addition to the open areas of Temple Square, head across the street to the north to the Conference Center and check out an extension of the lights.
Location: Temple Square, 50 N Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84150
Cost: free
The Giving Machines
The holiday season isn’t just about presents and lights and songs. It’s also about giving. The Giving Machines, although now spread throughout the USA, originated in Salt Lake City.
The Giving Machines are essentially vending machines, but instead of purchasing an unhealthy snack, you can purchase items for local and global charities.
“Imagine swiping your credit card at a vending machine—but instead of buying a candy bar for yourself, you’re buying a sheep for a family in a third-world country. Or a polio vaccine. Or a pair of shoes. Or 100 meals for your local food bank. With the #LightTheWorld Giving Machines, that’s exactly what happens. The Giving Machines provide a way for people to follow the example of Jesus to help those in need and make the Christmas season a little more meaningful for themselves and for countless others.”
Location: City Creek Center, 50 S Main St, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Cost: free to check out, various costs associate with whatever you choose to purchase
Have you ever experienced any of these unique Christmas activities in Salt Lake City before? Which one would you want to try out?
Sharing is caring! Please show some love by sharing on Pinterest, Facebook or Instagram! Thank you!
PIN ME
