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29 Festive Things to Do in Salt Lake City This December
When the temperatures drop and the snow starts to fly, Salt Lake City transforms into a winter wonderland. From ice skating and sledding to holiday markets and festive events, there’s no shortage of things to do in December. Here are some of our favorites:
1. Temple Square Christmas Lights
One of the most popular holiday traditions in Salt Lake City is visiting Temple Square, which is transformed into a winter wonderland with over 1 million Christmas lights. The lights are on display from the end of November through the beginning of January, and there are also nightly concerts and other special events.
2. Ice Skating at The Gateway
The Gateway is a popular outdoor mall that hosts an ice skating rink during the winter months. The rink is open from mid-November through the end of February, and there are also fire pits and food vendors on site.
3. Sledding at Liberty Park
Liberty Park is a great place to go sledding in Salt Lake City. There are several hills that are perfect for sledding, and the park also has a warming hut where you can take a break from the cold.
4. Visit the Living Planet Aquarium
The Living Planet Aquarium is a great place to visit year-round, but it’s especially magical during the holidays. The aquarium is decorated for the holidays, and there are also special events like Santa scuba diving and a holiday scavenger hunt.
5. Attend a Holiday Concert
There are many different holiday concerts happening in Salt Lake City in December. Some of our favorites include the Utah Symphony’s Christmas Concert, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir’s Christmas Concert, and the Salt Lake City Ballet’s The Nutcracker.
6. Visit the Clark Planetarium
The Clark Planetarium is a great place to learn about space and astronomy. During the holidays, the planetarium offers special holiday-themed shows, like A Christmas Carol in Space and The Star of Bethlehem.
7. Take a Holiday Walking Tour
There are several different holiday walking tours available in Salt Lake City. These tours take you past some of the city’s most festive landmarks, like Temple Square and the City Creek Center. Some of these tours are also combined with carriage rides.
8. Go Christmas Shopping at City Creek Center
City Creek Center is a beautiful outdoor mall that’s perfect for Christmas shopping. The mall is decorated for the holidays, and there are also several different holiday events happening throughout the month of December.
9. Visit the Hogle Zoo
The Hogle Zoo is a great place to visit with the whole family. During the holidays, the zoo is decorated for the holidays, and there are also special events like Santa’s Safari and a holiday scavenger hunt.
10. See a Movie at Megaplex Theatres
Megaplex Theatres is a great place to see a movie during the holidays. The theater offers a variety of holiday-themed movies, like Elf and A Christmas Story.
11. Go Snowshoeing or Cross-Country Skiing in the Wasatch Mountains
The Wasatch Mountains are a great place to go snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. There are several different trails to choose from, and you can rent equipment at several different locations.
12. Visit the Utah Olympic Park
The Utah Olympic Park is a great place to visit year-round, but it’s especially fun during the holidays. The park is decorated for the holidays, and there are also special events like Santa’s Workshop and a holiday scavenger hunt.
13. Attend a Holiday Festival
There are several different holiday festivals happening in Salt Lake City in December. Some of our favorites include the SLC Winterfest, the Utah Arts Festival’s Christmas Market, and the Dickens Festival.
14. Go Ice Fishing
Ice fishing is a great way to enjoy the winter weather in Salt Lake City. There are several different lakes where you can ice fish, and you can rent equipment at several different locations.
15. Visit the Natural History Museum of Utah
The Natural History Museum of Utah is a great place to learn about the natural history of Utah. During the holidays, the museum is decorated for the holidays, and there are also special events like a holiday scavenger hunt.
16. Go Tubing or Sledding at Soldier Hollow
Soldier Hollow is a great place to go tubing or sledding. The resort has several different runs to choose from, and you can rent equipment on site.
17. Visit the Thanksgiving Point Gardens
Thanksgiving Point Gardens is a beautiful botanical garden that’s open year-round. During the holidays, the gardens are decorated for the holidays, and there are also special events like a holiday light show and a holiday market.
18. Go Snowmobiling in the Wasatch Mountains
Snowmobiling is a great way to explore the Wasatch Mountains in the winter. There are several different snowmobile trails to choose from, and you can rent snowmobiles at several different locations.
19. Attend a Holiday Party
There are several different holiday parties happening in Salt Lake City in December. Some of our favorites include the Salt Lake City Mayor’s Ball, the Utah Symphony’s New Year’s Eve Concert, and the New Year’s Eve Party at The Gateway.
20. Ring in the New Year with Fireworks
The best way to ring in the New Year in Salt Lake City is to watch the fireworks show at Temple Square. The show starts at midnight on New Year’s Eve, and it’s a spectacular way to celebrate the start of a new year.
21. Go on a Winter Hike
There are several beautiful winter hiking trails in the Wasatch Mountains. Some of our favorites include the Donut Falls Trail, the Hidden Peak Trail, and the Ensign Peak Trail.
22. Visit the Great Salt Lake
The Great Salt Lake is a unique and beautiful place to visit in the winter. The lake is often frozen over, and you can walk out onto the ice and explore the ice formations.
23. Go Ice Climbing
Ice climbing is a great way to challenge yourself in the winter. There are several different ice climbing routes in the Wasatch Mountains, and you can hire a guide to help you out.
24. Go Backcountry Skiing or Snowboarding
Backcountry skiing or snowboarding is a great way to get away from the crowds and explore the Wasatch Mountains. You will need to have the proper equipment and experience to go backcountry skiing or snowboarding, and you should always hire a guide if you are not sure what you are doing.
25. Visit Park City
Park City is a beautiful mountain town that is located just a short drive from Salt Lake City. Park City is a great place to go skiing, snowboarding, or shopping. There are also several different restaurants and bars in Park City.
26. Visit Sundance
Sundance is a small town that is located in the Wasatch Mountains. Sundance is a great place to go skiing, snowboarding, or hiking. There are also several different restaurants and bars in Sundance.
27. Visit Brighton
Brighton is a small town that is located in the Wasatch Mountains. Brighton is a great place to go skiing, snowboarding, or hiking. There are also several different restaurants and bars in Brighton.
28. Visit Alta
Alta is a small town that is located in the Wasatch Mountains. Alta is a great place to go skiing or snowboarding. There are also several different restaurants and bars in Alta.
29. Visit Snowbird
Snowbird is a small town that is located in the Wasatch Mountains. Snowbird is a great place to go skiing or snowboarding. There are also several different restaurants and bars in Snowbird.
Conclusion
There are plenty of things to do in Salt Lake City in December, so you’re sure to find something to keep you busy during the holiday season. From ice skating and sledding to holiday markets and festive events, there’s something for everyone. So come on down and enjoy the holiday cheer!
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