Christmas is a joyous season that brings families together, and Salt Lake City is a fantastic destination to experience it. Regardless of whether your interests lie in admiring stunning Christmas lights, enjoying festive performances, or creating lasting memories in a winter wonderland, Salt Lake City hosts an array of events that cater to all. Below, we have curated a list of the top holiday events for this year that you and your family won’t want to miss. Be sure to check the event venues for the latest information before attending.

Christmas Concerts on Temple Square

Temple Square is renowned for its breathtaking Christmas lights and captivating concert series. The highlight is the Mormon Tabernacle Choir’s Christmas Concerts taking place from December 13 to 15.

Moreover, in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building, local choirs participate in mini Christmas concerts scheduled from November 24 to December 22, 2018 (select days only).

Evening concerts presented by local artists occur at the Assembly Hall and North Visitor’s Center during the same period. Additionally, thirty-minute organ recitals take place at the Tabernacle from Monday to Saturday at noon and Sundays at 2:00 p.m.

Desert Star Theatre: How the Grouch Stole Christmas

The Desert Star Theatre will showcase the delightful production, How the Grouch Stole Christmas, from November 8 to January 5, 2019. While purchasing dinner isn’t mandatory, there will be a variety of food options including pizza and desserts available.

Children over the age of three are welcome, and for the best experience, children are recommended to be five or older.

Known for its unique holiday-themed performances, Desert Star Theatre in Murray is an excellent choice if you seek entertainment filled with holiday cheer during your time in Salt Lake City.

Heber Valley Railroad North Pole Express

The Heber Valley Railroad’s North Pole Express offers a captivating train ride through picturesque landscapes, complete with cookies, hot cocoa, and a special visit from Santa. This event has quickly grown into a cherished holiday tradition among many families in Utah.

This scenic train operates daily, excluding Sundays, from November 20 through December 22, with various departure times each day—please consult their website for updated schedules.

Off-Broadway Theatre: A Muffet’s Christmas Carol

The Off-Broadway Theatre will present a whimsical adaptation of Dickens’ classic tale in its production titled “A Muffet’s Christmas Carol,” running from November 16 through December 29, 2018. This family-friendly comedy will bring smiles and laughter to all.

Holiday Central at Thanksgiving Point

Transforming into “holiday central,” Thanksgiving Point will host numerous festive activities throughout November and December, starting with the popular Luminaria light show at the Ashton Gardens, running from November 19, 2018, to January 5, 2019.

Moreover, the special “Breakfast With Santa” events, featuring games and visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus, are set for December 1, 8, 15, and 22, 2018.

Holiday Concerts at the Utah Symphony

The Utah Symphony will present a diverse lineup of holiday-themed performances throughout December at the Abravanel Concert Hall in Salt Lake City. This year’s offerings include Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban in Concert, Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos 3 & 4, and Celtic Woman’s The Best of Christmas Tour, among other festive events.

The Festival of Trees

Annually, over 90,000 guests visit the Festival of Trees to admire more than 1,000 beautifully decorated Christmas trees and other holiday creations. These items are auctioned to raise funds for Primary Children’s Medical Center. The festival runs from November 28 through December 1, 2018, at the Mountain America Expo Center in Sandy, Utah, featuring various family-friendly activities.

Christmas Around the World

The Brigham Young University dance department’s popular annual Christmas Around the World revue showcases over 200 performers representing various dance traditions from different cultures. This spectacular production will be held on November 30, 2018.

Ballet West Presents ‘The Nutcracker’

Celebrate the season with Ballet West’s beloved adaptation of The Nutcracker, featuring Tchaikovsky’s classic score. This enchanting performance, renowned for its spectacular choreography and design, will run from December 14 through December 29, 2018, with various matinee and evening shows at the Capitol Theatre.

Discovery Gateway Breakfast With Santa

Join Santa for a warm breakfast filled with tasty treats, crafts, and fun at the Discovery Gateway, Salt Lake’s family-friendly children’s museum. Scheduled breakfasts will be held on Saturday, December 8 and Saturday, December 15, 2018, with tickets required for attendance. Proceeds from the ticket sales support the museum’s events program.

Holiday Pops Concert, Choral Arts Society of Utah

This year’s KUTV Holiday Pops Concert featuring a collaboration between the Choral Arts Society of Utah and West Valley Symphony will take place on Saturday, December 8, 2018, at 7:30 p.m. The event benefits the 2News Salvation Army Angel Tree Program and will be hosted at the Cottonwood High School Auditorium in East Murray, Utah.

Red Butte Garden Holiday Open House

Red Butte Garden will hold its 17th annual holiday open house, featuring local artisans with handmade gifts, complimentary cider, and hot chocolate. Join the festivities on Saturday and Sunday, December 1 and 2, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Grand Theatre Holiday Performances

The Grand Theatre will celebrate the holidays with multiple special performances in 2018, bringing two seasonal favorites to life: Amahl and the Night Visitors & A Christmas Carol from November 29 to December 1, 2018.

A Christmas Carol at Hale Centre Theatre

This well-loved rendition of Charles Dickens’ classic tale has been a Christmas staple in Salt Lake for 30 years. Following its relocation to Sandy City, the Hale Centre Theatre offers a larger venue for audiences to experience A Christmas Carol on select dates from December 1 to 24, 2018.

Wasatch Symphony Orchestra Christmas Concert

Get in the holiday spirit with the Wasatch Symphony Orchestra’s lively and festive concert showcasing a mix of classic holiday tunes and lesser-known pieces during their annual Holiday Celebration Concert, scheduled for Sunday, December 9, 2018, at 7:30 p.m. at Hillside Middle School. Admission is free.

This is the Place Candlelight Christmas

At This is the Place Heritage Park, guests can roam a beautifully decorated pioneer village reminiscent of Currier & Ives. Enjoy visits with Father Christmas, view live reindeer, witness a Nativity scene, and join the Heritage Village Carolers for festive performances from December 7 to 22, 2018, every evening except Sundays.

Dickens Christmas Festival

The Dickens Festival exudes a festive Old London atmosphere featuring an arts and crafts fair, unique gift shopping, carol singing, and engaging performances of Scrooge and Oliver Twist. This enchanting event will run December 6 to 8, 2018, at the South Towne Exposition Center in Sandy, Utah.

The Forgotten Carols

Each year, Michael McLean presents The Forgotten Carols, a touching narrative of a nurse and an elderly patient who rediscovers the essence of Christmas through music. This year, performances are scheduled in multiple locations across Utah, Idaho, and Arizona, with shows running from November 20 to December 22, 2018.

Salt Lake Men’s Choir: Remembering Decembers

The Salt Lake Men’s Choir is thrilled to present Remembering Decembers with concerts at the First Baptist Church in Salt Lake City from December 7 – 9, 2018, along with a performance in Park City at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church on December 10, 2018. Enjoy an uplifting family-friendly event featuring diverse musical selections.

Peter Breinholdt Christmas Concert

Renowned for his acoustic performances, local favorite Peter Breinholt returns for his annual Christmas concert tradition, featuring songs from his popular holiday album along with original works. Performances in 2018 are scheduled for December 21 and 22 at the Jeanné Wagner Theatre in Salt Lake City.

ReduxNut-Cracker at Kingsbury Hall

For those looking for a fresh take on holiday classics, Odyssey Dance Theatre’s ReduxNut-Cracker offers a modern twist on Tchaikovsky’s famous score through innovative pop and hip-hop styling. Performances will happen on select dates from December 12 to 22, 2018, across the SLC area.

Christmas Carole Sing-Along

The 35th annual Christmas Carole Sing-Along will take place on December 17, 2018, featuring the participation of One Voice Children’s Choir and the West Valley Symphony of Utah. Experience the magic of the holiday season and receive a special gift package during the event.

Cathedral of the Madeleine Holiday Concerts

The Cathedral Choir’s Christmas Carol Services celebrate the Advent and Christmas seasons through exquisite music, including choral works and traditional carols. Activities will include Family Holiday Ornament Making and a storytelling session from Saint Nicholas on December 6, 2018. Christmas carol services will be held on selected dates throughout December.

Finding Neverland at the Eccles Theater

Performed from December 4 to 9, 2018, Finding Neverland is a Broadway adaptation of the Academy Award-winning film, capturing the essence of the Peter Pan story. This production has garnered acclaim and was awarded Broadway.com’s Audience Choice Award for Best Musical.

Holiday Light Displays

The tradition of illuminating holiday light displays is integral to the Christmas season, and Salt Lake City dazzles with its colorful decorations. Whether visiting during Thanksgiving or New Year’s Eve, take time to experience the enchantment of local displays.

The Jingle Bus provides a fun way to tour these festive decorations and window displays in Downtown Salt Lake City. Starting from November 23 through December 31, the bus offers evening rides (excluding Christmas) for a memorable holiday experience.

Free Holiday Events

While holiday spending can add up quickly, there are plenty of free events this season that will spread joy without straining your budget. Enjoy free activities, such as the Friday Winter Walk nights at The Gateway, the decorated Governor’s mansion tour, and the holiday market at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts.

New Year’s Eve

After the holiday rush, if you find yourself in Salt Lake City as New Year’s Eve approaches, you are in for a treat! With exciting events and celebrations, including torchlight ski processions in nearby Park City, there are abundant ways to gracefully transition into the new year.