Salt Lake City and its surroundings are filled with family and kid-friendly holiday events this 2021! Celebrate this magical time of the year with wonderful events designed especially for families! Take a look at Kid City Guide’s top picks for 2021 holiday events in and around Salt Lake City, Utah in the list below:
Families can enjoy a festive tour of Gardner Village on the Snowball Express!
An amazing and unique experience for families this holiday season! Get your ticket for holiday fun at The Train Shoppe!
Where: Gardner Village Utah
When: Saturdays, 11- AM 7 PM, November and December 2021
Hurry up and pick up your Snowman Scavenger Hunt sheet to find all 15 snowmen and 1 Santa hiding around Station Park.
Once the list is completed, take it to the checklist for a holiday goodie for the kids!
Where: Station Park – Farmington, UT
When: November 15 – January 15
Families will enjoy a unique walk through Ashton Gardens and be transported into another world!
A magical path guides you past a light and music show on 6,500 programmable luminaries blanketing a hill, with each luminary a pixel in a moving picture of flying reindeer, ombré waves, and other signs of the season.
Where: Thanksgiving Point
When: November 18, 2021 – January 1, 2022:
Monday – Saturday, Closed Sundays, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas.
Time Slots: 5 PM -8:30 PM
Last Admission: 9 PM
Christmas in Color gives you the chance to drive through millions of lights perfectly synchronized to holiday music that you’ll hear through the radio.
You will see giant candy canes, snowmen, arched pathways, and more!
Where: SALT LAKE COUNTY EQUESTRIAN PARK
When: November 19- January 1
Monday – Saturday: 5:30 PM- 10 PM
Closed Thanksgiving & Christmas Day
You can experience the magic of Christmas at Santa’s Wonderland located at any local Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s!
There are plenty of photo options and you can make reservations for free!
Where: CABELA’S FARMINGTON
When: Nov. 6 – Dec. 24, 2021
Kids and families can meet Santa, take photos with him, tell him what’s on their wishlist, and have a magical time!
Santa will be sitting in his big chair in the Holiday Village at Center Court by JCPenney from Nov. 20 – Dec. 23.
Where: The Shops at South Town
When: Nov 20, 2021 – Dec 23, 2021
This is the chance to see Santa’s magic in action!
You will be amazed by the amazing elf displays and will see Santa’s helpers at work, at school, testing toys, and so much more!
For more fun, you can also join the Elf Scavenger hunt!
Where: Gardner Village Utah
When: November 20 to December 31, 2021: 10 AM- 8 PM
Ogden Musical Theater presents “Five Carols for Christmas”.
The story takes place in 1954 and follows five best friends – all named Carol – as they prepare for their annual holiday performance at the local high school on Christmas Eve. When the power goes out just as the women are rushing off for their performance, their endeavor becomes not only complicated but heartwarming and absolutely hilarious.
Where: Ogden Musical Theatre
When: November 24 7:30 PM- 9:30 PM
November 26 2 PM – 4 PM & 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
November 27 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
November 28 4 PM – 6 PM
November 29 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Families can join Utah’s only Thanksgiving Half Marathon race!
Head to Thanksgiving Point and choose between the Half Marathon, the 10K, the 5K, and the Kid’s Run. The entire family can enjoy this great holiday event!
Where: Thankful 13 Starting Line
When: November 25
START TIME
Half: 7:45 AM
10K: 8 AM
5K: 8:15 AM
Kid’s Run: 10:30 AM
Be there when Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive via the Colliers International helicopter to head to Santa’s Cottage!
You will enjoy musical entertainment, face painting, vendor booths, holiday characters, balloon artists, and more!
Where: Station Park
When: November 26: 9 AM- 11 AM
Don’t miss the chance to welcome Santa Clause as he makes a unique entrance!
This long-standing tradition at University Place will feature live entertainment and refreshments while waiting for Santa to land in his helicopter!
Where: University Place
When: November 26: 9.30 AM
The whole family will get to see over a million lights at the most popular Christmas lights drive through in Utah County!
The Festival of Lights is sure to become one of your favorite holiday traditions.
Where: Canyon View Park
When: Nov 25, 2021, running through New Year’s – Jan 1, 2022
Running nightly from 6 PM. – 10 PM
The Giving Tree is an amazing event where anyone can help someone in need.
You only need to check out an ornament and bring back unwrapped gifts by December 18 to ensure delivery before Christmas.
Where: University Place
When: November 26- December 18: 10 AM- 9 PM
Santa will be available for visits and photos from November 26th Monday-Saturday, 2 PM-8 PM, and Sunday, 1 PM-6 PM. On Friday, December 24, Christmas Eve, 12 PM-5 PM.
Santa will be taking a break from 5:30 PM-6:30 PM to feed the reindeer!
Where: Station Park
When: November 26th- December 24: Monday-Saturday, 2 PM-8 PM, Sunday, 1 PM-6 PM.
On Friday, December 24, Christmas Eve, 12 PM-5 PM
You’ll see Santa’s Workshop, Santa’s Supply Train, the Candy Cane Forest, Gumdrop Forest, and the Gingers’ Bread-Factory!
Families with kids will love to travel down the Snowflake Tunnel, around the Rural Polar Express, and past Santa’s Runway!
Where: Cross E Ranch
When: Nov. 26-Dec. 30, 2021
Monday – Thursday 5:30 PM – 10 PM
Fridays – Saturdays 5 PM- 10 PM
Celebrate the holiday season by enjoying over 250,000 twinkling lights, a live nativity show, train rides, open fire, and a visit with Santa Claus, and more!
Tuacahn’s Cafe will be open for dinner and treats!
Where: Tuacahn Amphitheatre and Center for the Arts
When: November 26 – December. 23: 6 PM – 9 PM
Downtown Ogden will transform into a holiday celebration!
Christmas Village will be lighting up the city and will be free for all visitors! Besides the amazing holiday lights, you’ll get to enjoy the Santa Run, the Holiday Electric Light Parade, a visit by Santa and Mrs. Claus, and more!
Where: Christmas Village
When: November 27, 2021, through January 1, 2022: 5 PM
Families with kids will get to spend the morning enjoying breakfast, photos, singing, and storytime with Mr. and Mrs. Claus!
Where: Grand America Hotel
When: November 27,30. December 1,4,7,8,11,14,15, 18, 21, 22: 8:30 AM- 11 AM
The entire family will enjoy a Victorian Christmas!
You will discover the true meaning of Christmas through the story of three ghostly visitors told by Tim Lowry. While you enjoy the story, feast on a meal inspired by Charles Dickens’ holiday classic!
Where: Thanksgiving Point
When: November 27: 6 PM
Kids and families will get to read ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’ on giant storyboards and enjoy the fun lights!
The event is sure to get you in the Christmas spirit! After you finish the story, go out for a cup of hot chocolate!
Where: Riverton City Park
When: November 30 -December 31, 2021: 6-9 PM
Herriman Night of Lights Holiday is celebrated at J. Lynn Crace Park!
You will see Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy musical performances, make crafts, play games, ice skate, and soak in the holiday spirit!
Where: City Hall & J. Lynn Crane Park
When: November 29: 6 PM
Santa will be joined by a few friends every Tuesday in Santa’s Village!
From beloved princesses to some characters from the dark side and cartoons, visit University Place to check out which famous characters will be joining Santa.
Where: University Place
When: November 30, December 7, 14, 21: 5 PM – 7 PM
Families will get to enjoy a stroll under the Christmas lights at Layton Commons Park and hear the tale of The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg!
Each family will receive a hardback copy of The Polar Express.
Where: Layton Commons Park
When: November 30, December 1 & 2: 6 PM – 8 PM
Throughout December, families with kids can utilize their knowledge of Herriman to enjoy an unpredictable trip around town!
You can earn great prize packs by exploring Herriman in search of the Yeti!
Where: Herriman City, Utah
When: December 1- 13
A Tuna Christmas is a total delight for all seasons!
You will enjoy a laugh-filled evening with all the wonderful oddballs of small-town life.
Where: Snow College
When:December 1-4, 7.30 PM
Directed by Adam Cannon, the whole family will enjoy this one-man show!
This one-man play is based on the condensed version Dickens himself used on his historic tours of the United States.
Where: Covey Center for the Arts
When:December 2 – 22, Monday through Saturday, 7:30 PM.
Kids can enjoy the annual Pictures with Santa event!
They will get to take a picture with Santa at the Ice Ribbon, and you can register for a time slot to skate on the Ice Ribbon!
Where: Bountiful Ice Ribbon
When:December 3
Have a unique morning this holiday season by enjoying a magical breakfast in a charming setting!
The Mill Plaza at Gardner Village presents Breakfast with Santa! Kids will enjoy a visit with Santa, a tasty breakfast, music, activities, and a special surprise visitor!
Where: Gardner Village Utah
When: Breakfast with Santa will be held December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 20 & 21, 2021 with 9 AM and 11 AM seatings
The whole family will love this hilarious stage musical!
Based on the movie classic, this story is set in the 1940s in Hohman, Indiana, a fictional town.
Where: SCERA Center for the Arts
When:December 3-18. Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays, 7:30 PM
Families and kids can welcome back the magic of Breakfast with Santa at Thanksgiving Point!
You will enjoy a delicious breakfast, visit Santa’s reindeer, and then take a family picture with Jolly Old Saint Nick himself!
Where: Thanksgiving Point
When:December 4, 11, 18. Doors Open/Breakfast Served: 8 AM
Individuals, groups, and families can enter the Gingerbread House Competition! All ages and abilities are welcome!
Categories include: Group Effort, Business, Adult (16+), Youth (11-15), Child (up to age 10)
Where: Bountiful Davis Art Center
When:December 4. 10 AM- 4 PM
The Nutcracker is an all-time family favorite for the holiday season.
Amplify your family’s festive cheer with Clara’s timeless story, Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable score, and Willam Christensen’s iconic choreography.
Where: JANET QUINNEY LAWSON CAPITOL THEATRE
When:December 4- 26. Hours vary by day.
Quiet Santa gives children with sensory sensitivity the chance to spend one-on-one time with Santa.
Quiet Santa is located in a special location for sensory-sensitive children. This is an opportunity for kids with sensory sensitivity to take part in a holiday tradition without overwhelming them with the typical crowds and noise.
Where: University Place
When:December 6-10. 8 AM- 10.40 AM
Kids will enjoy breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus! They will join the Christmas Village Elves, face painters, magicians, and balloon artists and have a blast!
Breakfast includes pancakes, breakfast meat, potatoes, eggs, fruit, drinks, and sweets.
Where: Ogden Union Station
When: December 11. 9 AM- 11 AM
Families will feel like they have taken a step back in time at this enchanting event!
Visit with Father Christmas, enjoy the live Nativity in the quiet of the Village, and feel the glow of a warm fire while being serenaded by the Heritage Village Carolers.
Where: This Is The Place Heritage Park
When:December 7-23 (Monday-Saturday). 5 PM – 9 PM
Join in the Holiday Season Festivities with the 10th Annual Run Run Reindeer 5k Family Fun Run and celebrate and run at the same time with Christmas music on the course and Run Run Reindeer Selfie Stations!
Where: Ivins City Park
When:December 24. 9 AM- 11 AM
Two of L.A.’s most acclaimed performance ensembles: Ballet Folklórico de Los Ángeles and Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar invites the whole family to join the holiday season celebration from home!
Where: Val A. Browning Center for the Performing Arts
When: December 23. 7.30 PM- 8.30 PM
Point your skis or snowboard to the lower mountain runs above Moonbeam Center between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. on Christmas morning, and you just might see Santa Claus carving up the groomers and handing out free candy.
Where: Solitude Mountain Resort
When:December 25. 9 AM- 11 AM
