Salt Lake City Christmas Events 2026: Lights, Markets & More

Salt Lake City knows how to celebrate the holidays. From the lights at Temple Square to neighborhood traditions and performances worth planning around, December is a wonderful time to explore the city. The mountains are covered in snow, downtown lights up for the holidays, and the calendar fills with Christmas markets, performances, and traditions locals look forward to all year.

Whether you're visiting family, planning a holiday getaway, or spending a few weeks in town, there's plenty to enjoy. We've rounded up the best Christmas and holiday events in Salt Lake City for 2026, along with a few local tips to help you plan your visit.

Salt Lake City Holiday Events at a Glance

Looking for something specific? Start here:

Some seasonal dates and event details are subject to final organizer confirmation. Check official event calendars before making plans.

Christmas Lights in Salt Lake City

If you're looking for Christmas lights in Salt Lake City, these four spots are worth putting on your list.

Temple Square Christmas Lights

Best for: A classic Salt Lake City Christmas tradition
Where: Temple Square, downtown
Cost: Free

Temple Square is one of the city's most recognizable holiday sights. Trees and walkways glow with thousands of lights, making it a lovely place for an evening stroll.

The lights typically turn on the Friday after Thanksgiving and stay up through New Year's Day. With the Salt Lake Temple still undergoing renovations ahead of its planned 2027 reopening, expect some areas of the grounds to look different from previous years.

Local tip: Visit after dinner, when the lights are at their best. Temple Square is easy to reach from downtown, and you can explore the lights on foot without worrying about parking once you're there.

Check the official Church Christmas celebration page for seasonal activities and updates. The 2026 schedule should be announced sometime in November.

ZooLights at Utah's Hogle Zoo

Best for: Families and an evening out with kids
Where: Utah's Hogle Zoo
Cost: Ticketed

ZooLights turns Hogle Zoo into a walk-through holiday light display, with illuminated animal figures, festive scenes, and plenty of photo opportunities.

It typically runs on select evenings from late November into early January. The zoo has also offered a sensory-friendly Silent Night with reduced sound and fewer flashing effects. As of publishing, the dates for 2026 have not been announced.

Local tip: ZooLights doesn't run every night, so check the schedule before heading over. It's also close to This Is The Place Heritage Park, making it easy to pair with an afternoon at Christkindlmarkt.

Find dates and tickets on the Hogle Zoo website.

Gallivan Center Holiday Lights

Best for: A free, low-key downtown outing
Where: Gallivan Plaza
Cost: Free

The Gallivan Center typically kicks off the holiday season with its Lights On celebration in late November. Past festivities have included music, hot chocolate, Santa, and the plaza's holiday lights switching on after dark.

It's a smaller, community-focused event that's especially convenient if you're already downtown.

Local tip: Pair the lights with dinner nearby or a visit to the Gallivan Center's outdoor skating rink once it opens for the season.

Check The Gallivan Center for the 2026 event schedule.

Luminaria at Thanksgiving Point

When: November 12, 2026-January 9, 2027
Best for: An impressive holiday light experience
Where: Ashton Gardens, Lehi
Cost: Ticketed

If you have a car and an evening to spare, Luminaria is worth the trip south. The experience stretches across 50 acres of Ashton Gardens, with illuminated pathways, large-scale light displays, and seasonal music.

Thanksgiving Point is roughly 30 miles south of downtown Salt Lake City. Allow about 35–45 minutes to drive there in typical conditions and at least an hour to explore the displays.

Local tip: Luminaria uses timed entry, and popular evenings can sell out. Book early, especially for weekends and dates close to Christmas. Check holiday closures and ticket-change options before purchasing.

Visit Thanksgiving Point for tickets and visitor information.

Christmas Markets and Holiday Festivals

Early December is one of the best times to visit Salt Lake City. Two of Utah's favorite holiday events happen during the same week.

Christkindlmarkt SLC

When: December 2–5, 2026
Where: This Is The Place Heritage Park
Cost: Free admission

Christkindlmarkt SLC brings a traditional German-style Christmas market to the foothills above Salt Lake City. Browse handmade gifts and ornaments, enjoy seasonal entertainment, and stop for bratwurst, pretzels, or something warm to drink.

The market is scheduled to run from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., giving you plenty of time to explore.

Local tip: Parking at the park can be limited. Look into the market's off-site parking and shuttle arrangements before you go. Hogle Zoo is across Sunnyside Avenue, so you can visit the market in the afternoon and head to ZooLights after dark, provided both are operating that day.

Find details on the Christkindlmarkt SLC website.

Festival of Trees Utah

When: December 2–5, 2026
Where: Mountain America Expo Center, Sandy
Cost: Ticketed

The Festival of Trees is a holiday tradition with a meaningful purpose. The event fills the Mountain America Expo Center with hundreds of decorated Christmas trees, wreaths, and playhouses donated to support Intermountain Primary Children's Hospital.

It's a favorite among Utah families, with plenty to see beyond the trees themselves.

Local tip: You can reach Sandy from downtown using TRAX, which may be easier than navigating event parking during busy periods. Check the Expo Center's transit directions for the final connection.

Visit the Festival of Trees website for tickets and event information.

Holiday Performances in Salt Lake City

Two performances stand out on the December calendar. Both are popular, so plan ahead if either is a priority.

Ballet West's The Nutcracker

When: December 4–26, 2026
Where: Capitol Theatre, downtown
Cost: Ticketed

Ballet West's The Nutcracker is a Salt Lake City holiday tradition with a remarkable history. Ballet West founder Willam Christensen staged the first full-length American production of the ballet in 1944, and the performance remains a December favorite.

Expect beautiful costumes, elaborate sets, and Tchaikovsky's familiar score.

Local tip: Weekend matinees and performances closest to Christmas tend to be popular, so book early if you have a specific date in mind. If your schedule is flexible, consider a midweek show. The Capitol Theatre is right in downtown Salt Lake City, with plenty of nearby restaurants for dinner before the performance.

See the Ballet West website for showtimes and tickets.

Tabernacle Choir Christmas Concert

When: December 17–19, 2026, at 8 p.m.
Where: Conference Center at Temple Square
Cost: Free, tickets required

The Tabernacle Choir Christmas Concert is one of the season's most anticipated performances. The Choir is joined by special guests for an evening of Christmas music in the Conference Center.

Tickets are free but distributed through a random selection process, with a limit of four per household. Guests must be at least 8 years old.

Local tip: If you don't receive tickets, the Choir has traditionally offered a standby line beginning 90 minutes before each concert. The December 20 Music & the Spoken Word broadcast is another opportunity to hear the guest artist, although tickets are also required.

Check the official Christmas concert page for ticket announcements and instructions.

Hanukkah in Salt Lake City

When: December 4–12, 2026
Where: Various locations

Hanukkah begins at sundown on December 4, bringing eight nights of celebration to Salt Lake City.

Chabad Lubavitch of Utah hosts community events that have included a public menorah lighting at the Utah State Capitol and a menorah car parade through the city.

Local tip: The locations and dates of these celebrations can change, so check the calendar closer to Hanukkah. Public celebrations are a welcoming opportunity for visitors and local residents to come together.

Find updates through Chabad Lubavitch of Utah.

Ice Skating at the Gallivan Center

When: Typically mid-November through February
Where: Gallivan Plaza, downtown
Cost: Admission includes skate rental in recent seasons

Ice skating at the Gallivan Center is one of the easiest ways to enjoy a winter evening downtown. The outdoor rink sits among the city buildings, with restaurants and other downtown attractions nearby.

Local tip: Weeknight evenings are usually quieter, while Friday and Saturday nights tend to be livelier. With plenty of restaurants nearby, it's easy to grab dinner or warm up with a drink after a few laps around the rink.

Check The Gallivan Center for opening dates, hours, and pricing.

New Year's Eve in Salt Lake City

Staying through the end of December? There are two very different ways to ring in the new year.

Last Hurrah at The Gateway

When: December 31, traditionally 8 p.m.–midnight
Where: The Gateway, downtown
Cost: Historically free

Last Hurrah is downtown Salt Lake City's New Year's Eve celebration. Previous events have included DJs, street performers, family activities, and a midnight fireworks show.

Local tip: This is a popular event, so expect crowds and give yourself time to arrive. Past celebrations have also had bag restrictions, making it a good idea to pack light.

Check the official Last Hurrah website for the 2026 schedule and entry guidelines.

Ski Resort Torchlight Parades

When: Typically December 30–31
Where: Deer Valley, Snowbird, Alta, and other area resorts

For a different New Year's Eve experience, head into the mountains to watch skiers descend the slopes carrying glowing torches. Some resorts follow their parades with fireworks.

Deer Valley traditionally hosts a parade on December 30, while Snowbird and Alta have held events on New Year's Eve.

Local tip: You can enjoy the spectacle as a spectator without skiing. If you want to participate in a parade, check the resort's requirements well ahead of time. Dates, viewing arrangements, and eligibility vary.

Visit Deer Valley, Snowbird, or Alta for event updates.

Planning Your Christmas in Salt Lake City

A few thoughtful choices can make your holiday visit much easier.

When Is the Best Time to Visit?

For the most holiday events in one trip, December 2–5 is a particularly good window. Christkindlmarkt and the Festival of Trees are scheduled for those four days, The Nutcracker opens December 4, and Hanukkah begins that evening.

If the Tabernacle Choir Christmas Concert is your priority, plan around December 17–19, subject to ticket availability.

What Should You Book Early?

Put these at the top of your list:

• Luminaria: Reserve timed-entry tickets, particularly for weekends.
• Ballet West's The Nutcracker: Book early for popular performances.
• Tabernacle Choir Christmas Concert: Watch for the free ticket request window.
• Festival of Trees: Check ticket-sale dates before your visit.
• Torchlight parade participation: Contact the resort early if you hope to join rather than watch.

Getting Around During the Holidays

Downtown is a convenient starting point for many Salt Lake City Christmas activities. Temple Square, the Capitol Theatre, Gallivan Plaza, and The Gateway are all within the central city area.

TRAX can help with trips toward Sandy for the Festival of Trees. For Luminaria in Lehi, ZooLights on the east side, or New Year's Eve events in the mountains, you'll likely want a car or rideshare.

Where to Stay for Christmas in Salt Lake City

If you're planning several holiday outings, staying downtown makes the logistics simpler.

At Placemakr Salt Lake City Downtown, you'll have room to settle in and enjoy the holidays at your own pace. Start the morning with breakfast in your own kitchen, spend the day exploring the city, and come home to a space where you can truly unwind. Whether you're visiting for a few days or staying a little longer, it's nice to have the comforts of home while you're away.

Located near Pioneer Park, the property puts you within walking distance of several downtown holiday attractions. And when you need a hand during your stay, the Placemakr team is there to help.

Whether you're planning a quick getaway or looking for extended stays in Salt Lake City, having a comfortable home base makes all the difference.

Salt Lake City Christmas FAQs

When do Christmas lights turn on in Salt Lake City?

Most major displays begin around Thanksgiving. Temple Square typically lights up the Friday after Thanksgiving, while ZooLights and Gallivan Center celebrations generally begin in late November. Luminaria often starts earlier in the month. Check each attraction's official schedule for exact 2026 dates.

What are the best free Christmas events in Salt Lake City?

Temple Square Christmas lights, Christkindlmarkt SLC, and the Gallivan Center's Lights On celebration are popular free options. The Tabernacle Choir Christmas Concert is also free, although tickets are required. For New Year's Eve, Last Hurrah at The Gateway has historically offered free admission.

What are the best things to do in Salt Lake City in December?

Some of the most popular December activities include seeing the Temple Square lights, visiting Christkindlmarkt, exploring the Festival of Trees, attending Ballet West's The Nutcracker, and ice skating at the Gallivan Center. Families may also enjoy ZooLights and Luminaria.

Which Salt Lake City holiday events require advance tickets?

Prioritize Luminaria, Ballet West's The Nutcracker, and the Tabernacle Choir Christmas Concert. Luminaria uses timed entry, popular Nutcracker performances can sell out, and Choir tickets are distributed through a random selection process. The Festival of Trees also requires admission tickets.

Is December a good time to visit Salt Lake City?

Yes, especially if you enjoy holiday events and snowy mountain scenery. December brings Christmas lights, seasonal markets, performances, and outdoor skating. It's also cold, so pack warm layers and allow extra travel time when winter weather affects the roads.

Is it worth staying a week or longer in Salt Lake City during the holidays?

A longer stay gives you time to enjoy events at a comfortable pace. Some of the biggest celebrations fall in early December, while the Tabernacle Choir concert takes place later in the month. An apartment-style stay in Salt Lake City with a kitchen and laundry can make an extended holiday visit especially convenient.

Your Holidays, Your Pace

You don't have to fit every event into one weekend. Pick the traditions that matter most, reserve the tickets that need planning, and give yourself time to enjoy Salt Lake City along the way.

Header image: “Christmas 2015 – City Lights” by Andrey Zharkikh, licensed under CC BY 2.0.