Updated: October 30th, 2025

There's nothing quite like winter in Salt Lake City. Dive into the snow, the culture, and the city’s one-of-a-kind charm that makes it one of the top Christmas destinations in the US. Snow blankets the city and mountains, cafés offer warm escapes, and the slopes are always within reach. Beyond the outdoors, you can cheer on the Utah Jazz or catch the fast-paced action of the Utah Mammoth hockey team, then round out the night with a concert at one of the city’s lively venues.

Whether you’re here for skiing, culture, or simply a cozy afternoon with hot chocolate, winter has a way of making Salt Lake feel welcoming. Here's your guide to all the top things to do in Salt Lake City in December, January, February and March! 

Top 7 Things to do in Salt Lake this Winter

Skiers at Alta Ski Area in winter 2024

1. Skiing and Snowboarding: Shred The Greatest Snow on Earth®

Salt Lake boasts some of the world's best ski resorts within a short drive. Think Alta, Snowbird, Brighton, and Solitude. Whether you're a pro with ski passes galore or a newbie still figuring out what to do with your poles, the Wasatch Mountains promise slopes for every level.

Pro tip: Book your Ski Super Pass today so you don't miss out on the powder! 

Winter Gallivan Center Ice Skating Rink

2. Explore the Downtown Holiday Lights: A Dazzling Good Time 

When the sun sets early, Salt Lake lights up like a holiday card come to life. Stroll through Temple Square to witness the famous holiday lights, then head over to the Gallivan Center for ice skating and hot chocolate beneath a blanket of lights. Downtown Salt Lake is the perfect spot to hold hands with your loved ones, or to try your hand at a triple axel!

Unlike many major holiday hotspots, Salt Lake remains one of the most uncrowded Christmas destinations in the USA, offering all the sparkling magic of the season—without the chaos!

Experience Utah Jazz basketball!

3. Catch a Utah Jazz or Utah Mammoth Game: Dunk and Slide into Winter Fun

Nothing says “warm up” like the roar of the crowd at a Utah Jazz game. Watch the pros dunk, dribble, and three-point their way through the season at the Delta Center, then keep the energy going with the hard-hitting excitement of a Utah Mammoth hockey game. Between buzzer-beaters on the court and slap shots on the ice, winter in Salt Lake brings plenty of ways to cheer. Even if you don’t know your pick-and-roll from your double dribble, or your power play from your hat trick, the energy is contagious, and you might just leave with a foam finger and a new favorite team.

Bobsled at Utah Olympic Park

4. Visit the Utah Olympic Park: Go for the Gold (or Watch Others Do It) 

Relive the glory of the 2002 Winter Olympics with a visit to Utah Olympic Park. Feel the rush on the bobsled track or take a guided tour and learn how Olympians train. You can also take a crack at snowtubing in Salt Lake City with Winter Tubing at Soldier Hollow. If your idea of winter sports is watching Netflix in your PJs, don't worry, they’ve got cozy spots for spectators too.

Pro Tip: Book your winter bobsled experience with Utah Olympic Park in advance as spots fill up quickly during the winter months! 

Plate of Fish with sugar snap peas and sauce at Franklin Ave Cocktails & Kitchen

5. Savor the Winter Flavors: Dine Out in Style

Winter is the perfect excuse to indulge in Salt Lake's vast culinary scene. Warm up with hearty dishes at local favorites like HSL, Franklin Ave or Valter's Osteria. Grab a cup of artisan hot cocoa at Hatch Family Chocolates, enjoy the local buzz at the Coffee Garden or enjoy the specialty, holiday drinks at Publik Coffee Roasters. And if you’re still thinking about those holiday treats, don't skip out on one of Salt Lake’s many bakeries, Tulie, Forty Three Bakery, and Gourmandise, just to name a few. 

Utah Museum of Fine Arts

6. Visit the Museums: Culture without the Cold

On chilly days, trade the outdoors for Salt Lake’s rich indoor experiences. Discover towering fossils at the Natural History Museum of Utah, immerse yourself in the galleries of the Utah Museum of Fine Arts or head downtown to check out new exhibits at the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art. A cozy, culture-filled way to spend the day.

Snowy nature scene with tall pine trees dusted with snow and a few people on snowshoes at their base in a line like they are on a tour.

7. Winter Hikes: Yes, It's a Thing! 

Not just for summer, Salt Lake’s hiking trails take on a whole new charm when blanketed in snow. Don your best winter gear and head to trails like Donut Falls, Ensign Peak or the Living Room Hike for breathtaking vistas and that satisfying crunch of snow underfoot. Just remember to bring a thermos of something warm because hydration is key!

Pro Tip: Make sure to check the weather before you venture out and grab some spikes for your shoes to help you on those icy or snowy patches. 

Ready to dive into winter? 

Don't miss the Reflection Pool during the Temple Lights

Not only is Salt Lake one of the best all-around winter destinations, but it’s also one of the best places to visit during Christmas and the holidays in the USA. With festive lights lining downtown streets, Temple Square, the Hogle Zoo, Christmas Street and more, with snow-dusted mountains just minutes away, and cozy local spots perfect for holiday gatherings, the city blends mountain charm with urban cheer.

Use this guide to help you decide what things to do in Salt Lake City this winter and this holiday season. Salt Lake is calling your name, snowflakes and all. So, grab your mittens, lace up those boots, and get ready to embrace winter with a smile (and maybe a little frost on your nose).