Family Fun Holiday Weekend

Check out one of Salt Lake's most exciting holiday markets! Open from 11 am - 8pm (Dec 3rd - 6th, 2025), this holiday excursion is the perfect place to stock up on holiday gifts while keeping the whole family entertained. With performances throughout the day, an opportunity to meet St. Nikolau and nightly caroling, this is a holiday memory you won't want to miss.

If you are visiting after the 6th of December, bundle up and get ready to step back in time to a real old-fashioned holiday! This Is The Place Heritage Park also puts on a Candlelight Christmas that runs from December 9th through 23rd!

Discover dinosaurs, earthquakes, native peoples, and biological diversity all in one place with the Natural History Museum of Utah. Walk through millions of years of history in Utah from the time of the dinosaurs to the present.

Check out the adventure of a lifetime with some exciting snow tubing at Woodward! The facility offers a variety of lanes and runs suitable for all ages and skill levels.

No trip to Salt Lake is complete without a stop at Red Iguana, home to some of the city’s most beloved Mexican cuisine. Bursting with flavor and energy year-round, this local hotspot is famous for its award-winning mole and lively, family-friendly atmosphere that makes every visit feel like a celebration.

Check out Utah Hogle Zoo's ZooLights. Wander through more than 200 glowing animal and holiday-themed displays, animated tunnels, and larger-than-life sculptures that bring the zoo to life after dark. Enjoy hot cocoa, photo ops with Santa, and the magic of twinkling lights reflecting off the snow. It’s one of Utah’s brightest holiday traditions!

Start your morning with a touch of holiday magic by getting your photo taken with Santa at City Creek Center. Make sure to reserve your spot for that picture-perfect moment!

Get a head start on your holiday shopping at City Creek Mall! Find everything you need in one place with a great selection of stores and a festive atmosphere. 

Embrace the winter fun with a classic ice-skating experience at The Gallivan Center in Salt Lake City. This outdoor rink, surrounded by festive lights and the city skyline, is the perfect spot for a magical afternoon or evening of skating. Whether you're a seasoned skater or a beginner, the Gallivan rink offers a fun and festive atmosphere for all ages.

Experience the sounds of the season with live performances from local choirs throughout the holidays! Enjoy festive music as talented choirs perform outside The Giving Machines at City Creek Center creating the perfect holiday atmosphere. Find the schedule here and celebrate the spirit of giving! Enjoy the beautiful harmonies that make this time of year truly magical.

After dinner, take a stroll through Temple Square to admire the beautiful holiday lights. The square is transformed into a magical wonderland with thousands of twinkling lights and festive decorations.

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at The Rose Establishment, known for its artisanal coffee and farm-to-table dishes. Just a short walk from the city center, this cafe is the perfect place to start your weekend morning in Salt Lake!

Start your day with interactive, hands-on exhibits designed to spark creativity and curiosity in kids of all ages. From the Stillson River Railroad to the I Dig Dinos fossil dig, there’s something for every young explorer. Check their calendar for daily programming and special events. You can also catch a film at the nearby movie theater or learn about the stars at Clark Planetarium to make a day of adventure at The Gateway!

Each holiday season, Ballet West puts on several performances of this classic ballet. The performances are aimed at kids and families and offer a great excuse to introduce your little ones to the art of toe dancing. For a truly magical day, catch an early show or matinee, then head out to experience all the dazzling lights Salt Lake has to offer.

Don't wrap up your holiday adventure without seeing the magic of the Aquarium's Lantern Festival. Stroll through sparkling displays of aquatic life in mesmerizing display, sip on something warm, and take in the sights that make Salt Lake so unique. It’s the perfect stop on your holiday weekend adventure. 

No Salt Lake holiday weekend is complete without seeing the Tree of Life. Every branch of this massive tree is wrapped in thousands of glittering lights, creating a breathtaking sight that captures the magic of the season. Stroll through the park’s festive displays, enjoy a romantic walk, or let the kids sled down the nearby hill.