Feel Festive in SLC This December
December is a month made for celebration and family traditions, both new and old. Salt Lake City has events all month long that help you celebrate the season in the city. Welcome Hanukkah, celebrate the Winter Solstice and indulge in holiday cheer all month long. To help you get in the holiday spirit we have rounded up some of our favorite things to do in Salt Lake City in December.
Give Back by Donating or Volunteering
Whether you round up family and friends to volunteer at a homeless shelter or do a one-person coat and blanket drive, December is a great month to focus on giving to others. Reach out to your local community groups or places of worship to see how you can help.
If you need some ideas on places to give to, The Christmas Box’s Project Elf is a good place to start. This particular program helps families with children purchase gifts through donations.
In addition, shelters like The Road Home are always in need of warm clothing and blankets this time of year. If you want to give back to those in need but are unable to volunteer your time this is an easy and meaningful way to donate. You can also make monetary donations on the shelter websites.
Winter Solstice EventS in Salt Lake City
The Winter Solstice is a special time of year that marks the official transition into the winter season. The solstice takes place on December 21st and is the shortest day of the year.
While the shortest day of the year may make you want to stay inside and hide under the covers it can be a wonderful day to celebrate this transition of the season. A great way to explore the Winter Solstice is to participate in a wellness practice like movement or meditation. Check out your local yoga studios for special workshops being held around the solstice.
Although the solstice is on the 21st of December many people will celebrate this transition of seasons all week long. So, you can participate in the solstice and hide under your covers!
Vitalize Studio in Millcreek will be holding a special Celebration of Winter class the day after the Solstice on Thursday, December 22nd. The class will be held by studio owner Lucy Dillon. Visit the Vitalize Studio Instagram Page to learn more.
Window Stroll at the Grand America Hotel
Transport yourself from Salt Lake City across the globe as you wander through The Grand America Hotel’s annual window stroll. Celebrating international holiday traditions, the display follows a Utah field mouse named Fig as he learns about Germany’s Christmas Markets, Scandinavia’s Winter Solstice feasts, and more.
In addition to the window stroll, you can see the giant gingerbread house. You will be amazed at not only the size of this gingerbread house but the fact that it is made entirely of sweet treats!
Visiting the windows and gingerbread house are free events that are open to the public. Therefore, you do not need to be a guest of the hotel to enjoy them However, if you want a chance to stay at this landmark hotel you can enter to win one by following Fig’s journey around the World!
While kids will love this walk it is also a perfect date night idea. Whether you are just getting to know each other or are rekindling a winter romance, the window stroll will give you plenty of time to enjoy one another’s company.
Concerts by the Madeleine Choir School
You’re sure to be overcome by music when you attend a performance by the Madeleine Choir School. They put on a variety of free concerts throughout December. On December 22nd and 23rd you can enjoy an afternoon concert of A Ceremony of the Carols at 12:15 p.m. both days.
Although tickets are free they are quite popular and go fast. So, do your best to plan ahead. However, with many seating options available, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the popular carol performances (even as a last-minute idea).
In addition to celebrating during the week Cathedral of the Madeleine is also open to the public for Christmas Mass. They offer mass in English and Spanish. Find times for different services on their website.
See the Best Christmas Lights at Luminaria
Just south of Salt Lake City is one of the best places to see Christmas Lights. Located at Thanksgiving Point, Luminaria is a family-friendly event where you can wander through Ashton Gardens and marvel at the thousands of lights that blanket the park.
Gaze up at the 120-foot Christmas tree and walk through the lantern-lit sculpture. Wherever you wander, keep an eye out for the Luminaria Yeti (pay extra close attention to the hedges in the Himalayan Heights section).
One of the things that makes this amazing thing to do in December in Salt Lake City is that it is open all month long. Therefore, you can save it until after Christmas to keep the spirit of the season going. If you need an idea of where to go for New Year’s Eve, consider Luminaria where you will get to enjoy a special fireworks show.
World of Illumination
If walking through the cold to see lights at Luminaria is not your idea of fun consider World of Illumination instead. See two million lights that are synchronized to music all from the warmth of your car!
The World of Illumination is a win-win-win! Gather a group and buckle up as you slowly make your way through the Arctic Adventure display. Going until January 1st, the drive will take you through a path of mind-blowing displays made all the more vivid with add-on 3D glasses and sound reactive sonic wand.
ZooLights
Normally only open during the day, during December, the Hogle Zoo transforms at night into a sparkling winter wonderland. While the animals will be sound asleep, visitors will enjoy seeing the enchanted holiday scenes and taking part in the around-the-world-themed scavenger hunt.
Have a visit with Santa before wandering down the 135-foot kaleidoscopic light tunnel. They’re hosting their first “Silent Night” ZooLights on December 27th. Flashing lights and sounds will be turned off for guests with neurodiversity needs.
