Merry Christmas Eve Grinches! I hope you have been starting to feel that ho ho holiday magic! And if not, I know a little bit of Baileys helps me get by.
This year I’ve been dreaming of a white Christmas; and luckily, it looks like this manifestation will become my reality. It has been dumping snow in both Utah and South Lake Tahoe (our home town) the last few days. In fact, on Tuesday, Evan and I drove home to Tahoe to beat the winter storm warning, and we thankfully made it safe and sound in my little two-wheel drive Toyota Corolla. Since then, we have been enjoying the company of family and friends.
While I am currently staying cozy and warm at the lake, I thought I would write a holiday blog about all the fun activities I’ve done in Utah this past month. This way, you too can enjoy your visit to the Salt Lake Wasatch Range during the chilly month of December.
Luminaria at Thanksgiving Point
Luminaria is one of, if not the best, holiday light display in the Salt Lake City region! More than 6,000 lights are used along the mile-long walk through Ashton Gardens, and each display has it’s own unique flare. It is best to purchase tickets in advance; and I recommend coming on a weekday, though Thanksgiving Point is also open on Saturday. Make sure to dress warm and purchase a cocoa at one of the concession stands.
Christmas in Color
Christmas in Color is the perfect Covid friendly activity – you essentially get to enjoy this lit attraction from the comfort of your car. It is perfect for those chilly nights where you want to do something, but you don’t want to walk around outside. Just make sure to buckle up and turn off your head lights as you drive through so you don’t distract other drivers.
Snowshoeing at Mill Creek Canyon
Snowshoeing was hands down one of the most fun activities we did this month! There are so many different spots people can go to around Utah, but I liked the fact that Mill Creek Canyon was not too far off the beaten path (so my car could get there), while still providing some of that fresh pow. I may be biased, but doesn’t Evan look so majestic in the snow? I mean he could practically play Elsa from Frozen.
Zoolights at Utah’s Hogle Zoo
Lions and tigers and bears… oh my! Grab yourself a warm drink and tour Zoolights at Utah’s Hogle Zoo. The exhibit uses over 200 animal and holiday-themed displays, and you might even see some of their monkeys, sea lions, and big cats. PSA, if you are a parent bringing your child(ren) to the zoo, make sure they treat the animals respectfully.
Ice Skating at the Gallivan Center
Who doesn’t love a good skate? It took a bit of convincing to get my hockey player of a boyfriend to go to a popular ice skating attraction like the Gallivan Center, but I think the mention of cocoa, Christmas lights, and $10 skates, ultimately won him over. While Evan had his own skates, I had to rent some for myself, but I thought it was reasonable since skates are included with the session. Of course, if you have your own skates, it is pretty easy to just enter the rink free of charge. Hands down, the Gallivan Center is totally worth checking out, especially on a Sunday or during the week when it is less busy.
Utah Holiday Activities Continued…
*Picture taken from Google. I so wish we would have visited the Christkindlmarket at This is the Place Heritage Park when it went on early December. I am all about Christmas markets and buying cute little gifts from local shops. If this sounds up your alley as well, then this is the event for you. Of course, there are so many more holiday shindigs throughout the Salt Lake area that you have to check out. Some of those main ones include Christmas on Temple Square (currently under construction as of 2021), Ballet West: The Nutcracker, Festival of Trees, and viewing the window display at The Grand America.
Wherever you are celebrating the holidays this year, I hope it brings joy and comfort. I know the holidays can be a jolly yet lonely time for many, which makes a support system even more merry (furry companions count).
‘Twas the night before Christmas and the snow fell steadily. Rudolph, with your nose so bright, we’ll need you to guide Santa’s sleigh tonight. But don’t worry, Comet, the reincorg, will be there to help hang the stockings with great care and eat the biscuits inside of them before Santa gets there.
