Lifestyle
Things to Do in Utah
From world-class skiing to national parks, from farm-to-table dining to year-round festivals, Utah's lifestyle is anything but boring.
A state built for adventure
Utah's outdoor recreation economy reached a record $9.75 billion in 2024, supporting over 75,000 jobs. But beyond the economics, Utah's lifestyle is genuinely transformative. You can ski powder in the morning, hike a canyon at lunch, and catch a sunset over red rock formations in the evening, all in the same day.
The Main Event
Outdoor recreation
Skiing & Snowboarding
14 world-class resorts including Alta, Snowbird, Park City Mountain, Deer Valley, Brighton, Solitude, and Powder Mountain. Utah's "Greatest Snow on Earth" is not just a slogan.
National Parks
The Mighty 5: Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Capitol Reef, and Canyonlands. Each offers a completely different landscape and experience.
Hiking & Trail Running
Thousands of miles of trails from easy river paths to challenging mountain summits. The Bonneville Shoreline Trail alone stretches 280 miles.
Mountain Biking
World-class riding from Park City's lift-served trails to Moab's Slickrock. Utah hosts major mountain biking events and has extensive trail systems.
Water Sports
Boating on Lake Powell, paddleboarding on Utah Lake, fly fishing in Provo River, and kayaking through red rock canyons.
Rock Climbing
From Little Cottonwood Canyon bouldering to multi-pitch routes in Zion. Utah is a world-class climbing destination.
Food & dining
Utah's food scene has exploded in recent years, with new restaurants, breweries, and food concepts opening regularly.
Family activities
Arts & culture
Professional & college sports
Utah's growing pickleball scene
Pickleball has exploded in popularity across Utah, with dedicated courts and facilities popping up in every city. From casual park play to competitive leagues and tournaments, the pickleball community in Utah is active and welcoming. Utah's climate makes it possible to play year-round, and the sport has become a genuine social phenomenon.
Want to improve your game or find pickleball communities near you? Check out Pickle Up Academy for lessons, drills, and community events across Utah.
Mark Your Calendar
Upcoming events across Utah
From holiday light walks and Christmas markets to concerts, festivals, and family fun, here is what is happening around the state in the coming weeks. Dates come from official event listings and can shift, so confirm before you head out.
Salt Lake City & the Wasatch Front
Sept 18–Oct 31, 2026
Gardner Village, West Jordan
Hundreds of whimsical witches take over this historic mill village with shopping, crafts, and family activities all October.
Saturdays, 10 AM–2 PM, mid-November through April
Civic Center at The Leonardo, Salt Lake City
The market moves indoors for winter at its new home on 500 South.
Sept 18–Oct 31, 2026
Draper
Corn maze, pumpkin patch, and family Halloween fun in the south valley.
Nov 6–8, 2026
Delta Center, Salt Lake City
A magical family show with favorite Disney characters on ice.
Nov 24, 2026
Delta Center, Salt Lake City
The beloved holiday rock spectacle returns with lights, lasers, and Christmas classics.
Dec 2–5, 2026
Mountain America Expo Center, Sandy
Hundreds of decorated trees and wreaths benefiting Primary Children's Hospital.
Nov 27, 2026 through Jan 1, 2027, nightly 5–10 PM
Temple Square, Salt Lake City
Free, and the city's most beloved holiday tradition.
Wed, Nov 11, 2026
Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center, Salt Lake City
A warm, family-friendly evening of holiday piano favorites from the chart-topping instrumentalist.
Fri–Sat, Nov 27–28, 2026
Delta Hall at the Eccles Theater, Salt Lake City
The popular vocal group brings its soaring holiday show to the Eccles.
Dec 3–5, 2026
Eccles Theater, Salt Lake City
A Utah holiday tradition: original Christmas music with choir, orchestra, and guests.
Nov 27–Dec 26, 2026
Hale Centre Theatre, Sandy
A lavish family staging of the Dickens classic in the round.
Dec 18–19, 2026
Abravanel Hall, Salt Lake City
Holiday favorites with Broadway guest Mamie Parris, plus a festive holiday market.
Thu, Dec 31, 2026, 8 PM–midnight
The Gateway, Salt Lake City
A free, all-ages New Year’s Eve party with DJs, a family game room, hot chocolate, and a midnight countdown.
Thu, Dec 31, 2026, noon–4 PM
Clark Planetarium, Salt Lake City
Science demos, a ball-drop engineering challenge, and an early countdown made for kids.
Thu, Dec 31, 2026
Snowbird, Little Cottonwood Canyon
Skiers sweep down the slopes with torches while fireworks light up the canyon at midnight.
Sun, Nov 1, 2026
Delta Center, Salt Lake City
The reggaeton superstar brings his arena tour to Utah.
Tue, Nov 3, 2026
Delta Center, Salt Lake City
The soul-pop breakout brings his arena tour to Utah.
Nov 6, 2026 through Jan 9, 2027, evenings 5:30–10 PM
Loveland Living Planet Aquarium, Draper
Larger-than-life animal and nature lanterns light up the outdoor plaza, with holiday family fun.
Mon, Dec 7, 2026, 7:30 PM
Delta Center, Salt Lake City
The Grammy-nominated brothers revive their 2008 era with a full arena show for all ages.
Dec 8–23, 2026
This Is the Place Heritage Park, Salt Lake City
Candlelit holiday evenings in a recreated pioneer village with music and family activities.
Nov 28, 2026–Jan 4, 2027, select nights
Hogle Zoo, Salt Lake City
More than a million lights and family holiday fun in the zoo's winter glow.
Dec 2–5, 2026
This Is the Place Heritage Park, Salt Lake City
A free European-style Christmas market with vendors, parades, a live nativity, and St. Nikolaus.
Dec 17–19, 2026, 8 PM
Conference Center, Temple Square
The choir's annual Christmas concert with guest artists; free tickets required.
Nov 12, 2026 through Jan 2, 2027
Desert Star Playhouse, Murray
A comedic spoof of the holiday classic, full of family-friendly laughs and live music.
Dec 3–5, 2026
Eccles Theater, Salt Lake City
The Salt Lake Dance Center performs this family holiday story with costumes, lights, and a live cast.
Mon, Nov 30, 2026
Eccles Theater, Salt Lake City
A fun, family-friendly holiday music show from the popular YouTube duo.
Tue, Dec 1, 2026
Eccles Theater, Salt Lake City
Holiday classics on violin from the Grammy-nominated artist and her family.
Tue, Dec 15, 2026
Maverik Center, West Valley City
The violin sensation brings her seasonal show with choreography and lights.
Nov 21–22, 2026
Downtown Salt Lake City
A free family festival of large-scale light art, an interactive STEAM lab, drone shows, and street performers.
Opens late November, runs through the holidays
Utah State Fairpark, Salt Lake City
A mile-long drive-through holiday light experience, with discounted tickets through mid-December.
Dec 4–26, 2026
Janet Quinney Lawson Capitol Theatre, Salt Lake City
Utah's beloved holiday ballet, danced with the Utah Symphony in the pit.
Utah Valley
Sept 21–Oct 31, 2026
Thanksgiving Point, Lehi
Utah's original corn maze with 60-plus family attractions.
Mon, Nov 2, 2026
Delta Center, Salt Lake City
A marquee non-conference hoops matchup for the Cougars in Salt Lake City.
Thu, Nov 26, 2026, Thanksgiving morning
Thanksgiving Point, Lehi
Half marathon, 10K, 5K, and a half-mile kids run along the Jordan River Trail on Thanksgiving Day.
Thu, Nov 26, 2026, Thanksgiving morning
Provo
A community 5K with timed and untimed waves plus a Kids Dash to earn the feast.
Mon, Dec 7, 2026
Noorda Center at UVU, Orem
Holiday violin favorites from the Grammy-nominated artist in a beautiful concert hall.
Sat, Dec 12, 2026, 3 PM
Provo Library
A free, family-friendly holiday ball straight out of a Jane Austen novel, complete with dancing.
Nov 19–Dec 30, 2026
Heber Valley Railroad, Heber City
A Christmas train ride with cocoa, cookies, and a visit from Santa, about 30 minutes from Provo.
Free citywide Halloween display route through Oct 31
Orem
A free citywide Halloween display route across Orem neighborhoods through Halloween.
Saturdays, 10 AM–2 PM, through Oct 31
Pioneer Park, Provo
Local produce, food, and crafts from Utah Valley vendors.
Saturdays, 10 AM–3 PM, Nov 21–Dec 19, 2026
Provo Towne Centre (indoor), Provo
The market moves indoors for winter with local produce, food, and crafts.
Nov 12, 2026 through Jan 9, 2027, Mon–Sat evenings
Ashton Gardens, Lehi
Utah's largest holiday light walk, with 10 million lights across 50 acres.
Orem Holiday Lights at The Orchard
Late November through early January
University Place, Orem
More than 100,000 lights, plus free visits with Santa.
Mon, Nov 16, 2026, 6 PM
The Orchard at University Place, Orem
Holiday lights, live music, and fireworks kick off the season in Orem.
Dec 2–5, 2026
Covey Center for the Arts, Provo
A Thrill of Hope (Dec 2), A Truman Brothers Christmas (Dec 3), and Shaun Johnson's Johnson Files Christmas Show (Dec 4–5).
Tue, Dec 8, 2026
Marriott Center, Provo
A big in-state hoops rivalry game at the Marriott Center.
Sat, Dec 5, 2026, 7:30 PM
Marriott Center at BYU, Provo
A beloved Brigham Young University tradition of holiday music and lights.
Dec 11–21, 2026
Covey Center for the Arts, Provo
A beloved Utah Valley Nutcracker tradition with a full local cast.
Dec 10–12, 2026
Historic Utah County Courthouse, Provo
A European-style German Christmas market with vendors, holiday foods, and live music in downtown Provo.
Fri, Dec 11; Sat, Dec 12; and Mon, Dec 14, 2026, 5–8 PM
Provo Pioneer Village, North Park
A free, family-friendly evening in a recreated pioneer village with carolers, hands-on activities, and warm treats.
Sat, Dec 12, 2026
American Fork Amphitheater at Quail Cove
An immersive walk-through Bethlehem village with live scenes, Santa, a sleigh, and artisan vendors.
Evenings, late November through the holidays
Art Dye Park, American Fork
A drive-through holiday light show synced to music, a fun and easy outing for all ages.
Late November through early January, evenings
Canyon View Park, Spanish Fork
A free drive-through light display with more than a million lights in Utah County.
Ogden & Northern Utah
Fri, Nov 6, 2026, 6–9 PM
Historic 25th Street, Ogden
A free, family-friendly monthly art walk with galleries, shops, and live music open late.
Fri, Nov 6, 2026, 7:30 PM
Peery’s Egyptian Theater, Ogden
A cinematic journey into the secret lives of big cats with National Geographic photographer Sandesh Kadur.
Thu, Nov 26, 2026, Thanksgiving morning
North Ogden
A 5K or 2-person relay to work up an appetite for Thanksgiving dinner.
Thu, Nov 26, 2026, 8 AM
South Davis Recreation Center, Bountiful
Turkey 10K, Family 5K, and Gobbler 1K, a family tradition in Davis County.
Sun, Dec 6, 2026, 5:30 & 8 PM
Weber State University, Ogden
The 41st annual holiday choir concert with the WSU Symphony, a Northern Utah tradition.
Tue, Dec 8, 2026, 7:30 PM
Browning Center at Weber State, Ogden
Two of BYU’s beloved a cappella groups ring in the holidays in Ogden.
Fri, Dec 18, 2026, 7:30 PM
Browning Center at Weber State, Ogden
Explosive Japanese taiko drumming, a high-energy show for all ages.
Sun, Dec 20, 2026
The Monarch, Ogden
A candlelit holiday string-quartet concert in an intimate venue.
Sat, Nov 28, 2026, 10:30 AM
Peery's Egyptian Theater, Ogden
A family screening of the holiday classic on the big screen, complete with hot chocolate and cookies.
Dec 3–5, 2026
Peery's Egyptian Theater, Ogden
A local family production of the holiday ballet on the historic Egyptian stage.
Sat, Dec 12, 2026
Weber State University, Ogden
A high-energy holiday dance show with something for every age.
Mon, Nov 30, 2026, 6–8 PM
Layton Commons Park
Music, lights, and family fun kick off the season in Layton.
Wed, Nov 4, 2026
Peery's Egyptian Theater, Ogden
The legendary ski film tour kicks off the winter stoke in Northern Utah.
Thu, Nov 5, 2026
Peery's Egyptian Theater, Ogden
A night of mountain and adventure films to fuel the winter stoke.
Sat, Nov 28, 2026, 4:30 PM
Historic downtown Ogden
A Santa-themed family fun run that ends just before the Holiday Electric Light Parade.
Thu, Dec 17, 2026, 7:30 PM
Browning Center at Weber State, Ogden
Holiday favorites performed live by the Utah Symphony in Ogden.
Late November through New Year's Eve, nightly
Layton Commons Park, Layton
A free drive-through and walk-through holiday light display in northern Utah. 2026 dates on the city calendar.
Nov 19–27, 2026
Peery's Egyptian Theater, Ogden
Ogden Musical Theatre's holiday production of the Dickens classic.
Beginning Fri, Nov 27, 2026
Val A. Browning Center at Weber State, Ogden
A beloved holiday tradition with orchestra, dancing soldiers, and the Sugar Plum Fairy.
Park City
Nov 7–8, 2026
Snow Park Lodge, Deer Valley
Weavers from the Navajo Nation display and sell handwoven rugs, a beloved Park City tradition.
Fri, Nov 20, 2026
Park City Mountain
The resort kicks off the ski season, with Deer Valley following on Dec 5.
Late November 2026
Canyons Village, Park City Mountain
The resort village lights up for the holidays with music and festivities.
Oct 14–Dec 31, 2026
Historic Main Street
A free self-guided walking experience with story stops and seasonal treats along Main Street.
Sat, Oct 31, 3–6 PM
Historic Main Street, Park City
Free, family- and dog-friendly trick-or-treating at Main Street shops.
Opens Nov 21, 2026, through Feb 1, 2027
Park City
A local-artisan holiday market from the Arts Council of Park City and Summit County.
Nov 27, 2026–Jan 3, 2027
Historic Main Street, Park City
Seven artist-crafted snow-globe light displays transform Main Street all season.
Fri–Sat, Nov 20–21, 2026
Pendry Park City
A Habitat for Humanity fundraiser where local designers decorate trees for charity.
Fri, Dec 4, 2026
The Marquis, Park City
A country hitmaker in an intimate Main Street music room.
Thu, Dec 31, 2026
Canyons Village, Park City Mountain
Live music, fireworks over the mountain, and an early family-friendly celebration.
Mid-December (Dec 20 in recent years)
Park City Mountain
Santa skis down the Town Lift while families gather at the base for holiday fun.
Christmas Eve, Dec 24, plus resort holiday evenings
Park City Mountain and Deer Valley
Skiers and riders light the slopes with torches while Santa, cocoa, and cookies wait at the base.
Silver Sky Nights at Canyons Village
December holiday weekends
Canyons Village, Park City Mountain
Fireworks, live music, s'mores, and festive treats.
Dec 11–20, 2026
Egyptian Theatre, Park City
A family-friendly holiday sing-along series on Main Street with a live band and festive films.
Wed, Dec 30, 2026, about 6 PM
Deer Valley Resort
Skiers and riders sweep down the Big Stick run with torches while the Snow Park Lodge crowd watches.
Jan 28–30, 2027
Deer Valley Resort
The FIS Freestyle World Cup returns with moguls, dual moguls, and aerials in a 2034 Olympic venue test.
Southern Utah
Oct 28–31, 2026
Tuacahn Amphitheatre, Ivins
The high-energy Halloween dance spectacular returns to the red rock stage.
Nov 13–14, 2026
Washington County Legacy Park, Hurricane
A holiday market with vendors, food, and family fun in the Hurricane Valley.
Select evenings, Nov 27–Dec 23, 2026, 6–9 PM
Tuacahn Amphitheatre, Ivins
A live nativity and holiday celebration with lights and music beneath the red cliffs of Padre Canyon.
Nov 18–21, 2026, with the Jubilee Gala & Auction Fri, Nov 20
Dixie Convention Center, St. George
A beloved holiday tradition of decorated trees and wreaths benefiting St. George Regional Hospital.
Fri–Sat, Nov 20–21, 2026, 9 AM–5 PM
Cedar City
A holiday craft fair with local artisans and gift makers.
Sat, Nov 28, 2026, noon–9 PM
Downtown Cedar City
Downtown glows with lights, vendors, and a 6 PM tree lighting with fireworks.
Wed, Dec 2, 2026
St. George
The university community gathers to light the holiday tree.
Thu, Dec 3, 2026
St. George
Michael McLean’s beloved holiday musical drama, a Southern Utah favorite.
Sat, Dec 5, 2026, 7:30 PM
Eccles Music Center at SUU, Cedar City
The Music Masterworks Series rings in the season with orchestra and choir.
Nov 20–Dec 22, 2026
Tuacahn Amphitheatre, Ivins
The classic Bing Crosby story brought to the red rock stage with song and dance.
Thursdays–Saturdays, Nov 28–Dec 19, 2026, noon–8 PM
Cedar City
A seasonal market with artisan vendors, food, and holiday cheer in Southern Utah.
Sat, Nov 28, 2026; tree lighting at 6:45 PM, parade at 7 PM
Kanab
A small-town holiday celebration with floats, lights, and family fun.
On through New Year's Day, evenings
St. George Utah Temple grounds
The temple grounds glow with Christmas lights through the holiday season.
St. George Winter Bird Festival
December through February
Tonaquint Nature Center, St. George
Winter birding walks and family-friendly nature programs in the mild southern Utah climate.
Saturdays, 8 AM–12 PM through October; 10 AM–2 PM in November and December
Vernon Worthen Park, St. George
More than 50 vendors with produce, meat, crafts, and live music.
Nov 4–14, 2026
Tuacahn Amphitheatre, Ivins near St. George
Fall concerts on the red rock stage: The Fab Four (Nov 4), a Jimmy Buffett tribute (Nov 5), Gin Blossoms & Vertical Horizon (Nov 6), An Acoustic Evening with Chris Young (Nov 7), Straight No Chaser (Nov 12), Rodney Atkins (Nov 13), and the U.S. Navy Band Commodores (Nov 14).
Wed, Nov 18, 2026, 7:30 PM
Heritage Center Theater, Cedar City
The popular vocal group's holiday tour stops in Southern Utah.
Opens Dec 10, 2026
Washington, Utah
A spectacular holiday light display and drive-through, plus fresh-cut Christmas trees, on the farm near St. George.
December 2026, nightly
Historic Main Street, St. George
Downtown St. George glows with holiday lights, decorated trees, and seasonal displays.
Holiday Lights at Red Hills Desert Garden
Nightly, Nov 27–Dec 31, 2026
Red Hills Desert Garden, St. George
Free holiday lights winding through a one-of-a-kind desert garden.
Thanksgiving Day, Nov 26, 2026
St. George
A family-friendly Thanksgiving-morning run to earn the feast.
Wed, Dec 16, 2026, 7:30 PM
Dixie High School, St. George
An evening of holiday music with vocalist Nathan Pacheco and the Southwest Symphony.
Mon, Nov 30, 2026, 6–8 PM
Downtown St. George
The city's free holiday kickoff with music, lights, and family fun.
Nov 28–Dec 20, 2026, Thursday–Saturday evenings
Green Gate Village, St. George
Holiday lights, Santa, vendors, and live entertainment.
Dec 2–5, 2026, 10 AM–9 PM
Dixie Convention Center, St. George
More than 100 booths of Christmas gifts, crafts, and entertainment.
Staheli Family Farm fall season
Weekends through Halloween
Washington, Utah
Corn maze, pumpkin patch, and family farm fun near St. George.