Planning Your Utah Desert Holiday
Where to find 2024 holiday lights, performances, farms and activities in Southern Utah.
Dreaming of a holiday season with palm trees or red rocks?
For travelers seeking a mild winter escape, Utah's southern deserts offer festive activities to make your celebration shine. Here's a sampling of holiday events you can enjoy in 2024.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints temple in St. George.
Photo: Greater Zion Convention & Tourism Office
Holiday Lights
The St. George Temple Christmas lighting will take place on November 29, with the lights remaining on through New Year’s Day. This year marks the first Christmas lighting since the temple's renovation began five years ago. Only six temples in the U.S. belonging to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are decorated with Christmas lights, making it a special distinction for St. George.
Holiday Lights at Red Hills Desert Garden in St. George also presents a winter wonderland with thousands of lights on display nightly from Nov. 28 through Dec. 31.
As Hanukkah approaches, St. George and Cedar City often celebrate the Jewish "festival of lights" with public menorah lightings downtown around the middle of December.
Hurricane City (pronounced Her-ah-kun, not Her-ah-kane), hosts an annual Christmas Tree Festival toward the middle of the month, with Christmas trees, nativities, a train room, live entertainment and more.
Springdale near Zion National Park, hosts an annual holiday light parade scheduled for Dec. 9 this year.
You can also enjoy the bright lights of the Polar Express in a classic American West town. Kanab has converted an old school bus to a holiday-like train. From Dec. 2-14, guests can enjoy a magical ride to the North Pole and a visit to Santa’s Sleigh Shop.
Moab hosts its Electric Lights Parade on the first Saturday in December. Visitors can enjoy floats and treats along the city’s Main Street. And for guests sticking around after the holidays, Moab Music Festival hosts their Winterlude in late January, with workshops, concerts and events.
Holiday Performances
No Utah arts organization celebrates the holidays quite like Tuacahn Center for the Arts, near St. George (Read: Discover an Outdoor Stage in Utah's Canyon of the Gods). Performances of "A Christmas Carol: The Musical" kick off November 22. And from November 29–December 23, their "Christmas in the Canyon" event features over 250,000 twinkling lights, a live nativity, visits with Santa and train rides on the Tuacahn Express. Entry to the Tuacahn is free, but tickets are required for the nativity and "A Christmas Carol: The Musical." The Tuacahn gift shop will also be open for browsing. And for those looking for more ways to shop locally, the nearby Red Cliff Gallery hosts its “Gift of Art” event from Nov. 22-Dec. 19.
Encore Performing Arts will also be presenting “A Christmas Carol” at the Electric Theater in St. George from Nov. 29-Dec. 16.
The Dickens' Festival Victorian Theatre and Christmas Market at the Dixie Convention Center in St. George, December 4-7, offers a unique market experience set in the Victorian era. Think Olde English shops, period costumes, handcrafted goods, sweet treats and more.
At Staheli Family Farm, you can enjoy a holiday light drive-through and pick up a fresh-cut Christmas tree.
Photo: Courtesy of Staheli Family Farm
Holiday Farms
On December 7, Red Acre Farm in Cedar City will host their annual holiday farm celebration. You can pick out a Christmas tree, while enjoying other fun holiday activities, including candle-making. And you can also shop locally via their farm stand. (Read: Red Acres Is the Place for Me)
The Nature Hills Farm in Cedar City, will open for Christmas tree sales and holiday shopping December 1-22. They also have some holiday events planned, including a Christmas on the Farm celebration Nov. 29-30 with a caroling hay ride, Santa visits and cocoa cafe, and a live nativity on December 9.
Can’t make it out to the farm? Check out the Festival City Farmer’s Holiday Market with other farmers, artisans and musicians in the heart of Cedar City on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through November and December. Cedar City is a terrific Southern Utah winter base camp, given it's proximity to both Brian Head and Eagle Point ski resorts.
Staheli Family Farm in Washington, Utah, will host a holiday light drive-through with music and thousands of lights illuminating the surrounding farmland from December 1-23. You can drive through in your own car or reserve a seat in their open air wagon. Guests will also find fresh cut Christmas trees for sale, and a live nativity on select nights in December.
At Ruby's Inn, you can take a glide around their ice ribbon, located just outside Bryce Canyon National Park.
Photo: Courtesy of Ruby's Inn
Holiday Outdoors
While the Bryce Canyon Winter Festival won’t kick off until February, winter celebrations begin a bit earlier at Ruby’s Inn in Bryce Canyon City when their outdoor ice ribbon opens on Nov. 29 (weather dependent). Ruby’s Inn Winter Activity Center also offers cross-county ski and snowshoe rental for the more adventurous trekkers.
The Run Run Reindeer 5k Fun Run at Ivins City Park on December 21 is another festive way to get outside and celebrate. Participants enjoy holiday music along the course plus selfie stations, post race treats and more.
However you choose to celebrate, we hope your holiday season is bright. And if you need festive ski ideas, we've got you covered, see 5 Festive Activities to Brighten Your Utah Ski Holiday.
Larger Than Life: Winter in Southwestern Utah
This desert is dramatic. In a really good way. Experience the towering heights of Zion, the depths of Buckskin Gulch, the dunes of Snow Canyon, the sunset over Gooseberry. Southern Utah’s wilds are wearing their winter splendor.
Highlights
- Zion National Park
- Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
- Best Friends Animal Sanctuary
- Mountain Biking on a Red Rock Mesa
- Hike Zion's Most Iconic Trails
Get Inspired
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An Uncommon Confluence
A solo sojourn where snow and desert meet in a lesser-known corner of Utah’s red rock country.
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Winter Wonders in Greater Zion
As you’re mapping out your winter trip through southeastern Utah, consider adding the following parks and natural wonders to your itinerary.
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Gravity and Water: Mark Making in a Winter’s Desert with Anne Kaferle
Finding Helper at a time when she “needed it the most,” landscape artist Anne Kaferle has put down roots in Utah, thanks to plein-air painting and the healing power of time alone in the landscape.
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Top Ski Towns in Utah
The best ski towns in Utah tout easy access to The Greatest Snow on Earth®, along with lively culture, fine dining and off-mountain activities.
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Explore the Tushars on Snowshoe
Ready to experience snowshoeing in Utah? Eagle Point is a Utah favorite location. Check out this snowshoe excursion then plan yours today for fun and adventure.
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The Complete Winter Camping Packing List for Staying Warm in Southern Utah
For most travelers, Southern Utah winters prevent comfortable camping, and occasional snowfall can make outdoor adventure a little more challenging. With a little extra planning, good layers, and the right equipment, however, you can enjoy Utah's national parks in the solitude of winter.
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Across a Snow-Covered Desert
Follow this itinerary for a week-long winter road trip across the snow-covered desert of Southeastern Utah.
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A Winter’s Desert: Visiting Southern Utah in the Slow Months
Experiencing the peace of canyon country in the winter is an attraction of its own.
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Winter in Southern Utah Like a Local
Southern Utah comes alive in winter with unexpected experiences for those who are well-prepared and solitude for those who want to expand their view.
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Yurt Camping in Utah: How To Have a Wintertime Yurt Excursion
Whether you’re glamping or choosing a simpler option, yurt camping in Utah during the wintertime is a fun, unique experience you won’t want to miss out on.
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Ice and rock, snow and splendor: Winter in Southern Utah
Come along on a five-day expedition to see Southern Utah’s wintry face, explore national parks, ski its mountains and find ways to play in the snow.
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Off-Season Off-Roading in Ticaboo
Familiar freedoms in a new kind of winter wonderland.
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Winter in Southeastern Utah: Arches and Canyonlands
Want to avoid the Utah national park crowds? Plan a winter Southeastern Utah trip. Experience more peace, quiet and solitude.
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5 Festive Activities to Brighten Your Utah Ski Holiday
Planning a holiday ski escape to Utah? Here's five festive activities to brighten your travels and raise the bar on holiday spirit.
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Find a Winter Refresh in a Utah State Park
The best Utah state parks will entice you with ice fishing, white sand and snow-dusted scenery. Take a winter break to refresh with a visit to a few of these places.
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Turning the Lens on a Wintry Southern Utah
Discover some of the most picturesque places to photograph in Southern Utah, and learn some tips for how to shoot and travel responsibly.
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Best Hikes in St. George During Winter
While Utah's Greater Zion offers a few hundred trails, we’ve highlighted seven of the best hikes in the state's southwestern corner, from deep canyons to high peaks.
