Salt Lake City For The Holidays

I love to travel and see the world, but I have found some wonderful things to do and see right in my own back yard. Utah has been my home for many years now, and even though I have moved away a few times, I always seem to find my way back.

Salt Lake City has something to offer everyone.  It’s a beautiful city that sits right up against the Rocky Mountains, offering fun dining, shopping areas, dance, music and theater, museums, indoor and outdoor sports, and of course, the great outdoors.

If you love being outside, then this is an awesome place to find yourself. This city is a great spot for hiking, biking, visiting National Parks, skiing, ice skating and snowmobiling. Utah is fantastic place to visit any season of the year, but if you are looking for a great place to visit in the winter, you will love what we have to offer.

In less than twenty minutes from downtown, you can find yourself in Park City. You will find world class skiing along with the greatest snow on earth. (At least that is what we like to claim.)  Park City is an old mining town that offers a lot of hotels with ambiance and extraordinary shopping.  You will also find casual to fine dining, and a fun nightlife. Park City is the perfect place to visit; whether you are wanting to relax and have a leisurely vacation or get out and mingle and have a rip roaring time. Spend the day outside enjoying the snow, and then find one of the many exceptional places to eat and then check out the local shops.

Sundance is also a great place to visit.  Just 30 minutes South of SLC, and then about 10-15 minutes up Provo Canyon. Started by Robert Redford in 1969, this ‘locals favorite‘ has become the home of the world famous Sundance Film Festival. Again you will find wonderful dining, and shopping. Definitely a place to visit next time you find yourself in Utah.

Gardner Village is another quaint spot I like to visit. Only about 20 minutes from downtown SLC.  Darling country shops to visit and a wonderful restaurant to enjoy with an ‘old time country‘ feel that features homemade crafts, furniture and quilts.

Thanksgiving Point  is another fun place loaded with exciting things to do. In the spring they have a Tulip Festival that is magnificent. They have shopping, dining, flower gardens, water falls, children’s gardens, farm country, movie theaters, a golf course and the incredible Museum Of Ancient Life. In the winter there is a Holiday Light Show  that you drive through in your car, or on a sleigh. You will find bonfires around the grounds in the winter where you can warm yourself, along with ice sculpting, Breakfast with Santa, musical performances year round, and Santa’s Reindeer.

The Shops At Riverwoods in Provo are another fun place to visit.  It is a pedestrian shopping area that is decorated like Christmas all year long. There is an outdoor stage called The Gazebo that hosts live entertainment  that is fun for the whole family. Again, you will find a Lot of fun choices of restaurants with shopping and activities including indoor surfing on a flowrider,  arcades, family ropes course, and golf simulators. Definitely a very fun place to hang out.

Temple Square is right in the heart of the city and features thousands of lights right after Thanksgiving through December. It is beautiful to walk through the LDS Temple Grounds and see the gorgeous Temple and the lights. There are all kinds of free music programs and concerts through out the Holidays, including local school choirs as well as famous musical groups. The LDS Temple is home to the world famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir and they perform there regularly. All visitors are welcome, and there are plenty of guides to give directions and answer any questions.

City Creek Center is right next door to The LDS Temple. This beautiful, new shopping area is loaded with fun restaurants, and fantastic shopping.  And just a few blocks away to the West (you can walk or jump on trax) you will find The Gateway. Another great spot to ‘while’ away the afternoon. Plenty of shops and places to eat, as well as Discovery Gateway, a children’s museum, Megaplex Theaters, The Depot (a concert venue) and Clark Planetarium.

Salt Lake City also has a very fun, exciting event called EVE, to ring in the new year. This year they are celebrating for three days (December 29, 30, and 31) with Fireworks for the Grand Finale at midnight on the 31st. This event is a fun party, with lots of music, food, and fireworks. You can find exciting family oriented activities as well as fun things for youth and adults. This is a party you don’t want to miss if you find yourself in the Salt Lake City area for New Years.

Salt Lake City is a fun place to explore. From the city center to the mountains, to the red rock of the canyon lands, and everywhere in between. So grab your winter gear and come and check out the wonderful things that Salt Lake City has to offer.