It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Buckle your Santa belt and slip on your elf shoes because Utah County is the place to be to maximize your Christmas experience. Kids and adults are anxious to see and do all things Christmas related. From the snow-capped trees to the colorful display of lights, to the ho-ho-ho of Santa, this list of the 5 best Christmas activities in Utah County will provide you with memorable adventures to last all year.
1. Christmas Village - Eagle Mountain City
What better way to get in the spirit of Christmas than to visit a Christmas village? On Saturday, December 7, 2019, from 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm the family can immerse themselves in all things Christmas. Experience Renaissance times with a Blacksmith demo while enjoying various vendors. Kids are encouraged to bring a letter for Santa - they will receive one in return. Other activities include a petting zoo, mini pony carriage rides, and of course getting to meet Santa and his live reindeer! Don’t worry about going hungry while you visit Christmas Village, there will be an abundance of food trucks to choose from. The event is free and is in the Cory Wride Memorial Park at 5806 Pony Express Parkway, Eagle Mountain Utah.
2. Provo Santa Run 2019 - Provo, Utah
If you are looking for a way to get rid of that extra Thanksgiving weight, then look no further than this joyful activity. You can join dozens of adults and kids for this family fun run on Saturday, December 7, 2019. The race begins at 4:30 pm and lasts until 6:30 pm. The best part about this run is that you can dress as Santa (suits provided). During your run, you will encounter staff members dressed as elves at the break stations. Here, they will be handing out cookies and milk! If you wish to participate, racers will begin at ‘The Shops at Riverwoods’ - 4801 N University Ave, Provo, Utah. You can sign up for the race at https://www.raceentry.com/races/provo-santa-run/2019/register. The cost for a Santa runner is $37.50 and kids ages 8 and under are free with a paid participant. You can also opt-in to receive a medal for an additional $7.50. Following the run, there will be additional Christmas fun. Grab your family and run, Santa, run!
3. The Giving Tree - Orem, Utah
Many families believe that Christmas should be about giving and helping others. This event in Orem allows that opportunity. The Giving Tree located near RC Willey is decorated with ornaments provided by Utah County Sub for Santa and the United way and represents families in need. From November 29th - December 14th you can check out an ornament from The Giving Tree between the hours of 10:00 am and 9:00 pm. To ensure timely delivery of gifts, please return unwrapped gifts by December 14th to University Place located at 575 East University Parkway, Orem Utah. This event is a joyous time to teach younger generations about giving and will leave a special place in your heart.
4. Holly Days in the Park- Riverton, Utah
On December 6th – 7th, 2019 families can enjoy the Christmas tradition of Riverton, Utah. Beginning at 6:30 pm and lasting until 8:00 pm, put on your pajamas Friday night and experience a host of activities for all ages. Kids will have the chance to decorate cookies, roast marshmallows, and write their letters to Santa. There will be local vendors and entertainment. On Saturday night, feel free to wear any Christmas outfit but they will be holding Ugly Sweater contest so keep that in mind when you’re preparing your outfits! Families can grab a cup of free hot chocolate and take a moment to read the giant storybook pages of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. This spectacular event is being held at the Riverton City Park, Large Pavilion, 1452 W. 12600 S, Riverton, Utah. The cost is free and is open to all ages, big and small.
5. Zermatt Swiss Christmas- Midway, Utah
This unique Christmas activity offers fun for the whole family while you embrace its European heritage. Held at the Zermatt Resort, this is an event that offers an Old-European Christmas Market- free of charge as well as many more activities for kids and adults. The event located at 784 West Resort Drive, Midway, Utah opens at 11:00 am and goes until 7:00 pm. Begin your day by strolling through the Swiss Christmas Market and checking out the vendors. Try your hand at candle dipping, starting at $9.50, you can take a single white-candle and dip it into a variety of colors to create your personalized holiday candle. Kids can harness their artistic side and build a gingerbread house! To assure availability, you must pre-purchase the gingerbread homes, but all tools and furnishings will be provided. The gingerbread house activity is on Saturday, December 14th only from 11-4 pm and the cost is $29.50. Experience an old Swiss tradition and carve a Rabeliechtli (turnip lantern). This carving tradition used to be considered an “end of harvest” tradition but slowly transitioned into a Christmas one. You can purchase one for $8.50 or pay $14 for a pre-made Rabeliechtli.Additionally, kids will get the chance to visit with Santa and enjoy various crafts including cookie decorating, holiday crafts, and a special surprise! This part of the event is also on December 14th from 11 am-4 pm. Prices begin at $13.50 for children and this time, adults are free with a paying child. For more information and to buy tickets visit: https://zermattutahevents.com/swiss-christmas.
With so many adventures awaiting you, this list of the 5 best Christmas activities in Utah County should fulfill your need to see and do all things Christmas. Utah County is a beautiful and popular spot for locals and tourists, so there will always be an abundance of activities. From the Swiss Markets to Giving Trees, to races, and holiday villages and parks; Santa will be impressed your family took the time to engage in the holiday spirit!