It's that magical time of year when the air is filled with the scent of pine and cinnamon, and the streets are adorned with twinkling lights. And if you're looking to make this holiday season extra special for your family, you're in luck! 

In this blog post, we've got a sleigh-full of festive and family-friendly Christmas events in Utah just waiting for you to unwrap. So grab your cozy mittens and get ready to jingle all the way through Utah's merry and bright holiday happenings.

Ballet West’s The Nutcracker

Oh, the holiday season is in full swing and what better way to celebrate than with Ballet West's The Nutcracker! Running from December 8 to 27, 2023 at the Janet Quinney Lawson Capitol Theatre in Salt Lake City, Utah, this timeless classic is a must-see for families. 

Be sure to grab your tickets early, because this magical performance will take you on a fantasy tour around the world and beyond, to the Land of Sweets. The show lasts for about 2 hours with a 20-minute intermission, so you'll have plenty of time to soak in the enchanting experience. Just a heads up, it's recommended for kids ages 8 and up, and everyone needs their own seat, so no babes-in-arms are allowed. 

For those of you in Ogden, the performance will be held at the Val A. Browning Center at Weber State University. And make sure to plan your trip carefully, as seasonal traffic congestion is to be expected. 

Christmas Daily Concert Series

As part of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Saints's Christmas Daily Concert Series, you can catch some midday concerts at 12:45 p.m. at the Tabernacle, which will be live streamed. So, even if you can't make it in person, you can still enjoy the beautiful music. 

There will be performances from choirs sponsored by schools and community organizations, as well as various string, flute, guitar, and bell groups on Temple Square and at other nearby locations. It's the perfect opportunity to soak in the festive spirit and enjoy the talents of these amazing performers. With so many different performances throughout the day, you can easily find a time that works for you. Whether you're into choral music, strings, or even bell groups, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Grab your friends and family and head over to Temple Square for a memorable and musical Christmas experience!

Disney’s Frozen™ in Concert

This is not just your average movie night — imagine watching the beloved Disney film Frozen on a big screen while the Utah Symphony performs the breathtaking score live! You'll sing along to "Let it Go" and experience all the magic of this Oscar and Grammy-winning soundtrack with a full orchestra backing it up. 

And here's the best part —  this enchanting event is open to audience members of all ages, so the whole family can join in on the fun! Plus, if you have little ones, kids under three can enjoy the show for free (as long as they have a ticket, which you can pick up from the ticket office).

If you're worried about arriving late, don't fret! Late seating will be allowed at a suitable break in the concert, or during intermission. So grab your tickets and get ready to be swept away by the enchanting world of Frozen, brought to life by the incredible Utah Symphony. Let the magic begin!

Home for the Holidays Dinner Show

This festive season, get ready to be transported back to the 1940s with the Home for the Holidays Dinner Show at Mill Plaza! 

You'll be in for an evening of delightful dinner theater, complete with live music and a heartwarming Christmas story. Picture yourself swaying to the sounds of Christmas classics, all performed by a talented jazz band and accompanied by beautiful five-part harmonies. This event is perfect for celebrating the holiday season with friends and loved ones. Just a heads up, it's recommended for ages 12 and up, and little ones under 3 won't be able to join in on the fun.

Grab your tickets because today's the show's last date. The venue is the cozy Mill Plaza, tucked next to Archibald's Restaurant. Tickets are priced at $66 per person, and trust us, it'll be worth every penny for this heartwarming, music-filled holiday experience!

Christmas Lights on Temple Square

Oh, the magical Christmas lights on Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah! It's an annual tradition that you won't want to miss. From the day after Thanksgiving until New Year's Day, over one million twinkling lights turn this place into a winter wonderland. The best part? You can visit the lights from 3:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and even catch an early morning glimpse from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. 

Did you know that the first lighting ceremony on Temple Square dates all the way back to 1965? Former Church President David O. McKay flicked the switch to light up 40,000 lights, and the tradition has been shining brightly ever since. Even though there's no formal lighting ceremony now, the lights are a beautiful reminder of the real reason for the season — the birth of Jesus Christ.

Lightwalk at Tracy Aviary

Lightwalk at Tracy Aviary is the perfect place to soak up the holiday vibes and make unforgettable memories with your loved ones. From November 24 to December 31, you have the chance to step into a winter wonderland right in the heart of Salt Lake City!

You and your family, surrounded by mesmerizing light displays, sipping on delicious holiday drinks, and taking a stroll through a magical lighted tunnel and a festive maze — isn't that amazing? The best part is that you get to meet Santa himself in a life-size gingerbread house! How cool is that?

This festive experience is packed with whimsy and wonder, as thousands of twinkling lights bring the natural beauty of Tracy Aviary to life. So, mark your calendar for today and tomorrow (just so you know, the show began yesterday) and make your way to Tracy Aviary to embark on this enchanting holiday journey with your family and friends.

Conclusion

Utah really knows how to bring on the holiday cheer (mind you, the GetOutPass is headquartered in Utah). From dazzling light displays to Santa meet-and-greets, there's no shortage of festive and family-friendly Christmas events to enjoy. And whether you're ice skating under the stars or sipping hot cocoa at a holiday market, these events are perfect for creating lasting memories with your loved ones.