Visiting the US? Here are five unique ways to celebrate the holiday season on a Utah ski trip

There is a lot to do in the United States of America especially if you are going there during the holiday season While there are many places to visit Utah is particularly festive during the holiday season as it is known to be a popular skiing destination It is known for its steep jagged mountain ranges and dry lightweight snow making it an ideal setting for a memorable ski trip With the holidays approaching Utah offers the perfect winter escape blending nature with the vibrancy and celebration of the upcoming festive seasonHere are five ways to embrace the holiday spiritTwinkling holiday lightsHoliday lights displayed on the darkest nights can bring a sense of wonder to the season There is no shortage of vibrant holiday light displays for visitors in Utah Luminaria at Thanksgiving Point in Lehi features millions of lights and themed displays across the 50acre Ashton Gardens Alongside the displays you will also find their Fire amp Ice show an eightminute program featuring 20foot flames and twinkling lights set to holiday musicIf you are near Salt Lake City the Lightwalk at Tracy Aviary and ZooLights at Hogle Zoo are two dazzling annual displays that are a big hit with families Opened in 2024 the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium hosts an outdoor Lantern Festival where natureinspired lanterns illuminate the night Also do not miss the holiday light drivethroughs at Christmas in Color in South Jordan or at World of Illumination in Salt Lake City The Temple Square Christmas Lights are also an annual rite of passage for many visitors The lights typically turn on the day after Thanksgiving and remain on until January 1In the northern town of Ogden near Powder Mountain Snowbasin and Nordic Valley the city hosts a free Christmas village display in the Municipal Gardens If you are staying slopeside many of Utahrsquos ski resorts also host torchlight parades and fireworks to ring in the new yearAnd in the states northernmost reaches in Richmond you will find the Cache Valley Straw Maze Located just north of Logan in a county renowned for its dairy heritage Here you can enjoy the Christmas light maze and horsedrawn wagon rides Its also just around the corner from the familyowned ski resort Cherry PeakA glittery glide across the iceUtah ice skating includes Olympic rinks county complexes and magical lightstrung rinks spinning the sounds of the holidays Perhaps the most wellknown location is the Gallivan Center Ice Rink in downtown Salt Lake City which is open from midNovember through February While you are there do not miss Gallivanrsquos free annual GLOW art installation featuring illuminated sculptures Other downtown rinks are scattered around Midway Millcreek and LoganYou can find additional indoor and outdoor skating options throughout Northern Utah In the southern part of the state there is also a rink in Brian Head and an ice ribbon at Rubyrsquos Inn just outside Bryce Canyon National ParkAdditionally for local holiday shopping Utahs Own public market popup offers great opportunities to pick up holiday goodies and support local Utah businessesRiding a horsedrawn sleighThere are several horsedrawn sleigh ride opportunities around Northern Utah At Wasatch Mountain State Park in Midway Rocky Mountain Outfitters guides sleigh riders through a light show in the woods with hot chocolate and srsquomores available to help fend off the cold You can also reserve a horsedrawn sleigh ride with Broken Arrow Sleigh Rides at Deer Valley Resort or a Westerninspired sleigh ride and dinner with Snowed Inn Sleigh Company at Park City Mountain Resort At Thurston Farms in Morgan about 30 minutes southeast of Ogden Clydesdales lead the way for a historic exploration of the 100yearold farmSavouring the seasonal flavoursThe holiday season in Utah is a delight for all the senses and taste is no outlier Apregraves ski or ldquoafter skirdquo is a cherished tradition rooted in the enjoyment of good food and drinks And while there is always no shortage of apregraves experiences in and around Utahrsquos ski resorts you can also find some holidayinspired treats come December In Salt Lake City Flanker Kitchen amp Sporting Club hosts holiday popup bar experiences And beyond the bar scene there are other festive dining experiences to explore Near Park City Homestead Resort and Zermatt Resort host breakfast with Santa events through December And Taste 117 in Provo offers holiday chocolate and tea tastings at their Provo location Adventure seekers can also try dining in a yurt at The Viking Yurt in Park City Mountain Resort for an experience like no otherEnjoying a holiday performanceIn Salt Lake City the Utah Symphony presents holidayinspired performances throughout December Notably the city is home to Americarsquos longestrunning production of The Nutcracker performed by Ballet West at the Capitol Theatre If you are in Park City the Egyptian Theatre on Historic Main Street hosts a Holiday Spectacular amp SingalongThese experiences beautifully showcase Utahrsquos holiday traditions with a welcoming ski culture that invites everyone to celebrate this auspicious season