10+ fun things to do in Utah during the holidays 2023

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10+ Fun things to do in Utah during holidays

If you enjoy Christmas cheer and singing loud for all to hear, then you’re definitely going to want to check out the below list of the best things to do in Utah during the holidays this year!

Before we jump in, allow me to fill you in a little (in case you’re new around here). Last fall my husband, frenchie, and I departed on an epic road trip from Florida up the East coast of the US with our end location being Utah (where my sister lives).

We spent three months in this beautiful mountainous state during the holidays enjoying the snow, skiing all day every day, eating and drinking our way around Salt Lake City, and spending lots of time with family.

Sadly we are now back in Florida, but I am very grateful for some amazing memories to look back on and I’m so excited to share my experience with you!

With that said, below are all of the best things to do in Utah during the holidays, and I’m happy to announce that they are all back again this year! Slow your scroll and check them out!

Christkindlmarkt SLC

Christkindlmarkt was the first Christmas activity that I went to when I arrived in Utah and it did not disappoint! It was actually pretty authentic compared to Christmas markets in Europe, and it was just as much fun! The only downfall of this event is that it’s only held ONE weekend out of the year and was EXTREMELY busy.

If you’ve never been to a Christmas market before, then let’s just say you are in a for a treat. Christkindlmarkt offers a unique shopping experience from local businesses, a ton of delicious food options including schnitzel, pretzels, churros and more, and festive holiday entertainment. It’s also located in This is the Place Heritage Park that’s surrounded by beautiful snow capped mountains, which makes it extra magical.

Click HERE for more details and feel free to check out my REEL with highlights from our visit.

Check out my post on social here and make sure to follow me! Instagram: @travelmeetsstyle | TikTok: @travelmeetsstylefl

The Kinlands

Even though we were away from home for Christmas this past year, I still wanted to buy a mini tree for our airbnb which is how I discovered The Kinlands. The Kinlands is not only a Christmas tree farm, but also has a year round market, weekly land experiences, immersive workshops & gatherings, and so much more!

When you first arrive at the Kinlands you have to pop into their market! They have the most amazing displays, cutest decor, tons of local fresh foods, the best gifts, and so much more. If you walk out the side door, you will enter right into the Christmas tree farm that has a great selection of trees and the prettiest light displays. The perfect instagram spot if you ask me!

If you’re looking for the perfect place to bring the whole family, The Kinlands is definitely it! During winter they also have a variety of workshops available from everything to wreath and botanical broom making, to animal based workshops for the kids, and more.

Check out my post on social here and make sure to follow me! Instagram: @travelmeetsstyle | TikTok: @travelmeetsstylefl

Christmas in Color

If you’re looking for a covid friendly Christmas activity that’s fun for the whole family, this is definitely the one! Christmas in Color is a socially safe drive-thru animated light show that has the most amazing displays of everything from giant candy canes, to snowmen, to arched pathways, and so much more!

Tickets are only $30 per car (make sure to book an appointment online first) and you drive through millions of lights that are synchronized to holiday music that plays through your own radio.

It was such a fun experience (it’s especially magical if it’s snowing outside) and also the perfect family friendly activity. You can check it out HERE!

Sleigh ride dinner

If you plan on visiting Park City during the holidays, you HAVE to go on a horse-drawn sleigh ride & dinner with the Snowed Inn Sleigh Company. The sleigh ride starts on the slopes of Park City Mountain Resort and takes you on a truly magical ride up to their cozy lodge for a western-style dinner with live music.

As soon as you walk into the lodge, you’re greeted by the staff with hot apple cider and escorted to your table. You can order additional drinks when you sit down (not included), and then each table is called to the front to retrieve your buffet-style dinner.

We started our meal with a cup of warm chili. I chose the prime rib with mashed potatoes as my main entree, but they have a couple of different options (check out their menu here). We finished it off with peanut butter pie while enjoying some live entertainment. Overall, such a great experience that would be fun for the whole family!

Planning a trip to Utah? Check out these related reads!

Explore Grand America hotel

I’m embarrassed to admit how many times we went to Grand America hotel while we were in Utah! I initially discovered this hotel when we were on the hunt for happy hour spots (FYI they don’t exist due to alcohol restrictions in Utah) and knew I had to check it out immediately!

Grand America is located in the heart of Downtown Salt Lake City and just screams luxury as soon as you walk through the door. It’s especially beautiful when it’s all decorated for the holidays! They have light displays and festive attractions set up all around the hotel, which also makes it the perfect spot for photo ops.

We also did end up finding out that Laurel Brasserie (one of the restaurants in Grand America) actually DOES have a happy hour with food specials (not alcohol), so we obviously had to check it out. Their happy hour menu has so many great options to choose from, and the restaurant itself is just a vibe. 10/10 recommend!

Check out my post on social here and make sure to follow me! Instagram: @travelmeetsstyle | TikTok: @travelmeetsstylefl

Miracle pop up bar in Hotel Monaco

While we were living in Utah, I landed my first hotel collaboration at Kimpton Hotel Monaco! It was such a beautiful hotel, and the best part is that they had a Miracle Pop-Up bar while we were there.

If you’re not familiar, Miracle is a Christmas-themed pop up cocktail bar that serves holiday cocktails in a festive setting. They have locations all over the world, and it looks like Miracle will be making another appearance at Hotel Monaco again this year so be on the lookout!

While we were there I ordered the Yippie Ki Yay Mother F***** that was served in a Santa cup, but they also offer a lot of other fun cocktails served in festive glassware. The bar is pretty small and does get busy, so make sure you get there early!

Check out my post on social here and make sure to follow me! Instagram: @travelmeetsstyle | TikTok: @travelmeetsstylefl

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Iceskating at the Gallivan Center

If you’re visiting Salt Lake City during winter, you have to go ice skating at Gallivan Center! It’s especially fun during the holidays when they have all of their Christmas decor and lights up.

East Gallivan Plaza is located right in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City and transforms into an outdoor ice rink November-February. It’s only $10 to skate (including skate rentals) and is first-come-first-serve.

The ice rink also has a concession stand with lots of delicious treats including hot chocolate. Such a fun thing to do during the day or night, and the perfect family friendly activity if you ask me!

Cafe Galleria Alpenglobes

If you’re looking for a unique dining experience that you probably won’t find anywhere else, I would definitely suggest checking out Cafe Galleria in Midway! Although I wasn’t overly impressed with their food (maybe it was just what I ordered), we truly enjoyed eating lunch in a private alpenglobe with a beautiful view of the mountains. It was also decorated for the holiday’s which made it extra special!

Cafe Galleria was built in the 1800’s and is a rustic Italian restaurant located in the charming town of Midway (also known as “Little Switzerland”). They offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner and are a popular dining destination due to their acclaimed alpenglobe private dining shelters.

Their menu has everything from sandwiches, to steak, to pasta, and delicious pizza that is prepared in a wood fired oven. They also have a really good wine selection and the best chocolate molten lava cake!