8 Places to See Christmas Lights in Salt Lake City
/I know it’s still a few days before Thanksgiving, but I will post something Christmassy anyway. I love seeing all the Christmas decorations around town this time of year, and I’m going to call out some of the “professional” ones throughout Salt Lake County that you can see both for free and at a cost.
Temple Square & Downtown Window Displays
Temple Square has always been a place to see gorgeous Christmas light displays. It’s currently under construction so the display is not as expansive as normal, but there are still things to see and activities to attend. You can get a map of open areas at their website below.
While you’re Downtown, walk around Macy’s and City Creek to see their great window displays too.
Grand America Yeti for the Holidays
Another free downtown option is the Holiday Windows at the Grand America. This year’s theme is Yeti for the Holidays and there are 14 different window displays to find. If you complete the quiz about them you will also be entered into a drawing for a night’s stay at the hotel. And there are always treats to be purchased at the hotel too.
City Tree Lighting Ceremonies
There are a myriad of cities throughout Salt Lake County that have tree-lighting ceremonies with free admission. Many are on December 2nd this year. You can go to Draper, Taylorsville, Cottonwood Heights, or Herriman to name a few.
Lightwalk at Tracy Aviary
In the evenings at Tracy Aviary from November 22nd until December 31st you can pay around $18-25 and attend their Lightwalk. The Aviary is lit up with displays. There are also some specially themed nights intermixed - Cookie Nights, Candle Night, and Birds and Brews for adults only.
Zoolights
Zoolights at the Hogle Zoo is returning for its 18th year. This has been a longstanding tradition in my family. I remember spending my birthday there with my three-week-old son years ago (he’s a teenager now!). I’ve always loved walking through the zoo, hot chocolate in hand, enjoying the lights and catching glimpses of the animals. Tickes for Zoolights are about $19.
Living Planet Aquarium Lantern Festival
New to me this year is the Lantern Festival at the Living Planet Aquarium. It. Looks. Amazing. Some nights are just light viewing, and others also include aquarium access. Ticket prices range from $18-$28, depending on if aquarium access is included.
World of Illumination Reindeer Road
There are some drive-through experiences too. At the Fairgrounds this year is the World of Illumination Reindeer Road. You set your radio to a specific station and enjoy the show set to music as you drive through in your car. It runs from November 19th to the 29th and costs $40-50 per vehicle.
Christmas in Color
Another drive-through set to music is Christmas in Color in South Jordan. This one is $35 per vehicle and is very popular.
What did I miss? Where do you like to go to see the lights?