Best Utah Holiday Light Displays


The holidays are just around the corner, and it’s never too early to start planning what you want to see and do this Christmas season. It’s likely that visiting a few holiday light displays is at the top of your list, and for good reason! Utah is home to many stunning light displays. We’ve made it easy for you by compiling the best light displays in the greater Salt Lake City area.

Lights at Temple Square is a well-loved holiday tradition for many Utah residents and out-of-state visitors. Crowds fill Temple Square the Friday after Thanksgiving to witness the moment the lights are switched on for the season. Each evening from dusk until 10:00 p.m., visitors can walk around Temple Square to see trees filled with thousands of tiny lights, walkable nativity scenes, Christmas music and religious messages of the season in various languages. Free of charge and located at 50 West North Temple in downtown Salt Lake City. Parking information can be found here and additional event info here. Runs for the season starting on 11/25/2016.

ZooLights at Utah’s Hogle Zoo is an especially fun Christmas ritual for families. See the lights and animals all in one place. ZooLights runs in the evenings, and kids will love seeing Santa Claus and his reindeer stop by for a visit. Tickets are required and located at Hogle Zoo 2600 Sunnyside Ave, Salt Lake City – designated parking and concessions offered. More information including pricing can be found here. Runs the entire month of December – closed Christmas Day.

Candlelight Christmas at This is the Place Heritage Park is a light display reminiscent of years’ past. The outdoor village offers old-fashioned Christmas traditions such as a live nativity displays, reindeer and carolers. Tickets are required and is located at 2601 East Sunnyside Ave, Salt Lake City. More information including pricing can be found here. Runs Monday – Saturday evenings 12/9/2016 – 12/23/2016.

If you prefer experiencing holiday lights by car, this display is for you. Christmas in Color is a drivable interactive light display set to music. Advanced payment and reservations required. Located nest to the Olympic Oval in Kearns, which is roughly 5800 South and 4800 West. Lights are displayed on Ed Mayne Street. Purchase tickets and more information here. Runs weekends during the entire week of 12/19/2016 12/24/2016.

If you’re looking for something a little cozier, there are two neighborhood festive displays near Salt Lake City worth seeing. You can drive or walk through the displays, however no designated parking is available. Holiday tip: bring your own holiday treats and thermos of hot cocoa to make the outing more festive.

Sugar House Christmas Street has been enticing holiday crowds for over 60 years. This dead-end street has well-lit homes and a Christmas tree in the center that families in the neighborhood decorate. Head to 1500 East and 1735 South and look for the big Christmas Street banner that marks the entrance.

Taylorsville Christmas Street has been sharing the story of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas for 20+ years. The entire neighborhood gets into the holiday spirit and adorns their homes with lights and décor. Each house has a board that displays a page of the famous story. Head to 3310 West and Royalwood Drive (5350 South).

Luminaria at Thanksgiving Point is a new Christmas light display, that offers a full holiday experience with activities such as a live reindeer show and 27 themed event sections with original music, scents and tastes of Christmas. The grounds will be transformed into a magical wonderland complete with 8,000 luminarias set to music and a 120-foot Christmas tree. Enjoy holiday treats, which include ‘s’mores at the fire pits and gourmet cocoa. This display is a must see, as Thanksgiving Point tends to go above and beyond if the Museum of Natural Curiosity is any indication. General admission tickets required. Located at 3900 North Garden Drive in Lehi. Ample parking and holiday concessions available. Additional event info can be found here. Runs Monday – Saturday evenings 11/25/2016 – 12/31/2016.

 As you can see, each event has unique offerings to help make this Christmas season the most memorable one yet.


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