26 Best Things To Do In Winter In Utah For Families

Are you looking for things to do in Utah in Winter? Perfect! Get ready to plan some fun winter activities in Utah.

Visiting Utah in the winter or just planning a Utah winter staycation is a great choice! 

If you think of skiing when you think of Utah in winter, that is a great thought to have! Utah offers world-class skiing. But it also offers a wide variety of other, amazing winter activities in Salt Lake City and surrounding areas.

In this post, we are going to go over Utah winter vacation ideas, fun Christmas activities in Utah as well as other fun winter activities in Utah.  After reading this you will want to plan a Utah winter vacation! 

Let’s start with northern Utah activities and explore some of the fun things to do in winter in Utah down south!

Before we start be sure to grab your free Winter Bucket List This list has local events with dates and times.  You can cross off the big stuff and have fun attending the local city events and winter festivals as well. 

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This post may contain affiliate links (Including Amazon) that will give me a commission at no additional charge to you. 

1. Utah Ski Trip

Skiing is one of the most popular Utah winter activities.  Utah has the “greatest snow on earth” according to a study done at the University of Utah. (I am sure it wasn’t biased in any way!)  Utah has 10 ski resorts that are perfect to visit during the winter months.

Popular Ski Resorts

Park City, Deer Valley Resort, Solitude, and Sundance are the more popular tourist ski resorts. They have beautiful accommodations.  Park City is a great town with lots of shopping and entertainment for when you are off the slopes. If you love the Winter Olympics you can visit the Utah Olympic Oval. There is a really cool museum to check out. 

Locals will tell you, Alta is one of the best ski resorts because it has a higher elevation than the others and you can be sure to have the best snow.

Beginner Ski Resort

Brighton is also another one of my favorites because kids ski free and is a great resort for first-time skiers.  This is perfect if you are bringing your family on a Utah ski vacation.

Skiing is one of the best things to do in Salt Lake City in winter! 

2. Midway Ice Castle

If you are looking for other winter activities in Utah be sure to check out Midway Utah. There are so many fun things to do in Midway Utah in winter including the Midway Ice Castles.  Typically, this venue opens in early January.  It is one of the best Utah attractions in winter, a true winter wonderland. 

Midway, Utah is located close to Park City.  The Midway Ice Castle is a hand-crafted ice structure. There are tunnels and slides made of ice to explore. It really is a beautiful work of art. 

The ice castle is built entirely by hand using hundreds of thousands of icicles. The ice castle includes LED-lit ice sculptures (at night), ice thrones, ice-carved tunnels, and slides.

Admission 

The ice castle tickets range from $17 -22 per person

Our Experience

We love going to the castle. Most people prefer to go during the night when it is lit up but if you have little kids the daytime is perfect because it is warmer and not as crowded. (Making it easier to keep track of your kids.)

We love that there is hot chocolate and snacks available to eat right inside the castle.

The Midway ice castle is the perfect place to take amazing pictures! It is one of the best things to do in Utah in Winter!  

Utah Winter Vacation Idea

If you are traveling to see the Midway Ice Castle, plan to stay in the area.  The ice castle is located on the property of the Homestead Resort.  This locally-owned resort is really cool. There is snow tubing, snow shoeing, and amazing restaurants in Midway. If you want to live the Utah winter dream, Midway is the place to go. 

Midway is a great area for a Utah winter weekend vacation! 

3. Soldiers Hollow

Soldiers Hollow is located near Midway.  It offers the longest snow tubing lanes in Utah. This 1,200-foot track is so fun!  And the best part is that you do not have to walk back up the hill.  There is a lift service for towing people up.

A trip to the Soldier Hollow tubing is the perfect Utah winter activity!  This adventure will have you racing to get back to the top of the hill to go again and again. The entire family will love this! 

Hours

Weekdays (Monday- Thursday) | 4 pm to 6 pm

Weekends
Fridays | 10 am to 8 pm

Saturdays | 10 am to 8 pm

Sundays | 12 pm to 2 pm

Admission

Weekend (Fri-Sun) 2 Hour Session

Adults: $25 

Youth (ages 6-12): $23

Child (ages 3-5): $13

Soldiers Hollow is one of the most fun things to do in Utah in winter! Just FYI, prices are much more expensive during December.  

4. Homestead Crater

Do you like hot springs? The Homestead Crater in Midway, Utah is one of the best things to do in winter in Utah! This geothermal crater has water temperatures of 95 degrees year-round.  It feels like a hot tub! 

We went and had a blast! You can book a package at the Homestead Resort that includes a swim in the hot springs.  You can also book without staying at the resort.  Just be sure to book ahead of time as time slots fill up fast.

Our Experience

We had so much fun! It feels wonderful to jump into the warm water.  Life jackets are required, which we didn’t mind.  The crater is 65 feet deep and crystal clear.  You can even scuba dive if you want. We had my daughter’s sweet 16 party here and it was amazing! 

Admission

Prices range $12-$18

Scuba lessons are available for an additional charge.

5. Snow Globe Dining

Have you ever wanted to eat in a snow globe?  The Cafe Galleria in Midway is where you can experience one of the best Utah winter activities around.  

When I found out that this restaurant existed, I knew I had to go! How cool is it that you can be in a bubble and look out and see the mountains and beautiful snow?!

Menu

The menu is pretty reasonably priced with entrees around $12- $16 per plate. The food was okay, but the environment made it 100% worth it! It is a great place to visit in the winter. 

Reservations

Reservations are required and you will need to make them well in advance. To reserve a globe it is $30. 

6. Woodward Park City Snow Tubing

There are lots of Utah winter activities at Woodward. Including indoor winter activities Utah family-style, meaning good for all ages. The trampoline park is amazing at Woodward.  

There is also a ski lift with a few slopes and of course snow tubing.  If you are visiting Utah in the Winter, Woodward should be on your list. 

Admission

Prices can vary from $40-$80

Hours

10:00 am – 6:00 pm

Each session is 2 hours long.

7. Snow Shoe

Snowshoeing is a fun Utah winter activity.  A lot of ski resorts offer trails designated for snowshoeing, including beginner trails and tours. 

If you have never snowshoed before or if you just want a more experienced guide, there are private guided snowshoe excursions in Park City. 

Snow Shoe Trails

Some of the resorts that have trails for winter hiking are:

• Cherry Peak Resort
• Park City Mountain
• Sundance Mountain Resort
• Alta and Snowbird Resorts
• Snowbasin Resort

In southern Utah Cedar Breaks, National Monument, and Brian Head Ski Resort have some great options.

Our Experience

Snowshoeing is like hiking in the winter!  If you like hiking and the cold Utah winter temperatures you will probably like snowshoeing. It is a great outdoor adventure! 

My husband really enjoyed snowshoeing with friends.  It is nice to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. If you are looking for unique things to do in Utah in Winter, this is it! 

8. Snow Biking

One of the best Utah winter activities is the new sport of snow biking.  These bikes are most common in Park City.

You can use some of the same free trails you would use for snow shoes and cross-country skiing at the local parks in Park City. 

There are lots of places in Park City where you can rent these fat bikes. 

9. Attend Sundance Film Festival

One of the best things to do in Utah in January is attend the Sundance Film Festival.  

There are lots of venues around Park City and Sundance that host featured films.  If you want to party with the rich and famous and maybe even see a movie star Park City is where you will want to be.

The event lasts about two weeks and is held during peak skiing season.  

Admission

Unlike some film events, anyone can attend the Sundance Film Festival, movie stars and normal people alike. You will want to book your tickets early.  Ticket prices range from $30 to $4000.  There are plenty of options of films to check out. 

10. The Elves at Gardner Village

If you are looking for family winter activities Utah is not going to disappoint! Gardner Village is a great option for free things to do in Utah in winter! 

Gardner Village is a cute boutique shopping area located in West Jordan, Utah, about 20 minutes from downtown Salt Lake City.

During different seasons the village is decorated for a holiday. During winter,  there are elves placed all over the property.  You can go on a scavenger hunt to find the elves.  When you are done you can go to the bakery and get a cookie! 

This is one of the best things to do in Utah in Winter if you are staying near Salt Lake. 

Our Experience

My whole family especially the kids love going and searching for all the elves.  They have so much fun and if the weather is nice, it is even enjoyable for mom!

Gardner Village is open during normal business hours and this is a free Utah winter activity!  This event runs from November 21 to December 31.

This is a Utah Christmas activity we enjoy almost every year.

11. Ice Skating at Gallivan Center

Image courtesy of Visit Salt Lake City[/caption]

If ice skating outdoors is your idea of the perfect Utah winter activity, then the Gallivan Center is a perfect choice.

Bundle up and get on this outdoor rink to have some fun.  The ice rink is located in downtown Salt Lake City and is a block from a shopping district called City Creek (you can stop there to see Santa during Christmas time and do some shopping).

This outside venue is a great option for Utah winter activities. 

Admission

Adults: $14 (Includes Skate Rental)

Children: $12 (13 and under)

Hours:

Weekdays – 4 pm – 9 pm

Weekends – 12 pm -12 am

Holiday hours vary. 

There are also outdoor skating rinks located in Midway as well as Millcreek Common Skate Loop. Ice skating is a favorite Utah winter activity. 

12. Polar Express

Another place close to Park City to have some Utah winter fun is Heber, Utah. Heber Valley is home to “The Heber Creeper” a train ride for every season. True to its name, this rail ride creeps along. But you are not on it to get somewhere quick. Instead, you are there to enjoy the sights both on the train and outside.

In the winter, the Heber Creeper becomes the Polar Express.  This is one of the best things to do in Utah in winter! The train provides hot chocolate and candy canes.  And of course, Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus make an appearance.

Admission

Train tickets cost $35-$75 depending on what class of ticket and dates. Obviously, the closer to Christmas the more expensive it gets.  Buy your tickets in early October otherwise, you will not get to experience this Utah winter activity. 

Our Experience

We have been a few times and is one of our favorite things to do in Utah in December. We went once when our kids were little and as recently as last year. Our kids had a great time on both occasions.

You can look out the window and see holiday decorations.  Santa and Mrs. Claus came to each train and handed out cookies and hot cocoa.  Our kids loved the experience!

It is one of the Utah Christmas activities we have really enjoyed over the years and one of the best things to do in Utah in Winter. 

13. Grand America Christmas Displays

Christmas time is a great time to visit Salt Lake City.  One of the best Christmas activities in Utah is located at The Grand America.   The Grand America is one of the nicest hotels in the Salt Lake area.

During Christmas time you can walk around the main floor of the hotel to see Christmas displays portraying “The Night Before Christmas” poem.  To give you an idea of how big the hotel is, it will take you at least 30 minutes to walk around and look at each display.

Ginger Bread House

The hotel also has a two-story gingerbread house.  Get your cameras ready! There will be a hotel employee to hand out a special treat, and to take pictures if you’d like.  You do not have to stay at the hotel to experience this.  It is a great free winter activity in Utah!

14. This Is the Place Heritage Park Candle Light Processional

This is the place park is an outdoor area located east of Salt Lake City, close to the University of Utah. The area is very large, and is open all year, offering a re-creation of a pioneer village. 

During Christmas, they have a special Christmas event.  It is one of the best Utah Christmas activities in the area.

You will go back in time and celebrate Christmas as the pioneers did.  There are many crafts and activities available throughout the park.

Our Experience

The highlight for my kids was the bakery.  Homemade fresh-baked gingerbread men are available for free!

My kids also liked the Christmas carolers.  The carolers are dressed in pioneer attire and will show up at many of the historic houses. Making candles and seeing Santa Claus is another bonus of this event.

We really enjoyed the Utah Christmas events at This is the Place Heritage Park!

It is one of the best Utah Winter activities to add to your list! 

15. Christkindlmarkt

The Christkinlmakt is free!  It is also located at This is the Place Park.  It is typically the first weekend in December.  This is one of my favorite things to do in the winter in Utah.  We have been for the last 3 years! 

There are live performances, specialty shops, delicious German cuisine, and even traditional German Christmas characters such as Krampus.  

It is a fun way to experience a German Christmas market right in Salt Lake City.  It is a fun thing to do in Winter in Utah.  

Our Experience

We had so much fun shopping.  There are beautiful German candle fans and ornaments.  We also loved eating the delicious poffertjes and the kinderpunsch. 

It was super scary seeing Krampus!  I had to go home and do some research on what he was all about! Overall we had a wonderful time and I would highly recommend going! 

This is one of the best Salt Lake City winter activities.  We have made it a tradition to go every year.  

16. Zoo Lights

Image Courtesy of Hogle Zoo[/caption]

If you are looking for Utah Christmas activities, Hogle Zoo is located across the street from This Is the Place Heritage Park. The zoo puts on a magical display of lights every night in December from 5:30 – 9:00 pm.

Admission

This event is around $14.95 for adults and $11.95 for kids.

This is a great Utah winter activity and tradition for many Utah families.  It is one of the Utah Christmas activities that is very popular. 

17. Giving Machines

This is one of my favorite Utah Winter activities.  The Giving Machines provide a service opportunity for you and your family. 

These machines are located on Temple Square or nearby in downtown Salt Lake City.  Last year they were at City Creek just outside of the food court.

There will be ropes to help you know where to stand in line. Employees will hand you what looks like a menu, showing you the vending machines’ offerings. You can choose to donate chickens, vaccines, and more.

I always want to do something special during the holiday season and this is the perfect service project.  When you get a menu, you will see that on one side there are choices for your local community and the United States.  The other side is dedicated to third-world countries.

Our Experience

We love picking out different items that specifically went to certain people.  It was an incredible experience. We can’t wait to do this in the future! 

Check to see if there is one near you – Giving Machines

The Giving Machines are one of the best Christmas activities in Utah. 

18. Sledding

If you do not want to spend a lot of money sledding is the perfect winter activity in Utah. There are lots of places to go to the snow!  Most of the local parks on the East side of Salt Lake City have nice sledding hills.

We like to go to a place called Iron Mesa Park located in Sandy, Utah. The hill is unreal!   But there are many other parks to choose from. (Sugar House Park is one of the best places as well.)

Our Experience

It’s best to go after a recent snowstorm. The one downside to this awesome hill is that the slope is southward facing, which gets a lot of sun in the winter. But the hill is so big that you can still manage with bare spots.

We pack up our sleds and bring hot chocolate in a thermos. It’s a great time and one of the top winter activities we do year after year!

It is one of our favorite Utah winter activities! 

19. Ice Fishing on Strawberry Reservoir

If you are wondering what to do during winter in Utah, I have a great idea… ICE FISHING!

This winter activity in Utah is unique and great to add to a winter trip.  I actually have never done this activity but my brother-in-law does this every year.  Strawberry Reservoir is located 23 miles east of Heber City.

If ice fishing is new to you there are ice fishing rental companies that will actually drop everything you need off at the fishing site.  

The best time to ice fish at Strawberry Reservoir is early in the season (as soon as the ice is thick). Some people actually catch fish that are 18-24 inches long.  This might be one of those Utah Winter activities you might want to try this year!

20. Festival of Trees

The Festival of Trees is one of my favorite Utah winter activities because it helps those in need.  Located at the Sandy Expo Center in Sandy, Utah, the space is quite large.  

People in the community will decorate beautiful trees, and you have the chance to buy them.  The proceeds go to a charitable cause. There is no better way to give back! 

Our Experience

My sister-in-law had a neighbor that died of ALS. She and her friends have been making a tree each year, and the proceeds of the tree go to Primary Children’s Hospital. 

Others have lost family members to cancer, or have other causes close to their hearts.   Each tree honors those that have passed. 

We love walking around and looking at all the beautiful trees. Some of these trees sell for thousands of dollars. 

There are food options, and there is a staging area for concerts. You should add this to your Utah Christmas activities list. 

21. Utah Christmas Activities – Christmas Light Displays

Image courtesy of the Church of Jesus Christ of LDS.[/caption]

There are lots of displays around Salt Lake City, Utah.  The most popular location is Temple Square in downtown Salt Lake, but the temple is under construction right now and I believe the light display is on hold until they are finished. 

Temple Square offers many Christmas concerts that are AMAZING! The most famous Christmas concert is performed by the Tabernacle at Temple Square with a featured celebrity guest. 

Displays in Utah

• Temple Square –  Salt Lake City 
• Thanksgiving Point Luminaria – Lehi
• Christmas in Color – South Jordan and Provo
• Tree of Life – Draper
• Festival of Lights – Spanish Fork
• Zoo Lights – Salt Lake City
• Riverwoods – Provo

All of these Utah Christmas events are exceptional! 

22. Go See a Play – A Christmas Carol

We love the theatre! Around Christmas time the Hale Center Theatre has a spectacular Christmas Carol production.  My kids are big fans!  

Local Theatre’s 

We also like to see as many of the plays that are offered throughout the winter. 

Hale Center Theatre is a local theatre in both Salt Lake County and Utah County.  The Eccles Theater in downtown Salt Lake is where you will want to go to see the off-broadway shows.  We enjoy both venues and think this is one of the best things to do in Utah in winter!

23. Tuacahn Nativity

If you want to take a little road trip south, there are a couple of great options in St. George, Utah. One is called the Tuachan Christmas in the Canyon.  Tuacahn is an outdoor amphitheater in Ivins, just outside of St. George. This event offers a live nativity, train ride, and Santa greeting.

This 20-minute show is available at 7:00 pm and 8:00 pm Nov 27th – December 23rd.   Cost is $5 per person.  The train ride through the Padre Canyon is $3 and runs at 6:00 pm and 8:30 pm.

Enjoying the lights at Tuachan is a free winter activity in Utah and one of the best Utah Christmas activities!

24. Run a Race in St. George

Southern Utah has some beautiful weather in the winter.  Several races are held in January and February.  The St. George half Marathon is one of the bigger races to look forward to.

This is probably one of those things to do in winter in Utah you didn’t think of!  I know I didn’t at first!

South Jordan Utah also holds a Santa Sprint 5K in December.  

25. Dicken’s Festival

Image Courtesy of Real Estate of St. George Utah[/caption]