Utah holiday events are in full swing, providing a variety of festive happenings across the state.  From high-alpine feasts and red rock retreats to cherished community traditions, there is something for every traveler and local to enjoy. Whether chasing holiday lights, planning a cozy seasonal getaway or exploring desert towns without the crowds, these 2025 celebrations highlight the best of Utah during the most magical time of the year.

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Need more? Read more: The best self-care gifts she’ll actually use (and love) this holiday season

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Utah winter getaways and seasonal celebrations

Here are 12 top holiday happenings, festive stays and seasonal events to enjoy across Utah in 2025.

Festival of Trees (Mountain America Exposition Center, Sandy)

Festivities: The 2025 Festival of Trees brings four days of extravagant holiday displays, including themed trees, wreaths, hand-crafted gingerbread houses and more, all available via silent auction. Guests can enjoy the Sweet Shoppe’s hot scones, take photos with Santa or the Grinch and shop for homemade holiday gifts. All funds raised support Primary Children’s Hospital.

• 12/2 — Opening Night Celebration: 6:30 PM–9:00 PM
• 12/3 — Festival of Trees Day 1: 10:00 AM–9:00 PM
• 12/4 — Festival of Trees Day 2: 10:00 AM–9:00 PM
• 12/5 — Festival of Trees Day 3: 10:00 AM–9:00 PM
• 12/6 — Festival of Trees Day 4: 10:00 AM–7:00 PM

Website: intermountainhealthcare.org/give/fundraising-events/festival-of-trees

Festive Pinyon Pine Lighting (Moab)

Festivities: While NYC celebrates the debut of the Rockefeller Christmas Tree, Moab introduces a new tradition rooted in desert stillness and starlight. Solar-powered, dark-sky-compliant lights gently light a centuries-old Utah Pinyon Pine in the Sand Flats Recreation Area. The tree has never been moved or altered and stands as a tribute to Moab’s sense of place, its dark skies and a community that values connection and land stewardship. The tree will be lit nightly through early January.
Website: discovermoab.com

Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection by Hilton (Moab)

Festivities: A luxe basecamp in Downtown Moab offering a holiday-in-the-desert feel with festive lobby decor, spa access and walkability to Main Street lights. Guests can pair a winter visit to Arches or Canyonlands with dinner and seasonal cocktails at the on-site Josie Wyatt’s Grille. Perfect for couples or families.
Website: hoodoomoab.com

Josie Wyatt’s Grille (Moab)

Festivities: Upscale Western-inspired dining with seasonal menus ideal for visitors spending the holidays in Moab who want a special-occasion dinner. Expect steaks, shareables and craft cocktails in a warm indoor setting off Main Street.
Website: josiewyatts.com

Moab Holiday & Community Happenings (Moab)

Festivities: Moab offers a small-town desert take on the holidays with Main Street lights, shopping and dining packages and easy winter access to Arches’ snow-dusted landscapes. A great not-just-ski-country destination.
Website: discovermoab.com

Red Cliffs Lodge (Moab River Corridor)

Festivities: The Red Cliffs Lodge Moab offers a cinematic Southwest escape along the Colorado River with dramatic red rock views, cozy lodge vibes and peaceful access to Moab’s national parks in their quietest season. Ideal for families or anyone wanting a holiday that feels like a national park movie set.
Website: redcliffslodge.com

Red Cliffs Lodge Zion, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel (Zion Area)

Festivities: A cinematic Southwest escape along the Colorado River with dramatic red rock views, cozy lodge atmosphere and peaceful access to Moab’s national parks in their quietest season. Ideal for families or anyone wanting a holiday that feels like a national park movie set. Holiday dining at Scout Bar & Grill includes multi-course menus on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with seasonal starters, hearty entrees and Sticky Toffee Pudding for dessert. Pricing: $64 adults, $25 kids under 12.

• 12/24–12/25 — Christmas Eve & Christmas Day Dinner: Multi-course holiday menu with festive entrees and desserts.
• 12/31 — New Year’s Eve Dinner: Multi-course celebration dinner featuring shrimp cocktail, seasonal salads and entrees like salmon, petite filet or four cheese ravioli, finished with gelato ice cream sandwiches.
• Zion Escape & Soak Package: Includes two all-day soak passes to Zion Canyon Hot Springs in La Verkin, perfect after exploring Zion’s winter trails. Promo code: ARN.

Website: redcliffslodge.com 

Snowpine Lodge (Alta)

Festivities: Snowpine Lodge offers a true winter wonderland for holiday gatherings with traditional mountain elegance, breathtaking alpine views and high-quality service perfect for friends, families and company celebrations. Guests can choose from a variety of hors d’oeuvres and buffet menus, enjoy luxury accommodations and relax with premium amenities throughout the season. Live music fills the Gulch Pub every Friday and Saturday night in December. Guests can extend their stay with up to 20% off lodging through December 19. Enjoy ski-in/ski-out access to Alta Ski Area, fireplaces and s’mores by the fire pits.
Website: snowpinelodge.com

Sorrel River Ranch Resort & Spa (Moab River Corridor)

Festivities: A peaceful desert escape along the Colorado River with fireplaces, red rock views and wellness-forward amenities. Guests can pair winter park adventures with spa time and chef-driven dining.
Website: sorrelriver.com

St. George Christmas Village (St. George)

Festivities: The annual St. George Christmas Village brings holiday cheer with local vendors, festive shopping, movies in the park, live music, Santa visits and a joyful community atmosphere perfect for families and visitors.

12/19 — Christmas Village Celebration: 5:00 PM–10:00 PM.

Website: greaterzion.com/event/st-george-christmas-village/2025-12-19/

The Grand America Hotel (Salt Lake City)

Festivities: The Grand America offers refined holiday experiences including elegant afternoon tea, festive brunch and a seasonal scavenger hunt led by Tux the Penguin.

• 11/29–12/27 — Saturday Holiday Brunch at Laurel: Laurel’s Sunday brunch expands to Saturdays for the season.
• 11/1–1/3 — Tux the Penguin Holiday Window Adventure: Seasonal scavenger hunt through 14 window displays.
• Hours (Nov. 1–Dec. 20): Sunday–Wednesday 12:00 PM–9:00 PM, Thursday–Saturday 12:00 PM–5:00 PM
• Hours (Dec. 21–Jan. 3): Daily 12:00 PM–10:00 PM

Website: grandamerica.com

ZooLights at Utah’s Hogle Zoo (Salt Lake City)

Festivities: A nighttime holiday experience with brilliant animal and seasonal light displays throughout the zoo grounds. While the animals sleep, guests can enjoy festive scenes and nature-focused lighting on select seasonal nights.

• 111/28–1/4 — ZooLights: Runs on select nights between November 28 and January 4.

Website: hoglezoo.org/zoolights