With the early promise of a snowy winter season, Park City is ready to show off for the holidays in all of its winter wonderland glory. Getting into the holiday spirit is easy in December, with a month of events to entertain locals and visitors both young and old. I’ve curated a list of the top ten things to do over the Holidays below:
(Photo Credit: Heber Valley Railroad)
North Pole Express
Heber Valley Railroad
450 South 600 West, Heber City
Mondays – Saturdays through Dec. 23
All ages
Take your kids on a train ride to the North Pole while enjoying Mrs. Claus’ famous chocolate chip cookies and hot cocoa on the Heber Valley Railroad’s North Pole Express. Santa joins the 90-minute round-trip ride, visiting each child and presenting them with a special gift. “North Pole” (regular) and “First Class” tickets are available, along with private cars available for groups. Tickets and dates are listed here, but be sure to book early, as this event always sells out.
(Photo Credit: Holiday Nights™)
Holiday Nights™
Jordanelle State Park
Upper Fisher Loop, 515 UT-319, Heber City (approx. 10 minutes from Park City)
Nightly through Jan. 4, 5 – 10 p.m.
All ages
Holiday Nights™ at Jordanelle State Park has taken the tradition of driving through neighborhoods to check out holiday light displays to a whole new level. This 1-2-mile leisurely drive winds through the state park and features more than 40 sparking LED displays, including animated snowmen, elves, poinsettias, candy canes, a 200-foot light tunnel and a mega tree display at Santa’s Holiday Village. Advance tickets range from $20-$40, depending on date and car size, and can be purchased by clicking here.
(Photo Credit: DeJoria Center)
Santa on the Ranch
DeJoria Center/State Road Restaurant
970 North State Road 32, Kamas (approx. 20 minutes from Park City)
Dec. 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 & 21 from 5 – 9 p.m.
All ages
Head a few miles outside of Park City to the picturesque Kamas Valley for a special evening with Santa at the DeJoria Center & State Road Restaurant. “Santa on the Ranch” features dinner, pictures with Santa, cookie decorating and letters to Santa with his helpers. Adults ages 13 and older are $48, kids ages 4-12 are $38 and kids 3 and under are $10. Reservations are required, and can be made by calling 435-783-3530. Click here for more information.
(Photo Credit: Park City Santa Pub Crawl)
Park City Santa Pub Crawl
Various locations on Main Street
Park City
Saturday, Dec. 7 at 6 p.m.
Ages 21 and over
Parkites love any excuse to dress in costume, and the holidays are no exception, as evidenced by the annual Park City Santa Pub Crawl. Revelers dressed as Santa and Mrs. Claus abound, along with reindeer, angels, elves … the costume creativity knows no bounds. The evening begins at 6 p.m. at Butcher’s Chop House and Bar (751 Lower Main Street), then heads to the Downstairs (625 Main Street) from 6:45 – 8:15 p.m. Attendees can then spread out and choose the No Name (447 Main Street), The Spur (352 Main Street) or Flanigans (438 Main Street) from 8:15 – 10:30 p.m., with the final stop at The Cabin (427 Main Street) for the End of Night Crawler Party from 10 p.m. – 1 a.m. There’s no cost to participate, but everyone is encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy for the Park City Toy Drive, along with cash, as the bars get packed and credit cards can slow the flow. Stay up-to-date on the event by following there Facebook page here and checking out fun pics from past years.
(Photo Credit: Egyptian Theatre)
Park City Holiday Spectacular & Sing-Along!
Egyptian Theatre
328 Main Street, Park City
Friday, Dec. 14 & Saturday, Dec. 15 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 16 at 6 p.m.
All ages
Start a family tradition with this annual showcase of local entertainers of all ages and abilities as they take the historic stage at the Egyptian Theatre. Performing acts are interspersed with chances for the audience to singalong to holiday classics. Regular seats are $12 for youth and $15 for adults, with Front-of-House tickets are $19 and Cabaret tables immediately in front of the stage are $25 each. To purchase tickets, please click here.
(Photo Credit: Park City Mountain)
Santa Arrives on the Town Lift
Town Lift Plaza
825 Main Street, Park City
Saturday, Dec. 21, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
All ages
In true ski town-style, Santa comes to Main Street each year via the Town Lift to spend some time with his biggest fans on the Plaza. Past years have included, live music, hot chocolate and cookies for those awaiting Father Christmas’ 6 p.m. arrival, which is followed by photo opps with the man of the hour. For more info, click here.
(Photo Credit: Kurt Bestor)
Kurt Bestor
Egyptian Theatre
328 Main Street, Park City
Saturday, Dec. 21 – 8 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 22 – Wednesday, Dec. 25 – 6 p.m.
All ages
Emmy Award-winning Utah favorite, Kurt Bestor, visits Park City every holiday season to bring his larger-than-life personality and talent to the Egyptian Theatre for a five-night engagement featuring holiday favorites and original music in an intimate setting. Tickets are $34 for House Seating, $40 for Preferred Front of House seating, and $50 for Cabaret Table Seating in front of the stage. To purchase tickets, click here.
(Photo Credit: Deer Valley Resort)
Santa Claus Visits Deer Valley Resort
Deer Valley Resort
Snow Park Lodge (2250 Deer Valley Drive South, Lower Deer Valley)
Silver Lake Lodge (7600 Royal Street, Upper Deer Valley)
Tuesday, Dec. 24, 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
All ages
It wouldn’t be Christmas Eve without Santa making his annual appearance to take photos with all of the good boys and girls on the slopes of Deer Valley Resort. St. Nick will visit guests at the Snow Park Lodge area from 9 – 11 a.m., and at the Silver Lake Lodge area from 12 – 1:30 p.m. For more information, click here, or call 435-649-1000.
(Photo Credit: Deer Valley Resort)
Deer Valley Resort Torchlight Parade
Deer Valley Resort
2250 Deer Valley Drive South, Park City
Monday, Dec. 30, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
All ages
Another quintessential ski town tradition is a torchlight parade, where skiers travel in formation down a ski run at dusk holding torches to create an otherworldly glow. Deer Valley Resort’s Torchlight Parade is held on Big Stick ski run (behind Snow Park Lodge) at around 6 p.m., with complimentary hot chocolate, cider and cookies served on the plaza from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Click here for more information.
(Photo Credit: O.P. Rockwell)
Roaring ‘20s New Year’s Eve Party Gold Standard Music
O.P. Rockwell
268 Main Street, Park City
Tuesday, Dec. 31 – 9 p.m.
21 and over
Swing in the New Year with the opulence of “The Great Gatsby” at this Roaring ‘20s-themed party, dancing to the jazz/electro/soul hybrid sounds of Gold Standard Music. Opt for the VIP Dinner & Party package for $175, which includes dinner in The Rockwell Listening Room followed by VIP entry to the O.P. Rockwell Mezzanine lounges, or join the party for $100 with free appetizers in General Admission. The venue is requesting guests arrive in themed attire, such as top hats, cravats, evening gown and bow ties. For full details, click here.
Whether it’s an outing for the whole family or a special date night experience, when you Choose Park City, you’re certain to have a unique and memorable time. Learn more about possibly calling Park City “home” by connecting with Christine Grenney at 435-640-4238, or visit her website by clicking here to learn more about the area’s neighborhoods.