Let’s be honest, many of us don’t love the freezing cold and the short days that a Utah winter brings. The snow falls constantly, our cars take a while to heat fully and winter hats mess up our hair. However, the holiday season and the snowy mountains transform Utah into a picturesque wonderland that many people love! People flock to the ski trails, lace up their skates for outdoor rinks, tour cute downtown areas, and oogle at all the lights.

For couples wanting to celebrate the season together, you can take advantage of the plethora of romantic holiday activities that Utah has to offer. Tailor made for Utah residents, our "12 Dates of Christmas" list is sure to have something right up your alley. We tried to make this list all inclusive for most of Utah but unfortunately, some of these dates are held in specific places. Others may have similar opportunities in your area, so be sure to do some research on your city or county!

Let's get into the 12 dates of Christmas!

Holiday Lights Wagon Ride, Ice Castles and Zermatt Resort in Midway 

Start your festivities with a timeless experience: a horse-drawn wagon ride through scenic Christmas lights in Midway. Snuggled under blankets, let the serene landscape transport you both into a winter fairytale. Then, take a tour of the beautiful ice castles in Midway! These sculptures allow you to walk through a connected tunnel system and experience the beauty of the ice! Finally, if you're looking for an overnight stay, Zermatt Resort brings Switzerland to Utah. Stay at one of the Swiss hotels and take in the natural beauty of Switzerland. Venture down into Midway and Heber City for some good eats or stay at the resort.

Temple Square Lights in Salt Lake City 

Utah’s iconic Temple Square in Salt Lake City transforms into a dazzling attraction during the holidays. Take a walk through the twinkling lights and immerse yourselves in the magic of this display! There are many more lights around Utah as well, including some in Draper and Willard Bay. All of these options are beautiful!

Ice Skating at Gallivan Center 

Feel the holiday cheer as you glide across the ice at Gallivan Center’s outdoor rink in downtown Salt Lake City. Whether you're beginners or seasoned pros, it’s easy to feel the joy of the season while on the ice! Other outdoor skating rinks include Millcreek Commons, Downtown Logan, and Resort Center Ice Skating Rink in Park City. All of your skating options in utah for both indoor and outdoor can be found right here.

Snowshoeing in Park City 

Escape into the serene winter landscapes of Park City on a snowshoeing adventure. Make your way through the snow surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Wasatch Mountains. Of course, you can also head to your local mountains to snowshoe. Other options include Little Cottonwood Creek Trail, Millcreek Canyon, and Green Canyon.

Christmas Concert at Abravanel Hall 

Enjoy the melodies of the season at a Christmas concert in the renowned Abravanel Hall. The symphony’s rendition of timeless classics will set the stage for an enchanting evening and leave you and your romantic partner feeling festive this Christmas season!

Dinner at Log Haven 

Go have a romantic dinner at Log Haven, in the heart of the Wasatch National Forest! Surrounded by nature, Log Haven offer’s a gourmet cuisine in the most beautiful setting, perfect for an unforgettable evening together. 

Visit Santa's Workshop at the North Pole 

Make you way to the “North Pole” in North Ogden check out Santa's Workshop. Embrace the magic with a light show, free hot coco and meet-and-greets with Santa Claus, and explore the winter wonderland together. This is one of the more special and unique places in Utah - there isn't anything quite like it, so make sure to add it to your list!

Snow Globe Stroll in Park City 

Looking to go for a lovely wintry stroll down main street? You're in luck! In Park City, during Christmas time and winter, these life-sized snow globes are setup for the public's enjoyment. There are seven of them and each carry a different theme from skiing to caroling. After you've found all of the snow globes, consider staying for dinner on Main Street at one of the many restaurants and breweries.

Candlelight Christmas at This Is the Place Heritage Park 

Transport yourselves back in time at This Is the Place Heritage Park's Candlelight Christmas. Take a stroll and wander through the historic homes complete with twinkling lights and check out some of the pioneer-themed activities! 

Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade at Snowbasin Resort 

Celebrate Christmas Eve with a mesmerizing torchlight parade at Snowbasin Resort. Watch as skiers and snowboarders descend the mountain with torches ablaze and an amazing fireworks display! Many other ski resorts host their own torchlight parades, so if you're not in the area or prefer a different ski resort, check out your local resorts! Often times, you can purchase a torchlight and participate in the parade yourself. Deer Valley, Park City, Snowbird, Solitude, and Alta all have their own torchlight parades.

Hot Springs Soak at Homestead Crater 

Have you ever been in a hot spring? How about a hot spring in a crater? Luckily, Midway has both of those options for you! Relax and rejuvenate at Homestead Crater just outside of Zermatt Resort with a soak in natural hot springs. Let the warmth of the springs and the beautiful ambiance create a romantic escape for the both of you! 

Cozy Cabin Staycation 

Book a cozy cabin nestled in the mountains for a romantic staycation. Bask in the warmth of a fireplace, sip some hot cocoa, and savor your moments together in a gorgeous snowy setting.

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Utah, with its stunning landscapes and festive spirit, provides the perfect backdrop for creating cherished memories this holiday season. Embrace the magic of Christmas and celebrate your love on these dates that promise to make this time together truly unforgettable. 

Wishing you and your loved one a joyous holiday season filled with love, laughter, and endless happy moments from all of us here at Healthy Relationships Utah!