Utah Christmas Activities You Can Still Enjoy in 2020

This year has certainly been different than any in the past. Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, lots of the things we’re used to doing have had to change. Unfortunately, the holidays are a bit different this year as well.

Utah has had record-high numbers of Covid cases in the past few weeks, and hospitals are filling quickly. Because of this, many businesses are doing things differently this year and are taking extra precautions. Some of the holiday activities you typically enjoy, like getting pictures with Santa, are not offered this year. However, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t still a bunch of fun holiday activities to enjoy this season. Utah still has plenty to offer in terms of Christmas activities.

If you’re looking for a list of fun and safe things to do this winter with your family, check out these ideas:

Luminaria

Thanksgiving Point in Lehi, Utah, offers walk-through Christmas lights in their expansive Ashton Gardens. You’ll walk through a variety of different festive lights, with fields of lights that are coordinated to music, real reindeer, lots of yummy treats, and even a giant sleeping yeti. It’s fun for the whole family!

Plus, it’s all outdoors, masks are required, and only a certain number of guests are allowed during each time slot.

Winter Tubing at Soldier Hollow

Another great winter activity is tubing! Whether you’re a winter sports enthusiast, or you don’t have an athletic bone in your body, tubing is great for everyone. We really love going tubing at Soldier Hollow because you get to ride up to the top of the hill in your tube as it’s hooked onto a conveyor belt, meaning there’s no need to make the long and exhausting trek back up the hill each time like you have to do with regular sledding. You simply get to enjoy the fun part, cruising down the hill!

Christmas in Color

If you’d prefer to look at holiday lights from inside your car, Christmas in Color is a fantastic choice! It offers over a million lights, all synchronized to Christmas music, that you can drive through. You'll stay toasty warm in your car, and enjoy a vibrant show! Reserve tickets here.

Virtual Temple Square Lights

This year, the lights on Temple Square are only available virtually. Although the lights will be turned on this year, just like any other, the area will be fenced off so that it is only viewable from surrounding roads and exterior sidewalks. This is all in an effort to keep everyone safe and healthy. But this doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy the beautiful lights! Temple Square offered a virtual tour of the lights broadcasted live on December 1st at 6 pm MST on ChurchofJesusChrist.org and the Temple Square Facebook page. It can now be viewed on-demand.

Virtual Festival of Trees

Another fun holiday activity that has gone virtual is the Festival of Trees! The annual festival is produced by the Intermountain Foundation and benefits Primary Children’s Hospital. It is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, in its most unique event yet! The live event was broadcasted on December 4th, but you can watch it now on their website here.

All contributions benefit the kids at Primary Children’s Hospital. Visiting the virtual festival is a great way to enjoy some holiday fun from the comfort of your own home!

Even though the holidays are likely to be a bit different this year because of Covid-19, different doesn’t have to be bad! There are still many different ways to celebrate the holiday season safely this year. Whether you enjoy one of the activities above, or simply watch Christmas movies at home with your family. Regardless of your plans, stay safe, and have fun!