One of the best ways to get to know a new town like Park City is to see how they celebrate. And here in Park City, the holiday season features a number of celebrations that can help you become immersed in your community.
If you are lucky enough to be in our town at any point during the Christmas season, here are 12 of the best Park City holiday events that are sure to put you in a more festive mood.
The North Pole Express (Nov. 23 – Dec. 23)
(Photo credit: Heber Valley Railroad)
Just south of Park City proper, you can take the whole family on a magical train ride when you ride the Heber Valley Railroad, which has been transformed into the North Pole Express. For 90 minutes, you can enjoy a roundtrip train ride full of Christmas music, chocolate chip cookies, and hot chocolate, as well as entertainment from Santa and his elves.
Tree Lighting Ceremony (Nov. 29)
(Photo credit: Park City Mountain)
Taking place just the day after Thanksgiving, you are invited to jump into the Christmas season with the Canyons Village Christmas tree lighting ceremony. This event will take place from 4 pm – 5:30, with the tree lighting happening at 5:15 pm. There will also be a fireworks display immediately after the lighting.
You can also enjoy live music, photos with Santa available for purchase, as well as complimentary holiday crafts, hot cocoa bar, and a Park City Mountain souvenir ornament while supplies last.
Electric Parade And Festivities (Nov. 30)
(Photo credit: Historic Park City Utah)
You will want to brave the cold for the Electric Parade and Festivities! Taking place along Park City’s historic Main Street, children can catch Santa strolling from 4-6 pm. At 5:30, the Christmas tree in Miner’s Park will be lit, as well as the lights along Main Street.
But the main event is the Electric Parade, which starts at 6 pm. Enjoy the mobile lights show as parade participants drive their festive floats down Main Street.
Park Silly Holiday Bazaar (Dec. 6-8)
(Photo credit: Visit Park City)
Taking the well-known Park Silly Market indoors, come do some holiday shopping or browse at the Park Silly Holiday Bazaar. This festive indoor market will feature carefully curated vendors so that you can easily take care of your last minute Christmas shopping. Along with the shopping, there will be free photos with Santa available, an onsite restaurant and bar, and best of all, entry into the bazaar is completely free.
Park City Holiday Spectacular and Sing-A-Long (Dec. 13-14)
(Photo credit: Egyptian Theatre Company)
If you are looking to get into the holiday spirit, the Park City Holiday Spectacular and Sing-A-Long is what you need. You can expect performances from the top local talent as well as a mix of crowd participation sing-a-longs, where the audience is encouraged to belt out favorite Christmas tunes.
This event is great fun for all ages, so the whole family can get into the holiday spirit together as you all enjoy this unique holiday event.
Christmas with the Celts (Dec. 18-20)
(Photo credit: Egyptian Theatre Company)
Enjoy Christmas with the Celts at the Egyptian Theatre. The three-day performances by The Celts will feature a range of traditional Christmas carols, new additions to your old favorites, step dancing, and a variety of instruments that you probably haven’t heard used in Christmas songs.
Snowfest (Dec. 20 – Jan. 5)
(Photo credit: Park City Mountain)
From December 20, 2019, to January 5, 2020, Park City Mountain will be hosting Snowfest. As one of the premier ski resorts, Park City Mountain will host a variety of events throughout the holiday season, from the Tree Lighting Ceremony, the iconic Torchlight Parade, daily specials, firework shows, and more.
Also, many of the events of Snowfest are free to the public, so you can come and get into the Christmas spirit at no cost.
Ballet West’s Nutcracker (Dec. 21)
(Photo credit: Ballet West Academy)
The Ballet West Academy brings the classic holiday ballet The Nutcracker to life. Excellent for all ages, be drawn into the magical world of dancing sugar plums, battling soldiers, and pure Christmas magic. This production is abbreviated to a 1-hour version, and there are two available showtimes.
Santa Comes Down the Town Lift (Dec. 21)
(Photo credit: Visit Park City)
Bring a childhood dream to life on December 21 and go to the Town Lift Plaza in Park City’s Main Street to watch Santa come down the lift in his magical sleigh. Decked out in lights, Santa’s sleigh is attached to the town lift, allowing Santa to bring a bit of Christmas magic to life.
After Santa has descended, take a stroll down Main Street and enjoy the beautifully lit historic district.
It’s A Wonderful Life (Dec. 23)
Catch the Christmas classic movie It’s A Wonderful Life in the Jim Santy Auditorium, found in the Park City Library. Main protagonist George Bailey is having a hard Christmas, and just when he is about to make a terrible decision, George ends up rescuing his guardian angel.
With the help of his guardian angel, George is able to see what impact his good deeds have had over the years. The movie will show at 7 pm, and it is free for the public to attend.
Torchlight Parade (Dec. 24)
A magical Park City tradition is the Torchlight Parade. With some groups decked out in lights and the Park City snowboard and ski instructors carrying lit torches, you will be mesmerized as the Torchlight Parade makes its way down the mountain.
Taking place at Park City Mountain Village, this Christmas Eve event starts at 5:30 pm. After the parade is done, you can enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and cookies.
Ski With Santa (Dec. 25)
Once the presents are opened, you can catch Santa on the slopes. Several of the ski resorts in and around Park City will feature Santa, and sometimes, Mrs. Claus too.
Here at Jensen and Company, we love Park City. That’s why we have specialized in Park City real estate. So, when you’re ready to find your dream mountain property, we are here for you.