Presenting our editor’s picks of winter events in Utah. Mark your calendars for local theatre, light displays, holiday markets, and more.
NOV. 6-8
Moab Folk Festival: Entering its 23rd year, this free, community-based festival comprises live performances, music education, and environmental stewardship. Designed for musicians, classes include songwriting, clawhammer banjo, vocal technique, mandolin, and more. Downtown Moab; moabfolkfestival.com
NOV. 13-14
Ogden Ski Swap: Pick up new gear before snow season begins at the Weber County Fairground’s Exhibit Hall. Sell old skis, boots, and accessories on consignment during swap hours or shop new and used gear at a discounted rate. Friday’s event charges a $7 admission fee; Saturday is free to attend. Weber County Fairgrounds; Amphitheatre; @ogdenskiswap
NOV. 20
DJ + Donuts Opening Party at Solitude: Claim the first tracks of the season at Solitude’s opening day. Continuing a winter tradition, the resort will pass out glazed goodies while a live DJ keeps the vibes on high all day. A lift pass is required. This event may change depending on when Father Winter decides to bless Big Cottonwood Canyon with the first snow. Solitude; solitudemountain.com
NOV. 26
Utah Human Race: This Thanksgiving fun run, a family-friendly 5K/10K benefiting the Utah Food Bank, is one of the largest events of its kind in the state — more than 6,000 participants joined in 2025. Often dressed in feathered finery, runners of all ages earn their turkey dinner. The 5K race is $30 to enter, and the 10K is $35. Sandy City; utahfoodbank.org
NOV. 21-JAN. 4, 2027
Light Walk: Tracy Aviary’s beloved Lightwalk returns on Nov. 21. The holiday display features 8 acres of dazzling light displays, life-size gingerbread houses, holiday beverages, and a Santa meet and greet. Save $2 on admission by bringing nonperishable food items to donate. Tracy Aviary; lightwalkslc.com
NOV.-JAN. 2027
Luminaria: Wander through 50 acres of glowing gardens, where 10 million twinkling lights adorn larger-than-life ornaments, Christmas toys, and storybook villages. Luminaria has also expanded its grounds to include the lake, a food truck park, and a kid-friendly dancing stage. Luminaria is closed Sundays, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. Thanksgiving Point; utahcountyfair.org
NOV. 24-29
A Christmas Story: The Egyptian Theatre company presents the musical adaptation of a holiday classic. Set in the 1940s, the musical follows 9-year-old Ralphie Parker and his quest for the Holy Grail of Christmas Gifts — an official Red Ryder carbine-action, 200-shot range model air rifle. Egyptian Theatre; tickets.egyptiantheatrecompany.com
NOV. 29
Nutcracker — Symphony of Lights: Ukraine’s Grand Kyiv Ballet makes a stop in Utah for a special performance of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, told through light, movement, and sound. World-class performers reimagine the famous score, dancers twirl in glow-tipped tutus, and dazzling visuals immerse audiences in a holiday tradition. Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center; saltlakecountyarts.org
DEC. 2-5
Christkindlmarkt: A unique shopping experience inspired by traditional German Christmas markets. This Old World weekend market features more than 90 vendor booths selling unique gifts and cultural treats. Children and adults can also enjoy pioneer-era skill demonstrations, a lantern parade, live caroling, and a nativity scene. This Is the Place Heritage Park; christkindlmarkt-slc.com
DEC. 19
Annual Christmas Bird Count: The Christmas Bird Count is both a valuable tool for ecological understanding and a soothing winter tradition for wildlife lovers. The Bryce Canyon event invites visitors to set out birdwatching on several routes (ranging from strenuous hikes to easy drives) within a 15-mile radius of the park. Bryce Canyon National Park; nps.gov/brca
DEC. 31
Torchlight Parade: Ski resorts across Utah ring in the New Year with a brilliant display of fire and light. A parade of skiers and boarders carry torches to light up the slopes. Some resorts leave the procession to the professionals; others welcome participants to join in the festivities. NYE parades take place at Deer Valley, Park City Mountain Resort, Solitude, Alta, Snowbird, Powder Mountain, and Brian Head.
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