(Cover photo credit: Brett Nellson)
I must hate myself. Really. I do this to myself EVERY YEAR, but to my Littles, the light cruises are an indispensable part of the Holidays. We circle city blocks for hours, marveling at the lights and amazing creations that people with more time, money and (clearly) intelligence can put together. Since the only thing it has to cost you is a gallon or two of gas, it’s one of the most affordable options. Here’s a breakdown by county along the Wasatch Front, including the wildly enthusiastic amateurs. You’re welcome.
An Exhaustive List Of Every Christmas Light Show Along The Wasatch Front
(Photo credit: Brian Gudzevich)
Utah County:
6-10-pm: Spanish Fork Festival of Lights-runs every night through New Year’s Day. Tickets $7-30.
6:30-10pm: The Christmas Light Cruise on the Provo River-tickets are $8.00, children under 2 free.
5:30-10:30pm: Pond Town in Salem-a sweet light display on the pond at the center of town, free admission. The display runs through 1.2.15
6-10pm: Thanksgiving Point Light Display-runs Monday through Saturday ’till December 29, you can cruise by car, reserve a horse-drawn wagon or board the trolley. Tickets are $4-20.
5-10pm: The Shops At Riverwoods-is ablaze with lights through January 2, 2015. There’s carriage rides Friday, Saturday and Monday. Free admission, small charge for the carriage rides.
5-10pm: Provo Town Center-watch the free holiday light and music show through December 31, free admission. 351 W Center St, Provo
(Photo Credit: Karol Franks)
The Plucky Non-Professionals UC: free admission
Sorenson Christmas Spectacular: 2513 N 380 W St, Lehi 100,000 lights
936 S 200 E, Orem: 100,000 lights set to music
(Photo credit: Brent Moore)
Salt Lake County:
5-10pm: The Lights At Temple Square-of course, the Grand MamaJama of all holiday lights is the heart-stopping display at Temple Square. Open seven days a week through December 31, admission is free. Be sure to stop by the reflecting pool.
6-9pm: Candlelight Christmas at This Is The Place State Park-discover the warm glow of a pioneer Christmas with dancing, crafts and a visit with Father Christmas. Dude. Hardcore… Tickets: adults $11, kids $8, children under 2 free. Runs December 8-27 Monday through Saturday, closed 24-25th.
5:30-9pm: Zoo Lights at Utah’s Hogle Zoo-I’m seriously considering putting sunglasses on the kids this year, it’s that wildly colored and bright. Open through December 31st, tickets are $4-6 for members, and $7-5 for non-members.
5-11pm: Light Up The Night At The Gateway Mall-hundreds of thousands of lights. including a wildly rotating color wheel on their gigantic Christmas Tree. Free admission, open through January 2, 2015.
Noon-6pm: Gallivan Center Ice Skating Rink and Light Display-gorgeous neon splashes of color all over the Gallivan Center, plus ice skating and a fire barrel! Check here for sudden closures or schedule changes. Admission to see the lights is free, ice rink is a small fee.
5-10pm: The Lights At Gardner Village-there’s free admission and Elf Hunts! Runs through December 31.
Dusk to 11pm: The “Tree Of Life” is a beautiful addition to the Draper City Park–thousands of white lights that have created kind of a draw for spiritual seekers to the tree. Draper City Park, 12500 South 1300 East.
The Plucky Non-Professionals SLC: free admission.
Winder Lane: wander Winder (hee, hee, hee!) Lane’s light displays and sip a little cocoa. 4400 West 4100 South, West Valley City
Christmas Street: 5400 South 3200 West, Salt Lake City. Best seen on foot.
Christmas Street Sugarhouse: the oldest neighborhood to claim the title here in Utah. Glen Arbor St, Salt Lake City
Christenson & Hymas Light Display: tune your radio to 99.5 for the music that goes with the show. 11693 S. 700 E., Draper
Frosty’s Winter Wonderland: something new goes up every night, slow for a moment and Frosty or one of his kids will trot over to hand you a candy cane. 805 E 18th Ave, Salt Lake City
8005 Twelve Pines Drive: new contenders with some serious wattage. 8029-7985 S 1200 E, Sandy
Lights on Wakefield: if you’d like to donate, they’re raising money for the Mascot Miracles Foundation (pediatric cancer) tune your radio to 87.9fm. 6388 S. Wakefield Way (5885 W.)
(A correction from one cranky commentator) HARDLY an “exhaustive” list! Our light show isn’t listed, and we’ve been doing it for 5 years! Come see The Lights on Neffs Circle (2555 E. Neffs Circle (aprox. 3520 S.)). Shows start at 6:00 PM nightly! Oh yeah. We are in SLC, on the East Bench in Millcreek!
From a thoughtful neighbor: check out 9568 S 4190 W in South Jordan!
(photo credit: Clark Historic Farm)
Tooele County:
6-9pm: Clark Historic Farm, live nativity and luminary walk. Tickets $2 per person, or $1 with food donation.
The Plucky Non-Professionals TC: free admission
Lights on 1310: Sunday-Thursday 6-10pm, Friday-Saturday 6-11pm
Wait! There’s more from the Tooele Transcript here.
(Photo credit: Derek K Miller)
Davis County:
Dusk-11pm: Layton City Lights In The Park-free admission, open through January 1.
Dusk-11pm: Founder’s Park, Main Street Centerville, open through January 2.
The Plucky Non-Professionals DC: free admission.
1600 S 1100 W, Syracuse: 25 years of light display madness
223 N 1400 W, Clearfield: Christmas lights dance to the music, set your channel to 93.7fm
Lights on Sherwood Drive, 5:30-10p though Jan 1.
(Photo credit: Christopher Penn)
Weber County:
5-9pm: Ogden’s Christmas Village-free admission, meet with Santa, take a tour of the homes. Crafts, photos with Santa and food available for sale. Runs through December 31.
The Plucky Non-Professionals WC: free admission
Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, Exeter Dr, Morgan: admission is free, but they’re asking for donations for Primary Children’s Medical Center if you’re so inclined.
(Photo Credit: Iwona Kellie)
Box Elder County:
5-10pm: Fantasy At The Bay, Willard Bay State Park-my kids LOVE this wonderful display. Take a horse-drawn wagon ride through the lights for free, but PLEASE tip the driver–this sweet man offers the service for free because he doesn’t want any child disappointed. Admission is 50% off on Wednesdays, and get a $1.00 off coupon here. It’s worth the drive. Open through December 31, seven days a week.
(Photo credit: Nathan)
The Plucky Non-Professionals BEC: free admission:
The Hooper Holiday House: The Goodrich family is proud to invite you, turn the radio to 90.5 for musical accompaniment.
Tremonton-102 S Tremont St: lights synchronized to music, 5:30-11pm
Okay, seriously, I can no longer feel my fingers. I’ve been writing this post for the last 5 hours. Yet, there are more! Be sure to check here for more enthusiastic amateurs. There’s bound to be a house or two near you. I’m sure that there’s great places I’ve missed. Please add your two cents in a comment below. C’mon! It’s for the children…