I think Park City is a fantastic destination almost any time of year, but it’s simply magical at Christmas time! The holiday season is also one of the most popular times for tourists to visit Park City, Utah. If you’re looking for a place to spend Christmas vacation, consider spending your holidays in Park City!
Christmas in Park City
The week between Christmas and New Year’s is the busiest week of the year in Park City because everyone wants to spend the holidays in a winter wonderland. You’ll pay a premium at Park City hotels, and you’ll need to secure your dinner reservations up to three months in advance. But if you want a Hallmark Christmas, it’s totally worth it! Of course, skiing is the main attraction, and the snow is typically pretty good in late December. However, there are plenty of other holiday events and activities in Park City. I have a whole list of things to do in Park City in winter, so this post is specific to holiday-themed activities in Park City!
Santa Claus usually kicks off Christmas in Park City Utah with a ride on the Park City Mountain Resort Town Lift. If you’re near downtown Park City, be sure to gather around Lower Historic Main Street to catch a glimpse!
Preparing for Park City elevation will make your trip much more fun!
Park City Christmas Events
Snow Globe Stroll
One of the best things to come out of the Pandemic is the Snow Globe Stroll. Now in its fourth year, the Historic Park City Alliance places life size snow globes all over Old Town. They are interactive and each represents a local theme, such as skiing or wildlife. You can print a list of all the locations and make a fun scavenger hunt to find them all. In previous years, local businesses served hot cocoa in commemorative cups. The displays pop up around Thanksgiving and are usually taken down the first week of January.
For 2024, the Snow Globe Stroll is expanding to Canyons Village, with the Gondola Art Stroll. Six retired Red Pine Gondola cabins will feature art installations with a holiday theme.
Park City Holiday Spectacular and Sing-A-Long!
The Egyptian Theatre hosts an all-ages variety show, now in its 9th year. This family-friendly event is a big hit for locals and visitors, but like everything in Park City, you have to get your tickets early!
Deer Valley Resort
Deer Valley Resort is consistently ranked one of the best and most family-friendly ski resorts in the nation. The slopes are flanked by magnificent log cabins, and there are plenty of ski-in / ski-out hotels and condos to choose from. Christmas in Deer Valley is such a treat! On Christmas Eve, Santa Claus visits Deer Valley for photo ops and takes the chairlift from Snow Park Plaza up to Silver Lake Village.
Then on December 30, they have the annual torchlight parade. It’s a beautiful way to end the year!
Jordanelle State Park
Every winter, Rocky Mountain Outfitters hosts wagon rides through holiday lights that are set up at Jordanelle State Park. If there’s enough snow, the event will kick off around Thanksgiving and run on select nights through December 30. Each horse-drawn wagon holds up to 15 people, so you can buy a single ticket ($30) or rent a whole wagon ($300-$500)
Canyons Village
The recent addition of the Pendry Plaza and Pendry Park City doubled the size of Canyons Village, which is quickly becoming the premier ski village in town. Christmas in the Canyons kicks off the day after Thanksgiving with a tree lighting ceremony, which includes lots of fun treats and pictures with Santa. The tree ceremony is followed by the first fireworks of the season!
Canyons Village will host Silver Sky Nights on select nights this winter, including December 20 and 27. These events include live music on the Forum Stage, fireworks, and ice carving demonstrations.
North Pole Express
If you’re visiting Park City with kids this season, you won’t want to miss the North Pole Express on the Heber Valley Railroad. You’ll be treated to a colorful cast of characters on this 90-minute train ride. First Class is worth the small splurge, as you’ll get a souvenir mug to commemorate your journey. On most days, there are two daily departures. I recommend the earlier one so that you can also enjoy some of the mountain scenery from the train. As of October 31, nearly all 2023 departures were sold out, so you really have to plan ahead for this one!
There are concessions, restrooms, and a gift shop available at the depot before you leave and it typically stays open 30 minutes after the train returns if you want to buy any souvenirs.
Park City Holiday Decorations
The best place to see Christmas decorations in Park City is at the finest hotels in town. Each resort goes all out on holiday decorations. This year, the Stein Eriksen Lodge has a giant gingerbread display, and most of them will put out hot cocoa and hot apple cider during the apres hour. If you’re skiing, just park your skis outside and take a look around. The Goldener Hirsch looks amazing right now!
Canyons Village holds a Christmas Tree lighting ceremony every year on the day after Thanksgiving. The celebration includes photos with Santa, live music, souvenir ornaments, and fireworks.
Christmas Dinner in Park City
If you’re spending Christmas in Park City, you’ll probably want to have a special dinner, just like you would at home.
Of course, if you rent a home with a kitchen, you can cook your own meal. Our major grocery stores are Wal-Mart, Smith’s, Whole Foods, Fresh Market, and Park City Market. There are several catering companies in town where you can hire a private chef to come out and cook for you, or you can purchase a take-and-bake meal. Be prepared for sticker shock either way! Some popular places that do the take-and-bake packages are The Chop Shop, Hill’s Kitchen, Savoury Kitchen, and Deer Valley Cafe.
And then there are tons of Park City restaurants that make a lovely Christmas dinner. Some will offer their regular menu, some will have a special menu addition, and others will do a prix fixe style menu or a buffet. Most restaurants will open their reservations around 60 days in advance and the prime dining times will go quickly! If you don’t want to eat at 5 pm or 9 pm, set a reminder on your calendar to make your reservations! Last year, I had Christmas dinner with friends at Handle, and it was delicious!
Most full-service hotels and resorts will also do a Christmas dinner or Christmas buffet. Many, like the St. Regis and Montage, will save seats for their in-house guests, so if you are staying at a hotel, ask the concierge what they have planned. Whatever you do, don’t wait to make reservations for Christmas dinner in Park City! (and the week after, as it’s the busiest week of the year!)
Christmas Shopping in Park City
If you’re looking for unique Christmas gifts or souvenirs to commemorate your trip, these are a few of my favorite shops in Park City:
- Dolly’s Bookstore is a Main Street staple
- Atticus Coffee & Teahouse is not just a cozy place to sip coffee and watch the Town Lift spin, but they have tons of fun gifts and books
- For traditional ski town souvenirs, the Deer Valley Signature Shops have a great selection of high-quality items
- Inside Peak Art & Frame in Kimball Junction, there’s a Made in Park City shop with really nice gifts from local artisans and makers. From gourmet chocolate to candles and clothing, there’s something for the whole family here.
While I have enjoyed Christmas trips to Hawaii and Mexico, I definitely love having a white Christmas in the mountains the most!