If you are looking for a great place to spend an evening enjoy the holiday season, then look no further than downtown Salt Lake City. There are a bunch of fun spots with lights, fountains, decor, and more. You can fill more than one night visiting all of these spots! There are a bunch of Christmas activities in downtown Salt Lake.
The best part is that all of the spots are within walking distance or riding Trax distance. Best of all, riding Trax around downtown is free using the Free Fare Zone. (Check the Free Fare Zone here.) Our recommendation for parking is City Creek Center. The parking is affordable since the first two hours are FREE ($3/hour after the first two), and you are central to most of the activities. You can also park along the street and use Trax to move around.
1. Temple Square
Temple Square is SLC’s must-see Christmas sight. Even during the construction, there are still a ton of lights. You can also see large nativities from around the World. Make sure to walk over to the Conference Center, too. There are lots of lights over on that part of Temple Square, as well. Make sure to catch some of the free concerts happening in various buildings each night.
2. City Creek Lights and Fountain
Right across the street from Temple Square is the shopping center City Creek. They have a lovely water area decorated with lights and a fun fountain. Every 30 minutes the fountain dances to music and even adds a little fire to the show. It is worth walking over to see.
3. Macy’s Candy Windows
Inside the City Creek area you will find the Macy’s Candy Windows. There are large windows on the outside of Macy’s, and during the holiday season they have huge candy ornaments. These large ornaments are decorated only with candy and they are amazing to see.
4. Gallivan Center
The Gallivan Center is just a short walk from City Creek. The entire plaza is decorated with lights, and in the middle is a skating rink. It is magical to skate outside underneath the lights. We even like to just watch the skaters if we aren’t in the mood for skating. It is a fun place to enjoy lights, music, and fun.
5. Grand America Holiday Windows
We like to ride Trax down to the Grand America, but you can walk, too. This is one of our favorite free activities. Inside the Grand America hotel are beautiful decorated holiday windows. Walk a circle of the lower level to find them all. You will also pass the giant gingerbread house. It is very impressive! And different every year. We also like to step into the courtyard and enjoy the lights. In 2026, there are some days that require a reservation and a donation, so make sure to check the requirements before you visit: Grand American Holiday Windows.
6. SLC Christmas Lights Bus Tour
If you want to have a warmer experience, you can take a ride on the SLC Christmas Lights Bus Tour. They pick you up across from the west side of City Creek and drive you through part of Salt Lake to enjoy the lights, with two stops at The Grand America and a local market for chocolate tasting. We had such a fun time on this double decker bus. Use our code “UAF10” to save 10% when booking here.
7. The Gateway
The Gateway is also all decorated for the holidays. It is another shopping center in Salt Lake, but it is further west on the other side of the Delta Center. They have a large Christmas tree next to their Snowflake Fountain, as well as other lights to enjoy. You can ride Trax there since it is a bit of a walk from Temple Square.
JUST A FEW MINUTES FROM DOWNTOWN
There are some other amazing holiday activities near downtown Salt Lake, but you will need a car to visit these spots. We think they are worth the drive!
This is the Place Candlelight Christmas (15 minutes away)
One of our all time favorite Christmas activities is Candlelight Christmas. It is an activity that we never skip. This is the Place Heritage Park hosts a fun pioneer Christmas with dancing, stories, Father Christmas, and beautiful decorations. You’ feel like you’ll step right back into the 1850s. There is an entire night of fun at Candlelight Christmas.
Zoo Lights at Hogle Zoo (15 minutes away)
The Zoo Lights are spread all over the zoo, and our boys like that they match the animals housed at Hogle Zoo. There is fun music, Santa, and activities for the kids. Many of the lights move. You can also see most of the animals that are still awake during the Zoo Lights hours.
Unite and Light (15 minutes away)
The entire street is lined with lovely white Christmas lights. You can walk or drive; either way is a fun way to experience how beautiful the tall, old trees look covered in light. We recommend driving Michigan Ave from east to west, so enter from Foothill Drive. The lights are on between 2000 E and 1900 E Michigan Ave, Salt Lake City.
Lightwalk SLC at Tracy Aviary (15 minutes away)
Lightwalk SLC has a lot of amazing lights, and some of the best places to take pictures with Christmas lights. There is a magical light tunnel that is beautiful, and you can catch a glimpse of a few birds on your visit.
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