Ho-Ho-Ho-ing into Holidays 2022

By all accounts, we’ve already been blessed by a banner snow year, as evidenced by both Park City Mountain and Deer Valley Resort opening early for the first time in decades! And with a winter wonderland presenting itself throughout the Wasatch Back, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite holiday happenings from now through the New Year.

2022 Snow Globe Stroll

Historic Main Street, Park City
November 25, 2022 – January 9, 2023
All ages

Add to the festive splendor of Historic Main Street by finding the seven life-sized snow globes, each featuring a scene depicting a Christmas carol. Save a link to the map of the seven snow globes found here before you head out on your globe-seeking mission! While you’re on Main Street, be sure to bring those letters to Santa to send by Dec. 22 via the special North Pole mailbox at the top of the street.

Ice Castles

Soldier Hollow Nordic Center
2002 Olympic Drive, Midway
December 21, 2022 – February 4, 2023
All ages

Thanks to the super cold temps and early snow, the awe-inspiring Ice Castles in Midway is opening early for the first time this year on December 21. This frozen spectacle sells out quickly, so be sure to visit their bookings page and grab your tickets ASAP. Click here for more info.

Clydesdale Wagon Rides

DeJoria Center/State Road Restaurant
970 North State Road 32, Kamas (approx. 20 minutes from Park City)
Thursday – Saturday, Dec. 8, 2022 – Jan. 6, 2023 from 5 – 7:15 p.m.
All ages

Take in the winter landscape from a Clydesdale-drawn wagon at High Star Ranch in the nearby Kamas Valley, featuring a stunning mix of ranches and Rocky Mountains. Hot cocoa and food is available before or after in the onsite Country Store & Café. Santa and Mrs. Claus will join be there on Tuesday, Dec. 20. Reservations are required, with kids ages 4-12 are $10 and adults $30. Click here to buy tickets.

Silver Sky Nights

Park City Mountain, Canyons Village
Friday, Dec. 23, 4 p.m.
All ages
Park City Mountain kicks off Christmas weekend with live music, ice carving, treats, and a spectacular firework display! For more info, click here.

Kurt Bestor

Egyptian Theatre
328 Main Street, Park City
Thursday & Friday, Dec. 22 & 23 at 8 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday, Dec. 24 & 25 at 6 p.m.
All ages

As Christmas as eggnog, Utah’s Emmy Award-winning favorite, Kurt Bestor, continues his holiday residency at the Egyptian Theatre for four nights featuring holiday favorites and original music in the beautiful, intimate confines of this historic landmark. Tickets are $30 for House Seating, $40 for Preferred Front of House seating, and $50 for Cabaret Table Seating in front of the stage. To purchase tickets, click here.

Santa Claus Visits Deer Valley Resort

Deer Valley Resort
Snow Park Lodge (2250 Deer Valley Drive South, Lower Deer Valley)
Silver Lake Lodge (7600 Royal Street, Upper Deer Valley)
Saturday, Dec. 24, 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
All ages

Christmas Eve in PC means Santa’s hitting the slopes at Deer Valley Resort to take photos with all of the good boys and girls. His typical schedule is the Snow Park Lodge area from 9 – 11 a.m., and then at the Silver Lake Lodge from 12 – 1:30 p.m. For more information, click here, or call 435-649-1000.

Deer Valley Resort Torchlight Parade

Deer Valley Resort
2250 Deer Valley Drive South, Park City
Friday, Dec. 30, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
All ages

Another quintessential ski town tradition is a torchlight parade, where skiers travel in formation down a ski run at dusk holding torches to create an otherworldly glow. Deer Valley Resort’s Torchlight Parade is held on Big Stick ski run (behind Snow Park Lodge) at around 6 p.m., with complimentary hot chocolate, cider and cookies served on the plaza from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Click here for more information. 

New Year’s Eve at Cast & Cut

Deer Valley Resort
268 Main Street, Park City
Saturday, Dec. 31 – 6 p.m. – 1 a.m.
21 and over

Ring in the New Year at Cast & Cut in Deer Valley during this exclusive evening of drinks, dinner and dancing The Spazmatics. The event includes a full bar, party favors and champagne toast. Dinner and dancing is $495 per person, the DAOU Lounge and dancing is $425 per person, or just get your dance on for $350 per person. For full details, click here.

North Pole Express

Heber Valley Railroad
450 South 600 West, Heber City
Mondays – Saturdays through Dec. 23
All ages

I’ve highlighted this delightful excursion in years past, but this year’s dates are all mostly sold out, so be sure to schedule a reminder for next year’s onsale date of June 1, 2023, to ensure you do not miss out on future opportunities. The annual attraction features a train ride to the North Pole while enjoying Mrs. Claus’ famous chocolate chip cookies and hot cocoa on the Heber Valley Railroad’s North Pole Express, plus a visit and gift from Santa himself! Available tickets and dates are listed here.

Nothing beats the holidays in Historic Park City and surrounding towns, and when you Choose Park City, you’ll learn all local faves from the Choose Park City team! Connect with Christine Grenney at 435-640-4238 or Brendan Trieb at 585-410-5536, or visit their website by clicking here.