8 Things to do for the Holidays in Nearby Salt Lake City When Visiting Wendover Resorts

When you’re in town visiting the Wendover Nugget Hotel & Casino or the Red Garter Hotel & Casino in December, you might want to check out some of the fabulous things to do in nearby Salt Lake City, Utah to get into the Christmas spirit.

Here are eight things to do in Salt Lake City to celebrate the holidays.

1. Christmas at the Grand American Hotel

The only five-star hotel in Salt Lake City, the Grand American hosts several events including Afternoon Tea with Santa in the Lobby Lounge, Breakfast with Santa in the Oak Room, Christmas Eve Extended Breakfast and Lunch Buffet, Christmas Eve Prix Fixe Dinner in the Garden Cafe, Christmas Day Prix Fixe Dinner in the Garden Cafe and the Christmas Day Brunch in the Garden Cafe.

These events fill up fast and some of them have already sold out for this year. But, maybe with a little Christmas magic, you can still find a seat.

2. ZooLights at Hogle Zoo

Running throughout the month of December, the ZooLights event at Salt Lake City’s Hogle Zoo is great for the whole family. The entire zoo gets lit up with Christmas lights and you can even see a certain special someone there (hint: he has a big, white beard and delivers toys).

3. Utah Symphony

If you love symphonic music, the Utah Symphony has Christmas concerts throughout December to celebrate the holidays.

If you’re taking a break from winning at the Wendover Nugget Hotel & Casino, head into Salt Lake City and listen to the majestic sounds of the orchestra while getting lost in the Christmas spirit.

4. Christmas at City Creek Center

A wonderful place to do some Christmas shopping, City Creek Center is lit up with all kinds of holiday decorations. This mall features a unique Santa visit because dog lovers can bring their canines into the mall to have a photo taken with Santa.

Among the highlights here are the fountain shows in Richards Court where the water is choreographed to music. During the holiday season, it is choreographed to Christmas carols with water shooting as high as 40 feet into the air and fire elements after dusk.

It’s the perfect holiday break from the excitement of winning at the Red Garter Hotel & Casino.

5. Torchlight Parade at Snowbird Resort

The Snowbird Resort just south of Salt Lake City celebrates Christmas with a Torchlight Parade on Christmas Eve. This line of skiers gliding down the mountain with lights is a fantastic sight to behold. It also features a fireworks display and Santa rappels out of the tram to say hello. That guy sure does get around!

The resort also features a Christmas Eve Candlelight Service and a Hanukkah Candle Lighting. If you go skiing on Christmas Day, you might see Santa and Mrs. Claus skiing or snowboarding on the mountain handing out treats.  

6. Candlelight Christmas at This is the Place Heritage Park

There’s just something about candles and the holidays that seem to go together. At This is the Place Heritage Park, you can see Christmas as it was celebrated over a century ago. Father Christmas is there and the park features a live nativity scene and carollers. Plus, you can make homemade Christmas gifts in one of the many homes in the park.

7. Christmas at Temple Square

Salt Lake City’s crowning glory, Temple Square, is at the heart of the city and it is a breathtaking sight to behold when it is lit up in all its Christmas glory with over a million lights strung over the 10 acre grounds. Throughout December, the square plays host to various Christmas concerts and performances, many of them featuring the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

When you want to soak up some Christmas spirit in between games at Wendover Resorts, a trip to Temple Square is in order.

8. The Cathedral of the Madeleine

The Cathedral of the Madeleine holds an annual Christmas Carol Service that is free to the public, although it’s so popular that it’s recommended to reserve a seating pass. The service features a massive choir singing both choral and traditional Christmas songs. The building itself is beautiful.

There is so much to do for Christmas in the month of December in nearby Salt Lake City. Book your trip to the Wendover Nugget Hotel & Casino or the Red Garter Hotel & Casino and pop into Salt Lake City for some Christmas cheer in between rounds of winning.

Happy holidays, everyone!