Utah's capitol becomes a city of lights during the holidays, with festive lighting ceremonies, tree festivals, a special "Polar Express" train ride - and more. Check our listings for family friendly opportunities that will help you and yours appreciate the sights of the season.

 

ETC.

Nov. 21-Jan. 4 » "Trees of Diversity Exhibit." Utah Cultural Celebration Center, 1355 W. 3100 South, West Valley City; Mondays to Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Friday and Saturday by special appointment); free, 801-965-5100, www.culturalcelebration.org.

 

Nov. 21-Dec. 23 » "The Polar Express." Herber Valley Railroad trains, decorated to resemble the classic children's book by Chris Van Allsburg; Heber Valley Railroad Depot, 450 S. 600 West, Heber City; 5 and 7:30 p.m. (no trains Thanksgiving and Sundays); $32, $29 for seniors, $21 for kids 3-12 (first-class fares $47, $44 seniors, $36 for kids), 435-654-5601, www.hebervalleyrailroad.org.

 

Nov. 27 » "A Grand Holiday Festival," featuring the Gingerbread Village, Teddy Bear Town and Angel Tree, with beverages and treats. The Grand America, 555 S. Main St., Salt Lake City; 6:30 p.m.; free (on display through Dec. 20, Mondays to Fridays, 3-7 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.).

 

Nov. 27 » Christmas lights on Temple Square will be turned on. Temple Square, 15 E. South Temple, Salt Lake City; between 5 and 5:30 p.m.; free.

 

Nov. 27-Dec. 23 » Tuacahn's "Festival of Lights" with live Nativity. Tuacahn Amphitheatre,1100 Tuacahn Drive, Ivins; Wednesdays to Saturdays at 7 p.m.; $2 or $10 per family, 800-746-9882 or 435-652-3300 or www.tuacahn.org.

 

Nov. 28 » Downtown Alliance's "Lights On!" Kurt Bestor, One Voice children's choir and Richard Paul Evans perform; also includes switching on downtown Christmas lights and ice skating with Santa. Gallivan Center, 239 S. Main St., Salt Lake City; 4:30-8 p.m.; free.

 

Nov. 28-Dec. 31 » "ZooLights!" Hogle Zoo, 2600 E. Sunnyside Ave., Salt Lake City; Sundays to Thursdays, 5-8 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays, 5-9 p.m. (closed Christmas Eve and Day); $6, $4 kids ($1 off for members), children 2 and younger are free, www.hoglezoo.org.

 

Nov. 30 » "Deck the Hall." Sandy City Hall, 10000 S. Centennial Parkway; free event offers hot chocolate, holiday lights, cookies and an appearance by Santa.

 

Nov. 30-Dec. 1 » Brian Stokes Mitchell signs "Ring Christmas Bells," a CD and DVD of concerts he performed with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir last Christmas. Nov. 30, Downtown Deseret Book, 20 E. South Temple, Salt Lake City, noon, and Best Buy, 5181 S. State St., Murray, 6:30 p.m.; Dec. 1, Deseret Book, Layton Hills Mall (first floor, near Macy's), 2 p.m., and University Village Deseret Book, 1076 S. 750 East, Orem, 6:30 p.m.

 

Dec. 2-5 » "Festival of Trees." South Towne Expo Center, 9575 S. State St., Sandy; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day; $4, $3 for seniors/children 11 and under (discount tickets available at Zions Bank, $3.50, $2.50 for children; Wednesday is Family Day, $14 for a family of six).

 

Dec. 4-6 » "Christmas of Crafts, Crèches and Cottages," Midway Christmas Celebration. interfaith crèche exhibit at 165 N. Center St., Dec. 4-6, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Swiss Christmas at Midway Town Hall, 130 W. Main St., Dec. 4-5, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Midway Community Center, 135 W. Main St., Dec. 5, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Dec. 6, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; admission is free for all events.

 

Dec. 5 » Celtic Santa will appear. Gypsy Moon Emporium, 1011 E. 900 South, Salt Lake City; noon; free; 801-521-9100.

 

Dec. 10-13 » "Sesame Street: When Elmo Grows Up." The E Center, 3200 Decker Lake Drive, West Valley City; Dec. 10, 7 p.m.; Dec. 11, 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m.; Dec. 12, 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.; Dec. 13, 1 and 4:30 p.m.; $12-$30 ($60 for a VIP package that includes meet-and-greet with Elmo), Ticketmaster.com, 800-745-3000.

 

Dec. 19 » The Canyons Resort Holiday Happenings. Activities include Santa Skis Free day for first 50 people dressed in full Santa costume; www.thecanyons.com.