Top Things to Do in Utah in December: A Winter Travel Guide

Natural History Museum of Utah: A modern museum in Salt Lake City showcasing everything from dinosaurs to indigenous artifacts, ideal for a family educational trip.

Museum of Natural Curiosity: Located in Lehi, this museum encourages children to engage and learn through tactile experiences, offering a variety of interactive exhibits.

Indoor Swimming Pools: Across Utah, public swimming pools offer warm, family-friendly environments with features such as slides and lazy rivers, making it a perfect winter escape.

Salt Lake City Public Library System: More than just books, these libraries serve as community hubs offering a wide range of free workshops and activities for all ages.

Loveland Living Planet Aquarium: In Draper, this aquarium brings the ocean to landlocked Utah, showcasing diverse marine and rainforest species in engaging habitats.

Snow Tubing and Sledding: Various locations offer the joy of sliding down snow-covered hills, with options for both traditional sledding and modern tubing lanes.

For snow tubing and sledding enthusiasts, Utah offers some fantastic destinations where families and adrenaline seekers alike can enjoy the snowy slopes. Here are three top places to check out:

Soldier Hollow Nordic Center in Midway: Known for hosting the longest snow tubing lanes in Utah at 1,200 feet, Soldier Hollow offers a great mix of fun and scenery. With a magic carpet to take you back to the top, you can enjoy more runs in less time. This location is especially great for families looking for an organized tubing experience with all the amenities​.

Wasatch Parc Snow Tubing in Eden: Offering a unique tubing experience with bobsled-like turns and the claim of being the steepest and fastest tubing hill in the state, Wasatch Parc is perfect for those looking for an adrenaline rush. Dual lanes allow for racing fun with friends or family. It's a must-visit for those seeking an action-packed day in the snow​​.

Woodward Park City: This world-class action sports facility transforms into a winter wonderland with some of Utah's longest tubing lanes. Seven lanes at 1,200 feet long ensure there's plenty of room for everyone, and the on-site cafe and cafeteria make it easy to refuel between runs. Located just 30 minutes from downtown Salt Lake City, it's a convenient and thrilling day out for all ages​​.

Each of these locations offers a unique snow tubing or sledding experience, from serene family outings to exhilarating rides down steep and twisty lanes. So, whether you're a local or visiting, make sure to check out these hot spots for some winter fun in Utah.

Skiing and Snowboarding: Utah's ski resorts are renowned for their family-friendly facilities and ski schools, making them perfect for both beginners and experienced skiers.

The top three places for skiing and snowboarding in Utah, celebrated for their extensive terrain and excellent facilities, are Snowbird, Park City Mountain Resort, and Deer Valley. Snowbird is renowned for its challenging runs and scenic views, Park City is the largest ski resort in the U.S. offering a vibrant town atmosphere, and Deer Valley, exclusive to skiers, is known for its top-notch services and meticulously groomed slopes​. The Snowbird Tram, a notable aerial lift in Utah, offers breathtaking views as it transports passengers from Snowbird's base to the summit of Hidden Peak, facilitating both winter skiing and summer hiking activities.

Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing: The tranquil winter landscapes of Utah provide the perfect setting for hiking and snowshoeing, offering a peaceful retreat into nature.

For winter hiking and snowshoeing enthusiasts, Utah offers a plethora of trails that showcase its stunning natural beauty under a blanket of snow. Here are three top places for winter hiking and snowshoeing in Utah:

The Narrows, Zion National Park: This iconic hike transforms in the winter, offering a unique experience as you navigate through water and ice formations. It's an adventurous trek where you'll need to be prepared with the right gear, including waders and possibly dry suits to keep warm in the cold water​.​.

Rim Trail, Bryce Canyon National Park: This easier route offers breathtaking views of snow-capped hoodoos in the Bryce Amphitheater. The trail connects Fairyland Point and Bryce Point, providing photo-worthy vistas along the way​.

Millcreek Canyon: Just a short drive from downtown Salt Lake City, Millcreek Canyon is a favorite for winter hikers and snowshoers. The canyon offers groomed trails that are perfect for beginners, and the area is dog-friendly on odd-numbered days. Plus, the road closure in the upper part of the canyon during winter months provides a serene and vehicle-free environment for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and hiking​​.

• The Summit at Snowbird Ski Resort, Sandy: Enjoy breathtaking views and healthy dishes atop Hidden Peak​​ at 11,000 feet.

• Maddox Ranch House: Known for its turkey steak, fried chicken, and irresistible house rolls with raspberry butter​.

• The Dodo Restaurant: Beloved dining spot known for its comfort food, cozy ambiance, and signature desserts, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

• Angie’s: A local favorite since 1983, known for its home-cooked American dishes and the "Kitchen Sink Ice Cream Challenge"​​.

• Ray’s Tavern, Green River: A beloved hole-in-the-wall serving delicious burgers and steaks since 1943​​.

• i.d.k. Barbecue: Award-winning barbecue with several meat options, including a must-try macaroni and cheese​​.

• Tuscany: Enchanting Italian dining with a gorgeous exterior and scratch-made dishes every day​.

• Blue Iguana: Serves authentic Mexican food with a great selection of margaritas​​.

• La Caille: Dine in a European castle setting with magical gardens and upscale French cuisine​.

• Log Haven: Offers a romantic atmosphere with diverse menu options amidst beautiful fall foliage​.

• Cliffside Restaurant: Enjoy awe-inspiring views with delicious food and desserts​.

• Glitretind at Stein Eriksen, Deer Valley: Offers a buffet and prix fixe menus for Christmas and New Year's Eve dining​.

• Goldener Hirsch, Deer Valley: Features a three-course prix fixe dinner in a candlelit ambiance​​.

In Park City, notable mentions include:

• Harvest: Known for healthy brunch dishes with most options available as vegan, gluten-free, or dairy-free​​.

• Yuki Yama: Offers fresh fish daily for its sushi and creative maki roll​.

• Twisted Fern: Features unique twists on familiar dishes with a focus on local in-season produce.

• Versante: Italian cuisine with half-off appetizers and pizzas during happy hour​​.

• Tupelo: Uses produce from the chef’s own backyard to make Southern-influenced comfort food​​.

• Chop Shop: A butcher and cheese shop that also serves quick, delicious lunches​.

• Shabu: A spot for fine dining with an impressive selection of dishes​.

• 350 Main: A four-course menu with choices ranging from king oyster mushrooms to Maine lobster risotto​​.