Christmas and New Year's in the Mountains: Park City Celebrates the Season -

The holiday season is a special time no matter where you celebrate it, but when you have a backdrop as stunning as Park City’s then the holidays tend to take on a whole new magic. With powdery white snow, majestic mountain peaks, and the charm that only a pioneering old mining town can provide, Park City offers a breathtaking setting to celebrate Christmas and New Year‘s. This year Utah’s premier skiing resort will be offering tourists and residents alike a wealth of events to help get everyone in that festive mood. Here is a breakdown of some key events going on this year that should not be missed.

Santa Comes Down the Town Lift

While in the rest of the world Santa gets around with his trusty sleigh and reindeer, in Park City he likes to do just as the locals do and hop on the Town Lift. Festooned with Christmas lights, Santa’s gondola/sleigh descends into the Town Lift Plaza, a map of which can be found on the Park City Tourism’s site, on December 19. This annual event is a treat for the little ones and includes cookies, hot chocolate, and, of course, pictures with the big man in red himself.

DecemberFest

Running for 16 days from December 19 to January 3, DecemberFest is a new and exciting way for people of all ages to celebrate the holiday season in Park City. The festival takes over the community with musical performances going on from morning to night, entertainers showing off their skills, and lots more.

53 rd Annual Torchlight Parade

The Annual Torchlight Parade is one of those events that makes Park City both a unique and magical sort of place. As the Park Record writes, for over 50 years locals and tourists alike have gathered at the Park City Base Area to watch a parade of skiers and snowboarders carrying torchlights descend PayDay run. The event begins at around 5:30 pm on Christmas Eve and is definitely a must-see for anybody in town that day. In addition to the parade itself, families can also enjoy free cookies, hot chocolate, and live holiday music.

New Year’s Eve

New Year’s Eve in Park City offers something for both kids and adults. The main events are at Canyons Resort, where an early fireworks display at 7:30 pm is a great treat for children. Sleigh rides, live music, and other attractions are also designed with families in mind. After the kids have gone to sleep, the parents can head out to Main Street to ring in the New Year inside one of the town’s historic bars and restaurants. Remember to book New Year’s lodging in Park City well in advance as rooms do fill up quickly!

The holiday season is a pretty special time of year and is best spent at a place like Park City that has all of that holiday magic in abundance. Whether you are looking for family-friendly activities or a place to celebrate the Christmas and New Year’s with loved ones, Park City is a perfect destination for the holiday season.

Minnie Daughtry is a travel journalist. She enjoys sharing her adventures online. Her articles are available mainly on vacation websites.