Though much of Temple Square remains behind construction barriers, Christmas lights will adorn such publicly accessible landmarks as the Salt Lake Tabernacle and Conference Center, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced.
The traditional holiday lights will turn on sometime Friday, according to a news release. To avoid a crush of visitors, the Utah-based faith hasn’t held a formal lighting ceremony in years — someone just switches them on.
The lights will remain on in the accessible parts of Temple Square’s downtown campus through Jan. 1, from 3:30 to 10 p.m. and from 6 to 8 a.m.
A collection of Nativity scenes from around the world will go on display on the grounds outside the Church Office Building on Sunday, Nov. 26, and remain through Dec. 31. Another display, highlighting Christmas foods and traditions from various countries, will open Monday, Nov. 27, at the FamilySearch Library, 35 N. West Temple, and run through Dec. 31.
There’s also a brimming schedule of concerts throughout the holiday season. At last word, the extensive renovation work and seismic upgrade underway on and around the iconic Salt Lake Temple is expected to wrap up sometime in 2026.
Gallivan Center’s offerings
The Gallivan Center, at 239 S. Main, will light its 50-foot Christmas tree around 5:30 p.m. Friday. It will be accompanied by illuminated sculptures for Gallivan’s annual “Glow” display. The ice rink at Gallivan will have a D.J. playing music from 4 to 7 p.m., and there will be appearances by Disney princesses and Santa Claus.
The displays around Temple Square and at Gallivan Center are the last pieces in downtown Salt Lake City’s array of light shows:
• The candy windows at Macy’s City Creek Center, 21 S. Main, were unveiled Thursday, Nov. 16.
• The Gateway turned on the lights to its Christmas tree and other displays Saturday, Nov. 18. They can be seen through Dec. 31.
• The Eccles Theater held its “Lights On!” event Monday. The centerpiece in the lobby, visible from the street, is a temporary art installation, “Starfall,” by Utah artist Karl Hale — described as “a cascade of stars made from recycled street signs.” The installation can be viewed through Jan. 31, and the lobby will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. so people can go inside and look.
(World of Illumination) "Candy Rush," a drive-thru light show, is scheduled to run at the Utah State Fairpark through Dec. 31, 2023.
Other light displays
The holiday light displays aren’t limited to downtown Salt Lake City. Here are other events running between now and Christmas:
• “Candy Rush,” billed as the world’s largest drive-thru holiday light and sound experience, is underway at the Utah State Fairpark, 1000 W. North Temple, Salt Lake City. The exhibit, produced by World of Illumination and boasting more than a million lights and hundreds of animated displays, runs through Dec. 31, Tuesdays through Sundays from 6 to 10 p.m. — and on Monday, Dec. 18, and Monday, Dec. 25. Tickets start at $39.99 for the whole car.
• Tracy Aviary’s Lightwalk opens Friday and runs through Dec. 23, in the southwest corner of Liberty Park (near 500 East and 1300 South), Salt Lake City. The event includes holiday light displays, including a maze and walk-thru tunnel, and visits with Santa in a life-size gingerbread house. Hours are 5 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $17.95 for adults, $13.95 for children 3 to 12, and free for infants under 2.
• Utah’s Hogle Zoo brings back its annual holiday exhibit, Zoolights, with a preview weekend, Friday through Sunday, before its December run — Dec. 6-10, 13-23 and 26-30. Hours of operation are 5:30 to 9 p.m. Admission is $8 for this weekend’s preview; December prices are $14.95 for adults, $11.95 for children 3 to 12.
