With the holidays fast approaching, many of Utah’s resorts are ready to welcome guests from near and far for some yuletide revelries. The family-friendly fun will include everything from tree-lighting ceremonies to skiing with Santa, torchlight parades, fine dining and fireworks. While not all of Utah’s resorts hold events specific to the holidays, every visitor can celebrate the winter season and ring in the New Year on Utah’s world-class snow and terrain. And that is a gift that keeps on giving.
Alta Ski Area
New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade, Fireworks and Bonfire
On December 31, join the New Year’s Eve revelries for one of Alta’s most beloved traditions as their torchlight parade creates a dazzling display as it winds down the mountain. Skiers are encouraged to bring their own flashlights and headlamps and no beginning skiers are allowed on the parade route. Collins lift will start loading at approximately 5:15 p.m. and last chair will be 6:15 p.m.
Set your resolutions high for an epic New Year of endless powder days.
Brian Head Ski Resort
Santa Ski Day and New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade and Fireworks
Get suited up as Santa and hit the slopes on December 14 for Santa Ski Day. Anyone dressed up in a full Santa costume will get a free pizza lunch buffet and is guaranteed a jolly good time. For New Year’s Eve, don’t miss the Torchlight Parade and New Year’s Eve Fireworks Extravaganza. Be sure to channel the Great Gatsby later that night for the "Roaring 20's" New Years’ Eve Party featuring live music from Muddy Boots. Find more information on Brian Head's event calendar.
Deer Valley Resort
Torchlight Parade
One of the great things about Deer Valley’s annual Torchlight Parade is that it is held on Monday, December 30 which frees up New Year’s Eve for other festivities. The parade begins around 6 p.m. on Bald Eagle Mountain’s Big Stick ski run, behind Snow Park Lodge. Complimentary hot cider and cookies will be served on the Snow Park Plaza.
Eagle Point
New Year’s Eve Party and Firework
Just because you’re a small resort doesn’t mean you can’t host big fun! Eagle Point will host their annual New Year’s Eve party with a DJ, champagne toast, dinner buffet and a small firework display.
Park City Mountain
Tree Lighting Ceremony, Snowfest, New Year’s Eve Fireworks and Party
Light up the holidays on November 29 from 4-5:30 p.m. with a Tree Lighting Ceremony that includes photos with Santa, live music, a complimentary hot cocoa bar, holiday crafts and free souvenir Park City Mountain ornaments (while supplies last).
Circle back a few weeks later for Snowfest December 20 - Jan. 5 where you’ll see Santa come down the town lift (a guaranteed crowd-pleaser), the 57th Annual Torchlight Parade, fireworks, special daily surprises and more. On New Year’s Eve, the Canyon’s Village will host live music, fireworks and guests can dance the night away in the Kokopelli Ballroom at the Grand Summit Hotel for a memorable New Year’s Eve party.
Snowbasin Resort
Christmas Eve Celebration
Snowbasin Resort is all about family fun for Christmas Eve with their annual celebration that includes a skiing Santa, torchlight parade and a fireworks show on City Hill. Head inside Earl’s Lodge for a Christmas Eve dinner (no reservations needed but seating is first-come, first-served) and free photos with Santa. Snowbasin may be finalizing an adult-centric New Year’s Eve party.
Solitude Mountain Resort
Ride With Santa, Children’s Glow Parade and New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade
Meet Santa for a photo op on December 24 in Solitude's village and on December 25, Santa will hit Solitude's slopes for some turns. Catch him on the mountain and take a few runs with the cheery guy. On Monday, December 30, children 12 and under are invited to create a glow parade as they take glow sticks to the top of Moonbeam Express chairlift and follow resort instructors down Main Street run (intermediate-level) to the base area. Check-in at Last Chance Lodge at 4:45 p.m. to watch the sunset and enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and snacks. On New Year’s Eve, be sure to swing by Last Chance Lodge at 5 p.m. for a children’s magic show. The magician will finish the show by handing out sparklers and lights as the group heads outside to watch Solitude staff members ride down the mountain at 6 p.m. as a synchronized, torch-lit team. For more information, visit Solitude's event page.
Snowbird
New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade and Fireworks
Hanukkah, Santa and fireworks, oh my! Hanukkah candles will be lit in a traditional ceremony every evening (December 22-29) at sundown. Join the 'Santa Squad' on Sunday, December 22, for a free ride on the Santa Express; the first 75 people dressed in a complete Santa, Mrs. Claus or an elf suit ski/ride free! On Christmas Eve, don't miss the Torchlight Parade, fireworks and the grand finale: Santa Claus rappelling out of the Tram. New Year’s Eve is a memorable one at Snowbird with a Torchlight Parade and fireworks that you can enjoy from the Plaza Deck starting at dusk. Huddle with the hometown crowd around the fire for hot cocoa from 6-7 p.m. and set your resolutions high for an epic New Year of happiness and endless powder days.
Sundance Mountain Resort
The Sundance Owl Bar will be hosting a new year's eve party featuring the James Hardy Band beginning at 8 p.m. with a $10 cover at the door. A sparkling toast will be served at midnight.
Happy Holidays!