Welcome To Heber Valley, Where Tradition Meets Adventure
This mountain town isn't only about breathtaking scenery and crisp mountain air. It's also rich with a deep sense of community, tradition, and a whole lot of fun! Let's dive into some of the beloved events and cultural gems that make Heber Valley a unique and vibrant hub. The following informative content is broken out by month to make it easier to search and plan.
JANUARY
State Park Pass: Start your year off right by snagging your annual Utah State Park Pass. This is your “golden ticket” to a year filled with outdoor adventures as it grants you access to all 46 Utah state parks, including Jordanelle, Wasatch Mountain, and Deer Creek.
Ice Castles: January and February are the coldest months of the year, meaning the famous icy attraction known as the Ice Castles is open for all to meander through the magical passageways and solid-ice walls. Tickets typically go on sale in early December. Sunset timed visits are usually the best for the most amazing lighting followed by dark skies to conclude the experience.
*Tip: Add on the horse drawn sleigh ride for an extra touch of magic. The sleigh picks you up inside the Ice Castles and glides you through a special light show attraction. Worth the extra cost!
Skijoring: The annual Skijoring Utah competition features horses, riders, skiers, and even snowboarders competing through a snow-covered obstacle course for various prizes, you will not want to miss this action-packed event! Tickets are available starting in December.
FEBRUARY
The Ice Castlescontinue through the first part of the month.
MARCH
Ski Passes: Now's the time to lock in those ski passes for next season and get the best deals available. Don't miss out on Soldier Hollow, an Olympic venue boasting world-class trails. Or, purchase your season pass for either Deer Valley Resort or Sundance Mountain Resort.
Garden Time: This is the best time of year to plant your garden and spruce up your flower beds. The growing season is a bit short compared to some of the more southern destinations, so it is wise to follow planting guidelines based on our zone.
*Tip: Watch for the "horse's head" to appear on the foothills of Mount Timpanogos. It is likely no other hard freezes will occur. Another good rule of thumb, is to wait until Memorial Day weekend or after before you plant.
North Pole Express Tickets: And we all know about “Christmas in July,” right? Well, tickets for the acclaimed North Pole Express Trains at Heber Valley Railroad sell out faster than you can say "Jingle Bells." Mark your calendars and get your tickets as soon as they go on sell.
*Tip: if you're craving some quiet time amidst the lake's shimmering waters, head to Strawberry Reservoir. It's the perfect place for relaxation and fishing, minus the crowds.
Thursday Market on Main: Enjoy the Thursday night Heber Market on Main at 5:00 to 9:00 pm, June through mid-August.
*Tip: Bring a blanket and chair, kick back, and soak in the laid-back vibes for the evening.
Thursday Market on Main: The weekly Thursday night Heber Market on Main continues through the month of July with weekly live music, vendor booths, and food trucks at the Heber City Main Street Park.
July 24th Pioneer Day: Celebrate the annual Utah Pioneer Day holiday, part of Utah's historic legacy of original settlers in the area. The local Charleston Pioneer Day Celebration is a fun-filled day of family-friendly festivities including a flag raising ceremony, 5K race, food and vendor booths, car show, live music, small-town parade, and fireworks.
Demolition Derby: The annual Demolition Derby kicks off the beginning of the weeklong County Fair. Tickets go on sale in early June for this 3-night event, and sell out quickly.
AUGUST
County Fair: The community celebrates the final days of summer with the annual Wasatch County Fair Days - a full week of carnival rides, talent contests, concerts, outdoor movie nights, BBQ dinners, and a country market.
Rodeo: The week-long county fair ends with the three-night, action-packed Mountain Valley Wasatch Stampede Rodeo. The Wild West is very much alive in Heber Valley and the cowboy heritage dates back to when Heber Valley was originally settled in the 1800s. (Learn more about that history here.)
Thursday Market on Main: The final weeks of the Thursday night Heber Market on Main happen in August. Catch this local weekly market for some great food, local music, and wonderful community connectivity.
Apple Orchard: In late August through early September, the local Huber Grove apple orchard at Wasatch Mountain State Park beckons visitors to come pick apples from the historic orchard. The trees were planted in the 1890s and stand firmly rooted, representing a long history of farming and the hardiness of the generations that settled the area. Visitors must register in advance to participate in this fun activity.
From local turkey trots to finding that perfect Christmas tree to tree lighting events, Heber Valley knows how to celebrate the holidays in style. Don't miss the annual tree lighting celebrations in Midway and Heber City – they're straight out of a Hallmark movie!
*Tip: arrive early for closer parking. Dress warm and be prepared for all weather conditions at these outdoor events. We suggest you pack hand and foot warmers. This event receives a lot of area resident attendees, so expect a crowd and bring your cheerful spirit.
DECEMBER
Get ready to jingle all the way with the fun festivities happening throughout Heber Valley! Experience the magic of the Heber City Old Fashioned Christmas with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and a stunning tree lighting. And don't miss the North Pole Express Trains at Heber Valley Railroad for a festive ride with caroling, hot cocoa, and a visit from Santa himself. Tickets sell faster than you can say "ho, ho, ho," so snag yours early! Tickets typically go on sale in July.
Quirky Community Things
Sinclair Dino: Get to know everyone's favorite green dino, Octane! Swing by Mountainland One Stop and say hello. The dino even has its own Instagram account!
The Legend of Mount Timpanogos: a captivating Native American tale of love and sacrifice. It tells the story of a princess and a brave warrior, whose tragic romance unfolds on the majestic mountain. A fun part of what makes Heber Valley and this side of Mount Timpanogos so special.
Bookmark and share this digital, year-round guide to experience the best and most unique of Heber Valley. There's always something exciting happening in this mountain paradise.