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As the air turns chilly and the holiday spirit permeates every corner, there's a special kind of magic unfolding in Heber Valley, Utah. The quaint town is adorned with the crispness of winter, inviting residents and visitors alike to immerse themselves in the enchanting ambiance of the season. It's that time of the year when every street seems to whisper tales of wonder, and the air is filled with the promise of extraordinary surprises. 'Tis the season! And, in Heber Valley, we're gearing up for a festive celebration that promises to be nothing short of magical. Get ready to embrace the holiday cheer as we unveil the delights and merriment awaiting you in our charming corner of Utah.

Thanksgiving Feasts – Nov. 23rd

Lodgepole Grill at Daniels Summit Lodge: Noted as one of the most unique hotels in the state, this mountain cabin lodge sits atop the pass between Heber and Strawberry Reservoir. For those looking to get away and be near the remote, pristine trails that surround, this location will definitely fit the bill. Plan a Thanksgiving getaway now. Book your dining reservation by calling 435-548-2300.

Overlook Restaurant at Black Rock Mountain Resort: If you haven’t been to this new luxury property or its restaurant, you are most certainly missing out! This Thanksgiving is the perfect time to check it out. Enjoy the special buffet dining experience happening on Thanksgiving Day. Make a reservation online or call 435-575-1650.

Simon's Restaurant at Homestead Resort: Celebrate the festive season with a delectable meal at Simon's Restaurant inside Homestead Resort property. Make it a full experience with an overnight stay and explore the new updates and upgrades at this legacy luxury property. Make a dining reservation by calling 435-654-1102 or booking directly online.

Z’s Chop Haus at Zermatt Resort: This elegant buffet spread includes hearty portions with live carving stations, indulgent comfort food items and rich side dishes, and decadent desserts. Come hungry, leave stuffed! Make a reservation online or call 435-657-0180.

The Lakehouse at Deer Creek: The restaurant decided to forgo a full Thanksgiving feast this year and offer a special Christmas holiday dinner instead. Happening Tuesday, December 12th from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, dining guests will experience a culinary meal unlike any other. Space is limited for this special dining event, so book your table early and online.

Turkey Day 5k – Nov. 23rd

This year, wobble before you gobble! The annual Lynden Legacy Turkey Trot takes place in Midway, Utah on Thanksgiving morning. Earn that extra slice of pie and give back to a great local cause. This is a great race for everybody from the competitive runner to the leisurely walker and everyone in between. Strollers are welcome and kids can ride bikes or scooters. Sign up online to participate in this great community race!

Christmas Light Shows – Nov. thru Dec.

Ride through the elaborate holiday light display on a horse-drawn wagon with Rocky Mountain Outfitters at Jordanelle State Park, happening Thursday – Saturday from November 24th through December 31st. Enjoy being pulled a team of majestic draft horses while you snack on s'mores and hot chocolate or cider. The ride is approximately 20 minutes long and this activity is suitable for all ages. Plus, Santa will be there on Fridays and Saturdays! Get your tickets online.

Special Moments With Santa – Nov. & Dec.

North Pole Express at Heber Valley Railroad - Nov. 22nd thru Dec. 23rd 
This festive train ride experience features singing, dancing, hot cocoa and locally made cookies, plus a visit from the elves, Santa's helpers, and the holly, jolly man himself! With a variety of train car pricing and experience options, every child feels the magic on this 90-minute roundtrip ride. All guests ride out to the Disney-inspired Christmas village as they are entertained to and from. These trains sell out every year, so get your tickets early! And if you miss it, consider the North Pole Express After Christmas trains and extend the magic of the season.

FREE Santa Visits throughout Heber Valley  
Plan your visit with jolly ol' Saint Nick at four different locations this holiday season. Each child will receive a free candy cane stick and time with Santa. Bring your own camera or use your cell phone camera. A team member from the Heber Valley Chamber will be there to help take pictures using your cell phone camera. (A professional photographer will not be present.)

• Friday, Nov. 24th, 6:00-8:00 PM @ Heber City Police Station Community Room, 301 S Main St, Heber City, UT 84032 
• Saturday, Dec. 2nd, 2:00-4:00 PM @ Mountain Refined Home Furnishings, 480 N Main St, Heber City, UT 84032 
• Friday, Dec. 8th, 6:00-8:00 PM @ Midway Community Center, 160 W Main St, Midway, UT 84049 
• Saturday, Dec. 16th, 2:00-4:00 PM @ Midway Fire Station, 100 W 32 N, Midway, UT 84049

FREE Photos with Santa @ Kringle's – Saturdays, Nov. 25th thru Dec. 23rd  
That’s right, free pics with the jolly guy! Kringle’s in Midway welcomes Santa to its location. Bring your kids, family, or hop on the sleigh yourself for this perfect photo opp. And be sure to spread the Christmas cheer! No reservation needed. Show up on these select Saturdays from 12:00 pm to 2:30 pm for a chance to meet Santa and get your picture with him. Location: Kringle’s, 6 South 200 West, Midway, UT 84049

Breakfast with Santa at Z’s Chop Haus – Saturdays, Nov. 25th thru Dec. 24th             
Located inside Zermatt Resort, this popular dining experience is perfect for the little ones in your family. Adults will be delighted with the culinary flavors served at this upscale restaurant. And kiddos will make lifelong memories visiting with Santa during this special dining event. Happening Saturday and Sunday mornings November 25th through December 24th. Be sure to book in advance online or call 435-709-9573 as this always fills up early!

Breakfast with Santa at Simon’s Restaurant – Saturdays, Dec. 2nd thru 23rd  
Located inside Homestead Resort, this luxury property serves an excellent breakfast and provides a cozy setting for families to enjoy time together. The décor alone is sure to get you in the festive mood. Breakfast with Santa is happening every Saturday morning from December 2nd through 23rd. Reserve in advance online or call 435-654-1102 as these events tend to book up quickly.

Wagon Rides & Photos with Santa - Nov. 30th & Dec. 20th  
Cozy up with a wagon ride pulled by massive Clydesdale horses, then enjoy getting your photo taken with Santa. The wagon ride glides around the beautiful High Star Ranch acreage at DeJoria Center where you can make dining reservations before or after at the State Road Tavern.

Tree Lighting Celebrations

Midway Tree Lighting – Saturday, Nov. 25th           
You are sure to feel merry and bright at the annual Tree Lighting Celebration at Midway Town Square on Saturday, November 25th. Festivities kick off at 6 pm and include holiday entertainment, hot cocoa, locally made cookies, live reindeer, Santa and Mrs. Claus with photo opps, old-fashioned candy and peanut bags, tree lighting ceremony, and fireworks to finish it off. Plus, come early and take some skating laps at the Midway Ice Rink. See the full schedule of events online.
Location: Midway Town Square, Main St, Midway, UT 84049

Heber City Old Fashioned Christmas – Friday, Dec. 1st  
Celebrate the season at this annual Heber City Old Fashioned Christmas event on Friday, December 1st. Free family-friendly activities include holiday music, hot cocoa, cookie decorating, caroling, food trucks, Santa Claus and his reindeer, and the lighting of the tree. The fun starts at 6:00 pm. Caroling around the tree and the lighting of the tree will take place at 8:15 pm. Learn more about this community event online.
Location: Heber City Tabernacle Square, 75 N Main St, Heber City, UT 84032

Tree Lighting at Homestead Resort – Saturday, Dec. 2nd  
The annual tree lighting event at Homestead Resort will be from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm on Saturday, December 2nd. The lighting event includes a special appearance by Santa! Bring your whole family and enjoy the lights, bonfires, and complimentary hot cocoa at The Milk House located next to the plaza and tree.
Location: Homestead Resort, 700 N Homestead Dr, Midway, UT 84049

Festive Celebrations

Cottages for the Children – Dec. 1st & 2nd  
This amazing gingerbread house display, decorated Christmas trees, and silent auction event is all done for a good cause. The proceeds benefit the Wasatch County Children’s Justice Center and Timpanogos Valley Theatre. Location: Timpanogos Valley Theatre, 90 North 100 West, Heber City, UT 84032

Midway Community Festival of Crèches – Dec. 1st thru 4th  
Walk through Midway Town Hall and admire the elaborate nativity displays. The 1,000+ crèches are on loan courtesy of neighbors and friends in the local community. These displays are really astounding. This year’s theme is “Love’s Pure Light!” Admission is free for all.                  
Location: Midway Town Hall, 120 West Main Street, Midway, UT 84049

The Annual Messiah Sing-In – Dec. 9th & 10th  
Warm up those vocals and plan to sing-in with the talented Heber Valley Orchestra and Festival Chorus. These free performances begin at 7:00 PM and include selections of G.F. Handels’ "The Messiah" featuring local soloists, singers, and musicians.                  
Location: LDS Church, 325 East 500 North, Heber City, UT 84032

A Celtic Christmas - Dec. 12th
Enjoy watching the Wasatch Back Irish Dance performers as they delight and entertain in this annual holiday spectacular. 
Location: Wasatch High School, West Campus Theater, 200 E 800 S, Heber City, UT 84032

Live Nativity Event - Dec. 13th
Join the community in one of two evening presentations at 6:00pm or 7:30pm of the annual live nativity event. The evening performances include three displays with scripts and music. The surrounding live animals bring the story to life as characters depict the birth of Jesus. Please consider bringing a non-perishable food item to donate for the local food drive at the entrance. Generously presented by MIRO Industries and Rooftop Anchors, this annual display focuses on the meaning of the season and brings warmth to the hearts of all who witness it.
Location: Wasatch County Events Center, 415 Southfield Rd, Heber City, UT 84032

Theatrical & Art Events

A Christmas Carol: A Live Radio Play – Dec. 8th thru 20th  
This fantastic community theatre performance happens on stage and is performed as if a live radio performance set in the 1940s. Actual audience members are encouraged to participate when the “Applause” sign is lit. A foley table on stage shows the sound effects happening. Actors are in era-appropriate costume and hair. And even fun, local commercial spots with catchy jingles are interspersed. This feel-good performance is a great reminder of how precious life is. Get tickets online or call 435-654-8065.

Fun Paint Night @ Inspiration Haven - Dec. 16th  
Enjoy painting at one of two classes during the "Santa's Workshop" instructor-led paint classes located inside a great local art studio in the heart of Heber City. In addition to the two Christmas painting options, there will be family-friendly activities, games, movies, music, and more! The art studio will open one hour before each paint time and stay open one hour later so everyone can participate in all of the activities. Paint classes offered at 4:00 PM for "Ho, Ho, NO" and 7:00 PM for "Christmas Gnome." Sign up online now so you have a seat!

Post-Christmas Festivities:

North Pole Express After Christmas Trains – Dec. 26th – 29th                   
With the ever-popular North Pole Express Trains selling out so early in the season, there’s usually room to get seats on the slightly more comical “After Christmas Train.” So hop on for a fun-filled journey to the North Pole to find Santa. This 90-minute round trip to the North Pole includes hot cocoa and Mrs. Claus' famous chocolate chip cookies. You can sing along to new and traditional Christmas tunes and be entertained by musicians, elves, and cocoa chefs. When you reach the North Pole, you will see Santa in full vacation mode. He will join you for the return trip and greet each child to present them with a special gift. Reserve your tickets online or call 435-654-5601. Don’t wait as these trains usually sell out shortly after the North Pole Express pre-Christmas trains are sold out.