How to find some Christmas Cheer!

"For, the people who were shoveling away on the housetops were jovial and full of glee; calling out to one another from the parapets, and now and then exchanging a facetious snowball—better-natured missile far than many a wordy jest—laughing heartily if it went right and not less heartily if it went wrong. The poulterers’ shops were still half open, and the fruiterers’ were radiant in their glory."

-A Christmas Carol, Ghost of Christmas Present

With the holidays shortly upon us, I have seen that even with this being a truly hard year on all of us that that doesn't mean we need to miserable and not enjoy ourselves. I have put together a list of great Christmas lights around Northern Utah that you could easily tackle if you are in need of some Christmas Cheer. Christmas lights have helped immensely during the cold dark nights where the sun sets before 5, bringing some hope, kindness, and light into my life.

Even with Covid/Masks, etc... this is an easy way to socially distance but find some light and I quickly learned if you want to avoid people that the best time to go is right around sunset. It always appeared that the exact time people always started showing was 6:15 pm... honestly it was like a button was hit at that time and people would show up.

Now note most of the lights I am reviewing are in Davis and Weber County Utah, I tried to limit my visits to Salt Lake, but hopefully, next year if we can stop this virus I will review a bunch of the exciting locations there.

Most people every year love to go to the Salt Lake Temple Square lights they are a holiday staple in Utah, but this year and for the following next 3 years the grounds are closed and under construction. They have stated there are some lights but you simply can drive by them.

Below is a glimpse of what it is like when Temple Square has lights.

Next years adventures because the holiday is coming so fast will include the following Christmas Light locations on my bucket list which due to Covid or their popularity and being sold out, I stayed away from for this year: Zoo Lights in SLC, Luminaria at Thanksgiving Point, Tree of Life in Draper and I am more than sure plenty of other spots.

Here are some fun locations in Northern Utah to go and see:

Lumaze

This is the first year for Lumaze and it was totally worth it. Lumaze is located at the Salt Lake Fair Grounds: 155 N 100 West, Salt Lake City Utah 84116. This is a location you will have to buy tickets for ahead of time and they will have you choose a time slot. The time slot will help you secure a chance and also is for social-distancing. Note please I wore a mask at all light locations but especially for the paid locations since it is mandated. It was really easy to stay distanced from others since it is really spread apart which was really nice. This was the only spot so far I went with people who were my family. They have an activity book for children that helped make it fun and if the kids can get all the stamps they do receive a prize at the end. Lumaze is super kid-friendly and has a ton of places for them to play and even a train to ride is located in the kid zone.

Click to purchase Ticket

Elora's Lights

I love this spot, I love it partly because it is never super busy, but also because it has it's own beauty and charm. Elora's Lights is a walk at Heritage Park in Farmington at 1591 N 1075 West. It is dedicated in honor of a little girl named Elora who lost her battle to cancer. The park features a stroll along it's outer edges that has ever blow-up imaginable. It is an easy spot to stroll or even take a stroller and it is honestly simply beautiful and charming. At the end of the stroll is my favorite, I mean my favorite tree I have seen. The large lit tree is called," the Tree of Hope," and is covered in thousands of gold and white lights. It is hard to miss when you see it. It is brightly lit in the darkest part of the park and I can attest I have both stood and sat in the dark part of the park just staring at it. I find it simply beautiful. This location is worth it and it is free.

If you are looking for more information on how it came to be, click here and it will take you to the foundation's page.

Layton Lights

Layton is a staple for me every year, I can't remember not going to it, but it can be one of the busiest spots around. The lights are located at Layton Commons Park at 437 N Wasatch Dr, Layton, UT 84041 and are free. This location was really fun and emptier for me because I chose to go on a random weeknight and also right at sunset. With the two I was alone more for it and by the time I was leaving it was starting to get really full. The lights here are always fun to see and this year they are celebrating 100 Years this year. Masks are required and this year there is security to help with that. I love the lights at this spot and they seem to multiply each year. It is worth it, but if you are looking to avoid the busy time, this spot more than others I recommend going around sunset, it ends up with backed up traffic if you go later on.

Fantasy at the Bay

I have wanted to see these lights for years. Fantasy at the Bay is located at Willard Bay State Park located off of exit 357 off of I-15. This is a spot that is drive-thru only and will cost money.

Click to learn more information

They are open till 10 each evening and are worth the drive. I would have loved to walk this spot and really see all the details and take each spot in, there is so much to see at all parts of the drive, kids will love this drive. Drive takes about 20 minutes if you are like me and were driving slowly and trying to take it all in.

Ogden Christmas Village

Now I have seen this location before but it has been a few years. I have to admit this was by far I think my top favorite for this year. They were the only city that had very clear signs on Covid rules and did an amazing job this year on keeping things distanced. In years past the little homes, it features was much more packed together, but this year they really did a great job of spacing things apart. I was astounded by the Christmas Village this year. The number of lights everywhere seemed to multiply and it took my breath away at so many little spots around the park. I spent more time at this spot than any others because every time I turned I would see another little spot I loved. Lights are located at Ogden Municipal Park at 343 25th St, Ogden, UT 84401 and are free to the public.

Roy City Lights

The lights in Roy City are located at 5051 S 1900 W, Roy, UT 84067. I loved this spot because it felt very home townish, which I know is not a word but it did. I grew up in a very small town and this felt and had that charm. It is a park located next to all of the city's municipal buildings. It is super easy to maintain social distance since the park lights are located around the edges of this small park and the middle is all open. It is also a great place for kids to run around. The trees that are located in front of the fire station and police station are incredible as well. Lights will only take about 15 to 20 minutes to see but are totally worth it. They did an amazing job of having so many colors and even do a small show to the radio station's music. Lights are free.

Centerville City Lights

Centerville Lights are located at Founders Park 300 N 100 E, Centerville Utah 84014 and are free. This is a small little park but it is a fun quick way to get the kids out and seeing lights but with a quarter of the people at other locations. Park at the back of the park and take a stroll around. The gazebo has a 1950's charm to it and located next to the gazebo is a small light tunnel. This was a super cute, quaint location.

Farmington Station Tree & Fountains

If you are needing to get some holiday shopping done, this is the perfect place to shop, eat and then take a moment and see the fountain dance to music and the large tree located in front of the movie theater. Farmington Station is located off of I-15 at 140 N W Union Ave.

Gingerbread House at The Grand America

If you are staying in SLC and want to stay at a fancy elegant hotel that puts on a wonderful Christmas display I highly recommend The Grand America. Normally when there is not Covid the general public can go into the hotel and see the Gingerbread House that can stretch upwards of 15 feet. It is an amazing sight. Last year I was able to see it and take it all in, it smelled amazing. They also do themed windows around the hotel that feature the cutest themes for Christmas. With the virus this year you can only see it if you are staying there, it is highly recommended.

Video and pictures are from last year regarding the gingerbread house, the hotel is accessible via the trax system, and last year in the video we rode the trax and also did the store windows and Temple Square, it made for such a fun night.

Lights at Cross-E-Ranch

Cross-E-Ranch is located in North Salt Lake on the west side of I-15. It requires that you buy tickets ahead of time but is a really fun option. It is a drive-thru and takes roughly 20 minutes to go through fully. They did a wonderful job of utilizing space and making it fun. They do have an audio guide you can listen to while driving. I highly recommend this location.

Tickets if available