By Ana Luiza Ramos | [email protected]

It’s the most wonderful time of the year and all around Salt Lake County, cities will be celebrating the holiday season. There will be plays, outdoor lighting displays, a gingerbread competition, and so many other things that make the holiday season memorable. Here are a few events you should be aware of no matter where you’re located.

South Jordan

Starting Nov. 20 and going until Nov. 30, drop by the Gale Center to see this year’s gingerbread house display and to participate in many other holiday events. No Christmas is complete without a city tree lighting ceremony and South Jordan’s Light the Night will be on Dec. 1 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the South Jordan City Plaza on 1600 W. Towne Center Drive; don’t miss the opening of Candy Windows at that event as well.

Herriman

In welcoming the holiday season, come participate in Herriman’s Night of Lights on Nov. 27 from 4 to 9 p.m. at the Herriman Towne Center (5238 W. Terra Aire Lane). They promise ice skating, food trucks, a Peter Breinholt concert, a candy cane hunt and much more.

Riverton

It is Christmastime in Riverton. Gather around to see Santa arrive with Mrs. Claus on a bright red fire engine, combined with their famous Holly Days in the Park activities taking place at the Riverton City Park (12830 S. Redwood Road). Come read giant-sized storybook pages from “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” and visit the vendors to get some yummy goodies. Starting Nov. 27.

West Jordan

Sugar Factory Playhouse and West Jordan Theater Arts announce two original one-act musicals: “Five Carols for Christmas” and “JingleJacks.” Performances will be held at the Midvale Performing Arts Center, 695 West Center Street on Dec. 7, 8, 9, 11, 15, 16 and 18 at 7:30 p.m., with a 2 p.m. matinee on Dec. 9. Doors open a half hour before the show, and seating is unassigned. 

Taylorsville

Christmas is never complete without visiting Santa. He will be at the Taylorsville-Bennion Heritage Center on Dec. 2 from 2 to 4 p.m., so make sure to come say hi and keep on being nice.

West Valley

Come see the “Trees of Diversity” and “Winter Scenes & Holiday Dreams” at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center, 1355 W. 3100 South, Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nothing like a little dazzle to spice up a winter day.

Murray

Santa will also be lighting Murray’s Christmas Tree at Murray City Hall, 5025 S. State Street, on Dec. at 6 p.m. Then he will be giving out treats to kids where the Hillcrest Jr. High School Choir will be providing music as well. 

Sandy

Enjoying the brand-new Cairns Plaza, the city of Sandy presents Christmas In the Cairns, where they promise a new colorful fountain, hot cocoa, a visit with Santa, and a lot more holiday fun on Nov. 27 from 5 to 6 p.m. Stay after for the processional across the street to city hall for the lighting ceremony.

Draper

It is a striking tradition to come see Draper’s magical willow tree light up the night. Draper City began lighting the tree and the park in 2008 and each year more and more lights have been added; strobe lights were recently added to create a striking lighting technique. The Tree Lighting Ceremony will be on the first Monday evening after Thanksgiving, and the lights stay on through the New Year’s holiday coming on at dusk and staying until midnight each day. Draper Park is located at 1300 E. 12500 South.

Midvale

Who doesn’t love ugly sweaters (and showing them off)? On Dec. 15 at 11 a.m. there will be entertainment and at noon lunch will be provided at the Midvale Senior Center. Come rocking your ugly sweaters.

We hope you have a wonderful holiday season. Keep reading your City Journal for updates on these and other events.