It’s hard to believe Thanksgiving is less than a week away and the holiday season is in full-swing. Snow has made its first appearance in the Salt Lake valley, grocery stores are packed with customers stocking up on canned pumpkin and cranberry sauce, and Christmas music is officially on the radio (an early November tradition we love to hate).
There are many fun holiday-themed events happening around Utah this month to celebrate Thanksgiving and kick off the rest of the winter season. There’s something for everyone all across the valley — whether you enjoy feasting with beasts or burning off a few pre-Thanksgiving calories.
Nov. 20: Luminaria at Thanksgiving Point
This family-fun event begins on Nov. 20 and runs through the end of December. The mile-long walk features 8,000 programmable lights at Thanksgiving Point in Lehi. Luminaria will be open from 5-9 p.m. daily. For more information about ticket pricing, visit thanksgivingpoint.org.
Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 23: Feast With The Beasts at Hogle Zoo
Too many chefs in the kitchen? Hogle Zoo invites families to get out of the house and ‘feast with the beasts’ on Thanksgiving Day. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., visitors can watch animals smash, eat and play with pumpkins and turkey-shaped pinatas. Kids can make a fun craft for free at the Fresh Market booth from 9 to noon. For more information, visit hoglezoo.org.
Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 23: Utah Human Race
The 12th annual Utah Human Race starts bright and early Thanksgiving morning and is one of the largest 5k/10k events in the state. The race takes place at the Draper Spectrum (VF Outlet) and starts at 7:30 am. All proceeds from the race go directly to the Utah Food Bank. Head over to http://www.utahhumanrace.org or utahfoodbank.org to register.
Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 23: Murray Giving Thanks Giving Hope Run
Now in its 10th year, this event takes place at the Jordan River Parkway Germania Pavilion at 8 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day. Runners and walkers can choose from distances of 2K, 5K and 10K. All proceeds from the race will go to Shriners Hospital for Children, and this year’s goal is to raise $5,000. Start the day off right by giving back!
Nov. 24: SLC Annual Community Coat Exchange
Bring warmth to our community by attending this annual coat exchange the day after Thanksgiving. Stop by with your donations on Friday, November 24th at Pioneer Park from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Need a coat? Come get one. Have a coat? There’s someone who can use it! For more information, visit coatexchange.org.
Nov. 24: Temple Square Christmas Lights
A Utah holiday tradition ‘must,’ the Christmas lights at Temple Square in Downtown Salt Lake City will be unveiled the day after Thanksgiving at 5:30 p.m. The 35 acres are completely transformed with lights and decorations, and free concerts and performances run daily at six different venues until January 2nd.
Nov. 24-26: Elf: The Musical at Eccles Theater
This movie-to-musical adaptation tells the story of everyone’s favorite elf “Buddy.” The theater is offering five performances of the show from November 24-26 as part of the Broadway at the Eccles series. For more information, visit broadway-at-the-eccles.com.
Nov. 25: Sugar House Winter Carnival
The 3rd Annual Sugar House Winter Carnival takes place on Saturday, November 25, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Enjoy coffee and painting with The Paint Mixer, a visit from Santa and Elsa from Frozen, cookie decorating and even a ride on The Polar Express. Stick around after for the 1st annual Sugar House Aglow and watch as luminaries light up Wilmington Avenue at 5:30 p.m. Admission is free!
Nov. 27: Draper Tree Lighting Ceremony
Draper City kicks off the holiday season with the ‘Tree of Life’ ceremony, the lighting of a willow tree donned with more than 1,000 strands of light. The ceremony takes place at Draper City Park from 6-8 p.m. on Nov. 27 with musical performances, hayrides, refreshments and a visit from Santa.
Nov. 29: Lights On! 2017 at the Gallivan Center
Get festive as the Gallivan Center Plaza lights are turned on for the 2017 holiday season! Along with the lighting of an awe-inspiring 60-foot-tall Christmas tree, there will be a DJ, food trucks and ice skating performances. The event starts at 4 p.m. Nov. 29 and admission is free. Visit thegallivancenter.com for more information.
This Thanksgiving, we are grateful for our health, our families, our ability to give back to the community and for all of our amazing clients who give us purpose. We couldn’t do what we do without you!
-The Novation Team