Deer Valley Magic! Pvt Hot Tub, Garage, Walk to Main St, DV Base!
The holiday season transforms Park City, Utah into a real-world winter wonderland straight out of a classic storybook. Nestled high in the Wasatch Mountains, our historic mining town trades its golden autumn leaves for a pristine blanket of alpine snow, dazzling light displays, and an unmistakable festive spirit. Whether you are seeking world-class skiing under the stars or a cozy retreat by a roaring fire, a Park City Christmas offers the perfect backdrop to start a magical new family tradition.
For many, the ultimate holiday gift is waking up to fresh Utah powder. Park City Mountain and Deer Valley Resort consistently rank among the premier ski destinations in North America, opening their pristine runs just in time for the holidays. Skiers can carve through legendary snow by day and enjoy the breathtaking sight of torchlight parades snaking down the mountainsides on Christmas Eve. It is an exhilarating blend of high-altitude adventure and holiday cheer that you cannot find anywhere else.
At the heart of the celebration is Historic Main Street, where festive decorations and brilliant light displays illuminate the charming, century-old buildings. The air is filled with the scent of roasted chestnuts and pine, while the sounds of carolers and the iconic, free Main Street trolley echo through the town. Visitors can stroll through boutique shops for unique holiday gifts, dine at award-winning restaurants, or catch a live performance of festive classics at the historic Egyptian Theatre.
A Park City Christmas is defined by the unique experiences that bring loved ones together. From festive sleigh rides through snow-covered meadows to the magical arrival of Santa Claus via the Town Lift, every day presents an opportunity to make forever memories. Check our seasonal calendar below for a full schedule of recurring annual holiday events, tree lighting ceremonies, and mountain celebrations, and choose the perfect way to ring in your holiday cheer!
Perfect for groups, couples, anniversaries, wedding parties, family reunions, festival executive, corporate retreats, quiet getaways, or any occasion. Entertain effortlessly in the gourmet kitchen. Our charming townhome has everything you need for a relaxing seasonal getaway or an adventurous winter ski trip!
Click here for our annual guide to Thanksgiving planning.
For nostalgic visitors, stroll Historic Main Street during the holidays and the experience elevated alpine comfort food and warming seasonal drinks. Longtime favorites include traditional Swiss fondue, hearty raclette at cozy mainstays, alongside plates of locally sourced Utah trout and wild game. Ward off the mountain chill with signature regional sips, such as the rich, locally distilled High West whiskey-infused hot toddies. For sweeter traditions, families crowd into local cafes for thick artisan hot chocolate topped with homemade marshmallows, making it the perfect finishing touch to an evening under Main Street's sparkling holiday lights.
New Years Day, January 1
Martin Luther King Jr. Day, January 15–21, floating Monday
Groundhog Day, February 2
Valentine's Day, February 14
Saint Patrick's Day, March 17
April Fool's Day, April 1
Earth Day, April 22, varies
May Day, May 1
Cinco de Mayo, May 5
Mother's Day, May 8–14, floating Sunday
Memorial Day, May 25–31, floating Monday
Flag Day, June 14
Father's Day, June 15–21, floating Sunday
Juneteenth, June 19
Independence Day, July 4
Labor Day, September 1–7, floating Monday
Oktoberfest, various days in September/October
Columbus Day October 8–14, floating Monday
Halloween on Main, October 31
Veterans Day, November 11
Black Friday, November 23–29, floating Friday
Thanksgiving, November 22–28, floating Thursday
Cyber Monday, November 26–December 2, floating Monday
Christmas, December 25
New Year's Eve, December 31
Waking up to white blankets of powder
Lighted outdoor trees that dot the hillsides
Rumble of the snow plows
Sledding in the backyard
Walking to get hot chocolate
Baking holiday cookies
Riding the horse-drawn sleigh
Soaking in the hot tub while it snows
Strolling along Main Street
Ice skating
Life, family, friends. Celebrations and connections!
1. The Main Street Snow Globe Stroll & Holiday Lights
Every winter from late November through early January, Historic Main Street glows with thousands of holiday lights. The highlight is the Main Street Snow Globe Stroll, which features seven life-sized, beautifully crafted snow globes placed along the street. Visitors can hunt for hidden silver snowflakes inside each globe while exploring old mining-town architecture, local boutiques, and art galleries.
2. Santa's Arrival Down the Town Lift
A beloved, decades-old Park City hallmark occurs in mid-December when Santa Claus makes his annual entrance by riding down the Town Lift in his magically lit-up sleigh. The Town Lift Plaza fills with holiday tunes, community cheer, and complimentary cookies and hot cocoa, offering a picture-perfect throwback to classic small-town holiday magic.
3. Catch a Vintage Holiday Show at the Egyptian Theatre
Stepping inside the historic Egyptian Theatre on Main Street feels like entering a bygone era. During the extended holidays, this iconic venue hosts a rotating lineup of nostalgic events, including such classics as A Christmas Story: The Musical, traditional Holiday Spectacular Sing-A-Longs, and live seasonal concerts by renowned composers. Tickets for these cozy theater events sell out weeks in advance.
4. Witness the Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade
On December 24, Park City Mountain Resort hosts its annual Torchlight Parade at the Canyons Village base area. As dusk settles, crowds gather on the ski beach for hot chocolate, live caroling, and holiday music. The main event features a massive procession of ski and snowboard instructors snaking down the mountain in formation with glowing flares, culminating in Santa's arrival at the base.
5. Enjoy a Fireside Dining Experience at Deer Valley's Empire Lodge
For a vintage alpine tradition, head to Deer Valley’s Empire Lodge for Fireside Dining. This European, country-club-style feast is served directly from four massive stone fireplaces. Guests move from hearth to hearth to enjoy melted raclette cheese, fire-roasted meats, stewed mountain dishes, and dessert chocolate fondues. It perfectly captures the cozy intimacy of a retro ski getaway.
6. Take a Horse-Drawn Sleigh Ride Through Snowy Meadows
Nothing evokes holiday nostalgia quite like snuggling under heavy wool blankets while being pulled through the snow by a team of draft horses. Out-of-towners can book a traditional sleigh ride through the quiet, pine-draped landscapes of Deer Valley or Park City. Local operators like the Snowed Inn Sleigh Company and outfits at Deer Valley's Snow Park Lodge offer sleigh-only rides or full packages that drop you off at a rustic mountain cabin or lodge for a warm, family-style dinner.
7. Ride the North Pole Express on the Historic Heber Valley Railroad
Located just 20 minutes outside Park City in nearby Midway, the Heber Valley Railroad runs a historic 1899 steam-and-diesel train. During the extended winter season, it transforms into the North Pole Express. Passengers board vintage, festively decorated train cars for a scenic journey along the base of the Wasatch Mountains. The nostalgic 90-minute excursion includes hot cocoa in keepsake mugs, holiday sing-alongs, cookies, and an onboard visit from Santa.
💡 Pro Tips for Holiday Out-of-Towners
• Book Everything Early: Sleigh rides, theater tickets, and the North Pole Express frequently sell out before Thanksgiving.
• Ditch the Rental Car: Park City operates a completely fare-free bus system that seamlessly connects Main Street, Park City Mountain, and Deer Valley. Parking is highly limited and expensive during the holiday weeks. Check out our Getting Around page.
• Dress in Layers: Mountain temperatures drop dramatically the moment the sun slips behind the peaks around 4:30 PM. Waterproof winter boots are essential for the Main Street strolls.
Holiday ski vacations are a great way to relax, connect, and have fun. The key to a perfect holiday visit is planning. Be sure to allow for a mix of on-snow and off-snow activities. Enjoy time relaxing by the fire and definitely delight in some good holiday meals.