The Best Holiday Events Happening in Southern Utah

Southern Utah does the holidays right. Think glowing desert gardens, small-town festivals, bustling markets and just enough Christmas magic to make even the grumpiest grown-up smile a little. If you’re mapping out your December calendar, here are the standout events worth checking out this season:

St. George Christmas Village
Running Thursdays through Saturdays from late November into December, the Christmas Village brings lights, firepits, vendors, and character visits from Santa, The Grinch, and even Elsa and Olaf. With themed nights like Elf movie night and Pajama Night with free train rides, it’s an easy win for families looking for something fun to do after dark. More info → St. George Christmas+2Red Rock Vacation Rentals+2

Jubilee of Trees
A long-standing St. George tradition, this multi-day festival showcases beautifully decorated trees, auctions, and holiday displays. Proceeds support local cardiovascular care. More info → Intermountain Healthcare+1

North Pole Express at Thunder Junction
If you have kids, this one is a slam dunk. Take a ride on the train through sparkling lights, decorate cookies, sip hot cocoa, and end the night with a visit to Santa. More info/tickets → St. George City+1

Christmas in the Canyon (at Tuacahn Center for the Arts)
Tuacahn transforms into a holiday hotspot with more than 250,000 lights, a volunteer-run live nativity, Santa visits, and inexpensive train rides on the Tuacahn Express. More info → Tuacahn Center for the Arts+1

Dickens’ Christmas Festival
Transport yourself into a Victorian-style “Old London” market complete with costumed characters, handcrafted goods, food, and entertainment. It’s one of the most unique holiday markets in the state and makes for a fun tradition. More info → Red Rock Vacation Rentals

Red Hills Desert Garden Holiday Lights
If you want something peaceful, slow, and gorgeous, head to Red Hills Desert Garden. Thousands of lights turn the desert plants into a glowing winter walkway. More info → Utah's Best Vacation Rentals+1

Annual Christmas Market – Legacy Park (Hurricane)
With over 70 vendors, live music, and free admission, this market is a solid pick for people who love browsing local goods and supporting small creators. More info → Red Rock Vacation Rentals

Hurricane Valley Christmas Tree Festival
Locals and businesses decorate dozens of trees while the event features entertainment, a model train room, and nativities. It has a charming, community-centered feel. More info → luxurylivingutah.com

St. George Town Square Tree Lighting
A big kickoff to the season featuring music, treats, and Santa. If you love that classic small-town lighting moment, this is your event. More info → Red Rock Vacation Rentals

Whether you’re here for the lights, the markets, or the chance to make December feel a little more magical, Southern Utah has something happening almost every night.