Christmas Lights at Temple Square in Salt Lake City
Despite the bitter cold days of winter, thousands of people flock to Temple Square in downtown Salt Lake City. The Christmas lights at Temple Square, combined with holiday concerts and events, bring holiday joy to people of all ages.
The Christmas lights at Temple Square will be turned on the evening of Nov. 29 and run daily through Dec. 31, 2019. However, the lights are not on all night. They go from 6 a.m. to 7:30 a.m., and 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. There are a few nights the lights stay on past 10:30.
If you plan to visit Temple Square to see the Christmas lights or nativity, and feel the joy of Christmas, here are a few tips to help maximize your experience.
5 Tips to Maximize Your Temple Square Experience
- Check the weather and dress warm: I’ve visited Temple Square when the temperature was below freezing. However, I’ve also been there when a light jacket worked just fine. Your visit may be miserable if you’re not dressed warm enough for a cold night… especially if your kids are with you. Because nothing says festive holiday like kids complaining about being cold.
- Check the event schedule: There are several open and ticketed performances at Temple Square. Luckily, most of the ticketed events are free. Check online for the performances you’re interested in seeing.
- Take public transit: Ride Trax (the light-rail train) and save yourself the headache of finding a parking spot. Because on busy nights, parking at City Creek Center fills up fast.
- Be prepared for crowds: Some nights it’s should-to-shoulder with people. Weekend nights, and during the First Presidency Christmas Devotional or the Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square, it may be especially busy.
- Grab a hot chocolate afterward: It’s helpful to know where a warm place is to grab a hot chocolate. Luckily, there are a few restaurants at Temple Square. But we’ve done Barnes & Noble at The Gateway, too.
Looking for other activities in Utah? Check out these travel ideas from across the state.
Events and Performances at Temple Square
Performances by various groups take place in November and December, and most of them are free. They usually feature local high school choir groups and take place in several locations:
- The Joseph Smith Memorial Building
- The Assembly Hall
- The North Visitor’s Center
- The Tabernacle
- The Church Office Building
- The Family History Library
There are a few major events that take place in the Conference Center just north of Temple Square. The following events are free, but do require a ticket.
- 2019 Bells on Temple Square Holiday Concert: Nov. 22-23 at 7:30 p.m.
- 2019 First Presidency Christmas Devotional: Dec. 8 at 6 p.m.
- The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square Christmas Concert: Dec. 12-14 at 8 p.m.
The performance, Savior of the World, runs Nov. 15 – Dec. 28 on selected dates and times. Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased online (a $2 convenience fee is added to each ticket). Or you can get them at the Conference Center ticket office (Door 4).
Restaurants for a Snack or Hot Chocolate
There’s something about a nice hot chocolate to warm you up after seeing the holiday decor. Temple Square has four restaurants that offer delicious meals, and of course, hot chocolate:
- The Roof Restaurant ($$$): Located on the top floor of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. Enjoy great food and fantastic views of Temple Square below.
- Nauvoo Cafe ($): Located on the main floor of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building’s west entrance. Grab a sandwich, soup or hot chocolate.
- The Garden Restaurant ($$): Located on the top floor of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building.
- Lion House Pantry ($): Located on the southeast corner of Temple Square.
If those venues are crowded, or if you’re looking for something less formal, check out City Creek, shops along Main Street or The Gateway Shopping Center a few blocks west of Temple Square.
Listen to the Story of Jesus Christ’s Birth
On the open area just north of the Tabernacle, you’ll see a life-sized nativity scene. Lights illuminate various parts of the nativity as the story of Jesus Christ’s birth is recounted from the Bible (Luke, chapter 2).
You’ll find other nativities around Temple Square. One is placed in the center of the reflection pool just east of the Salt Lake Temple. And we’ve also seen nativities from all around the world on display in front of the Church Office Building.
Beyond Christmas lights and nativity scenes, you’ll find festive decor lining the walkways. One year, we saw illuminated pin-poke bags with ornate calligraphy creating the words Love, Peace and Joy in a variety of languages. The grounds crew does an amazing job decorating Temple Square. As a result, you feel the joy of Christmas while learning about the birth of Jesus Christ.
The Details
Address: 50 North Temple Street, Salt Lake City, Utah. Closest Trax stops are City Creek Station and Temple Square Station (Blue and Green Lines).
Cost: Touring Temple Square is free. Performances are free. The ticketed events are also free, but tickets to some events are distributed online following a registration period, then a random drawing selection.
Hours: The Christmas lights are on daily from 6-7:30 a.m. and 5-10:30 p.m. Temple Square is open daily 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. during the holidays (Nov. 24 to Dec. 31).
Website: https://www.templesquare.com/christmas/
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