A Season to Celebrate
From fall fun to holiday cheer
Story by Alex Ryan
Photo: redbuttegarden.org
From spooky autumn nights to festive winter celebrations, Utah knows how to make the holiday season memorable. Across the state, communities come alive with unique events that capture the spirit of the season, from Halloween adventures and live music in Moab to dazzling holiday lights in Salt Lake City. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly outing, a weekend getaway or simply a new tradition to add to your calendar, these seasonal celebrations offer plenty of reasons to get out and enjoy Utah.
October
With Halloween just around the corner and as autumn settles across Utah, Red Butte Garden takes on an enchanting air of mystery with its annual Garden After Dark celebration. Located in the foothills of Salt Lake City, Red Butte Garden has been welcoming guests to its beloved Garden After Dark celebration for 25 years, transforming the 100‑acre garden and arboretum into an unforgettable Halloween experience. As guests follow the illuminated pathways they’ll discover botanical wonders, magical surprises, and adventures around every corner. Guests are encouraged to embrace the Halloween spirit by dressing in their favorite costumes as they make their way along the enchanting scenery in the vast grounds of the garden. Home to more than 3,000 species of plants and trees, Red Butte Garden also offers guests an unique opportunity to learn more about the diverse greenery found throughout the grounds with educational signs placed along the pathways.
This year, Garden After Dark invites guests to leave the ordinary behind and journey into the enchanting world of Neverland. Inspired by the timeless story of Peter Pan, Adventures in Neverland transforms Red Butte Garden into a whimsical Halloween adventure, where visitors can follow illuminated pathways in search of hidden Pixie Dust, explore enchanted landscapes, and help Tinker Bell rescue Peter Pan from the clutches of Captain Hook. With immersive scenes, interactive storytelling, glowing displays, and botanical wonders woven throughout the experience, Garden After Dark: Adventures in Neverland transforms Red Butte Garden and Arboretum into a magical Halloween adventure the entire family can enjoy.
October 15 – 30, 2026
November
As Utah’s fall season unfolds, November brings a unique blend of music, culture, and breathtaking scenery to the red-rock landscapes of Moab. The Moab Folk Festival seamlessly blends quality and inviting live music with the iconic red rock scenery for a memorable autumn getaway. Returning November 6 through 8, 2026, the 24th annual festival showcases an eclectic lineup of folk, Americana, roots, and bluegrass performers. Allowing listeners to connect with both nationally recognized and local artists across intimate indoor and outdoor locations throughout downtown Moab.
Beyond the music, the Moab Folk Festival offers an ideal opportunity to experience the charm of Moab during one of the most beautiful times of year. Crisp autumn temperatures, dramatic canyon scenery, local dining, and the area’s wealth of outdoor recreation make the festival a natural addition to a November Utah getaway. With daytime performances, evening concerts, workshops, and opportunities to explore downtown Moab, the festival offers more than a weekend of music—it provides a chance to experience the community and scenery of one of Utah’s most iconic destinations.
December
As December arrives and Utah embraces the magic of the holiday season, ZooLights at Hogle Zoo is a must-see event for families and holiday lovers alike. Each December, while the animals settle in for a silent night, the zoo transforms into a mesmerizing light display and festive fun. Over a million twinkling lights illuminate the zoo, turning the zoo into an enchanting winter wonderland for guests to explore. Come ready to take photos, as the light displays illuminate the trees and animal exhibits, creating enchanting backdrops for capturing memories.
The holiday magic extends well beyond the glowing displays, with ZooLights offering an array of festive activities to make the evening even more memorable. Bring your list and visit Santa in the Wild Zootique Gift Shop, or warm up with delicious treats such as s’mores, hot chocolate, and other holiday sweets to savor. Guests can also enjoy a nostalgic ride on the Conservation Carousel, illuminated by the glow of the surrounding scenery. Whether enjoyed as a family tradition or as part of a winter getaway to Salt Lake City, ZooLights offers a festive transition into December and a wonderful way to celebrate the arrival of the holiday season.
