With Christmas quickly approaching, the minds of many Salt Lake County residents are turned to preparing for the upcoming holiday. Shopping, food preparations and holiday parties may be among the top concerns.
However, what Christmas holiday would be complete without Christmas lights and a lighting ceremony? The Deseret Morning News collected information on each Salt Lake County city planning to have a Christmas lighting celebration, although a few were unavailable at press time. Here is a listing of each celebration.
Salt Lake City:
What: Downtown Lights On! celebration.
When: Friday, Nov. 24, 4-8 p.m.
Where: Macy's on Main, 15 S. Main, 5-7 p.m.; Lights On, Hallelujah! Gallivan Utah Center, 239 S. Main, 4-7 p.m.; Light Up the Night Concert, Olympic Legacy Plaza at The Gateway, 10 N. Rio Grande St., 7 p.m.
Details: This event combines three significant downtown venues: Macy's at the ZCMI Center, , the Gallivan Utah Center and The Gateway.
See the Christmas lights at Temple Square, shop the downtown merchants, greet Santa Claus, hear the "Blue Christmas" concert with a special guest and the Studio A Children's Choir, presented by Macy's. Macy's will also kick off the Angel Tree charitable-giving campaign with complimentary hot cider and cookies on Main Street, and an angel votive candleholder giveaway after the event in the Home department, located on the fourth floor, while supplies last.
Three local gospel choirs will be performing selections of holiday and other soulful songs on the Gallivan Utah Center stage. The ice rink will be open for skating with food for sale by Firehouse BBQ, as well as doughnuts, hot chocolate, coffee and popcorn.
At The Gateway, this year's concert will feature Jon Schmidt. Sing along with your favorite holiday carols and enjoy complimentary hot chocolate.
Murray:
What: Annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony
When: Saturday, Dec. 2, 6 p.m.
Where: Murray City Hall, 5025 S. State
Details: Santa Claus will light the Murray City Christmas tree and head into City Hall where children can sit on his lap to tell him their Christmas wish and receive a treat.
Of note: The display features between 10,000-15,000 lights and takes four to five days to set up. Planning for the event, put on by Murray Power, begins in August.
Sandy:
What: Deck the Hall celebration
When: Monday, Nov. 27, 7 p.m.
Where: Sandy City Hall, 10000 S. Centennial Parkway
Details: Santa Claus will arrive with Mayor Tom Dolan to light up City Hall and its grounds with thousands of beautiful holiday lights that will transform it into a winter wonderland. There will be holiday music by Sunrise Elementary School's Sunrise Singers, and free hot chocolate. With Jack Frost nipping at your nose, go inside for more fun, including a spectacular old-time village display with a miniature train, candy canes and, of course, that special visit with Santa himself.
Draper:
What: Christmas in the Heart of Draper
When: Monday, Nov. 27, 6:30-8 p.m.
Where: Draper City Hall, 1020 E. Pioneer Road
Details: This year's celebration will focus on two things: the official lighting for the Draper city Christmas tree and children having a special visit with Santa. Music, entertainment and refreshments are likely, but the final details were unavailable at press time.
Of note: Although the celebration is funded by the Draper Community Foundation, the Draper Youth Council does the planning and set up of the event, coordinating all the little details. This year the celebration has been moved inside City Hall, and there will not be fireworks.
Bluffdale:
What: Christmas lighting celebration
When: Monday, Nov. 27, 6-7:30 p.m.
Where: 14350 S. 2200 West
Details: Hay rides, make-and-take crafts for children, refreshments and the most important part, lighting the Christmas lights at 6:30 p.m. Santa Claus will arrive at 7 p.m.
Riverton:
What: Annual Christmas lighting and Santa's arrival
When: Monday, Nov. 27, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Where: Sandra N. Lloyd Performing Arts Center, 12830 S. 1700 West
Details: Mayor Bill Applegarth will offer a few brief remarks before turning on the Christmas lights. Santa will arrive on a firetruck at 6:30 p.m. and will go into the performing arts center to meet with all the children. There will be crafts and activities for children, hay rides, scones and hot chocolate. Some activities will be outside, so participants are asked to dress warm.
South Jordan:
What: 2006 Light the Night
When: Friday, Dec. 1, 7-9 p.m.
Where: The Plaza, 1600 Towne Center Drive
Details: A visit from Santa Claus, ice skating at the South Jordan Ice Skating Rink, refreshments, performances by the South Jordan City Sounds of the Season Choir, South Jordan city Idol winners, the Murray Silver Blades and Simple People
West Valley City:
What: Christmas lighting:
When: Monday, Dec. 4, 6 p.m.
Where: West Valley Centennial Park and Family Fitness Center, 5415 W. 3100 South
Details: Prior to the Christmas tree lighting at Centennial Park, Santa arrives on a firetruck and escorts the children around the Gold Medal Mile at the park. As soon as the group is back, the Christmas tree lights are turned on. Christmas songs, cookies and hot chocolate conclude the celebration. In addition, a Christmas exhibit will be on display at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center, 1355 W. 3100 South, from Nov. 29-Jan. 3. The exhibit features trees decorated by different cultural groups from around the area.
Magna:
What: Annual holiday parade
When: Saturday, Dec. 2, noon
Where: The parade begins at the Historic Magna Main St., 8400 West and goes to 9150 West along 2700 South.
Details: Magna will be having its 61st annual parade, led by the Magna VFW Post No. 7938 Honor Guard. The parade will have fire engines, dancers from local high schools, horse-drawn carriages, and, of course, Santa. Following the parade, Santa will be in the Magna Chamber of Commerce Office, 9145 W. 2700 South so children can come see him.
Holladay:
The city is planning a celebration, but details hadn't been finalized at press time.
Other Salt Lake County cities, South Salt Lake, Midvale, Cottonwood Heights, West Jordan, Kearns, Herriman and Taylorsville, have no plans for formal Christmas lighting celebrations.
E-mail: twalquist@desnews.com