Christmas in southern Utah has a charm you won’t find anywhere else. Maybe it’s the glow of holiday lights reflecting off red rock cliffs, or the way families gather for simple traditions that have been passed down for generations. Maybe it’s the perfect weather cool enough to feel like Christmas, but warm enough that you can still spend time outdoors without bundling up like a snowman.
Whatever the reason, the holidays here feel personal, heartfelt, and deeply rooted in community. Here are some of my favorite Christmas traditions across southern Utah.
Cutting Down a Christmas Tree in the Mountains
One of the most nostalgic holiday traditions for my family after Thanksgiving is heading into the mountains to cut down a Christmas tree. With Forest Service permits available each winter, we pile our truck with thermoses of cocoa, drive up into the pines, and start the hunt for the perfect tree. There’s something special about stepping out into the crisp mountain air, and letting the kids scatter to find “the perfect one.” There is always so much excitement in the search.
Once the tree is cut and loaded up, and we’ve taken photos, we head home for the next exciting activity decorating! By the time the tree is standing in the living room, decorated with lights and ornaments, it carries a story with it, a memory we made together.
Enjoying Cool-Weather Outdoor Adventures
While most people think of snow and blizzards in December, southern Utah offers something different: the perfect outdoor weather. With temperatures cool enough to feel festive but warm enough to enjoy comfortably, we often take advantage of the season to explore the beauty around us.
Popular holiday outings include:
• Easy hikes through Snow Canyon State Park, where the red rocks glow under winter sunsets
• Strolls through Red Cliffs Recreation Area, with fewer crowds and crisp desert air
• Family bike rides on the Virgin River Trail
• Evening walks to admire neighborhood Christmas lights
It’s a unique part of living here—you can cut a Christmas tree in fresh mountain snow, then hike among red cliffs in a light jacket all in the same weekend.
Christmas in the Canyon at Tuacahn
Tuacahn already feels magical with its towering red canyon walls, but during Christmas it transforms into something truly unforgettable. Christmas in the Canyon has become one of southern Utah’s most cherished holiday events because it blends the beauty of the setting with everything families love about the season. From the moment you step into the plaza, you’re greeted by the sound of holiday music, the glow of festive lights, and this year even snow flurries falling every 15 minutes a fun surprise for kids who don’t often get snow in St. George. Families can meet Santa Claus, take pictures by the giant Christmas tree, browse holiday vendors, and enjoy warm treats while soaking in the atmosphere.
The Live Nativity
A highlight every year is the famous Tuacahn Live Nativity. With real animals, a beautifully narrated story, and performers who bring the first Christmas to life, it’s both touching and visually stunning. Families bundle up, settle into the outdoor amphitheater, and enjoy a simple but meaningful retelling of the nativity that feels almost magical under the canyon walls.
The Holiday Train Ride
Younger children especially love the Tuacahn Christmas Train, which winds through the canyon decorated with twinkling lights. With gentle narration, cheerful music, and views of glowing displays, the train ride feels whimsical and is often a favorite part of the night for families with little ones.
Kickoff to Christmas at Historic Town Square
Historic Town Square becomes the heart of St. George’s holiday festivities once the Kickoff to Christmas celebration arrives. This event is a blend of everything small-town Christmas should be: music, laughter, lights, and community. Families gather on the green lawn, enjoying live performances, children’s crafts, face painting, food vendors, story time, and the crackling warmth of fire pits nearby. Kids can take wagon rides, write letters to Santa, or play under the holiday lights strung between the historic buildings.
As evening falls, the energy shifts toward anticipation the countdown to the lighting of the giant Christmas tree. The glow of the tree illuminating the whole square, feels like the official start of Christmas in St. George. It’s festive, lively, nostalgic and one of the reminders of why people love raising families in southern Utah.
A Personal Favorite Tradition: Pine Valley Chapel Christmas Tree & Nativity Lighting
While the larger events are magical, one of our family’s most cherished traditions happens in the quiet, snowy beauty of Pine Valley. Each December, the community gathers at the historic Pine Valley Chapel for a simple but meaningful Christmas program. Inside the chapel, neighbors and friends come together to sing classic Christmas carols. The music echoes softly through the old wooden building, creating a feeling that’s warm, reverent, and timeless. Afterward, everyone steps outside into the crisp night air, holding cups of hot chocolate or warm cider.
Then comes the moment everyone waits for the lighting of the Christmas tree and nativity scene. As the lights switch on and illuminate the nativity below, it feels both peaceful and powerful. The glow lasts throughout December, serving as a quiet reminder of the season. It’s not a big event. There are no crowds, stage lights, or vendors. But that’s exactly why we love it. It’s small-town Christmas at its finest neighbors gathered close, families visiting, children playing, and a peaceful feeling of community. Our family looks forward to it every year.
The Magic of Christmas in Southern Utah
Whether you’re riding the Tuacahn Christmas Train, hunting for the perfect tree in the mountains, enjoying a quiet night in Pine Valley, or joining thousands at Town Square, Christmas in southern Utah is full of traditions both big and small. It’s a season that celebrates connection, connection to place, to family, and to the warmth of the community around us.
Share Your Southern Utah Christmas Traditions
One of the best parts of living in southern Utah is how every family and community has its own unique way of celebrating the season. From small-town programs to outdoor adventures, everyone has traditions that make Christmas meaningful.
We’d love to hear from you!
What are your favorite Christmas traditions in southern Utah?
Do you have a yearly event you never miss, a local spot your family loves, or a holiday ritual that makes the season feel special?
Share your traditions, ideas, and family favorites in the comments. Your stories might inspire others to create new memories of their own this holiday season.