Christmas Events for Kids in Provo, UT (2026)

Christmas Events for Kids
Written by Kelsey Cecil

8 min read

The Provo, UT area has 6 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from Luminaria at Thanksgiving Point in Lehi on November 12 to Pioneer Christmas at the Village in Provo, which runs through December 14. 4 of them are free, and every listing links straight to the host. It is one stop on our guide to Christmas events for kids in Utah, part of our guide for every state.

The short version

  • 6 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in Provo, UT for 2026, in Provo, Springville and Lehi
  • First: Luminaria at Thanksgiving Point, Lehi, November 12. Runs latest: Luminaria at Thanksgiving Point, Lehi, through January 9
  • 4 are free, including Letters to Santa North Pole Express Mailbox, Holiday Festival & Santa Village and Santa's Art Shop
  • Checked on each host’s own page; each listing links straight to it

Christmas events for kids in Provo

2 confirmed events for kids in Provo, soonest first.

Holiday lights

Lighting of Riverwoods

  • When: Thursday, November 19, 2026, 6 to 8 pm
  • Where: The Shops at Riverwoods, Provo
  • Cost: Not stated
Details, tips and host

The Shops at Riverwoods in Provo welcomes the holiday season with its annual lighting event on Thursday, November 19, 2026, from 6 to 8 pm. More than 1.5 million lights are switched on at 6 pm.

The center promises live entertainment and life sized photo opportunities, with a fireworks show at 8 pm. The event listing does not state a price or an age range, and it does not mention registration. For families, this is an early season outing that works on a school night as long as bedtime allows for the fireworks. The Shops at Riverwoods are at 4801 North University Avenue in Provo. Dress warmly for standing outdoors in November. Parking and any food options are at the shopping center, so allow a little extra time to find a spot on a busy opening night.

Parent tip: Lights go on at 6 pm and fireworks are at 8 pm. Dress warmly.

Host
The Shops at Riverwoods (opens in a new tab)
Address
The Shops at Riverwoods, 4801 N University Ave, Provo, UT 84604
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
See dates and detailsfrom The Shops at Riverwoods (opens in a new tab)

Story time with SantaFree

Pioneer Christmas at the Village

  • When: Fri December 11, Sat December 12 and Mon December 14, 2026, 5 to 8 pm
  • Where: Provo Pioneer Village, Provo
  • Cost: Free
  • Ages: Family friendly
Details, tips and host

Pioneer Christmas at the Village takes place at Provo Pioneer Village on December 11, 12 and 14, 2026, from 5 to 8 pm each night. The village describes it as a family friendly event with something for everyone, including music, crafters, storytelling and a visit with Father Christmas.

Short Christmas programs run at 5:30, 6:15 and 7:00 pm, so you can arrive at any point in the evening and still catch one. Admission is free, and donations are welcome to help cover operating costs. The village is at 600 North 500 West in Provo. Parking is available at Timpanogos Elementary School and at the Provo Recreation Center, and visitors walk over from there. The village is outdoors in winter, so bundle up the kids.

Parent tip: Park at Timpanogos Elementary or the Provo Recreation Center. Dress for winter weather.

Host
Provo Pioneer Village (opens in a new tab)
Address
Provo Pioneer Village, 600 N 500 W, Provo, UT 84601
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
See dates and detailsfrom Provo Pioneer Village (opens in a new tab)

Look inside the book

Story time with Santa in Provo, UT? Bring Rally home.

Rally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. It makes a cozy bedtime story after a big day with Santa. Turn a few pages here.

Page 1 of 8

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

Like it so far? See the full book

25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $16.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.

Christmas events for kids in Springville

3 confirmed events for kids in Springville, soonest first.

Santa visitFree

Letters to Santa North Pole Express Mailbox

  • When: Monday, November 30, 2026 to Friday, December 11, 2026 (drop letters until noon on Dec 11)
  • Where: Springville UPS Store North Pole Express mailbox, Springville
  • Cost: Free (you supply a stamped return envelope)
  • Ages: Springville children
Details, tips and host

Springville City sets up a North Pole Express mailbox outside the Springville UPS store at 224 South Main. Children can drop off a letter to Santa between November 30 and noon on Friday, December 11, 2026. Elves collect the mailbox at noon that Friday and take the letters to the North Pole.

To get an answer, include a self-addressed envelope with a stamp on it. Mailing a letter is free apart from that stamp. The city says Santa likes letters that tell a little about the child, such as age, favorite holiday traditions, a favorite holiday joke, or questions about elves and life at the North Pole, more than a long wish list. The city page lists this for Springville children. It pairs well with the Holiday Festival & Santa Village, where Santa visits in person on December 4, 5, 7, 11 and 12.

Parent tip: Include a stamped, self-addressed return envelope so Santa can write back.

Host
Springville City Parks and Recreation (opens in a new tab)
Address
Springville UPS Store North Pole Express mailbox, 224 S Main St, Springville, UT 84663 (near Provo)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
See dates and detailsfrom Springville City Parks and Recreation (opens in a new tab)

Tree lightingFree

Holiday Festival & Santa Village

  • When: Fri December 4 (5 to 8 pm), Sat December 5 (4 to 7:30 pm), Mon December 7 (4:30 to 6:30 pm), Fri December 11 (4:30 to 6:30 pm) and Sat December 12 (3 to 6 pm), 2026
  • Where: Civic Center Park, Springville
  • Cost: Free
  • Ages: All ages
Details, tips and host

Springville's Holiday Festival & Santa Village kicks off on Friday, December 4, 2026 at Civic Center Park, 50 South Main. Food and vendor booths open from 5 to 8 pm. Santa arrives at 5:45 pm, the tree lighting ceremony is at 6 pm, and Santa visits with children from 6:15 to 8 pm. A short fireworks display is planned for December 4.

The festival continues on Saturday, December 5, with booths from 4 to 7:30 pm and Santa visits from 4:30 to 7:30 pm. Santa gives each child a candy cane, and parents can take their own photos. Visits are free. Santa returns to his house in Civic Center Park for more free visits on Monday, December 7 from 4:30 to 6:30 pm, Friday, December 11 from 4:30 to 6:30 pm, and Saturday, December 12 from 3 to 6 pm. Questions can go to 801-491-4861.

Parent tip: Santa photos are taken by parents on their own cameras. Dress warmly for the outdoor tree lighting.

Host
Springville City Parks and Recreation (opens in a new tab)
Address
Civic Center Park, 50 S Main St, Springville, UT 84663 (near Provo)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
See dates and detailsfrom Springville City Parks and Recreation (opens in a new tab)

Santa visitFree

Santa's Art Shop

  • When: Thursday, December 10, 2026, 5 to 7 pm
  • Where: Springville Museum of Art, Springville
  • Cost: Free
  • Ages: Family event, all welcome
Details, tips and host

The Springville Museum of Art hosts Santa's Art Shop, a family evening, on Thursday, December 10, 2026, 5 to 7 pm. Guests can say hello to Santa, have milk with cookies and try several art projects.

The museum promises activities for people of every skill level, with Santa nearby to watch the creating. That makes for an easygoing night for mixed ages, as each child picks projects that fit. Entry is free and you do not sign up first, so just walk in at any point during the two hours. The museum describes it as a family event where everyone is welcome. It happens at the museum, 126 East 400 South in Springville. Expect a casual night of making things, and dress in clothes you do not mind getting a bit of paint or glue on.

Parent tip: No sign-up needed. Come at any time from 5 to 7 pm.

Host
Springville Museum of Art (opens in a new tab)
Address
Springville Museum of Art, 126 E 400 S, Springville, UT 84663 (near Provo)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
See dates and detailsfrom Springville Museum of Art (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Lehi

1 confirmed event for kids in Lehi, soonest first.

Holiday lights

Luminaria at Thanksgiving Point

  • When: Thursday, November 12, 2026 to Saturday, January 9, 2027 (Monday to Saturday; closed Sundays, Dec 24 and Dec 25; timed entry every 15 minutes)
  • Where: Ashton Gardens at Thanksgiving Point, Lehi
  • Cost: Tickets from about $18 to $49 plus tax; timed entry
  • Ages: All ages
Details, tips and host

Luminaria turns the 50 acres of Ashton Gardens at Thanksgiving Point in Lehi into a holiday light display with 10 million lights. Guests see larger than life toys and ornaments, the Merry Mosaic, and illuminated trees reflected over the water. The Snow Glow Dance Party is a favorite stop for kids, and a new show called Ignite the Night uses animation, music and effects in the amphitheater.

It runs from November 12 to January 9 and is closed on Sundays, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Entry is timed, with time slots every fifteen minutes. Hot cocoa and mini donuts are sold, and there are firepits and private igloos to book. The ticket page shows prices of $49, $35 and $18 plus tax for different ticket types, so check the page for which applies to your child's age. Exchangeable tickets are available for day of changes. Lehi is about 25 minutes from Provo.

Parent tip: Book a timed slot ahead. Check which ticket type applies to your child's age.

Host
Thanksgiving Point (opens in a new tab)
Address
Ashton Gardens at Thanksgiving Point, 3003 N Thanksgiving Way, Lehi, UT 84043 (near Provo)
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
See dates and detailsfrom Thanksgiving Point (opens in a new tab)

Every event above was confirmed on the host’s own page, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (sign-ups, ages, what is included). Looking for a Santa train instead? Those are on our Utah Christmas train rides page.

Provo, UT Christmas events for kids at a glance

Kids’ Christmas events
6 confirmed for 2026
Cities
Provo, Springville and Lehi
Season
November 12, 2026 to January 9, 2027
Free events
4
Kinds of events
holiday lights, Santa visit, tree lighting and story time with Santa
Last checked
See every event on a December calendar

Plan your December

When each Provo, UT Christmas event for kids happens

The first is Luminaria at Thanksgiving Point in Lehi on November 12; the last runs to December 14. Each bar spans an event’s dates, not every hour in them, so check the host’s page for times.

Looking further afield? Our Utah Christmas events for kids guide lists every confirmed event in the state, and we have city guides for Salt Lake City, Ogden, UT, Orem, Saint George and Logan. The national search sorts every event by distance from your town.

A story for the drive home

A morning with Santa or an evening of holiday stories tends to end the same way: tired kids, a long drive and one more book before bed. Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is painted by hand. If your family is spending December missing someone, it was written for that too. For the car, print our free corgi and train coloring pages.

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first ride on a California train, hand-painted in watercolor. $16.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

2026 Christmas events are coming in late November

More Christmas events arrive in late November: unlock the list and we'll email you as soon as we confirm them.

The story of Christmas in Provo, UT

Provo's Christmas tree lighting is so popular it had to move. After more than 30 years of holiday evenings, the crowds outgrew Center Street and the celebration found a bigger home at Pioneer Park.

How Provo celebrates

Provo's signature Christmas tradition is its downtown tree lighting and Christmas Market. By 2023 it had been held for more than 30 years, and it moved from Center Street to Pioneer Park as attendance grew. In earlier decades, Victorian carolers, hot chestnuts and abundant decorations turned downtown Provo into a winter wonderland. In 2022, Downtown Provo Inc. set out to bring that old-fashioned feeling back, with a Christmas window contest, decorated trees in front of shops, expanded park lights and a Lights-On Ceremony at Pioneer Park.

Christmas last year in Provo

In 2025 the Provo Lights On Ceremony and Christmas Market took place on December 6, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Pioneer Park. It pairs a holiday market with the lighting of the park. At the 2023 event, the park glowed with an estimated 2,000 to 2,500 strings of lights, and kids met sled dogs, made ornaments, watched ice carving and visited Santa. Nearby, the Christmas Cruise at Clas Ropes offered boat rides of about 20 to 25 minutes in December.

Fun facts about Christmas in Provo

Provo's tree lighting began on Center Street and grew until it needed a park. Organizers in 2023 estimated 2,000 to 2,500 strings of lights, hung by the Parks and Recreation team and the city arborist. The window contest once included indoor scenes decorated with candy, and in 2022 shops were invited to put decorated trees in front of their stores that showed off their names or products. In 2022, lights and projections were added to the new city building too, so the whole downtown glowed.

Traditions today

  • Provo Lights On Ceremony and Christmas Market: A December evening at Pioneer Park with local vendors, live music and the lighting of the park, a tradition that has run more than 30 years.
  • Downtown window contest: Downtown businesses decorate their windows for Christmas, and the community votes for a winner.
  • Decorated trees in front of shops: Stores set up Christmas trees on the sidewalk, styled to show off their name or products.
  • Lights and projections downtown: Park lights and projections on city buildings help turn downtown Provo into a winter wonderland.
  • Christmas Cruise at Clas Ropes: Boat rides of about 20 to 25 minutes in December, listed in a Provo Christmas lights guide.

A fact for kids

Provo's Christmas tree lighting got so big that it had to move from a street to a park. Kids at the 2023 event even met sled dogs.

Questions about Christmas in Provo, UT

How long has Provo had a Christmas tree lighting?

Provo's tree lighting has been held for more than 30 years, according to a 2023 report from BYU's student newspaper. That puts its start in the early 1990s or before. It began as a downtown celebration and has grown into a Christmas Market with a lighting ceremony at Pioneer Park.

Why did the Provo tree lighting move to Pioneer Park?

It moved from Center Street to Pioneer Park because attendance kept growing. The park gives families more space for the market, the vendors and the crowd at the lighting. Pioneer Park is at 500 West Center Street, so the celebration stayed close to its downtown roots.

What happened at Provo's Christmas lighting last year?

The 2025 Provo Lights On Ceremony and Christmas Market was held on Saturday, December 6, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Pioneer Park. The evening combined a holiday market with the lighting ceremony. Families should check our Provo Christmas events guide on this page for this season's dates and times.

What was Christmas like in downtown Provo in earlier decades?

In earlier decades, Victorian carolers, hot chestnuts and lots of decorations turned downtown Provo into a winter wonderland. A 2022 newspaper article described this as the old-fashioned Christmas the city wanted to bring back, though it did not give exact years for those traditions.

What was Provo's old-fashioned winter wonderland Christmas?

In 2022, Downtown Provo Inc. revived an old-fashioned Christmas downtown with a window contest, trees in front of shops, a Christmas Market on December 3 and a Lights-On Ceremony at Pioneer Park at 5:30 p.m. The night ended with a visit from Santa, and expanded lights and projections added to the glow.

What is the Provo downtown Christmas window contest?

Downtown businesses can enter a Christmas window contest, and the community votes on storefronts. In 2022 two winners received cash prizes, gift baskets and newspaper ads, and voting began on December 3. The contest once included indoor scenes decorated with candy, which kids would love to spot.

Why are there Christmas trees in front of Provo shops?

In 2022, downtown Provo shops were invited to place decorated Christmas trees in front of their stores, styled to show off their name or products. It was a new feature meant to make the street feel like an old-fashioned winter wonderland, and families could walk from tree to tree.

How many lights are at the Provo tree lighting?

Organizers estimated 2,000 to 2,500 strings of lights for the 2023 Provo tree lighting. The Parks and Recreation team and the city arborist hung the lights. That is a lot of glow for one park, and kids can try to spot the brightest strings.

What did kids do at the Provo Christmas Market in 2023?

Kids met sled dogs, made ornaments, listened to live music, watched an ice carving display and visited Santa Claus. Local vendors sold holiday food and gifts, and Christmas-themed houses were on view. The evening was held on Saturday, December 2, 2023, at Pioneer Park.

Who organizes the Provo Christmas tree lighting?

The city's Parks and Recreation department runs it. In 2023, supervisor CJ Nuccitelli and arborist Rhett Courney were the main organizers, the recreation events team planned the activities, and the arborist and parks crew handled the lights and setup. Downtown Provo Inc. has also worked on downtown holiday features.

What is the Christmas Cruise at Clas Ropes in Provo?

It is a December boat ride at Clas Ropes, at 3606 West Center Street, listed in a Provo light guide. In 2024 the rides ran December 2 to 23, lasted about 20 to 25 minutes and left every 15 to 30 minutes. Weekday tickets were $10 and Friday and Saturday tickets were $12.

How can I explain a tree lighting to my toddler?

Tell them the whole town gathers in the dark, counts down together and then the lights come on. Provo has done this for more than 30 years, and in 2023 there were up to 2,500 strings of lights. Kids can try counting how many lights they spot, and look for Santa afterward.

When did Salt Lake City start its Christmas lights display?

Utah's capital held its first public Christmas light display at Temple Square on December 9, 1965, according to a KSL photo history. That story is from Salt Lake City, not Provo, but it shows how long holiday lights have been a Utah tradition.

Are there old photos of Utah's holiday lights?

KSL published a photo history of Utah's holiday lights over the years. It includes a lit Christmas tree at the Utah State Capitol in 1933 and decorated shops in Salt Lake City in the 1930s and 1940s. These are statewide photos rather than Provo ones, but they are fun to look at with kids.

Which Utah County towns hold tree lightings?

Several nearby cities hold their own ceremonies. In 2025, listings showed Lindon, Vineyard, Pleasant Grove and Saratoga Springs on December 1, and Midway on November 29. Orem's Lights On event in 2024 lit over 90 trees. Our Provo Christmas events guide on this page covers Provo's own dates.

What is Christmas in Color in American Fork?

Christmas in Color is a light display at Art Dye Park in American Fork, close to Provo. In the 2025 season it ran from November 29 to January 3, from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. nightly. It is a short drive from Provo and an option for families who want more lights after the tree lighting.

What is the Spanish Fork Festival of Lights?

It is a drive-through light display at Canyon View Park in Spanish Fork, south of Provo. In 2024 it was the 32nd annual festival, running November 28 to January 1, with single-vehicle admission at $10 online or $15 at the booth. It shows how Utah Valley families have loved holiday lights for decades.

Where can kids see a giant Christmas tree in Provo?

Families gather at Pioneer Park, where the Provo Lights On Ceremony takes place each December, and downtown shops also line the street with decorated trees. The tradition has run more than 30 years. For this season's confirmed dates, see our Provo Christmas events guide on this page.

Where can kids see Christmas lights in Provo?

Pioneer Park and downtown Provo glow during the lighting ceremony, with park lights and projections on city buildings, and the Christmas Cruise at Clas Ropes offers boat rides in December. Nearby, Orem's Orchard has over 100,000 lights. Our Provo Christmas events guide on this page lists this season's confirmed dates.

Is there a Christmas market in Provo?

Yes. Provo's Christmas Market takes place at Pioneer Park alongside the lighting ceremony. In 2025 it ran from 4 to 7 p.m. on December 6, and in 2024 it was held on December 7 from 4 to 8 p.m. For this year's schedule, see our Provo Christmas events guide on this page.

Sources

  1. An old-fashioned winter wonderland Christmas returns to Provo, Daily Herald
  2. Provo City Center welcomes holiday cheer, The Daily Universe (BYU)
  3. Christmas Light Experiences, What's Up Provo
  4. Utah Valley Living: places to go, Nov. 29 to Dec. 7, Daily Herald
  5. Photos: A look at Utah's holiday lights throughout history, KSL

Provo, UT Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask

What are the best Christmas events for kids in Provo, UT this year?

We confirmed 6 for the 2026 season, and 4 of them are free. Good places to start: Luminaria at Thanksgiving Point in Lehi (Nov 12 to Jan 9), Letters to Santa North Pole Express Mailbox in Springville (Nov 30 to Dec 11) and Holiday Festival & Santa Village in Springville (Dec 4 to Dec 12). Every event on this page has the times, the cost and a link to the host.

Are there free Christmas events for kids in Provo, UT?

Yes, 4 of the 6. Two worth planning around: Santa's Art Shop in Springville (Dec 10) and Pioneer Christmas at the Village (Dec 11 to Dec 14). Some free events still need a reservation, so check the listing before you go.

Where can kids meet Santa in Provo, UT?

4 events here include a visit with Santa. Bring your own camera; most visits allow photos.

Are there Christmas story times for kids in Provo, UT?

Yes. Library story times are usually free and walk-in; ones with a meal or a show are ticketed.

Is anything on for kids in Provo, UT on Christmas Eve or after Christmas?

Yes. Luminaria at Thanksgiving Point in Lehi runs through Jan 9.

Do we need tickets or reservations?

For 2 of the 6 events, yes: they sell tickets or ask you to sign up ahead. Meals with Santa and ticketed shows fill up first. Most library and park events are walk-in, and each listing says which is which.

Are there Christmas train rides for kids in Provo, UT?

Yes, but they have their own guide. Santa trains and holiday train rides are listed in our Provo, UT Christmas train rides guide, so this page sticks to story times, Santa visits and other events off the rails.

How do you confirm these events?

We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 4, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.

Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.

Kelsey Cecil
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