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Nature|Parks & Gardens

The Garden Christmas Light Displays At Ashton Gardens In Utah Is Pure Holiday Magic

Discover the best holiday light displays in Utah to experience the magic of Christmas.

Updated Oct 27, 2023

Written by 

Catherine Armstrong

There are some holiday traditions that you look forward to every year. For instance, the incredible displays at Ashton Gardens over the holiday season feature some of the most magical Garden Christmas Light Displays in Utah. You'll find Luminaria at Thanksgiving Point and it's pure holiday magic. Read on to learn more about this special way to experience Christmas in Utah this year.

This year's event is scheduled for November 16th - January 6th, 2024.

Thanksgiving Point is a winter wonderland over the holiday season, and visitors will bask in the glow of millions of twinkle lights and Christmas displays.

A festive scene with a tall lit tree, colorful lights on trees, and a glowing reindeer in a dark night sky.
Thanksgiving Point

Little ones will gaze in wonder at all of these enchanting Christmas light displays in Utah.

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Two children admire a decorated Christmas tree in a snowy setting, surrounded by festive lights and decorations.
Thanksgiving Point

...and adults will find this experience at Thanksgiving Point pretty magical, too! It's perfect for date night or a holiday outing for all ages.

A couple kisses in a beautifully lit gazebo adorned with festive decorations and glowing lights.
Thanksgiving Point

To experience some of the best Christmas lights in Utah, you'll want to dress warm and wear some heavy socks and cozy winter boots to experience the lights at Ashton Gardens. Plan on at least 1.5 hours to stroll along the path through the gardens.

A winter scene with people walking through a park illuminated by colorful holiday lights on trees. Snow covers the ground.
Thanksgiving Point

There are 25 different displays along the way, from the Sparkling Stream and Twinkling Trees ...

A winter scene with colorful Christmas lights, a sparkling stream sign, and illuminated trees in the background.
Thanksgiving Point

... to Gingerbread Place and Candy Cane Lane.

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Two people admire a festive display of gingerbread houses, surrounded by colorful holiday lights.
Thanksgiving Point

And of course, Luminaria is the star of these Christmas light displays in Utah. 6,500 lighted luminaries cover the 40-foot hill, and they're all programmed to depict different Christmas scenes all evening long.

A vibrant night scene featuring colorful lights illuminating a park with a tall, illuminated structure in the background.
Thanksgiving Point

As if the light displays and Luminaria aren't enough, you'll also enjoy hot cocoa, snacks, games, and a warming tent to chase away the chill during your time at Thanksgiving Point.

A parent and child admire festive lights in a snowy park, surrounded by glowing decorations and holiday cheer.
Thanksgiving Point

To prepare for the ultimate Christmas in Utah, you'll want to reserve your time slot to walk through Ashton Gardens this season.

Do you have plans to visit Ashton Gardens at Thanksgiving Point this season? What are some of your favorite Garden Christmas Light Displays in Utah? Have you ever experienced Ashton Gardens Christmas lights? Tag the friends and family members you're going to take with you on your winter adventures in Utah!

Learn more about ticket costs and hours related to the holiday festivities at Thanksgiving Point on the Luminaria website.

If you'd like to check out more holiday displays, check out these additional best Christmas lights in Utah too.

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Nature|Parks & Gardens

With A Covered Playground And Walking Path, This Family-Friendly Park In Utah Is The Best Summer Day Trip

Published Jul 19, 2024

Written by 

Courtnie Erickson

St. George is home to some of my favorite city parks in Utah. This southern Utah paradise is where you can find the incredible Thunder Junction All Abilities Park and Pioneer Park. It is also where you can find Cottonwood Cove, one of the best family-friendly summer day trip destinations. This park has something for everyone from the ultimate playground to a walking path, climbing wall, swinging benches, and so much more. It’s the type of place that everyone will squeal for joy to visit.

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Cottonwood Cove Park is a local favorite in St. George. This beautiful community park is 24.8 acres and is located at 1027 South Dixie Drive.

A park scene featuring a playground, picnic area, and a mountain backdrop under a clear blue sky.
Kathryn Featherstone/Google

Here, you’ll find many traditional park amenities like a covered pavilion, picnic tables, and lots of grassy areas.

A grassy park area with sparse trees and shrubs, set against a backdrop of hills and a blue sky with clouds.
Kathryn Featherstone/Google

I particularly love the swinging benches that look right over the playground. This is where I love to relax while my kids unleash their energy.

A swing hangs from a wooden pergola in a sunny park, surrounded by greenery and tall grasses.
Lydia Kluge/Google

And the playground at Cottonwood Cove Park is the perfect place for running and playing. This large playground has activities for all ages and even better, a large portion is shaded, protecting your young ones from the hot southern Utah sun.

A playground with a shade structure, swings, and a climbing structure, surrounded by trees and mountains in the background.
Slugger Meredith/Google

There is also a sand volleyball court and horseshoe pit if your family wants to unleash their competitive side.

A sandy volleyball court with a net, surrounded by grass and trees under a clear blue sky.
Jamin Hancock/Google

You can also build some strength and have some fun on the two climbing walls in the park.

Two children climbing a textured rock wall at a playground, with trees and a play structure in the background.
Kathryn Featherstone/Google

Just make sure you give yourself some time to walk along the Santa Clara River Trail that runs through the park. This is a great place to walk or run.

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A winding path beside a wall, lined with vibrant pink flowers and tall grasses, set against a mountainous backdrop.
Larry Kaul/Google

And despite being in the city, this park has elements of nature running through. It’s truly a little escape on a summer day.

For more information on Cottonwood Cove Park, visit the City of St. George website.

What are your favorite city parks in the Beehive State? What is your favorite summer day trip in Utah? Let us know in the comments. We are always looking for new destinations to visit.

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Nature|Parks & Gardens

The Perfect Afternoon Is Spent At Nielsen’s Grove Park, The Oldest City Park In Utah

Published Jun 19, 2024

Written by 

Courtnie Erickson

Orem is a fabulous place to explore in Utah. This city is not only home to delicious restaurants, but also the Hale Center Theater, Hang Time Adventure Park, and more. Here, you will also find Nielsen’s Grove Park, the oldest city park in Utah. This destination is where you can spend an entire day walking around the gorgeous grounds, visiting the historic structures, enjoying a picnic, and more. It’s the perfect spot for an afternoon outdoors in Utah County.

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I love visiting parks throughout Utah. While the Salt Lake Valley has several bucket-list-worthy parks to explore, one that should not be overlooked is Nielsen’s Grove Park in Utah County.

Sign for Nielsen's Grove in Orem, featuring decorative roses and information about the park's history and features.
Aruil Morris/Google

This park dates back to 1880 when it was first established by a Danish immigrant named Jorgen Nielsen. Today, it is 21 acres with several features for a beautiful day outdoors.

A scenic garden with neatly trimmed hedges and mountains in the background under a colorful sky at dusk.
Abhishek Tiwari/Google

There are many traditional park amenities here including a playground, restrooms, and large grassy spaces.

A playground with slides and climbing structures, surrounded by gravel and grass, under a partly cloudy sky.
Candy Tippets/Google

You can bring a picnic lunch and enjoy some time outside in one of the small pavilions with tables. There are 11 small pavilions in this park (each pavilion seats eight individuals) and one large pavilion that seats 120 individuals.

A sunny park scene with green grass, tall trees, and a gazebo under a clear blue sky.
Erin Hansen/Google

I particularly love the beauty that is found in this park. As you walk around, you’ll find a large pond where you might spot some wildlife …

A serene pond surrounded by rocks and greenery, featuring a fountain and trees under a cloudy sky.
Maria Jacobs/Google

… and even a large fountain where you can just sit back and listen to the sound of falling water.

A fountain in a park surrounded by tall trees and a clear blue sky, with mountains in the background.
Erin Bond/Google

The garden area is easily one of the best spaces to explore. In the spring, more than 24,000 tulips bloom, creating a sea of color that is enchanting in every way.

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A vibrant garden filled with colorful flowers and lush greenery under a clear blue sky.
Anais Vento/Google

Preserved historic structures are also found in Nielsen’s Grove Park in Orem with signs that tell you about each one's earlier life.

A modern wooden greenhouse with solar panels, surrounded by grass and trees, set against a mountain backdrop.
Aruil Morris/Google

Adults and children alike will also love visiting the large carousel swing or walking on the path that takes you around the park.

A playground swing set with a large sign titled "The Swing" in a park surrounded by trees and gravel.
Matt Graham/Google

The entire family will find something delightful to love at Nielsen’s Grove Park — it’s the perfect place for an afternoon adventure.

A serene park scene with tall trees, a curved pathway, and a pond reflecting the clear blue sky.
Matt Graham/Google

For more information on the oldest city park in Utah, visit the City of Orem website.

Have you spent time at Nielsen Grove Park? What did you love most about this destination? What is your favorite city park in Utah? Let us know in the comments.

If you need the perfect travel bag to carry all of your items for a day at the park, check out the Foldie. This is one of our favorite travel accessories.

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