The holidays are all about family and friends. It is about spending time with the people you care about and there is no better way than on an adventure. For an overnight getaway in Utah that will certainly take the Scrooge out of anyone, we have just the thing. This Christmas season, take a walk around one of the most beautiful Christmas light displays in Salt Lake City and then spend the night in the most festive hotels in the area — this holiday adventure in Utah is one you’ll never forget.

For this jolly adventure, head to downtown Salt Lake City. Here, you will find all types of holiday events and activities, but for this experience, we are going to start at Temple Square.

The Temple Square Christmas Lights are some of the most well-known and popular Christmas lights near me in Utah. This light display dates back to 1965 when visitors could walk through more than 40,000 lights.

Today, as you walk around Temple Square, you will see the area adorned with more than one million Christmas lights. Trees, buildings, bushes, and other structures are perfectly decorated for the season. The Temple Square Christmas Lights turn on the Friday following Thanksgiving until early January. There is no official lighting ceremony — just come and enjoy the colors and spirit of this unique destination. Although, make sure to dress warm — winter nights in SLC can certainly be chilly.

Not only will you see thousands of twinkling lights, but there are also beautiful nativities all around the property, helping you remember the true meaning of the holiday season. On most nights, the buildings throughout Temple Square host various concerts. With performances by families, university students, and professionals, there is always something to lift your spirit.

Keep in mind that construction is taking place on Temple Square and will last for several years. However, this construction should not deter you from enjoying the light display. You can learn more about the construction and accessibility on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints website.

After a night of music, Christmas lights, and more, it is time to rest your head. Just down the street is The Grand America Hotel, one of the best hotels in Salt Lake City during the holidays.

This luxury hotel is going to impress you the minute you arrive as it is decked to the nines for the holidays. Outdoors you will see Christmas trees, Christmas lights, and other festive decorations.

Inside, you’ll find breathtaking Christmas trees and garlands everywhere you look. There is also a series of window displays that will unleash your inner child and fill you with holiday cheer.

But, the star of the show is the Grand Gingerbread House. This massive gingerbread house requires 2,000 eggs, 500 pounds of sugar, 160 quarts of molasses, 150 pounds of rice krispies, 450 pounds of icing, 300 candy canes, and so much more to build. In fact, each year, a building permit must be acquired — this gingerbread house is that large!

If you visit this hotel on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, you can participate in one of the delicious Christmas buffets. You may even have a special guest join you!

With lights, music, a giant gingerbread house, and more, this is one holly and jolly adventure in Utah that will become a yearly tradition.

What do you think of this overnight getaway around Christmas in Salt Lake City? Would you add any other stops? What do you love most about Salt Lake City at Christmas? Let us know! We'd love to hear from you.

If you are looking for even more winter activities in Utah, we have dozens of favorites. From ice skating to small towns with lots of charm, there are so many unique things to do when the weather turns cold.