Christmas in St. George: The Holiday Events

St. George does the holidays well, and the mild desert weather means you can actually enjoy the lights without freezing. Here are the ones worth building an evening around, roughly late November through New Year's.

Tuacahn: Christmas in the Canyon

The showpiece. From late November through late December, the Tuacahn amphitheater out in Ivins lights up with something like a quarter-million lights against the red cliffs, plus a live nativity, Santa, and train rides. Walking in and general admission are free; the nativity, the train, and the holiday musical need tickets. Bring a coat, because it is outdoors and the canyon gets cold after dark.

St. George Christmas Village at Green Gate Village

Downtown, the historic Green Gate Village turns into a Christmas Village from late November through mid-December, Thursday through Saturday evenings: lights, music, Santa every night, a North Pole Express train, and craft and photo stations. It is aimed squarely at families and it is charming.

The Temple lights

The St. George Temple grounds get their Christmas lighting, open to the public and on through New Year's Day. It is free, it is pretty, and it is an easy stroll downtown.

Jubilee of Trees

Earlier, in November, the Jubilee of Trees at the convention center is a beloved local kickoff to the season, a display of elaborately decorated trees that doubles as a hospital fundraiser.

Pick one for a weeknight and one for a weekend, dress warmer than you think you need to, and you have the holidays handled.