Discover the Magic of St. George: Your Ultimate Holiday Events Guide

Welcome to a Festive Wonderland

There’s something truly magical about the holiday season in St. George. As a longtime resident, I’ve watched our charming desert city transform into a winter wonderland year after year, despite our mild Southern Utah temperatures. The contrast of festive lights against our red rock backdrop creates an atmosphere you simply won’t find anywhere else.

From late November through December, St. George comes alive with holiday cheer, offering everything from dazzling light displays to festive markets and heartwarming performances. Whether you’re a local looking for new traditions or a visitor experiencing our unique desert holiday for the first time, this guide will help you navigate the best seasonal festivities our community has to offer.

Must-See Holiday Events

The holiday calendar in St. George is packed with events that bring our community together. Here are some festivities you absolutely shouldn’t miss:

St. George Christmas Village

Running from November 28 through December 20, 2025 (Thursdays through Saturdays, 5-10pm), the St. George Christmas Village transforms our city into a holiday paradise. I always recommend arriving early to enjoy the full experience – from the charming vendors and festive train rides to creative crafts and the highly competitive gingerbread competitions that showcase impressive local talent.

Dickens Christmas Festival

Step back in time at the beloved Dickens Christmas Festival (December 3-6, 2025) at the Dixie Convention Center. This unique event features Victorian-style booths where vendors dress in period costumes, creating an immersive experience. The live music and opportunity to meet Father Christmas make this a must-visit for families. Many locals mark this event as the official kickoff to their holiday season, as detailed in comprehensive guides to Christmas events in our area.

Holiday Markets

For those looking to find unique gifts and support local artisans, the Saturday Markets in Downtown St. George, Washington, and Tuacahn offer wonderful opportunities to browse handcrafted items while enjoying the festive atmosphere. Each market has its own character, with the downtown events often featuring holiday food trucks and seasonal entertainment that makes shopping an experience rather than a chore.

Dazzling Light Displays

One of my favorite holiday traditions is touring the spectacular light displays throughout St. George. Here are the illuminated attractions you won’t want to miss:

Holiday Lights at Red Hills Desert Garden

From November 27 through December 31, the Red Hills Desert Garden transforms with thousands of lights artfully arranged among desert plants. This unique display offers a distinctly Southwestern take on holiday decorations that showcases our native landscape in a festive light.

Town Square Park

The heart of our city becomes a holiday hub with Town Square Park’s towering Christmas tree, magical light tunnels, vintage carousel, and train rides for the little ones. Many evenings feature Christmas caroling and community celebrations that bring together visitors and locals alike.

Christmas in the Canyon at Tuacahn

Running from November 28 through December 23, Christmas in the Canyon at Tuacahn is simply breathtaking. With more than 250,000 lights illuminating the canyon, a live nativity scene, and visits with Santa, this event makes the most of our dramatic natural setting. The red rock backdrop adds a unique dimension to the holiday experience you can’t find elsewhere.

St. George Temple Lights

The lights at the St. George Temple remain one of our most cherished displays, running through New Year’s. The peaceful grounds offer a moment of reflection amid the holiday bustle, and many families make this a central part of their holiday traditions.

Family-Friendly Festivities

St. George prioritizes creating magical holiday memories for children with these family-centered events:

Light the Night Festival

The St. George Art Museum hosts the Light the Night Festival on December 6 (5-8pm), featuring lantern making workshops, silent auctions, and beautiful music. This event combines creativity with celebration in a way that appeals to all ages, as highlighted in local event calendars focused on family activities.

Community Celebrations

• La Verkin Winterfest (December 5-6): Features a light parade, holiday race, and fireworks
• Hurricane Christmas Tree Festival (December 11-13): Showcases beautifully decorated trees at the Hurricane Community Center
• Springdale Light Parade (December 12): A charming procession near Zion National Park detailed on the Springdale Town website

Farm Festivities

For a touch of rural charm, don’t miss Christmas at The Farm Zion or the live nativity at Staheli Family Farm. These events offer Santa photo opportunities in a unique setting, along with winter carnival games that delight children of all ages.

Captivating Holiday Performances

The performing arts shine brightly during the holidays in Greater Zion, with productions that showcase local talent and bring classic stories to life:

Tuacahn and Electric Theater Productions

This season features delightful performances of Elf The Musical and A Christmas Carol at both Tuacahn and the Electric Theater from late November through December. These productions combine professional quality with community heart, making them popular traditions for many families. Visit Utah’s holiday guide provides more details about these stellar performances.

Victorian Theater and Nativity Performances

The Dickens Festival Victorian Theatre offers an extra touch of historical charm to your holiday experience, while the live nativity at Tuacahn presents the Christmas story in a stunning outdoor setting. Both provide memorable entertainment options beyond traditional concerts.

Community Concerts

Throughout December, local choirs perform at various markets and venues around St. George, bringing seasonal music to unexpected places. These pop-up performances often become delightful surprises during holiday shopping or evening strolls downtown.

Conclusion: Embrace the Holiday Spirit in St. George

Our desert community might not have snow-covered pine trees, but St. George creates holiday magic in its own distinctive way. With mild winter weather perfect for outdoor light displays and a community that comes together to celebrate, the holiday season here offers something truly special.

Whether you’re catching a performance at Tuacahn, browsing handcrafted gifts at a holiday market, or simply enjoying the lights at Town Square with hot chocolate in hand, I hope this guide helps you discover the perfect holiday activities for you and your loved ones. The magic of the season is waiting for you in St. George!