It has been more than 50 years that University Place (once University Mall) has been serving the residents of Orem and Utah County. From retail to food and entertainment to outdoor events, University Place has become a central point for working, living and playing in the city.
To keep up the tradition and to give early notification about upcoming plans, University Place announced Monday its holiday lineup of events, starting with fall and Halloween through Christmas and the end of the year.
All events are free to the public unless otherwise noted and located outside at The Orchard or inside in the shopping center.
OCTOBER
Pumpkin Arch Display
Now through Oct. 31
Every evening during shopping hours throughout the month of October, 750 pumpkins will light up The Orchard. Each foam pumpkin is hand carved and unique. Be sure to keep an eye out for six Utah-themed pumpkins hiding throughout the display.
Straw Bale Slide
Thursday through Oct. 29
During shopping center hours, bring the kids to enjoy a festive slide set up outside in The Orchard.
Scary Movie Night
Friday
6 p.m.
Kick-off the Halloween season with the movie “Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl” outside at The Orchard. Bring the family early to play on the life-sized Black Pearl pirate ship and take photos with (almost) real pirates. Bring your own chairs and blankets and enjoy free popcorn and s’mores while supplies last. Apple cider will be available for sale. The movie will start at 7:30 p.m.
University Place Harvest Health Fair
Saturday
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Partnering with the Utah County Health Department, this is the first Harvest Health Fair held in The Orchard. Health department staff will be on hand to answer any nonemergency, health-related questions, give free blood pressure and glucose screenings and other health checks, and offer three fitness classes taught by Burn Boot Camp.
Halloween Spooktacular
Friday, Oct. 14
6-8 p.m.
An evening of live spooky entertainment in the Orchard. Stage schedule includes a Scales and Tails show, Mad Scientist show, Spooky Storytelling, Fire Dancing. Also enjoy free face painting, yard games and s’mores (while supplies last), and cider will be for sale. Come dressed for the costume contest for a chance to win prizes.
Orem City’s Truck-Or-Treat
Saturday, Oct. 22
9:30-10:30 a.m. — Quiet Hour
10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. — main event
Orem City is bringing out its work trucks and vehicles for you to get close to and learn how they work. Bring the family to explore all the city’s vehicles including dump trucks, fire engines, police cars and more. Then stop by the Orem City booth and pick up a treat. This event is loud, so 9:30-10:30 a.m. is reserved for more sensitive children and will be quieter. The event will open to the rest of the public at 10:30 a.m. Hearing protection encouraged and costumes welcome.
Night of Fright
Friday, Oct. 28
6-8 p.m.
Ever wanted a selfie with your favorite villain character? Come with your camera ready to meet and snap photos with 10 infamous bad guys. There will also be yard games out and free s’mores while supplies last. Hot apple cider will be available for purchase.
NOVEMBER
Orchard Lighting Event
Friday, Nov. 14
6-8 p.m.
Join University Place as lights are turned on, welcoming in the holiday season. Once the lights are on, stay to party with the Grinch, live music, treats and giveaways (while supplies last). The color-changing shapes and life-sized Lite-Brite games will be on the green. The lights will be turned on toward the beginning of the event.
The lights will remain on nightly through Dec. 31.
5th Annual University Place Gingerbread Competition
November 21-28
10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Every year, the annual University Place Gingerbread Competition grows bigger and bigger — both the gingerbread houses and the grand prize. This year, the first-place prize is up to $1,500. To enter, register at www.universityplaceorem.com/events. The gingerbread houses will be on display all week inside the shopping center.
Santa’s Grand Arrival
Friday, Nov. 25
9:30-10:30 a.m.
Santa Claus always makes an entrance at University Place. Come welcome him as he arrives in a helicopter (weather permitting). There will be treats and live entertainment during the wait for Jolly Old Saint Nick to arrive. Santa will land around 10 a.m. in the parking lot in front of Tucanos Brazilian Grill.
DECEMBER
Santa & Friend’s
Tuesday, Nov. 29; and Dec. 6, 13, 20
5-7 p.m.
Not only will you get to meet and snap photos with Santa, but during these dates you can also meet some of Santa’s friends, including superheroes, princesses, cartoons characters and even some villains from the dark side. Pictures with the friends are free.
Christmas Carolers
Wednesday, Nov. 30; and Dec. 7, 14, 21
6-8 p.m.
Christmas carolers will deck the halls of University Place on select Wednesdays in November and December. Come shop and enjoy the festive music of the season.
Story Time with Mrs. Clause
Wednesday, Nov. 30; and Dec. 1-2
10 a.m.
New this year: Carols and cocoa with Mrs. Claus. She will read a book, sing carols, serve up treats and offer a holiday craft for the kids to take home. This limited event is by registration only; visit www.universityplaceorem.com/events closer to the event date.
Quiet Santa
December 5-9
8-11 a.m.
Quiet Santa is a long-standing tradition at University Place. One out of five kids in Utah experiences sensory sensitivity, so a safe, quiet place has been created for those kids to meet one-on-one with Santa Clause before the shopping center opens to the public. Appointments are expected to open starting Nov. 14; check the website for updates and possible date changes.
Live Nativity
Friday, Dec. 9
6-8 p.m.
University Place’s live nativity is one of the most attended holiday events of the year. Held outside in The Orchard, come and view the beginning story of Christ. Mountain View High School students will be staffing this event, and there will also be live animals including a camel. Refreshments available while supplies last.
Lite-Brite Nite
Monday Dec. 12
6-8 p.m.
This event is changing just a little — the annual Lite-Brite Nite is now one night only with a live DJ with a programed light show. There will also be face painting, fire dancers, LED light performers and, of course, a life-sized Lite Brite. Treats will also be handed out while supplies last.