Utah County residents looking for Christmas lights and activities are in luck. Public events are scheduled throughout the valley for people to enjoy the spirit of the season.
On Friday, from 6-8:30 p.m, will be the annual Lighting of Shops at Riverwoods, which includes visits with Santa, ice sculptures and life-size photo opportunities. The lights turn on at 6:30 p.m. with fireworks closing out the night.
“We hope the lighting of the Riverwoods is a memorable holiday even for the whole family,” said JJ Haering, general manager.
The event will start with a countdown to light the Shops at Riverwoods with 1.5 million twinkle lights. Utah Valley philanthropist Jeanette Bennett will lead the countdown to begin the lighting festivities.
Community members’ musical performances provide the evening’s entertainment, including SPARK, Timpview High Drum Line, Mikah Wonders and BYU Mariachi Los Pumas. The Truman Brothers will be headlining the show.
“We want our guests to come and celebrate the beginning of the holiday season with us,” Haering said. “This event is performed by the community, for the community.”
On Monday at 6 p.m., Orem will hold its 13th annual Lights On holiday event. Residents are invited to have some free hot chocolate and doughnuts, beginning at 5:30 p.m. The first 450 children will also get a free giveaway.
There will be a short musical program that will feature the Timpanogos Bell Ringers and the Original Dickens Carolers. Nearly every tree across the City Center campus is lit up or decorated.
“Like unto the United States Postal Service, neither rain, nor sleet, nor heat nor gloom of night has stayed our crews in getting the lights installed for this year’s holiday celebration. We are pleased to play a small part in the holiday traditions of so many Orem families and want to make it special for them,” said Pete Wolfley, Orem spokesperson. “Santa’s reindeer are at a work retreat getting mentally prepared for their big night so we asked the Orem Fire Department to saddle up and bring Santa in on the brand new Tiller Truck. Santa likes to arrive in style.”
Following his arrival, Santa will hunker down in Library Hall to interested children.
Vineyard will kick off the season by hosting a tree lighting at 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 28 at Penny Springs Park. Trailside Elementary School’s choir will sing and the city will provide hot chocolate. The official lighting will be at 6 p.m.
Vineyard will also sponsor several families as part of United Way of Utah County’s Sub for Santa program. In the city office foyer, we will have a Christmas tree with tags of needed items, including clothing, books and toys. Tags will be available starting Dec. 1 and unwrapped gifts should be returned by Dec. 15.
Children may drop off their letters to Santa in a special mailbox in the Vineyard Children’s Library from Dec. 1-15. All letters receive a response back from Santa and his helpers!
Provo’s downtown Christmas activities will start at 5:30 on Dec. 3 at Pioneer Park Provo with a special light show against the walls of the new city hall. The annual Christmas Market will be help from 4-8 p.m. prior to the lighting in the park.
While the lights have already turned on at both the Provo Towne Centre and University Place there are many fun things to be aware of throughout the Christmas season.
Santa will arrive at the Provo Towne Centre mall on Wednesday and at University Place on Nov. 25 with a helicopter landing around 10 a.m. Both malls have events planned throughout the coming weeks for any and all interested people.