Christmas parades 2026Salt Lake City · The Crossroads of the West

Christmas parades and tree lightings in Salt Lake City, 2026.

We found four Christmas parades and tree lightings in and around Salt Lake City with 2026 dates: four tree lightings and lighting nights, two free to watch. Each one has the date, start time, price and a link to the organizer’s page.

The quick answersChecked
When’s the Christmas parade?No 2026 parade posted yet.Not yetWhen’s the tree lighting?Lights On! at The Gateway: Nov 14 · 6:30–8:30 p.m. Plus 3 more.4 lightingsIs it free?2 of 4 are free to watch; the rest list a price.2 freeDaytime or after dark?0 daytime, 4 in the evening. Each card is marked.4 evening

Last checked · 4 events · Every listing links to its official page. How we choose

By date

Every parade and tree lighting, soonest first

Filter to what fits your evening, then tap one for its time, price and kid notes.

14NovSatLights On! at The GatewayTree lighting · 6:30–8:30 p.m.23NovMonMurray Tree Lighting & Santa VisitTree lighting · 6 p.m.30NovMonDraper Tree Lighting CeremonyTree lighting · 6–8 p.m.4DecFriHoliday First FridayLighting festival · From 6 p.m.

Christmas parades

Christmas parades in and around SLC

Start time, price and what to know with little kids, from each organizer’s own page.

No 2026 Christmas parade posted here yet. We check parade organizers every week through early December.

Tree lightings

Tree lightings and lighting nights near SLC

Most lightings are short and happen at dusk, often with Santa, music or cocoa.

Nov14Sat

Lights On! at The Gateway

The Gateway · Downtown Salt Lake City

Tree lightingFreeEvening
Time
6:30–8:30 p.m.; lights on 8 p.m., tree lighting 8:15 p.m.
Price
Free

Good to know: Live music, stilt walkers and balloon twisters. The lights stay up through Dec 31.

Official page ↗Checked Report a problem

Before you go

Three things that make parade night easier

SpotGet there earlyA curb spot near the start means little ones see everything and you can leave before the end.
WarmDress for standing stillWatching is colder than walking. Bring a blanket for the stroller and an extra layer.
TimingCheck the start timeLighted parades start after dark. Daytime parades are easier for nap schedules.

Every year

Parades and tree lightings that come back every year

Each of these comes back every year. Its page keeps the last confirmed dates, and the new ones go up there once they’re posted. Every year in SLC

Lights On! at The GatewayNext: Nov 14, 2026Murray Tree Lighting & Santa VisitNext: Nov 23, 2026Draper Tree Lighting CeremonyNext: Nov 30, 2026Holiday First FridayNext: Dec 4, 2026

Keep planning

More for little kids in SLC

November: things to do in SLCEvery dated listing for the month, by weekDecember: things to do in SLCEvery dated listing for the month, by weekFree things to do in SLCFree days, free events and places that never chargeFree museum days in SLCFree days, Museums on Us and EBT discounts, with who gets inIndoor play in SLCIndoor playgrounds, toddler times, museums and classes, with pricesLibrary storytimes in SLCBaby, toddler and preschool storytimes by day and branchIce skating in SLCHoliday and indoor rinks, skate aids and pricesThanksgiving weekend in SLCParades, turkey trots and what’s open on ThursdayNoon Year’s Eve in SLCKid-friendly countdowns, home by napThe Nutcracker in SLCBallet and touring shows, sensory-friendly flaggedChristmas markets in SLCChristkindlmarkts and winter wonderlands with hoursChristmas break in SLCWhat’s open on Dec 24, Dec 25 and Jan 1Birthday party places in SLCStarting prices, ages and what’s includedThis week in SLCDated outings for ages 0–6, checked every Thursday

Good questions

Christmas parades in Salt Lake City: the FAQ

Lights On! at The Gateway at The Gateway: Sat, Nov 14, 2026, 6:30–8:30 p.m.; lights on 8 p.m., tree lighting 8:15 p.m. Murray Tree Lighting & Santa Visit at Murray City Hall: Mon, Nov 23, 2026, 6 p.m. Draper Tree Lighting Ceremony at Draper Park: Mon, Nov 30, 2026, 6–8 p.m. Holiday First Friday at Viridian Event Center: Fri, Dec 4, 2026, From 6 p.m.

Two of the four we list are free to watch: Lights On! at The Gateway and Draper Tree Lighting Ceremony. Some charge for extras like Santa photos or rides, and each card says so.

Evening ones start after dark and are colder, so bring layers and a blanket for the stroller. Get there early for a curb spot near the start so little ones can see.

Each listing comes from the venue’s or organizer’s own page and links to it. We only list a date, time or price when that page shows it, and anything we can’t confirm stays off. These were last checked Oct 21, 2026, and we recheck them every week through early December. How we choose and check.

Holiday plans every Thursday.

One short email every Thursday evening with the best things to do with little ones in SLC that weekend, parades included.

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