Utah County's best Christmas dates are seasonal on purpose. The lights only run for a few weeks, the big shows sell out, and campus empties in mid-December. That is why a specific plan matters more in December than in July: the window is short, and "we should see the lights sometime" is how you miss them.
Here are Christmas date ideas around Lehi, Provo, Orem, and Spanish Fork. Dates and hours move each year, so confirm the current season before you send the invite.
The two light displays everyone means
Luminaria at Thanksgiving Point
A walk-through holiday lights event across Ashton Gardens in Lehi. Entry is timed, popular nights sell out, and it is typically closed on Sundays, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. Dress for standing outside in December, and book the tickets before you ask.
Spanish Fork Festival of Lights
A long-running drive-through display at Canyon View Park, usually from Thanksgiving night through New Year's. You stay in the car and listen to the soundtrack on the FM frequency the city publishes. Advance tickets are required; they are not sold at the gate. This is the Christmas drive-through, not the autumn Diwali festival at the Krishna Temple.
Shows, skating, and free local lights
The Nutcracker at the Covey Center
Utah Metropolitan Ballet performs The Nutcracker at the Covey Center for the Arts in downtown Provo, typically in mid-December, with a live orchestra. Popular nights fill up. Utah Valley Civic Ballet also stages a Nutcracker in Orem earlier in the month, so missing one production is not the end of the season.
SCERA holiday shows
Orem's SCERA Center for the Arts runs holiday plays, concerts, and family programming through December. Pick a specific performance and make a night of it.
BYU Christmas concerts
BYU's choral and orchestral Christmas concerts are among the best musical nights in the valley. They happen in the first half of December, before campus closes for break. If that is the date, go early in the month.
Peaks Ice Arena
Public skate in Provo, with rentals. Pair it with hot chocolate. Check the public-skate calendar, because hockey and figure skating take a lot of the ice.
Provo City Center Temple grounds
The downtown temple grounds are lit through the season and open to walk. It is free, central, and short enough to pair with dessert on Center Street.
The Shops at Riverwoods
The outdoor shopping center at the north end of Provo holds an annual lighting and keeps lights up through the season. It is a Provo address, even though plenty of listings file it under Orem.
Simple December dates
Not every Christmas date has to be a ticketed spectacle. Neighborhood lights in Provo's Tree Streets and parts of north Provo are a free driving date. A Creamery run for hot chocolate still works, with the caveat that BYU hours follow the campus calendar over break. Cookie decorating or a planned movie night in counts if you set a time.
Whatever you pick, say the night. "Luminaria Friday at 6:30, tickets are on me" is a Christmas date. "We should do something festive" is not.
Post or request a plan like this on Rove
On Rove, every date starts as a specific plan. Here are a few plans inspired by this page. Men can post one like it, and women can browse and request the ones that sound fun.
- “Luminaria at Thanksgiving Point. Tickets are on me. Friday at 6:30.”
- “Spanish Fork Festival of Lights. I will reserve the time slot. Saturday at 7.”
- “Nutcracker at the Covey Center, then dessert downtown. I will get the seats.”
Frequently asked questions
What are the best Christmas lights in Utah County?
Luminaria at Thanksgiving Point in Lehi is the big walk-through display. The Spanish Fork Festival of Lights at Canyon View Park is the big drive-through. Confirm current-season dates and tickets before you go.
Do I need tickets for the Spanish Fork Festival of Lights?
Yes. Spanish Fork City requires advance tickets and does not sell them at the gate. Buy a time slot before you propose the date.
What is a good Christmas first date in Utah Valley?
A walk at the Provo City Center Temple grounds plus dessert, or public skating at Peaks Ice Arena, stay short and public. Save sold-out light displays for when you can book ahead.
