By Jana Cunningham

Throughout the holiday season, the University of Utah offers a variety of events, performances and markets for family enjoyment and shopping needs. Make your December merry and bright and enjoy these festive activities on campus.

Kingsbury Hall

The 6th Annual Lower Lights Christmas
Dec. 7-10, times vary
Tickets: $24, $20, $14
The annual Lower Lights Christmas concerts have gained popularity as an alternately reverent and rollicking night of holiday songs, as strummed, thumped, crooned, belted and otherwise interpreted by the gospel/folk/bluegrass collective.

Danú
Dec. 11, 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $45, $35, $25, $19, $5 for U students, 10 percent discount for U staff and faculty
In “A Christmas Gathering,” the Celtic group offers a taste of the wonder that is Christmas in Ireland, featuring music, stories and guest dancers.

Alex Boye Africanized Christmas
Dec. 12, 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $55, $45, $35
Alex Boye from America’s Got Talent brings his Africanized pop music combined with songs and holiday spirit.

Libby Gardner Concert Hall

Menotti’s Amahl and the Night Visitors
Dec. 5, 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $10, $5 for students and seniors
Lyric Opera Ensemble with the Salt Lake Symphony

University Choirs Holiday Concert
Dec. 11-12, 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $12, free for students with Arts Pass, $6 for other students, $6 for faculty/staff/seniors.
Chamber Choir, A Cappella Choir, Women’s Choir

Natural History Museum of Utah

Bells of a Joyful Sound Choir Performance
Dec. 2, 6:30 p.m.
Free
Guests will get the chance to listen to festive melodies from the Bells of Joyful Sound choir.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas – Live Performance
Dec. 9, 6:30 p.m.
Free
Enjoy a hilarious rendition of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” by The Players.

SLC School Musical Performances
Dec. 16, 6:30 p.m.
Free
Live musical performances by Bonneville Elementary Choir, Hillside Middle School Orchestra and East High Choir.

Noon Year’s Eve Celebration
Dec. 31, 11 a.m.
Tickets: Activities are included with museum admission. Free for faculty/staff/students
A New Year’s celebration for the whole family with hands-on activities, prizes and ringing in the new year natural history style.

Pioneer Theatre Company

It Happened One Christmas
Dec. 4-19, times vary
Tickets: $40-$62 ($5 more day of show). Early Bird Discount if purchased before Nov. 27.
The concert-musical revue will be comprised of traditional songs, with less traditional arrangements, musical theatre and pop favorites, dance, spoken word segments and more.

Red Butte Garden

A Christmas Keepsake Mandala Workshop
Dec. 10-12
Garden members: $120, $150 for general public
The class will create a beautiful and memorable mandala of Christmas flowers, poinsettias, winter roses, holly, ivy, mistletoe and ornaments

Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count
Dec. 19, 9 a.m.
Regular garden admission, garden members are free
Be a part of the 116th Annual Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count — the longest running citizen-science survey in the world providing critical data on population trends.

Winter Solstice Celebration
Dec. 19, 10 a.m.
Regular garden admission + $3, garden members $3
Winter Solstice has long been celebrated all over the world because it heralds the gradual return of the light after the shortest and darkest day of the year. Bring your kids to the Garden and create head wreaths, winter candles and more.

Holiday Markets

Looking to score one-of-a-kind gifts and support local artists this holiday season? Put the Utah Museum of Fine Arts, Red Butte Garden, The Gittins Gallery and the Natural History Museum of Utah at the top of your shopping list.

UMFA Holiday Market 
Saturday, Dec. 5, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
What you’ll find: Classic and contemporary items handcrafted by nearly 20 local artisans. Jewelry, pottery, wool mittens, silk scarves, photographs, ceramics, Utah landscape paintings and more.

Perks: Free admission to the museum and complimentary gift wrapping. Members save 10 percent on purchases on Dec. 5 only.

14th Annual Red Butte Holiday Open House
Dec. 5-6, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
What you’ll find: Red Butte Garden Orangerie will be filled with handmade gifts including jewelry, pottery, fiber art, photography and more from about 20 local artists.

Perks: Free admission (thanks to the Salt Lake County Zoo, Arts and Parks program) and complimentary cider and hot chocolate. Save 10 percent on all purchases in the Garden Gift Shop. Garden Members receive an additional 10 percent off on Dec. 5 and 6.

Gittins Gallery – Department of Art & Art History
Dec. 7-10, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
What you’ll find: Artwork created by undergraduate and graduate students featuring ceramics, original prints, sculpture, paintings and drawings. Proceeds from the sale will support various student projects throughout the year.

Perks: Explore this amazing gallery located right on campus. It’s one of those secret treasures on campus.  

Natural History Museum of Utah Discount Holiday Shopping Night
Dec. 2, 9, 16, 5-9 p.m.
What you’ll find: One of a kind selection of jewelry, Native American crafts, dinosaur toys, children’s books and so much more.

Perks: 10 percent off on all purchases.