Christmas in Park City is a magical time to enjoy our mountain town! The snow sparkles a little brighter, Main Street glows with twinkling lights, and the air smells like pine, cocoa, and woodsmoke. As locals, we look forward to this season all year long — and we’ve rounded up our favorite ways to make the most of it.
Whether you’re coming to ski, stroll, shop, or simply cozy up by the fire, here’s how to experience Christmas in Park City like a local.
Start with the Magic of Main Street
Downtown Park City feels straight out of a snow globe during December. Wander up and down Historic Main Street, where boutique shops, art galleries, and local restaurants are wrapped in garland and lights. Don’t miss a stop for hot cocoa at Atticus Coffee, and if you’re shopping for gifts, head to Park City Mercantile for locally made treasures.
Hit the Slopes (Santa Does, Too)
Christmas week brings peak skiing at both Deer Valley Resort and Park City Mountain, with terrain typically open top to bottom! You might even spot Santa himself — he traditionally skis down the hill at Park City Mountain in full red suit on Christmas Eve.
Don’t Miss These Holiday Traditions
Some events are so classic they’ve become part of the town’s identity:
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Deer Valley Torchlight Parade (New Year’s Eve): Hundreds of skiers carrying flaming torches snake down Big Stick run at sunset — a glowing ribbon of light against the snow.
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Santa Comes Down Town Lift (Mid-December): Santa makes a “trial run” before Christmas, appearing as he descends the Town Lift on Main Street in Historic Park City! The event will be held on December 12, 2025 at 6pm.
Dine, Sip, and Celebrate
The restaurant scene shines this time of year. Riverhorse on Main is always a favorite for a special dinner, High West Distillery serves whiskey by the fire, and Handle puts a creative spin on Utah comfort food.
Prefer a quiet night in? Locals often pre-order a holiday meal then enjoy it fireside in their own kitchens — a perfect perk of staying in a vacation rental.
Relax Like a Local
When you’re not on the slopes or downtown, slow down and soak it all in. Take a walk on the Rail Trail, go snowshoeing in Round Valley, or simply unwind in a private hot tub as snowflakes fall around you.
That’s the real Park City magic — quiet moments surrounded by mountains and snow.
Stay Somewhere That Feels Like Home
Locals will tell you: Christmas here isn’t about crowds or chaos. It’s about connection, comfort, and the mountain lifestyle. Staying in a vacation rental gives you that — space to gather, a kitchen to cook in, and a cozy living room for presents by the tree.
At Mountain West Vacation Rentals, we offer handpicked Park City and Deer Valley vacation rentals that let you live like a local — just with a little extra luxury. Whether you want to be steps from Main Street or tucked away in a private mountain retreat, there’s a perfect home for your holiday.
Make This Christmas Unforgettable
From twinkling lights to torchlit parades, Christmas in Park City is pure magic. Come see why locals love this time of year — and make yourself at home in the mountains.
Browse our vacation rentals today and plan your perfect Park City Christmas getaway. Book early! Vacation rentals fill up quickly for this special holiday.
