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THEATER

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'ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS: A NORTH POLE MUSICAL,' 7:30 p.m. today, Thursday-Dec. 5, 10-12, 16, 18, 19, 21 and 23, with a 3 p.m. matinee on Dec. 23, Eccles Center, 1400 Old Main Hill, USU, Logan. Show only: $15.95, $9.95/children; dinner and show: $30.95, $17.95/children. (435) 755-0968.

'SCROOGE: A CHRISTMAS CAROL,' 7:30 p.m. various days, today-Dec. 23, Terrace Plaza Playhouse, 99 E. 4700 South, Washington Terrace. $10-$12; $7-$9/children; $9-$11/students and seniors. (801) 393-0070.

'SCROOGE,' 7:30 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays, through Dec. 19, Rodgers Memorial Theatre, 292 E. Pages Lane, Centerville. $14-$17; $13-$15/seniors; $10/children. (801) 298-1302.

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'A CHRISTMAS CAROL,' 7:30 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays, with some Saturday and weekday matinees, Saturday-Dec. 23, Hale Centre Theatre, 3333 S. Decker Lake Drive, West Valley City. $24-$30; $17-$20/children. (801) 984-9000.

'GO, DOG. GO!' children and family show, various morning, afternoon and evening hours, Thursday-Dec. 6, 10-13, 17-20, 22-23, 26-27, Salt Lake Acting Company, 168 W. 500 North, SLC. $26; $16/children (801) 363-7522 or www.saltlakeactingcompany.org.

'A CHRISTMAS STORY,' various times, Mondays-Saturdays, Dec. 4-19, Pioneer Memorial Theatre, 300 S. 1400 East, U of U, SLC. $22-$40. (801) 581-6961 or www.pioneertheatre.org.

'NUTCRACKER, MEN IN TIGHTS,' various times and days, through Jan. 1, Desert Star Playhouse, 4861 S. State, Murray. $12.95-$17.95; $8/children; discounts for seniors and students on some shows. (801) 266-2600.

'THE XMAS MEN,' 7:30 p.m. various days, today-Jan. 2, Off Broadway Theatre, 272 S. Main, SLC. $16; $12/students, seniors, military; $9/children. (800) 355-4628 or www.theobt.com.

MUSEUMS

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BRIGHAM CITY HISTORIC DEPOT, 833 W. Forest St., Brigham City. Miniature trains, pioneer artifacts, gift shop. 1-5 p.m. Mondays and Thursday-Saturday, and by appointment. Free. (435) 723-2989 or (435) 723-3963.

GEORGE S. ECCLES DINOSAUR PARK AND MUSEUM, 1544 E. Park Blvd., Ogden. Dinosaur lab, quarry, gold sluice and gem cave in the museum. More than 100 dinosaur replicas outdoors, viewable fossil lab. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Closed today. $7; $6/seniors and students; $5/ages 2-12. (801) 393-3466 or www.dinosaurpark.org.

HERITAGE MUSEUM OF LAYTON, 403 N. Wasatch Drive, Layton. "Down Memory Lane," with unusual artifacts from the past. "Layton Old Town," highlighting pioneers, early businesses, homes and farms of northern Davis County. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 1-5 p.m. Saturdays. Free. (801) 336-3930.

HILL AEROSPACE MUSEUM, Hill Air Force Base, 7961 Wardleigh Road, Roy. Exit Roy gate (Exit 338) off I-15. Military aircraft, uniforms and artifacts, Women Airforce Service Pilots exhibit. No Plane Talk this week. 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily. Free, donations accepted. (801) 777-6868.

HISTORIC WHITAKER MUSEUM, 168 N. Main St., Centerville. Artifacts relating to the history of Centerville. 1-5 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday. Free. (801) 677-6437.

MUSEUM OF ANTHROPOLOGY, 500 N. 700 East, USU, Logan. Exhibits about body modification, a mummified man, textiles and more. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays. Free. (435) 797-7545.

ROY HISTORICAL MUSEUM, 5550 S. 1700 West, frontage road off I-15's Exit 338. Collections include dresses dating back to the 1920s, artwork, military uniforms, geodes, railroad artifacts, a firetruck and more. 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday. Free. (801) 776-3626.

SYRACUSE MUSEUM AND CULTURAL CENTER AND FARM AND HOME MUSEUM, 1891 W. 1700 South. More than 3,000 items about the city's history. Farm and Home Museum explores the city's agricultural past with murals, artifacts and hands-on exhibits. 2-5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, and by appointment. Free. (801) 825-3633.

UNION STATION MUSEUMS, 2501 Wall Ave., Ogden. Browning Firearms Museum features guns designed by John M. Browning; Browning-Kimball Car Museum with cars from 1901-1932; Utah State Railroad Museum. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday. $5; $4/seniors; $3/11-under. (801) 393-9886.

WEBER COUNTY DUP MUSEUM and Miles Goodyear Cabin, 2148 Grant Ave., Ogden. Artifacts, photos and histories of the Top of Utah's early settlers. Closed for season; will conduct group tours by appointment, (801) 731-0292. Slide lectures for groups, (801) 621-4891. Information, (801) 393-4460.

WORLD OF PUPPETRY MUSEUM, Fine Arts Center, 58 S. 100 West, Brigham City. Open 2-5 p.m. the first and third Saturday of each month, with puppets from around the world, activities and shows. Free, donations appreciated. Private tours on request, $15. (435) 723-0740.

Below the Top

BYU EARTH SCIENCE MUSEUM, 1683 N. Canyon Road, Provo. Dinosaur exhibits. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. (801) 422-3680.

BYU MUSEUM OF PEOPLES AND CULTURES, 100 E. 700 North, Provo. "New Lives: Building Community at Fourmile Ruin," exploring drought-plagued people in A.D. 1200 Arizona. "Kachinas of the Southwest: Dances, Dolls and Rain"; "Touching the Past: Traditions of Casas Grandes," modern interpretations of ancient Puebloan pottery. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. (801) 422-0020.

CAMP FLOYD/STAGECOACH INN STATE PARK AND MUSEUM, Fairfield, 22 miles southwest of Lehi on State Road 73. Exhibits on Camp Floyd and the Utah conflict, with artifacts, documents and photographs. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday. $2; $6/family. (801) 768-8932.

CHASE HOME MUSEUM OF UTAH FOLK ART, Liberty Park, 1300 S. 700 East, SLC. Exhibits include a horsehair quirt by Davis County rancher Brett King, leatherwork by Glen Thompson of Huntsville, and Shoshone beadwork. Tours by appointment. Free. (801) 533-5760.

CHURCH HISTORY MUSEUM, 45 N. West Temple, SLC. Art and artifacts relating to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: "The Salt Lake Tabernacle: Gathering the Saints Under One Roof"; "A History and Record on Plates of Glass: Early Photographs of Latter-day Saint Historic Sites" and "I Am a Child of God," interactive exhibit for children. 9 a.m.-9 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. weekends, and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. most holidays. Free. (801) 240-3310 or www.lds.org/museum.

CRANDALL HISTORICAL PRINTING MUSEUM, 275 E. Center St., Provo. Working replicas of the Gutenberg press, Ben Franklin's press and others. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. weekdays; lectures and group tours for 15 or more by appointment. $3. (801) 377-7777 or www.crandallmuseum.org.

FORT DOUGLAS MILITARY MUSEUM, 32 Potter St., Fort Douglas (east of U of U), SLC. "Utahns in Iraq, Faces from the Front," images and stories by embedded photographer Rick Egan. Collection of military uniforms, helmets, weapons, equipment and more, documenting the history of the military in Utah. Noon-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Free. (801) 581-1251.

LIVING PLANET AQUARIUM, 725 E. 10600 South, Sandy. "Journey to South America," with electric eels, piranhas and more; exhibits of stingrays, sharks, jellyfish and Utah amphibians and fish. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday-Thursday. $8; $7/seniors and military; $6/ages 3-17. Stingray feeding 2 p.m. daily, except Thursdays; $6. (801) 355-3474.

MONTE L. BEAN LIFE SCIENCE MUSEUM, BYU, Provo. "Ecosystem Dioramas"; "Synoptic Collections"; "Africa: A Diverse Continent." 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays. Free shows daily: 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Mondays, reptiles; 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, animal adaptations; 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Utah plants and animals; 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, ecosystems; 7:30 p.m. Fridays, invertebrates; 1 p.m. Saturdays, reptiles. Free. (801) 422-5051.

THIS IS THE PLACE HERITAGE PARK, 2601 Sunnyside Ave., SLC. "Candlelight Christmas," pioneer-style holiday featuring crafts, dancing, caroling and more. Also, live reindeer and new Christmas Workshop where village artisans display their work in wood, leather, tin and more. 6-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 6-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday, through Dec. 23 (closed Sundays), This is the Place Heritage Park, 2601 Sunnyside Ave., SLC. $8; $6/children and seniors. (801) 582-1847. This Is the Place Monument open dawn-dusk daily; free. (801) 582-1847.

UTAH MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY, 1390 E. Presidents Circle, U of U, SLC. Scientist in the Spotlight, 2 p.m. Dec. 4, learn about the sea with Bonnia Baxter. "Range Creek: An Anthropology of Place"; plus geology, paleontology, animal and mineral exhibits. $6; $3.50/seniors and ages 3-12. 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sundays. Open until 8 p.m. the first Monday of each month, with free admission. (801) 581-6927 or www.umnh.utah.edu.

WHEELER HISTORIC FARM, 6351 S. 900 East, SLC. Preserved farm with exhibits on 19th-century farm life. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday with tours of farmhouse on the hour, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; $1.50. Cow milking is 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 50 cents. Farm admission free. (801) 264-2241.

EXHIBITS

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ALLIANCE FOR THE VARIED ARTS, 35 W. 100 South, Logan. Closing Saturday: art by Aurora Hughes Villa, adjunct professor at USU; paintings by Deb Banerjee, curator of the Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art; prints by Paul Schumann of Logan. 1-6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays. (435) 753-2970.  

ANTELOPE ISLAND STATE PARK VISITOR CENTER, Antelope Drive west through Syracuse to entrance gate (I-15, Exit 332). Closing Monday: art by members of the Palette Club of Ogden. $9/vehicle. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. Bookstore open until 4:30 p.m. (801) 725-9263.

BOUNTIFUL/DAVIS ART CENTER, 745 S. Main St., Bountiful. Holiday Art Show & Sale. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 2-5 p.m. Saturdays, through Dec. 23. (801) 292-0367.

BRIGHAM CITY MUSEUM-GALLERY, 24 N. 300 West, Brigham City. "Beyond American Gothic," parodies of Grant Wood's famous painting. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 1-5 p.m. Saturdays. (435) 723-6769.

CHASE FINE ARTS CENTER, USU, 610 N. 1110 East, Logan. Studio 102 features "Evidence & Artifact," photos by Christopher Gauthier and prints by Kathy Puzey, assistant professors at USU. Noon-4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday. (435) 797-3040.

ECCLES COMMUNITY ART CENTER, 2580 Jefferson Ave., Ogden. Closing Saturday: "Eight & Friends: Ogden Valley Painting Group" with works by Doug Braithwaite of Sunset, G. Russell Case of Brigham City, Susan Gallacher of SLC, George Handrahan of Kaysville, Shanna Kunz of Ogden, John Poon of Liberty, Seth Winegar of Lehi, and Simon Winegar of Farmington; paintings by Debra Marin of Ogden. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays. (801) 392-6935.

FIRST FRIDAY ART STROLL, 6-9 p.m. today, at participating art galleries and shops in Ogden. A number of galleries are open along Historic 25th Street, from Wall Avenue to Jefferson Avenue, with a few participating galleries on Washington Boulevard and the WSU campus. (801) 393-3866, www.artsogden.org

GALLERY AT THE STATION, Union Station, 2501 Wall Ave., Ogden. Closing Tuesday: paintings by James Randle and Chase Leslie of SLC, and Jared Gillett of Missouri. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday. (801) 393-9890.

MERRILL-CAZIER LIBRARY, USU campus (approximately 400 N. 900 East), Logan. "Bells: Connecting Animals, People and Land," exhibit of bells from around the world. Noon-midnight Sundays, 7 a.m.-midnight Tuesday-Thursday, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Fridays, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays. (435) 797-2633.

NORA ECCLES HARRISON MUSEUM OF ART, 650 N. 1100 East, USU, Logan. "Uses of the Real"; "Klompen," rhythmic sculpture by Trimpin; ceramics. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Suggested donation, $3/person. (435) 797-0163.

OGDEN ARTS, 2484 Washington Blvd., street-level suites. Closing today: paintings by Jeanine Cobb of Sunset. Extended: "Inspired," painting competition with works inspired by Van Gogh's "Starry Night" and Seurat's "Sunday Afternoon ..."; ceramics by Stephen G. Boehme of Riverton, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday. (801) 393-3866.

STEWART LIBRARY, 3848 Harrison Blvd., WSU, Ogden. Photos by Herman Cater, of Slovenia; wildlife and landscape photography by Kevin Mikkelson of North Ogden; "Eddington and Makov: Letterpress Broadsides." 7 a.m.-11 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays, 1-9 p.m. Sundays. (801) 626-6405.

SYRACUSE COMMUNITY RECREATION BUILDING, 1912 W. 1900 South, Syracuse. Closing Dec. 4: works by students of Clearfield Job Corps Center's Great Basin High School. 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-noon Saturdays. (801) 825-1729.

UNIVERSE CITY, 2556 Washington Blvd., Ogden. Closing Saturday: "$99.95 or Less!" affordable art by local artists. 5-8 p.m. Fridays, noon-8 p.m. Saturdays, and by appointment. (801) 458-8959.

WEBER COUNTY LIBRARY PLEASANT VALLEY BRANCH, 5568 S. Adams Ave., Washington Terrace. Art by Weber County artist Jerry Hancock; "Visions of the Universe: Four Centuries of Discovery." 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sundays (801) 393-2304.

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ART ACCESS GALLERY, 230 S. 500 West, Suite 125, SLC. Holiday Group Exhibition and art by Lance Peacock. Holiday reception 6-9 p.m. Thursday. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. (801) 328-0703.

ART AT THE MAIN, 210 E. 400 South, SLC. Nonprofit co-op gallery. Works by Terrece Beesley of Layton, Debra Marin of Ogden, and several Salt Lake area artists. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays. (801) 532-3689.

BYU MUSEUM OF ART, North Campus Drive, BYU, Provo. Opening Dec. 4: "The First 100 Years: Collecting Art at BYU." "Mirror, Mirror: Contemporary Portraits and the Fugitive Self," works by 32 local and international artists; "Types and Shadows: Intimations of Divinity," art exhibit about symbols and metaphors related to Jesus Christ. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday (until 9 p.m. Thursdays); noon-5 p.m. Saturdays. Free. (801) 422-8287.

CAROLYN TANNER IRISH HUMANITIES BUILDING, 215 S. Central Campus Drive, U of U, SLC. "Wild Mind: Creativity, Wilderness and Activism," paintings and ideas by Chris Peterson, Jack Turner and Brooke Williams. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. (801) 581-6214.

FINCH LANE AND PARK GALLERIES/ART BARN, 54 Finch Lane (1325 E. 100 South), SLC. Opening with a reception 6-9 p.m. Dec. 4: Holiday Craft Exhibit and Sale, continues 1-7 p.m. through Dec. 20. Also, mixed media by Heather Campbell, photos by Carolyn Guild, glass by Sarinda Jones. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays, and 6-9 p.m. during gallery strolls. (801) 596-5000.

GALLERY AT LIBRARY SQUARE, City Library's fourth floor, 210 E. 400 South, SLC. Closing Sunday: "Touching on the Development of Chinese Characters: A Calligraphic Perspective on Chinese Language." Continuing: David Mack's "KABUKI: The Alchemy," based on graphic novels. 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sundays. (801) 524-8200.

KIMBALL ART CENTER, 638 Park Ave., Park City. "Left to the Elements," paintings of man-made objects in nature, by Kevin Hogge; meet Hogge 6-9 p.m. today. Opening today: "Ornamental Express," with unique gifts and artist-made glass tree decorations for sale. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, noon-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. (435) 649-8882.

MARRIOTT LIBRARY, 295 S. 1500 East, U of U, SLC. Closing Dec. 4: "Counterform" exhibit of works by Utah bookmakers and printers. 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Tuesday and Thursday-Friday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Wednesdays, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays. (801) 585-9191.

PARK CITY GALLERY STROLL, 6-9 p.m. today, at art galleries along Historic Main Street. Information/map, www.parkcitygalleryassociation.com. Free.

PIONEER CRAFT HOUSE, 3271 S. 500 East, SLC. Nonprofit dedicated to preserving and teaching crafts, including jewelry making, pottery, wood carving, rug making and more. Demonstrations and classes. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday. (801) 277-9688 or www.pioneercrafthouse.org.

RIO GALLERY, 300 S. 455 East, SLC. Closing Wednesday: Utah 2009: Crafts and Photography. 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday. (801) 533-3582 or arts.utah.gov.

SALT LAKE ART CENTER, 20 S. West Temple, SLC. Holiday Open House, with apple cider and desert, 6-9 p.m. Dec. 4, Also Dec. 4: "Not Just Another Pretty Face" art benefit kickoff, with presentations at 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. about the Salon commissioning process. Continuing: "Displacement: The Three Gorges Dam and Contemporary Chinese Art"; "Reawakened Beauty: Tillman Crane's Jordan River Photographs." 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday and Saturdays, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Fridays. Free, donations appreciated. (801) 328-4201.

SPRINGVILLE MUSEUM OF ART, 126 E. 400 South, Springville. "24th Annual Spiritual and Religious Art of Utah" exhibit. A Struggle for Beauty and Meaning: The John H. Schaeffer Collection," Victorian art. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursday-Saturday (until 9 p.m. Wednesdays), 3-6 p.m. Sundays. (801) 489-2727.

UTAH ARTS ALLIANCE, 127 S. Main St., SLC. Annual Holiday Show opens with a sale 1-7 p.m. today. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 1-5 p.m. Saturdays, or by appointment. (801) 651-3937.

UTAH CULTURAL CELEBRATION CENTER, 1355 W. 3100 South, West Valley City. "Trees of Diversity," exhibit of trees and holiday scenes created by local community and ethnic groups. "Spirit of Diversity," mural and full-size replica of Olmec Head #8 from Veracruz, Mexico perm. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Thursday and by appointment. Free. (801) 965-5108.

UTAH MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS, Price Museum Building, 410 Campus Center Drive, U of U, SLC. "Splendid Heritage: Perspectives on American Indian Art"; free related lecture 7 p.m. Wednesday, by American Indian artist Arthur Amiotte. Holiday Trunk Sale, featuring art gifts, 4-8 p.m. Wednesday. Also, "Influences of the Silk Road" exhibit, with virtual exhibit at www.umfa.utah.edu/silkroad; "Africa: Arts of a Continent," including an Egyptian sarcophagus; "Desert Secrets," traditional, digital and surveillance images of the Southwest from the permanent collection. Online exhibit, "Nuclear Enchantment" by Patrick Nagatani, www.umfa.utah.edu/NuclearEnchantment. "Highlights of the Collection" tour Wednesday, 1:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Museum hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday (until 8 p.m. Wednesdays), 11 a.m.-5 p.m. weekends. $7; $5/seniors and ages 6-18; free/6-under and higher education students in Utah. Free admission first Wednesday and third Saturday of each month. (801) 581-7332.

WOODBURY ART MUSEUM, University Mall, 575 E. University Parkway, Orem. National Invitational Postcard Exhibition, small art from 50 states. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. Free. (801) 426-6199.

DANCE

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'THE NUTCRACKER,' 7:30 p.m. today, Saturday and Monday, Cache Valley Civic Ballet, Ellen Eccles Theatre, Logan. $8-$18. (435) 752-0026.

THE NUTCRACKER,' Dream Pointe Ballet Company, 6:30 p.m. today, 2 p.m. Saturday, 6:30 p.m. Monday, Peery's Egyptian Theater, 2415 Washington Blvd., Ogden. $8/adv., $10/day of, $15/Saturday matinee with 4 p.m. tea. (435) 723-3288.

COUNTRY DANCE, 8-11:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Union Station, 2501 Wall Ave., Ogden. 8 p.m. lessons; 9 p.m. dance starts. $4/lesson, $5/dance. (801) 805-4846.

DANCE, featuring the music of Tony Summerhays, 8-11 p.m. Wednesdays, Golden Hours Center, 650 25th St., Ogden. Also, beginning line-dance lessons at 7:15 p.m. on the first three Wednesdays of the month. $5.

LEARN TO DANCE, West Coast Swing, East Coast Swing, Nightclub 2, two-step, waltz and cha-cha, 7-9 p.m. Mondays, Eagles Lodge, 975 Wall Ave., Ogden. $2. (801) 985-5949.

QUARTER PROMENADERS SQUARE DANCE CLUB, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Fridays, Golden Hours Center, 650 25th St., Ogden. $8/couple. (801) 731-6423.

SINGLE SWINGERS SQUARE DANCE CLUB, for singles and couples, 7-10 p.m. Thursdays, Eagles Lodge, 975 Wall Ave., Ogden (enter rear door on west side). $4 suggested donation. (801) 479-4555.

SQUARE DANCING, 8-10 p.m. Tuesdays, Brigham City Senior Center, 24 N. 300 West. $4. (435) 633-8827.

SQUARE DANCE, to slower music with the Golden Promenaders, 1:30-3:30 p.m. Thursdays, Golden Hours Center, 650 25th St., Ogden. $4, first visit free. Couples and singles welcome. (801) 393-1916.

WILD BUNCH SQUARE DANCE CLUB, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Thursdays, Golden Hours Center, 650 25th St., Ogden. $8/couple. (801) 393-6242. (801) 774-9447.

Below the Top

'IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE,' Odyssey Dance Theatre, 7:30 p.m. today and Saturday, and Monday-Dec. 5, Kingsbury Hall, 1395 E. Presidents Circle, U of U, SLC. Also 2 p.m. Saturday and Dec. 5. $25-$45. No children 5-under. (801) 581-7100.

'THE NUTCRACKER,' Ballet West, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on various dates Dec. 4-31, Capitol Theatre, SLC. $17-$71. Sugar Plum Party, after matinees at 4:15 p.m., $5. ArtTix.

ODDS & ENDS

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CHRISTMAS TREE JUBILEE, with 100-plus decorated evergreens, craft boutique, entertainment, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. today, Eccles Conference Center, 2415 Washington Blvd., Ogden. Friday Family Fun event is 6-9 p.m. with Santa, face painting and storytelling. Benefit for students with special needs in Ogden City and Weber County school districts. Free. (801) 540-5407.

THE LIGHTS BEFORE CHRISTMAS, a walk or drive through hundreds of lighted creations, 5:30-11 p.m. daily through Jan. 1, Layton Commons Park, 465 N. Wasatch Drive. Free. (801) 336-3900.

TREE LIGHTING AND PARADE, in downtown Kaysville. Lights go on at City Hall, 44 N. Main St., at 5:45 p.m. today, followed by the 6 p.m. electric light parade. Parade runs from 500 South to 100 North on Main Street. Santa Claus meets kids in City Hall after parade. Free. (801) 808-5865.

VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS FEAST, including a Winter Ball, 6 p.m. Thursday-Dec. 5, American West Heritage Center, 4025 S. U.S. 89-91, Wellsville. Entertainment plus dinner featuring authentic Victorian foods including a Dickens-style figgy pudding. $29.50; $16.50/children, reservations required. (435) 245-6050.

PARADE OF GINGERBREAD HOMES, from 141 N. Main St. to 29 S. Main St., Logan. Entries in store windows through Dec. 31. Free. (435) 764-1783.

FANTASY AT THE BAY, nightly 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. through Dec. 31. Drive-thru Christmas light display, with animation and lighted trees, to enjoy from your car or horse-drawn wagon. $7/vehicle. Wagon rides are free. Cottonwood Campground, North Marina at Willard Bay State Park, reached via I-15 Exit 357. (435) 734-9297 or (435) 734-9494.

ANTELOPE ISLAND STATE PARK features biking and hiking trails, beaches, wildlife. Fielding Garr Ranch and visitor center open 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. Park open 7 a.m. to half hour after sunset. Reached via I-15 Exit 332, Syracuse. $9/vehicle. (801) 773-2941.

AMERICAN WEST HERITAGE CENTER, six miles southwest of Logan, 4025 S. U.S. 89-91, Wellsville. Self-guided tours of American Indian encampment, mountain man/fur trade area, pioneer settlement and historical farm are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday. $3.50. (435) 245-6050 or (800) 225-3378.

GOLDEN SPIKE NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE, with exhibits, films, self-guided auto tour, hiking and biking. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Last Spike Site at Promontory Summit, 32 miles west of Brigham City via I-15 (Exit 365) and state roads 13 and 83. $7/vehicle. (435) 471-2209.

ECCLES ICE CENTER offers public skating, 2825 N. 200 East, North Logan. 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, 1:30-3:30 p.m. Saturdays, and 2-4 p.m. Sundays. Evening skating available but times vary; call (435) 752-1170 or visit www.ecclesice.com. $4.50; $3.50/children and seniors; $1.75 skate rental.

OGDEN NATURE CENTER, trails, animal watching and more, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m-4 p.m. Saturdays, 966 W. 12th St., Ogden. Closing Monday: photos by Keith Vaught of Layton. $4; $3/seniors; $2/ages 2-11; free/2-under. (801) 621-7595.

STOKES NATURE CENTER, plants, fossils, animals, hiking trails, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, 2696 E. U.S. 89, Logan Canyon. Free. (435) 755-3239 or www.logannature.org.

Below the Top

'LIGHTS ON!' features holiday lights, ice skating, entertainment, 5 p.m. today, Gallivan Center, 239 S. Main St. "Jazzin' Up the Holidays" theme with appearances by the Jazz Bear, Elvis impersonator, skating Santa. Free. (801) 359-5118.

CHRISTMAS AT TEMPLE SQUARE features millions of lights covering the Salt Lake City grounds at 50 W. South Temple as well as the adjacent Main Street plaza, the area east of the plaza and the LDS Conference Center. Lights come on at dusk nightly today-Dec. 31. Also featured are large nativity scenes of different cultures, including a "floating" nativity on the reflecting pond. Free. www.lds.org.

SANTA BREAKFAST, with crafts, cookie decorating and games, 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, 12 and 19, Thanksgiving Point, 3003 N. Thanksgiving Way, Lehi. Diners include Santa and Mrs. Claus, the Gingerbread Man and the Grinch. $20; $15/children. Reached via I-15, Exit 284 (Highland-Alpine). (801) 768-4900.

ZOOLIGHTS, an illuminated "zoo" of more than 200 animal figures, opens Saturday, Utah's Hogle Zoo, 2600 E. Sunnyside Ave., SLC. Hours: 5-8 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 5-9 p.m. Friday-Saturday through Dec. 31. Also features holiday entertainment. $6; $4/children and seniors; free/2-under. (801) 582-1631 or (801) 584-1729.

ST. ANDREW'S DAY BALL, Saturday, The Organ Loft, 3331 S. Edison, SLC. Social hour 6 p.m., dinner 7 p.m., auction 8 p.m., then dancing. Best dress/kilt requested. $30. www.utahstandrews.com

BLUES CHRISTMAS, benefit for Community Scholarships for Diversity Fund, 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, Poundcakes at Trolley Square, 505 S. 600 East, SLC. Keynote by Hal Cannon, founding director of the Western Folklife Center, music by Sister Wives, dinner and dancing. $20. (801) 581-6214 or www.hum.utah.edu.

CANDLELIGHT VIGIL, in recognition of World AIDS Day, 6 p.m. Tuesday, City Library, 400 S. 200 East, SLC. Free. (801) 484-2205.

FESTIVAL OF TREES, a veritable smorgasboard of 800-plus decorated trees, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Wednesday-Dec. 5, South Towne Exposition Center, 9575 S. State St., Sandy. Also wreaths, centerpieces, gingerbread village, entertainment, gifts, candy, children's activities. $4; $3/ages 2-11 and seniors; free/2-under. Wednesday only, $14/family pass (up to six immediate family members). www.festivaloftreesutah.org.

POLAR EXPRESS, holiday train rides, 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. various dates Saturday through Dec. 23, Heber Valley Historic Railroad, 450 S. 600 West, Heber City. $17-$47. Smith's Tix.

HOLIDAY LIGHTS drive-thru display, 6-10 p.m. Monday-Saturday beginning today, Electric Park at Thanksgiving Point, 3003 N. Thanksgiving Way, Lehi (Interstate 15, Exit 284). Open 6-8 p.m. Dec. 24; closed Dec. 25. Continues through Dec. 28. $8/vehicle. Wagon rides, $3. By reservation only: carriage rides/$30, trolley rides/$50. (801) 768-2300 or www.thanksgivingpoint.com.

'A GRAND HOLIDAY FESTIVAL,' featuring a Gingerbread Village and Teddy Bear Town, through Dec. 20, Grand America Hotel, 555 S. Main St., SLC. Opening event 6:30-8:30 p.m. today, with cookie decorating, photos with Santa and treats in the Courtyard. Gingerbread houses will be sold through silent auction to benefit Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation; on display all hours in the halls. Teddy Bear Village open 3-7 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. weekends, with holiday stories told 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturdays. Teddy bear donations accepted. Free. www.grandamerica.com.

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS includes hay rides through the lighted woods, hot drinks and visits with Santa, 6-9 p.m. Tuesday-Dec. 21 (closed Sundays), Wheeler Historic Farm, 6351 S. 900 East, SLC. $5; $25/family up to 6 members. (801) 264-2241.

A MIDWAY CHRISTMAS features gingerbread display and auction, interfaith creche exhibit and a Swiss Christmas beginning Dec. 4. Swiss Christmas features arts and crafts booths, dancing, old-fashioned town party, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Dec. 4-5 at Midway Town Hall, 130 West Main St. Creche Exhibit, with hundreds of nativities, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Dec. 4-6, Midway LDS Stake Center, 165 North Center St. Gingerbread display open 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Dec. 4 and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Dec. 5, 135 West Main St. Free. (435) 654-4178. http://midwaychristmas.com.

'CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD,' Brigham Young University Folk Dance Ensemble performing international dance with authentic music and costuming, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4-5, and 2 p.m. Dec. 5, Marriott Center, BYU campus, Provo. $12-$25. http://byutickets.com.

HISTORIC SALT LAKE CITY TOURS, sponsored by Utah Heritage Foundation. Guided tours of the David Keith Mansion, McCune Mansion and Marmalade District, by appointment; $3. Self-guided tours of historic districts, with downloadable maps and audio. Free. (801) 533-0858, ext. 104; www.utahheritagefoundation.com.

HEBER VALLEY HISTORIC RAILROAD features Lakeside Limited running along shores of Deer Creek Reservoir, 11 a.m. today-Saturday and Dec. 5. $28; $23/seniors; $18/children. In Heber, board at station, 450 S. 600 West. (435) 654-5601, Smith's Tix.

HOGLE ZOO, 2600 E. Sunnyside Ave., SLC. See baby elephant, giraffe, tigers and snow leopard; also "Madagascar!" exhibit with fossa and other island animals. Zoo hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily; stay on grounds until 5:30 p.m. $9; $7/ages 3-12 and seniors; free/2-under. (801) 582-1631.

RED BUTTE GARDEN, 300 Wakara Way, U of U, SLC. "Art Glass in the Garden," exhibit by the Art Glass Guild, today-Sunday. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. $6; $4/seniors, children; free/3-under and members. (801) 581-IRIS.

SWANER ECOCENTER, 1258 Center Drive, Park City. Exhibits, climbing wall, preserve and more. Noon-6 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays. $9; $7/seniors; $6/ages 3-11; free/3-under. (435) 649-1767.

THANKSGIVING POINT features North American Museum of Ancient Life, Fox Family Farm, more, 3003 N. Thanksgiving Way, Lehi. Ice sculpture contest is 6-8 p.m. Thursday at Water Tower Plaza; carvers will turn 300-pound blocks of ice into masterpieces that will be displayed until they melt. Hours: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Saturday (some areas close earlier). $2.50-$14. Reached via I-15, Exit 284 (Highland-Alpine). (801) 768-2300, (888) 672-6040 or www.thanksgivingpoint.com.

TRACY AVIARY, 589 E. 1300 South in Liberty Park, SLC. Feed South American sun conures in "Amazon Adventure," 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Friday-Sunday. Also Cuckoo Corner, pelican feeding, Avian Alcove activities for children. 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily. $5; $4/students, seniors; $3/ages 4-12; free/3-under. (801) 322-BIRD.

FILM SCREENINGS

Below the Top

SALT LAKE FILM CENTER, City Library, 210 E. 400 South, SLC. "Isabel Allende: a Writer's Life," about the Chilean novelist, 5:30 p.m. Monday, and "The House of Spirits," based on an Allende novel, 7 p.m. Monday. Related events: "In the Hearts of Women," lecture by Isabel Allende, 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oplin Union Building, 200 S. Central Campus Drive, U of U, SLC. Panel discussion on Allende's works, 11 a.m. Thursday, room 109, Carolyn Tanner Irish Humanities building, 215 S. Central Campus Drive, U of U, SLC. All free.

FINE ARTS FILM SCREENING, Utah Museum of Fine Arts, Price Museum Building, 410 Campus Center Drive, U of U, SLC. Saturday, 2 p.m.: "Last of the Mohicans" (1992, rated R), starring Daniel Day-Lewis. Free. (801)581-7332.

PARK CITY FILM SERIES, at Park City Library, 1255 Park Ave., Park City. "The September Issue" (2009, rated PG-13), about the team that puts together Vogue magazine, 8 p.m. today and Saturday, 6 p.m. Sunday. Special screening, "Herb & Dorothy," about art collectors who amassed an important collection on a modest budget, 7 p.m. Thursday. $7; $6/students and seniors, at door. www.parkcityfilmseries.com. Next weekend's regular screening, "Capitalism: A Love Story" (2009, rated R), by Michael Moore.