Best things this season are free

Many folks are cutting back their holiday spending this year, but that's no reason to be a Scrooge.

Northern Utah offers up a veritable cornucopia of festive outings that don't cost a penny. 

Our holiday roundup this year highlights those free performances and events.

For seasonal offerings that have a price tag, visit the feature section of our Web site. Choose your spending level and see what's available.

FREE EVENTS

At the Top

CHRISTMAS GIFT BOUTIQUE, with 20 vendors, 2-9 p.m. today at the South Davis Recreation Center, 550 N. 200 West, Bountiful. (801) 295-2251, ext. 137.  

ELECTRIC LIGHT PARADE, 6 p.m. today in downtown Bountiful. The parade starts at 400 S. Main St., heads north on Main to 400 North, then west on 400 North to 200 West, and north to the South Davis Recreation Center at 550 N. 200 West. A party follows at the recreation center, with visits from Santa and live music. Discounts on ice skating. (801) 295-2251, ext. 137.

WINTER GIFT MARKET, 6-9 p.m. today, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Bullen Center, 43 S. Main St., Logan. Pottery, woodwork, metalwork, art glass, jewelry, photos, florals, clothing and more for sale, made by local artists. Live music and children's activities. (No strollers, please.) www.gardenersmarket.org.

LIVE HOLIDAY MUSIC, 7 p.m. today, Saturday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Dec. 11-12, Logan Tabernacle, 255 N. Main St., Logan. (435) 716-9213.

'JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM,' outdoor interactive drama with actors, live animals and manger scene, 6:30-9 p.m. today and 5-9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Mountain View Baptist Church, 2585 E. 3000 North, Layton. (801) 771-3204.

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE at The Nest Gift Shop, Ogden Nature Center, features fresh green centerpieces and wreaths, as well as books, clothing, toys and more for nature-lovers. Live music, refreshments and crafts activities. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday at the center, 966 W. 12th St., Ogden. (801) 621-7595.

'THE POLAR EXPRESS' (in 3-D), 3 p.m. Saturday, Pleasant Valley Library, 5568 Adams Ave., Washington Terrace. In this 2004, PG-rated animated film, a doubting boy boards a train for Santa's Workshop on Christmas Eve.

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS, new celebration in Old Town Eden with carolers, Santa, horse and buggy rides, tree lighting, 4-8 p.m. Saturday, 5522 E. 2200 North, Eden. Bring new toy or canned good to donate to charity. (801) 745-6627.

MORGAN COMMUNITY CHOIR, featuring holiday song, 7 p.m. Monday, Morgan High School Auditorium, 55 N. 200 East, Morgan. (801) 829-6990.

FAMILY HAYRIDE through Layton City's holiday light display. Meet 6-8 p.m. Wednesday in the Phase One Pavillion at the north end of Layton Commons Park, 437 N. Wasatch Drive. Santa may join in on the fun, if he's not too busy getting ready for the big day. Refreshments. (801) 336-3900.

JINGLE BELL JAZZ AT THE STATION, get your cool yule jingling with this special jazz edition of the monthly concert series, 7 p.m. Wednesday, Union Station Grand Lobby, 2501 Wall Ave., Ogden. (801) 626-6800.

'WINTER WONDERS,' two shows have the Clearfield Community Choir and the Clearfield Community Band playing a range of holiday music. The first show features the choir, 7 p.m. Thursday in the Clearfield Community Church, 200 S. 500 East, Clearfield. Second concert, featuring the band, 7 p.m. Dec. 14, North Davis Junior High School, 835 S. State St., Clearfield.

HOLLY FAIRE & FRONTIER CHRISTMAS, Dec. 11-19, American West Heritage Center, 4025 S. U.S. 89-91, Wellsville. Frontier Christmas, a re-created celebration on a 1917 farm with wagon or sleigh rides, living nativity, Father Christmas, 5-9 p.m. Dec. 11, 14-17, and 1-9 p.m. Dec. 12, 18 and 19. Holly Faire, a Victorian marketplace, is noon-9 p.m. Dec. 18-19. (435) 245-6050.

SINGING CHRISTMAS TREE, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12, 6 p.m. Dec. 13, Canyon Road Assembly of God, 1390 Canyon Road, Ogden. The "tree" is 20 feet tall and holds 50 choir members singing the musical/drama, "A Night of Hope." Free, but tickets required. (801) 621-2185.

CELEBRATE THE JAPANESE AND CHINESE NEW YEARS by learning about the traditions, food and activities associated with the holiday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 12 at the Museum of Anthropology, 500 N. 700 East, Utah State University, Logan. (435) 797-7545.

VISIT SANTA CLAUS, 1-3 p.m. Dec. 12 at Hill Aerospace Museum, 7961 Wardleigh Road, Roy. Santa will be giving out treats and posing for pictures -- bring your own camera. (801) 777-6868.

'WINTER WONDERLAND,' a holiday show featuring the Cache Valley Figure Skating Club, 7 p.m. Dec. 12, Eccles Ice Center, 2825 N. 200 East, North Logan. Free, but canned food donations requested. (435) 787-2288 or www.cvfscutah.org.

WSU ALUMNI SINGERS, annual concert features chorale renditions of holiday favorites by this local ensemble, 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Dec. 14, First Presbyterian Church, 28th Street and Quincy Avenue, Ogden. Donations of food or money requested for local food banks.

CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS AROUND THE WORLD, learn about the traditions and history behind them, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 19 at the Museum of Anthropology, 500 N. 700 East, Utah State University, Logan. (435) 797-7545.

CHRISTMAS CAROL SING-IN, join friends and sing traditionals and favorites of Christmas, 7 p.m. Dec. 20 in the Ogden Tabernacle, 21st Street and Washington Blvd., Ogden. (801) 393-5946.

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE, noon-3 p.m. Dec. 24 in the Weber County Library Main Branch, 2464 Jefferson Ave., Ogden. A library tradition, the open house offers the lonely and homeless a place to go for food, fun and fellowship. Dinner, music and stories provided, as well as postcards for anyone who would like to send a note to family or friends. Volunteers, and donations of warm clothing and supplies, are welcome. (801) 337-2660.

Out of town

A MIDWAY CHRISTMAS features gingerbread, creches and more. Swiss Christmas, with crafts, dancing, old-fashioned town party, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. today and Saturday at Midway Town Hall, 130 W. Main St., Midway. Interfaith Creche Exhibit, with hundreds of nativities, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. today-Sunday, Midway LDS Stake Center, 165 N. Center St. Gingerbread display open 10 a.m.-8 p.m. today and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 135 W. Main St. (435) 657-1111.

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE, with apple cider and dessert, 6-9 p.m. today, Salt Lake Art Center, 20 S. West Temple, Salt Lake City. (801) 328-4201.

HOLIDAY CRAFT EXHIBIT AND SALE, with artists selling jewelry, fine art, home and holiday decor, clothing, pottery, journals and more, opens with a reception 6-9 p.m. today, continues 1-7 p.m. Saturday-Dec. 20, Art Barn, 54 Finch Lane (1325 E. 100 South), Salt Lake City. (801) 596-5000. Shopping costs, but looking is free.

CHRISTMAS MUSIC ON TEMPLE SQUARE, 40-minute performances by high school, college and community choral groups take place through Dec. 27, throughout Temple Square, 60 W. North Temple, Salt Lake City. Times vary. For a complete list of events, go to www.lds.org/events.

UTAH TUBA CHRISTMAS CONCERT featuring -- yes, that's right -- tubas, as well as sister instruments like sousaphones, euphoniums and even ophicleides, all playing holiday music. Hear them at noon Saturday in the Madsen Recital Hall, Brigham Young University, Provo. (801) 422-6116.

SALT LAKE CHILDREN'S CHOIR, works by Palestrina, Vivaldi and other early masters, 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Cathedral of the Madeleine, 331 E. South Temple, Salt Lake City. (801) 994-4662.

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE AND ART SHOW, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, at Red Butte Garden, on the University of Utah campus at 300 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City. Artists are selling glasswork, paintings, jewelry, garden decor and more. Buy if you want to; looking is free. (801) 585-0556.

WINTER CHRISTMAS CONCERT, Miss Margene's Musical Theater features its 25th year of kids singing and dancing holiday classics, 7 p.m. Dec. 14, Utah Cultural Celebration Center, 1355 W. 3100 South, West Valley City. (801) 965-5100.

A CEREMONY OF CAROLS, the favorite songs of Christmas, Cathedral of the Madeleine, 331 E. South Temple, Salt Lake City. (801) 994-4662.

BONNIE HARRIS, Salt Lake City singer, performs both originals and classic songs of the season for the family, 7 p.m. Dec. 21, Utah Cultural Celebration Center, 1355 W. 3100 South, West Valley City. (801) 965-5100.

PHOTOS WITH SANTA, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Dec. 24, Deer Valley Resort, 625 Main St., Park City. Bring your own camera. www.deervalley.com.

FREE DISPLAYS

At the Top

ARTIST INVITATIONAL/HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE, featuring art created by locals, opens with a reception 6-9 p.m. today. The show and sale continues 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays, through Dec. 31 (closed Dec. 25-26), at the Eccles Community Art Center's Carriage House, 2580 Jefferson Ave., Ogden. (801) 392-6935.

HOLIDAY ART SHOW, with hundreds of works of art by locals, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Mondays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 2-5 p.m. Saturdays, through Dec. 23, at Bountiful/Davis Art Center, 745 S. Main St., Bountiful. (801) 292-0367.

CHRISTMAS TREE LANE, exhibit of decorated trees, opens Saturday. Hours are 1-5 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays through Saturdays, through Dec. 24, Brigham City Historic Depot, 833 W. Forest St., Brigham City. Evergreens of all sizes are donated by families, schools, community groups. Story hour is 10:30 a.m. Dec. 18. (435) 723-2989 or (435) 723-5476.

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

CHRISTMAS VILLAGE, with dozens of houses and miniature Ogden landmarks, Municipal Gardens, 25th Street and Washington Boulevard, Ogden. 5 p.m.-midnight daily through Jan. 1. Josh Evertsen in concert 7 p.m. Saturday, in amphitheater, 343 Historic 25th St. Santa greets children 6-9 p.m. Monday-Friday and 5-9 p.m. Saturdays, through Dec. 23.

'MARCH OF THE SOCKS,' 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday, through Dec. 19, American West Heritage Center, 4025 S. U.S. 89-91, Wellsville. Display of Christmas stockings made by artists; socks will be sold through silent auction to benefit center programs and to maintain the historic quilt collection. (435) 245-6050 or (800) 225-3378.

LIGHTED CHRISTMAS GROVE, a nativity and tree display memorializing loved ones, turns on its lights 6 p.m. Monday, Mount Benedict Monastery, 6000 S. 1075 East, South Ogden. Names are read during ceremony; also music, refreshments. Continues dusk-10 p.m. daily through Dec. 31. To make a donation and add a light, call St. Benedict's Foundation, (801) 479-1800.

WEST POINT CEMETERY LUMINARIAS glow at dusk Dec. 18, 40 N. 4000 West, West Point. More than 500 lights burn all night long. Volunteers should come at 4 p.m. to help set out the candles. (801) 499-2349.

LUMINARIAS glow more than 5,000 candles strong beginning at dusk Dec. 23 at Leavitt's Aultorest Memorial Park, 836 36th St., Ogden. Drive-through light display, covering 45-acre park, lasts until candles burn out. (801) 394-5556.

Out of town

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 through Dec. 31. Also featured are large nativity scenes of different cultures, including a "floating" nativity on the reflecting pond. www.lds.org.

'A GRAND HOLIDAY FESTIVAL,' featuring a Gingerbread Village and Teddy Bear Town, through Dec. 20, Grand America Hotel, 555 S. Main St., Salt Lake City. 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. www.grandamerica.com.

'ORNAMENTAL EXPRESS,' display with unique gifts and artist-made glass tree decorations for sale through Jan. 5, at the Kimball Art Center, 638 Park Ave., Park City. Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, noon-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. (435) 649-8882.

TREES OF DIVERSITY, exhibit of trees and holiday scenes created by local community and ethnic groups, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Thursday, and by appointment, at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center, 1355 W. 3100 South, West Valley City. Through Jan. 4. (801) 965-5108.

HOLIDAY GROUP EXHIBITION, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, through Dec. 18, Art Access Gallery, 230 S. 500 West, Suite 125, Salt Lake City. (801) 328-0703.

24TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS LAMB SHOW, with spiritually themed holiday art created by children, opens Saturday, continues through Dec. 27 at the Springville Museum of Art, 126 E. 400 South, Springville. Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday (until 9 p.m. Wednesdays), and 3-6 p.m. Sundays. (801) 489-2727.