10 events to kick off the holiday season in Northern Utah

‘Polar Express’ offers yearly ride in Ogden

OGDEN — Back for a sixth year, “The Polar Express” will again be shown at Peery’s Egyptian Theater.

The 2004 animated film, starring Tom Hanks, Chris Coppla and Michael Jeter, will be screened at noon Friday, Nov. 29, in the theater at 2415 Washington Blvd.

Based on the children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg, “The Polar Express” tells the story of a young boy, on the cusp of losing his faith in the magic of the season, who takes an adventure to the North Pole. Running time is 1 hour, 40 minutes. The film is rated PG.

Audience members are invited to arrive early and enjoy the sounds of the theater’s “Mighty Wurlitzer” pipe organ. Music begins at 11:30 a.m.

Admission to the film is $5 for adults, $1 for ages 12-under, seniors and military members.

For tickets, visit smithstix.com or call the theater box office at 801-689-8700.

Fantasy at the Bay returns

WILLARD — The Fantasy at the Bay Christmas Lights display returns to Willard Bay State Park this week.

The annual event opens at 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29, at the park, off Interstate 15’s Exit 357 in Willard. The drive-thru light display will be open from 5-10 p.m. daily, through Dec. 31. The display is closed on Christmas Day.

Santa, a holiday train and food trucks will be available Friday through Monday each week.

Admission is $10 Tuesday through Thursday, $15 Sunday and Monday, and $20 Friday and Saturday. Special 3-D snowflake glasses are available for $2, or three for $5.

For more information, visit the Willard Bay State Park Facebook page, or call 435-734-9494.

‘A Christmas Carol’ hits Terrace Plaza Playhouse

WASHINGTON TERRACE — The annual holiday offering at Bev’s Terrace Plaza Playhouse, “Scrooge: A Christmas Carol,” opens here Friday, Nov. 29.

The heartwarming musical tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge as he is visited by three ghosts who teach him the true meaning of Christmas.

The production features two alternating casts, with Scrooge played by Kim Florence in one and Mark Daniels in the other. It is directed by Jacci Florence.

The musical will offer up 22 performances between Nov. 29 and Dec. 23 at the theater, 99 E. 4700 South. Shows run various times Mondays through Saturdays.

Tickets are $15 to $17 for adults, with discounts for seniors, students, children and military.

For tickets or more information, visit terraceplayhouse.com or call 801-393-0070.

‘Wonderful Life’ radio play comes to Centerville

CENTERVILLE — “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” will be staged at CenterPoint Legacy Theatre, beginning Friday, Nov. 29.

“It’s a Wonderful Life” tells the story of the big-hearted George Bailey, who with the help of an angel-in-training learns what real wealth and riches means. This production features the classic Christmas story set as a live radio show.

“It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” is directed by Jennifer Beckstrand. The cast includes Kellie Chapman, Ed Farnsworth, Scott Fisher, Jessica Love, Dave Madsen, David Nielsen and Angel Vandegrift Park.

The play will be staged in the Leishman Performance Hall at the theater, 525 N. 400 West.

Tickets are $15.

Also continuing at CenterPoint is "Holiday Inn," about a man who leaves Broadway for a calm life in Connecticut, through Dec. 21. Tickets are $19.75 to $28.75.

For tickets or more information, visit centerpointtheatre.org or call 801-298-1302.

Brewvies to show ‘A Christmas Story’

OGDEN — Wanna see Ralphie shoot his eye out on the big screen?

Brewviews Ogden will offer a free screening of the classic 1983 holiday comedy “A Christmas Story” at 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 1, in the theater, 2293 Grant Ave.

“A Christmas Story,” set in the 1940s, tells the story of a young boy named Ralphie who attempts to convince his parents, his teacher and Santa that he’s been good enough to receive a Red Ryder BB Gun for Christmas. It stars Peter Billingsley, Melinda Dillon and Darren McGavin.

The film is rated PG. Running time is 1 hour, 34 minutes.

To reserve a seat for Brunch at Brewvies, visit the theater any time prior to the show.

For more information, visit brewvies.com or call 801-392-2012.

Heritage Theatre to stage ‘Prancer’

PERRY — “Prancer,” a play about a little girl who nurses a reindeer back to health, opens at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29, at Heritage Theatre.

When Jessica Riggs discovers an injured reindeer in her backyard she comes to believe she’s found Prancer, one of Santa’s flying reindeer. She works to restore his health and return him to Santa by Christmas Eve.

“Prancer” is directed by Katie Pace Hess.

The play runs at various times Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays, Nov. 29 to Dec. 21, at the theatre, 2505 S. U.S. 89.

Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for children and seniors.

For tickets, visit heritagetheatreutah.com or call 435-723-8392.

One night of holiday hayrides in Layton

LAYTON — For one night only, the city is offering Holiday Hayrides through its “The Lights Before Christmas” lighting display.

The hayrides are being offered from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4, in Layton Commons Park, 437 N. Wasatch Drive.

Admission is free, but visitors are encouraged to arrive early and dress for the weather.

The city’s lighting display continues nightly through December.

For more information, call 801-336-3900.

Annual concert at St. Joseph Church

OGDEN — The Weber State University Symphony Orchestra and the Weber State University Choir are teaming up for their annual holiday concert.

The choir and orchestra will present two concerts — at 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.— on Sunday, Dec. 1, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 514 24th St. The church provides an intimate setting for the holiday music.

Admission is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors and military, and $4.50 for students.

For tickets or information, go to weberstatetickets.com or call 801-626-8500.

Simple Treasures at Golden Spike

OGDEN — The Simple Treasures Holiday Boutique opens here next week.

The event will run from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, Dec. 4-6, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, at the Golden Spike Event Center, 1000 N. 1200 West.

Free treats and a treasure hunt will mark the grand opening at 10 a.m. Wednesday.

The boutique features more than 130 local crafters, featuring handcrafted gifts, home and holiday decor, fashion accessories, jewelry, treats and more.

Admission is $1; ages 12 and younger are admitted free.

For more information on the Simple Treasures Holiday Boutique, call 801-814-8670.

Temple Square lights to be illuminated

SALT LAKE CITY — On Friday, the Christmas lights on Temple Square will be illuminated for the first time this season.

The lights will go on at dark on Friday, Nov. 29, and remain illuminated from 5-10:30 p.m. nightly, through Dec. 31. For early risers, the lights will also be lit from 6-7:30 a.m. each morning.

The annual display features hundreds of thousands of lights, along with decorations, nativity scenes, free concerts and performances throughout December.

The 35-acre display is at Main Street, just north of South Temple Street, in downtown Salt Lake City.

Among the featured displays is the cedar of Lebanon, a 70-foot-tall tree lit with 75,000 red LED lights. The 75-year-old tree is only lit every other year to help it survive longer. Also on display is a life-size nativity scene and handmade paper lanterns bearing the message of “peace” in multiple languages.

The holiday lighting tradition started in 1965.

Beginning Dec. 29, the Salt Lake Temple will be closing for a three-year renovation project. The holiday lighting display will continue each year, although some of it may be limited due to the construction.

For more information, visit templesquare.com.