These days Christmas begins before Thanksgiving and Park City has embraced that plan. Carolers, tree-lighting celebrations, and gift shopping are already electric. It begins with free parking on Main Street through Dec. 21. Yay! If only Santa would grant me my wishlist gift of yanking those evil meters out all together. But enough about me. There’s a whole lot more to Utah during the holidays than strolling through Temple Square oohing and ahhing at all the lights.

More Free Stuff-

Thursday, Nov. 29

The Park City Museum hosts a free “History Speaks” Lecture from former Salt Lake City Mayor DeeDee Corradini who fought to get women’s ski-jumping included in the Olympics. 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 30

Carolers will perform on Main Street from 5 – 7 p.m. to kick off the monthly Main Street “Gallery Stroll”, featuring nearly two-dozen galleries showcasing their respective artists and special exhibits. Some of the spots even offer free nibbles and wine.

Saturday, Dec. 1

Street entertainers perform from 3 – 5 p.m., and carolers sing from 5 – 7 p.m. as festivities surround the annual Park City Tree Lighting in Miners Park at 5:30 p.m. Santa will also stop by for photos.

Thursday, Dec. 6

Check out the Park City Museum for free and take in the “Linedrives and Lipstick: The Untold Story of Women’s Baseball,” travelling exhibit.

Saturday, Dec. 8

Time for doggies to meet Santa! Have your best friend snap a photo with the jolly man -just be sure he doesn’t snap back. “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” takes the stage, at 4 p.m., and Street entertainers will perform from 3-5 p.m., and carolers from 5-7 p.m. (location tbd).

Dec. 14-15

Carolers
and Street entertainers from 3 to 7 p.m. Santa stops by the Town Lift, time to-be-determined.

Friday, Dec. 21

The Electric Parade, featuring cars festooned with Christmas lights and inflatable decorations, glides down Main Street at 6 p.m. and awards will be presented for Best Use of Lights and the Best Christmas Spirit, Most True to Authentic Park City, and Best in Show.

And in Salt Lake City…

Nov 29 – Dec 01

Inspired by the world famous German Christmas markets, the Christkindlmarkt and Lantern Parade offers a unique holiday shopping and cultural experience. Tantalizing food and festive holiday entertainment await you at This Is The Place Heritage Park. 2601 E. Sunnyside Avenue, SLC

Thru Jan 06

Tinkertoys used to be the ultimate Christmas gift. See why at the TINKERTOY Exhibit at Discovery Gateway. Giant replicas of the classic construction set provide the framework for fun, educational activities inspired by GE technologies that turn imagination into working solutions to real world challenges.

Fri./Sat. thru Dec. 22

The Downtown Holiday Market at Gallivan brings local and handmade goods in time for giftgiving. Unique, one-of-a-kind items abound. From 11 a.m.- 8 p.m.

Thru Dec. 28

All aboard the Downtown Jingle Bus. Holiday season visitors can hop on and off the free nightly bus for a holiday themed trip around The Gateway, Temple Square, Gallivan Plaza and City Creek Center, seven nights a week from 5 p.m.-11 p.m.. Map available at downtowslc.org/jingle

Dec. 29-31

Eve 2013. It started as a family friendly way to celebrate the New Year. Now, it’s so much more. http://eveslc.com