Winter Events in Park City You Don’t Want to Miss
Create Memories at These Park City Winter Events
The winter season is when Park City is at its best. With snow falling from the sky, skiers carving their way down the runs, and the whole town celebrating winter events, there’s a bit of magic in the air that can’t quite be captured easily in a photo or social media caption. For those who are looking to take a bit of that magic home with them, attending a winter event is the perfect way to create memories that will last for a lifetime.
Follow along as we explore some of the most enjoyable winter events and festivals in Park City, Utah. Whether you fall in love with the celebratory atmosphere of town on Opening Day or you prefer it to be filled with film-goers for Sundance, you’re sure to find something to enjoy.
Celebrate the Ski Season at Park City Mountain Opening Day
Every November, as Park City dusts off its coat and prepares for another successful ski season ahead, Opening Day marks the beginning of the winter and the day that skiers flock to Park City Mountain from all around the country.
Typically held just before or after Thanksgiving (although it is subject to change due to weather conditions), Opening Day is the highlight of the year for many visitors. Prepare for long lines on the mountain, but with a celebratory air of togetherness. At Park City Mountain Opening Day, you’ll also be treated to live music and food, but the best part is clearly the trails opening up for ski traffic.
Watch the Mountain Light Up for the Torchlight Parade
Have you ever wondered what Park City Mountain would look like covered in light? Now you can find out at the Torchlight Parade, held every year on Christmas Eve. This annual event lights up the mountain with a beautiful crimson glow as ski and snowboard instructors race down the mountain trails, holding torches aloft whose light can be seen for miles. The entire procession is led by the one and only Santa Claus, who greets everyone at the base of the mountain with his usual cheer and jolly laughs.
This one of a kind event is not one to miss if you happen to be visiting Park City during the holiday season. In addition to the parade down the mountain, there’s also food and drinks, along with live carolers to keep you entertained until the procession begins.
Light Up the Skies with Silver Sky Nights
What could be better than fireworks, live music, and delicious food on Park City Mountain? Silver Sky Nights, held all throughout the winter in Park City’s Canyons Village, is the perfect event to celebrate after a day packed full of skiing or snowboarding.
Dance your heart out to local musicians, enjoy some local eats, and gaze up in wonder at the fireworks display as it shoots across the winter night sky. For more information on when and where to attend Silver Sky Nights, head over to the Park City Mountain’s event page.
Catch an Art House Movie at Sundance Film Festival
Did you know that Park City is home to one of the largest independent film festivals in the world? Each January since the 1980s, film enthusiasts flock to Park City to see screenings of new and upcoming independent films from famous and unknown directors and filmmakers at the Sundance Film Festival.
This festival has hosted the likes of Napoleon Dynamite and Little Miss Sunshine, among other breakout hits, and each year, filmgoers can’t get enough of these screenings that are held around town in spots like the Egyptian Theatre. Many of these films have gone on to win Oscar nominations and awards, so you know you’re getting a top-notch movie experience when you attend Sundance.
Tickets are tough to get, but worth the hassle if you want to join others in converging on Park City for some of the best movies you’ve ever seen. There are also other events in Salt Lake City and at the Sundance Resort, but most people attend the festival in Park City itself. Plan early if you want to attend next year or in the coming years–lodging can be tough to find during this time.
Get the Inside Scoop on More Park City Activities
Events and festivals in Park City happen all year-round, but the wintertime is when the magic truly occurs. From the mountain lighting up in crimson and gold for the Torchlight Parade to the fireworks exploding in the night sky above Park City Mountain for Silver Sky Nights, you’ll have your pick of the litter when it comes to celebrating the winter season in Park City.
Want to find out more ways to celebrate in Park City? Don’t miss out on our top 5 list of the best summer festivals and events as well as our recommendations for the best apres-ski spots in Park City.