Christmas lights and performances: here are the things you can do on Temple Square despite construction
Nov 18, 2022, 1:37 PM | Updated: 1:38 pm
The annual lighting of Temple Square has been a tradition for many families and individuals since the 1960s, when David O. McKay, who was then the Church President, began the ceremony. The lights on Temple Square turn on the day after the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday and will remain on through January 1, 2023. (Brendon, Anderson)
(Brendon, Anderson)
SALT LAKE CITY — With Temple Square under its 3rd year of construction, here are Christmas activities and opportunities still offered this Christmas season.
The Church News for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced a variety of activities available on and around Temple Square from performances to giving machines to museum displays.
Christmas lights
Christmas lights decorating the square and Conference Center will turn on Nov. 25 from 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. and from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. daily until Jan. 1, 2023.
The annual lighting of Temple Square has been a tradition for many families and individuals since the 1960s, when David O. McKay, who was then the Church President, began the ceremony. The lights on Temple Square turn on the day after the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday and will remain on through January 1, 2023. (Brendon, Anderson)
International Nativities
Nativities from around the world will be on display at the Assembly Hall from Nov. 26- Dec. 31.
Performances and concerts
Daily Christmas Concerts will be performed by local choirs and performers including various string, flute, guitar, and bell groups from Nov. 26 through Dec. 23. Performances are at the Assembly Hall, City Creek Center by the Giving Machines, Conference Center lobby, and Church History Museum.
A detailed schedule with specific times and performing groups can be found here.
“Peace on Earth” animated nativity
A four-minute presentation using shadow graphics, narration, and music to tell the story of the birth of Jesus Christ, all projected on the ceiling of the Salt Lake Tabernacle. Available nightly Nov. 25 through New Year’s Eve from 6-9 p.m. The show will repeat every 10 minutes, alternating between English and Spanish.
A virtual Nativity projected on the ceiling of the Tabernacle will be part of the Christmas lights display on Temple Square during the 2022 holiday season.
Christmas Around the World Display
A new display at the Family History Library showcases Christmas foods and traditions from different countries from Nov. 29 through Dec. 31.
“Light the World” Giving Machines
The service vending machines allow the public to purchase and donate humanitarian services and items such as a water, child vaccines, beds, educational supplies and more. Several are located at City Creek Center beginning Nov. 22. Those unable to visit a physical machine can participate online at LightTheWorld.org/give. Last year, the giving machines raised over $5.8 million in donations.
Light the World Giving Machines raise over $5.8 million for humanitarian aid
“Savior of the World: His Birth and Resurrection”
The popular musical production features scenes surrounding the birth, life and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Two-hour performances will run Tuesdays through Saturdays from Nov. 25 through Dec. 30 at 7:30 p.m. in the Conference Center Little Theater. Saturday matinees are on Dec. 3 and Dec. 10 at 2 p.m. There will be no evening performance on December 24. Tickets are required but are free. Reserve a maximum of four tickets online at TempleSquare.org/events or by calling 801-570-0080 (locally) or toll-free 1-866-537-8457.
