By Julie Snyder | Inhabit Park City, Summit Sotheby’s International Realty
We may still be enjoying pumpkin patches and golden aspen leaves, but believe it or not, ski season is just five weeks away — and the holidays will follow faster than a powder day at Deer Valley. So, is it too early to start planning Christmas in Park City?
In short: absolutely not. In fact, for some things, you might already be too late.
From sold-out train rides to high-demand dinner reservations, now’s the time to lock in your holiday plans before the town transforms into a winter wonderland.
🍽️ Dinner Reservations – The Time Is Now
If you’re spending the holidays in Park City — or hosting family in town — don’t wait to book those festive dinners. Many top restaurants, especially around Christmas week, are already filling up. Availability depends on your party size, but here are some standouts still taking reservations (as of this writing):
Deer Valley Dining
- Fireside Dining – Warm, alpine elegance at its best. Guests savor raclette cheese melted by the fireplace, fondue, and hearty four-course meals inspired by the European Alps. Horse-drawn sleigh rides are available Wednesday through Sunday for $50 (up to six guests). Reserve here.
- Cast & Cut Seafood Dining – A lavish seafood experience featuring oysters, shrimp, mussels, and fresh catches prepared at interactive chef stations. Expect decadent sides, artisanal breads, and a wine list curated for indulgence. Reserve here.
Main Street Favorites
- Prime Steakhouse – A lively, upscale steakhouse with live music and some of the best surf-and-turf combinations in town. Order the crab-topped steak with peppercorn sauce and thank me later. Don’t skip the lobster bisque or Wagyu hot rock. Reserve here.
- 350 Main – Modern American dining in the heart of Main Street with a thoughtful menu and a great kids’ selection, making it perfect for families. Reserve here.
Other Local Gems
- Blind Dog – Celebrating 27 years, Blind Dog remains a local favorite for fresh seafood, sushi, and steaks, along with one of Utah’s most extensive wine lists. A must for seafood lovers. Reserve here.
- The Blue Boar Inn – This Midway classic offers an old-world European dining experience with fine wines, award-winning service, and a cozy alpine atmosphere that feels worlds away. Reserve here.
🎅 Santa Comes to Town (Lift)
Mark your calendars! On Saturday, Dec. 20, Santa will make his grand entrance to Park City via the Town Lift at Park City Mountain Resort. Festivities kick off at 5 p.m. with cocoa, cookies, and carols. Santa descends around 6 PM, followed by photos until 6:30 p.m.
📍 Town Lift Plaza, Park City Mountain Resort
It’s free, family-friendly, and one of the most charming Park City traditions — just be sure to bundle up and arrive early for a good spot.
🕎 Hanukkah Menorah Lighting
From Dec. 14–22, guests are invited to gather nightly at sundown in the Montage Deer Valley lobby for a community menorah lighting. It’s a beautiful celebration of resilience, hope, and light — and a reminder that Park City embraces traditions of all kinds.
(Event courtesy of NowPlayingUtah.com, powered by the Utah Cultural Alliance.)
❄️ Other Must-Book Winter Adventures
While you’re securing restaurant tables, don’t forget about these quintessential Park City winter experiences — they book out quickly, too:
- Snow Tubing at Woodward Park City
- Snowmobiling with Soldier Hollow or Wasatch Excursions
- Backcountry Tours for thrill-seekers
- Ice Skating, cross-country skiing, and of course, resort skiing at Park City Mountain and Deer Valley
And let’s not forget: Park City’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (Nov. 27) and Canyons Village Tree Lighting (Nov. 28)kick off the holiday festivities, followed by the Main Street Snow Globe Stroll (Nov. 27–Jan. 3) and the Holiday Market (Nov. 28–30).
🚂 The North Pole Express – Sold Out
It’s no surprise the Heber Valley Railroad’s North Pole Express is once again the first event to sell out. Families book their seats as early as August for this magical 90-minute round trip to the “North Pole.” Guests sip hot cocoa, nibble on cookies, and sing along with the train’s cheerful elves and “cocoa chefs.” On the way back, Santa himself boards the train, greeting each child and gifting a keepsake present.
Even if it’s sold out, you can check hebertrain.com/northpoleexpress for last-minute single tickets — a few solo spots occasionally open up. For families, this ride is pure holiday magic, and watching kids’ faces light up when Santa appears is worth every bit of planning ahead.
Park City is magical any time of year, but the holidays bring out something truly special — twinkling lights, cozy fires, and mountain charm that makes even the coldest night feel warm.
So don’t wait. Book the dinners, grab the last tickets, and line up those festive plans now. And if you or someone you know is traveling to Park City for the holidays and needs help finding the perfect home, rental, or local experience — reach out to me, Julie Snyder with Summit Sotheby’s International Realty.
Until then, enjoy the last of fall and have a Happy Halloween!
Julie Snyder is an experienced real estate professional who serves as a lifestyle resource for clients looking to buy or sell in the Park City area, offering luxury real estate services backed by the power of a global brand. The founder of Inhabit Park City and a sales agent at Summit Sotheby’s International Realty, Julie aims to understand her clients’ needs and lifestyles before pairing them with carefully curated options that fulfill their criteria and wishes. Julie describes herself as honest, analytical, and passionate. Utilizing market data, strong negotiation skills, and effective communication, Julie easily navigates Utah’s competitive real estate market. She views herself as a relocation specialist and proudly shares her deep local knowledge of the area’s schools, neighborhoods, restaurants, clubs, and outdoor experiences.
