Temple Square Offers Christmas Experiences Despite Construction

 
Despite ongoing construction on Temple Square in Salt Lake City, the five city blocks of historic sites of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are still offering several Christmas-themed activities for visitors to enjoy during the 2022 Christmas season.

For the following activities, refer to the Temple Square holiday hours page for hours of operation for each location and building closure details. Find of map showing construction zones and activity locations in the gallery above.

Christmas Lights

There is no longer a formal lighting ceremony on Temple Square, but lights on Temple Square turn on November 25 and will remain on from 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. and from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. daily through January 1.

Download Photo

Christmas Around the World Display

This display showcases Christmas foods and traditions from different countries. Open November 29 through December 31 at the Family History Library.

International Nativities

A collection of nativities from around the world are on display at the Assembly Hall from November 26 through December 31.

Download Photo

The Bells at Temple Square

The “Visions of the Season” concert by The Bells at Temple Square handbell ensemble is November 18-19 at 7:30 p.m. in the Salt Lake Tabernacle. The event is sold out but you can view the live stream November 18 at www.tabchoir.org and on the Choir’s YouTube channel. Watch on-demand on the Choir’s YouTube channel and in the Choir’s website’s “Watch and Listen” section.

“Savior of the World: His Birth and Resurrection”

This musical production features scenes surrounding the birth, life and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Two-hour performances will run Tuesdays through Saturdays from November 25 until December 30 at 7:30 p.m. in the Conference Center Little Theater. Saturday matinees are on December 3 and December 10 at 2 p.m. There will be no performances December 13-17. Note that on December 24, the matinee performance begins at noon, and there is no evening performance scheduled. Tickets are required. Shows are sold out. Check with ticket office (801-570-0080 (locally) or toll-free 1-866-537-8457) as additional tickets may become available.

Download Photo

“Peace on Earth” Animated Nativity

Projected on the ceiling of the Salt Lake Tabernacle, this 4-minute presentation uses shadow graphics, narration and music to tell the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. Available nightly November 25 through New Year’s Eve from 6-9 p.m. Repeats every 10 minutes, alternating between English and Spanish.

Download Photo

“The Promise of Christmas” Virtual Broadcast

This Temple Square Performances virtual concert celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ through hope-filled messages and favorite Christmas music. Available on demand beginning November 25 and throughout the Christmas season on broadcasts.ChurchofJesusChrist.org and YouTube.

“Light the World” Giving Machines

These service vending machines allow you share light by purchasing and donating humanitarian services and items such as a water, child vaccines, beds, educational supplies and more. Several are located at City Creek Center beginning November 22. Those unable to visit a physical machine can participate online at LightTheWorld.org/give. Learn more about Light the World.

Daily Christmas Concerts by Local Choirs

Temple Square Performances hosts daily school and community choirs, as well as various string, flute, guitar and bell groups. Free performances are Monday through Sundays from November 26 through December 23 at the:

• Assembly Hall
• City Creek Center, by the Giving Machines (outside)
• Conference Center lobby
• Church History Museum

See the detailed schedule that lists specific times, locations and performing groups.

First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional

This annual broadcast from the Conference Center features inspirational messages about the Savior from General Authorities and General Officers of the Church. Music will be provided by The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square. View on ChurchofJesusChrist.org or YouTube on Sunday, December 4.

Download Photo

Christmas With The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square

The annual Christmas concert by The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square featuring guest artist Lea Salonga is December 15-17 in the Conference Center at 8 p.m. Tickets are sold out, but the 2021 concert, “O Holy Night: Christmas with The Tabernacle Choir Featuring Megan Hilty and Neal McDonough,” will be broadcast on PBS on Tuesday, December 13, at 8 p.m. EST and on BYUtv on Sunday, December 18, at 8 p.m. EST.

Download Photo

Church History Museum Activities

Piano music will be provided throughout the day, and small instrument groups will perform on Saturday afternoons from 1-4 p.m. Guests may take a photo in front of a Christmas-decorated drawing room from the early 1900s and enjoy sing-alongs, Christmas stories, crafts and card writing (see schedule posted in the lobby).

The Christ Child

This depiction of the nativity story recounts in beautiful detail the sacred events found in the Bible about Jesus’s birth over 2,000 years ago. Showings are every half hour in the lower level of the Church History Museum auditorium as well as in the Conference Center media alcoves.

Music & The Spoken Word

On December 18, the 30-minute performance will feature some numbers from the Christmas concert and an appearance by guest artist Lea Salonga. No tickets are required. No live broadcast will air on December 25 or January 1. For streaming and broadcast options, check the Where to Watch page.