The winter season is on its way in small-town Cedar City. Winter here features frigid weather, icy roads and snow-covered terrain, with temperatures often below freezing. While this time of year can be hazardous, it also offers beautiful scenery and a variety of seasonal activities.
Bright lights and other holiday sights
Cedar City’s buildings, houses and tourist attractions are lit up every holiday season. There are multiple areas to visit for a free and festive night on the town.
Right on campus, the Utah Shakespeare Festival grounds are colorfully decorated and available to visit 24/7. Grab a coat and take a walk through the decorated Shakespeare Character Garden, or use the many Christmas themed photo areas.
For the especially cold nights, there are also opportunities to see the Christmas lights without having to leave the car.
Christmas Lane on Fairview Drive is a popular tourist attraction during the holidays. The lane is a small neighborhood with heavily decorated houses, and each house shows a piece of the classic poem, The Night Before Christmas.
“The community is doing a fabulous job doing Christmas lane,” said resident Sarah Rodriguez. “As the years went by, more and more people started showing up.”
Melt away the snow day boredom
Cedar City receives an average of 54-60 inches of snowfall annually, making the town a winter wonderland. Avoid cabin fever and make the most out of a snow day with a variety of snow activities.
Sledding doesn’t have to only be a childhood tradition. This classic winter activity can make for a fun day in the snow with family and friends. Plastic sleds are available in local stores for as low as $10. Common sledding hills are located near Canyon View and Cedar High School, or take a drive up Cedar Mountain to avoid the crowds.
For those looking for a more adventurous snow day event, Brian Head Resort is open for the 2025-2026 ski season.
Find a local vendor to rent equipment, and purchase discounted lift passes on the Brian Head website. The resort also has a variety of stores, coffee shops and restaurants to escape the town and enjoy the winter scenery.
“Brian Head Ski Resort is such a hidden gem in Utah,” Madison Ellison wrote. “Skiing with red rock views is unlike anything you’ll find at the Northern Utah resorts.”
Outside snow, inside shows
Cedar City remains the “Festival City” even during the cold months. Almost every night hosts entertainment, holiday shows, Christmas markets and more.
The Heritage Center Theater, Johnson Center, Randall L. Jones Theater and more provide plays, live music and other entertainment throughout the season. Handel’s “Messiah” will be performed at the Heritage Theater this month to spark local Christmas spirit.
Cedar City will also have a variety of holiday markets featuring local artisans and other vendors. A list of available markets can be found on the Cedar City events page.
Enjoy this year’s winter season, and stay up to date on upcoming events here on suunews.net.
Author: Briar Adams
Photo: Courtesy of Cedar City News, The Spectrum and Brian Head Resort
Editor: Kayd Johanson
life@suunews.net
