Winter is a beautiful time in Salt Lake City. The mountains surrounding the city are dusted with fresh, powder snow and there are tons of events happening. Salt Lake City is lucky to be home to a unique and diverse range of activities due to its fantastic location and interesting history. It may be snowing, but the weather is far from frightful, making it the perfect winter wonderland. Check out some of these activities to liven up the season.

1. See the Christmas Lights

Salt Lake prides itself on a great show of Christmas lights every year. On a weekend night, it’s not uncommon to see rows of cars head down to the city center to see the great assortment of lights. For the best light show, check out the lights at City Creek, around Temple Square, or Christmas Street in Taylorsville. Grab some friends or loved ones and walk or drive around with a warm drink and get in the Christmas spirit.

2. Take in the view at a mountain lodge

A special ski bus runs every year from December to April. For about $4, you can hop on from Salt Lake City and ride it all the way up the mountain to several different resorts like Brighton (Big Cottonwood Canyon) or Snowbird (Little Cottonwood Canyon) Once you’re up there, you can be treated to log cabins covered in snow, beautiful lodges with amazing restaurants and spas (Snowbird’s The Cliff Spa has a $35 day pass), and enjoy the view of skiers and snowboarders on the mountain. The view combined with a mug of something warm makes for an enchanting day.

3. Ski, snowboard or sled on the mountain

For the more adventurous at heart, take up skiing or snowboarding. They are both thrilling sports and a great part of the local culture, with a full 14% of the population participating. If you don’t know how, there are always lessons offered at one of the many resorts at an affordable price and equipment rentals are available as well.

4. Eat downtown

Downtown Salt Lake is boasting full of delicious and diverse restaurants.  Prominent downtown Salt Lake restaurants include the lauded Roof Restaurant and the Garden Restaurant. Be sure to give them a try on a special evening out and you won’t regret it.

5. Visit its museums

Salt Lake City is home to some great museums that incorporate and celebrate the city’s unique history. If the winter weather dips a bit below, escaping into the warm museum would be a welcome activity. Check out the Natural History Museum of Utah and the  Utah Museum of Fine Art. Both are great outings for kids.

6. Attend Sundance Film Festival

One of Salt Lake’s most special events, the annual Sundance Film Festival brings stars and filmmakers in from all over the world. Every year, hundreds of films are screened as they compete for distribution deals and festival awards. A whole host of special events and parties surround the festivities. As a Salt Lake City resident, you have a front row seat to the affair. Plan ahead and there’s no reason you should miss out.