Raise your hand if you’ve already started a mental list of everyone you need to buy for. The holiday hustle is officially in motion, and I have the perfect way to get ahead of it without losing your holiday spirit (or your sanity).
The Salt Lake Family Christmas Gift Show is back for its 27th year, and it’s bringing Utah’s largest holiday market to the Mountain America Expo Center in Sandy, November 12-14, 2026. With more than 450 booths, it’s basically the holidays in one giant, twinkly building. Think gifts, festive décor, home accessories, stylish apparel, jewelry, toys, artwork, and specialty foods. It’s perfect for the person who “has everything,” the teacher gifts you keep forgetting about, and the neighbor you always remember on December 20th. Best of all, adult admission is valid for all three days this year, so you can shop, take a break, and come back for round two.
Here’s how I’d plan my visit. The magic starts the moment you walk in, where the Holly Jolly Welcome greets you with singers, musicians, and performers from Pop Orchestra Productions. It’s hard to be stressed about your to-do list when someone is singing carols at you. From there, head down the main aisle to Colors of the Season, presented by Glover Nursery and brand new this year. Seven vignettes of native-inspired aspens, scrub oak, and seasonal foliage glow from golden hues to warm oranges to vibrant reds, ending at a Unity Tree centerpiece that celebrates community and the spirit of the season. It’s a gorgeous photo op before you’ve bought a single thing.
Next up is the 50-foot Holiday Light Tunnel, presented by Trimlight, where you can stroll beneath thousands of twinkling lights. Get the family photo, take the holiday selfie, and maybe get a little inspiration if you’ve ever dreamed of permanent holiday lights on your house. Then it’s time for the big guy. Santa’s Village, sponsored by LeafFilter, has Santa on hand daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. to hear wish lists. You can also pose for professional portraits by photographer Tom Haseltine in a beautifully staged holiday setting. It’s perfect for keepsakes or this year’s holiday card, and portrait packages are available for purchase.
Once you’ve got your Santa photo, settle in at the Holly Jolly Stage, sponsored by Statewide Remodeling. Award-winning local dance troupes, choirs, musicians, and community groups perform throughout the show, plus Storytime with Mrs. Claus and other seasonal surprises. Check the full schedule at familychristmasgiftshow.com so you don’t miss your favorites. And if you’re around at 4 p.m., you’ll want to join Trinket Trading at the stage. Bring a small handmade, upcycled, or holiday-inspired keepsake to swap with fellow shoppers. It’s a sweet celebration of the lost art of community gift-giving, and I love it.
Between shopping and shows, there’s plenty to explore. The Jack Frost Nippin’ at Your Windows art walk displays custom windows supplied by Marvin Design Gallery and hand-painted by local artists, including decorative painter Tami Carmody and Park City contemporary painter Anneliese, artist-in-residence at PC Create Space. Watch the makers in Artists in Action shape ceramics on the wheel or craft jewelry right before your eyes, which gives you a whole new appreciation for each one-of-a-kind piece. Then stop by the Utah’s Hogle Zoo booth for festive décor, photos, and a chance to win tickets to the zoo’s own seasonal holiday event.
Traveling with little ones? Grab a show guide and set off on Snowman’s Steps, a scavenger hunt through the show. Find the hidden snowmen tucked into the festive features, collect secret code words along the way, then head to the Show Desk to claim a sweet holiday treat. Everyone wins, especially the grown-ups who get a few extra minutes to browse. And when your arms are overflowing with treasures, let the elves at the Gift Wrapping Station, presented by Wasatch Forensic Consulting and Utah Scouts, wrap your finds so they’re ready to go under the tree. Yes, please.
Here’s what you need to know to plan your trip. The show runs 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday, November 12, and Friday, November 13, and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, November 14, at 9575 State Street in Sandy. General adult admission (ages 14 and older) is $18 online and at the door, and kids 13 and younger are free. Free onsite parking is limited, but there’s additional free parking at the NICE parking structure at 75 West Towne Ridge Parkway, right across the street, with a complimentary shuttle running to the main entrance on Saturday. My advice? Wear comfy shoes and bring a rolling bag or sturdy tote, because you’re going to need it.
Now for the fun part. I’m giving away a 4-pack of tickets to the Salt Lake Family Christmas Gift Show so you can bring your whole crew! To enter, just email me at themommyavenger@hotmail.com with your favorite Christmas tradition for a chance to win. Winners will be picked from qualified entries on or about Wednesday, November 11th, so send your email soon. Can’t wait? You can get your tickets now at familychristmasgiftshow.com.
So grab your favorite people, cue the Christmas music, and mark your calendar for November 12-14. The holiday season is officially about to begin, and I’ll see you in Sandy!
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