Even with life not quite being business as usual, it still feels so fast-paced and demanding, so it’s important that we find ways to reconnect with each other on a daily basis. Establishing family traditions helps us do just that. Traditions are those special times that bring families together, allowing us to express unity as a family and to create bonds that last a lifetime.
And building new traditions can be a lot of fun, where we get to decide which traditions to carry forward into our holiday celebrations and daily life.
Park City is the perfect place to create new traditions as this year has forced us all to rethink what our lives looked like – especially our social ones. So here are a whole bunch of ideas for meaningful holiday rituals to get you started during the holidays in Park City.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
We all know that skiing and snowboarding is a wonderful activity to bond over, and that might be the main reason what brought your family out to Park City, but there are many other activities other than the traditional form of sliding on snow that can be made into a holiday family tradition.
SNOWSHOEING
A great family activity. Rent snowshoes from White Pine Touring and take them out on one of the many trails around Park City to enjoy some winter wandering. If your group doesn’t feel comfortable going out on your own, book a guided snowshoes tour with White Pine.
SNOWMOBILING
There’s nothing quite like bonding over an activity that gets your heart racing. A snowmobile tour a perfect activity for all family members. It’s something teens will really enjoy if they are into getting a little extreme. Get whisked away into the backcountry and enjoy the cold winter air on your face as you explore a little deeper into the mountains.
TUBING AT WOODWARD
This classic family winter tradition has now become easier with recent upgrades to Woodward’s tubing hill including the addition of a new magic carpet and an increased number of lanes for tubing! Woodward Park City offers snow tubing with conveniences to produce nothing but smiles for the whole family.
DOG SLEDDING
A perfect way to rest your legs, dog sledding offers unique views and access to more remote areas with stunning views, peace, and quiet in the areas surrounding Park City. Dog sledding is great for families to enjoy together, or for those looking for an escape, a romantic activity for two!
ICE SKATING
The skating rink at Park City Mountain Resort is a wonderful spot to take the whole family. Rent some skates and hit the ice taking a couple of spins around the rink before enjoying some hot chocolate from Campos Coffee around the fire pits.
SLEDDING
Take the whole family sledding, pack up some treats and hot coco in a thermos, and make a day of it. There’s nothing quite like wooshing down a small hill laughing and giggling all along the way! Check out all the spots to hit the hills around Park City via this Park City Magazine link
SLEIGH RIDES
A fantastic holiday tradition is booking a family sleigh ride that will whisk you way into a magical winter wonderland. Head over to this Visit Park City link for all companies operating sleigh rides currently.
INDOOR ACTIVITIES
CREATE A STAYCATION
We’ve compiled an extensive list on creating a cozy staycation that will leave you rested and relaxed. Enjoy this list of activities that will for sure help create some new family holiday traditions – https://www.abodeparkcity.com/creative-ways-to-design-a-staycation-in-your-own-abode/
FITNESS AND WELLNESS
For those who want a break from the slopes, but want to keep active, Park City offers a variety of fitness centers with drop-in options. A family that’s active together boosts endorphins and happiness. Try swimming, tennis, spin classes, or time spent with a personal trainer are all great ways to exercise inside. Follow these up with time in a steam shower, or, if you’re in need of deep relaxation, treat yourself to a day at the spa. Or you can hire your very own personal trainer like Stoke Coach Rachel Friedman Elberts to come to your house or meet you at a trailhead and create a custom outdoor fitness experience.
GET CREATIVE
Get your creativity on at The Paint Mixer, a local painting studio that is fun for the whole family. They are also now offering private group/family sessions with their Van Go Mobile Studio. They provide all the tools of the trade and one of their inspiring artists takes you step-by-step through a creative experience. Fun for all ages and they specialize in celebrations that cater to your inner artist!
SHOPPING/DINING
DINE AT THE VIKING YURT
Enjoy an evening adventure that begins with a 23-minute spectacular sleigh ride up 1,800 feet with incredible views of the night sky, giant trees, and the best views of Park City and surrounding mountains. This magical dining experience at the Viking Yurt is a great way to spend an evening on the slopes if you didn’t have a chance to get on them during the day
DINE IN OR DINE OUT
Many restaurants are still offering curbside take out and delivery, as well as socially distanced dine-in services. Enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home with your family from one of our favorite Park City eateries https://www.abodeparkcity.com/dine-in-or-out-at-park-city-restaurants/
DISCOUNT HUNTING
Go on a family shopping spree at the Park City Outlets or do some last-minute holiday shopping for gifts for the whole family!
STROLL HISTORIC MAIN STREET
Spend an afternoon perusing the shops on Main Street. Grab a cocktail at the No Name Saloon or have a bite to eat at one of our fantastic dining establishments.
DECORATE A TREE
Our concierge can help with a fully decorated abode prior to your arrival, or if you want to make a family activity out of it, we’ll provide the tree and deliver all of the ornaments for you to decorate yourself
LOCAL HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES
ALL ABOARD
Join The North Pole Express for a fun and traditional train ride to the North Pole! A family favorite, this 90 minute round trip to the North Pole includes hot cocoa and Mrs. Claus’ famous chocolate chip cookies. You’ll sing along to new and traditional Christmas favorites on the way and be entertained by elves and cocoa chefs. When you reach the North Pole Santa will join for the return trip and greet each child and present them with a special gift.
MAIN STREET SNOWGLOBE STROLL
This year Park City’s historic Main Street created something new for the holiday season. They launched an interactive art exhibit called the “Snow Globe Stroll.” The exhibit features nine life-sized, interactive snow globes located along Main Street now through Jan. 3, 2021.
SANTA’S MAILBOX
The town of Park City has made special arrangements for Main Street to be a drop-off site for letters to Santa Claus! Little ones enjoy can enjoy this annual tradition as we all prepare for Santa’s flight over Utah. Drop off letters in the Santa Mailbox at Schreurs Plaza, between Bangkok Thai and Lund Gallery, on Main Street by December 24 to make sure their wishes get to Santa in time.
BEST PROPERTIES FOR FAMILIES
Take a peek at some of our Abodes that are perfect for the holidays in Park City. Our portfolio consists of a plethora of homes that are spacious enough for large family gatherings that are great for entertaining and family-friendly with game rooms, theaters, rec basements, and wide-open spaces for kids (and adults) to roam freely.
Create lasting memories and family traditions during your getaway to Park City where you’ll want to come back for years to come!
