KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter
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Mon, Dec 1: Santa's Arrival in Riverton Tue, Dec 2: Celtic
Woman - Utah Symphony at Abravanel Hall Wed, Dec 3: Once Upon an Art Museum - Utah Museum of Fine Arts Fri, Dec 5: Gingerbread Festival 2025 - Bountiful Davis Art Center Tue, Dec 9: ‘Twas the Night Before - Eccles
Theater Thu, Dec 11: Queer Youth Art Night - Under the Umbrella Bookstore Fri, Dec 12: Pioneer
Christmas at the Village Fri, Dec 26: Holiday Break Camp: What Goes Up, Must Come Down at Little
Beakers Science Lab for Kids Sat, Dec 27: Sleigh Rides on the Farm - American West Heritage Center
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
It's often said that parenting is a "thankless" job. In one sense, that's undeniably true, because it will likely be many years before the young humans you're raising—the ones who actually have a stake in the outcome of the excellent job you're doing—are in a position to thank you. So you don't hear that phrase often during the first couple of decades of parenthood.
My fervent wish
for the future is to live in a world filled with engaged, culturally literate, productive, happy people. This means that what I said above isn't precisely accurate: It's not only your kids who have a stake in your parenting success, we ALL do, because the path to that future starts NOW for the young people in your orbit. So I'm grateful that you care about getting them "out and about" to the wide variety of experiences available in your community: It will make all
the difference.
Our job here at KidsOutAndAbout.com is to help you do that as easily as possible. In 2001, I created the original version of this web platform that now connects 15 million people each year with their area's activities and resources. My team gets to see it all up-close and personal as local businesses post to KidsOutAndAbout through their free listings, and then we get to turn around and shout about them to y'all, bringing your community closer to you.
So I want to
step in for the rest of the world that's not (yet) thanking you, and say it to you today: Thank you so much for what you're doing. Raising kids is hard in any era, but no one could have anticipated all the roadblocks that a pandemic would toss onto our path.
As anyone who knows me knows, I'm endlessly looking for reasons to celebrate. So today, I'm celebrating YOU with my digital megaphone and pom-poms. You're doing a great job. Future Deb sends her thanks,
too. —Debra Ross, publisher
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KidsOutAndAbout.com: Discover more. Do more. Connect more. If you like my publisher's column, you can easily scroll through past columns in the "Notes from Deb" section of our site.
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Just a minute of your time could make a big impact. KidsOutAndAbout.com is conducting a short survey to better understand how families are navigating the fast-changing world of AI. We're asking all parents, grandparents, and caregivers-whether you're
tech-savvy or not-to weigh in.
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Now through 12/31: Enjoy beautiful landscapes and the magic of the holiday season at Lightwalk at Tracy Aviary! Stroll through dozens of stunning light displays set against the breathtaking backdrop of Tracy Aviary’s eight-acre botanical garden. Create enchanting family memories in a winter wonderland featuring a 100-foot lighted tunnel, interactive light displays, nightly visits from Santa in a life-size gingerbread house, festive holiday treats, and more!
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Kick off Thanksgiving with a new family tradition at Utah’s Largest Turkey Trot, Runtastic THANKFUL! Gather your loved ones to run a Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, or Kid’s 1/2 Mile Run along the scenic Jordan River Trail. Every runner scores a Runtastic THANKFUL long-sleeve race shirt, epic finisher medal, stickers, swag from local vendors, and free event photos to capture every moment. Plus, winners in each race will earn a gold, silver, or bronze medal (and some other goodies) to brag about at dinner! Post-race, treat yourself to hot chocolate, pumpkin pie, and other delicious treats at the finish line—perfect before diving into your Thanksgiving feast!
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Step into a world of sweet enchantment! Join us for our 8th Annual Gingerbread Competition Display! Marvel at the artistry and creativity on display as local bakers craft whimsical gingerbread masterpieces. These magical creations will be displayed from Monday, November 24 – Monday, December 1. NEW THIS YEAR, there will be a giant Gingerbread House on display during the competition and throughout the holidays. This masterpiece will be built by Peter Tidwell (The Mighty Baker), who is one of the judges with the assistance of the other judges: Mary Crafts (Mary Crafts Inc.) and Tamara Morrison (Nothing Bundt Cakes). The display is located in Santa’s Village by Village Court.
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Ebenezer Scrooge is a prosperous curmudgeon who believes that personal wealth is far more valuable than the happiness and comfort of others. With an infuriated "Bah! Humbug!" Scrooge summates his feelings of Christmas tidings and charitable giving, but he's forced to face his selfish ways when three ghosts on Christmas Eve lead him through his Past, Present and Future. Thanks to their guidance, Scrooge recognizes his faults and greets Christmas morning with a cheerful "Happy Christmas" before spending the day reconnecting and sharing love with those that mean the most to him.
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Celebrate 10 years of GENTRI Christmas with a spectacular anniversary show! Enjoy their soaring harmonies and masterful storytelling as they bring beloved classics like O Holy Night, Little Drummer Boy, and Silent Night to life, along with brand-new, never-before-heard music premiering exclusively on this tour. Experience the magic, music, and meaning of Christmas like never before! Recommended for ages 8 and up. Infants not admitted. All patrons require a ticket regardless of age.
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Kick off the holiday season with Santa’s Arrival at Station Park on Friday, November 28 from 5–7 PM in Fountain Square! Santa will be escorted through Station Park by the Farmington Police and Fire Departments before making his grand entrance at Fountain Square, where he’ll light the holiday tree and officially open Santa’s House for the season. Enjoy an evening full of festive fun, including a DJ, interactive games at participating booths, holiday characters, face painters, balloon twisters, and more. Guests can also enter to win $1,000 in Station Park store gift cards!
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Experience the magic of the season with the Cache Valley Civic Ballet’s beloved production of The Nutcracker, inspired by the enchanted Christmas story by E.T.A. Hoffmann. For 44 years, this holiday tradition has captured the hearts of Cache Valley families. Audiences are swept away by vibrant scenery, dazzling costumes, and the heartfelt artistry of our dancers—set to Tchaikovsky’s timeless score performed live by the Cache Valley Civic Ballet Orchestra, with voices from the Cache Valley Children’s and Alumni Choir. Children 5+ yrs admitted. No babes in arms.
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Join us at Millcreek Common where we'll take you on a magical journey through storytelling, production, Ice skating and dancing. Glide along with Milo the Moose as they zoom through space; meeting new friends and discovering wonders among the stars. Tickets are limited.
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Ogden's Holiday Electric Light Parade is one holiday tradition you do not want to miss out on! People will save their spots on Washington Blvd. in the early morning hours leading up to the parade. FParade Starts promptly at 5:30 pm. The parade will go south from 22nd St on Washington Blvd to 27th Street. The Christmas Gala will start at 6:30 pm on the Ogden Amphitheater Stage after the parade. A short ceremony with our special guests will include Santa, our Grand Marshal, and friends. Then, the switch to Christmas Village will go on at approximately 6:40 pm. Lights will illuminate all around, and a fireworks show will follow.
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The private schools in Salt Lake City cater to every educational need and parent philosophy. This is KidsOutAndAbout's education highlight page, containing specially featured schools and also our master list of local schools.
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- Santa's Grand Arrival - University Place - Orem, UT - University Place - East University Parkway, Orem, UT, USA, Friday, November 28, 2025, 9:30 am - 10:30 am
- FM100.3 Christmas Concerts - The Shops at South
Town - The Shops at South Town - State Street, Sandy, UT, USA, Friday, November 28, 2025, 12 pm - 1 pm
- Free mini photo session with Shoott! - Salt Lake City area - Shoott - Broadway, New York, NY, USA, Friday, November 28, 2025 to Sunday, November 30, 2025, See link for times
- Candy Windows - City of South Jordan, UT - South Jordan - South Jordan, UT, USA, Friday, November 28, 2025 to Sunday, November 30, 2025, See website for details
- Christmas Village 2025 - Ogden City, Utah - Ogden City - 2549 Washington Blvd, Ogden, UT, USA, Saturday, November 29, 2025
to Sunday, November 30, 2025, See website for details
- Holiday Electric Light Parade 2025 - Ogden City, UT - Ogden City - Ogden,
UT, USA, Saturday, November 29, 2025, See website for details
- The Nest Holiday Open House and Artisan Fair at Ogden Nature Center - Ogden Nature Center - 966 West 12th Street, Ogden, UT 84404, United States, Saturday, November 29, 2025, 9 am
- Swaner's Sunday Craft - Swaner Preserve and
EcoCenter - 1258 Center Drive, Park City, UT 84098, Sunday, November 30, 2025, 11 am
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Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the Salt Lake City area. From Arcades to Ziplines our Big List will help you think outside the box and plan the party of your kids' dreams! KidsOutAndAbout has dozens of ideas!
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2025's Top 20 Places to Take Kids in the Salt Lake City area. Our Top 20 results page includes a list of your top picks, including winners in special categories like Top Arts Educator, Top Sports Educator, and Top STEM Educator! Check out your fellow
readers' favorites, and enjoy exploring the best of the region!
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Here's to seizing opportunities to learn wherever they appear!
Debra Ross Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com Mom of Madison and Ella
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