The Downtown Alliance is adding a layer of holiday magic to the Gallivan Plaza with the inaugural season of GLOW Garden at Gallivan, now installed and ready to be experienced through March 1. 

Emily Nicolosi and In Theory Art Collective have created three outsized sculptures designed with thousands of dichroic pieces that glow at night and reflect the full spectrum of color during the day. One work, Love Is, was designed for the community to interact with the piece.  The sculptures elevate an already festive Gallivan Center experience which is adorned with holiday lights and brimming with ice skaters. 

“We started creating art for Burning Man,” said Nicolosi. “It’s a place that inspired us to try new things like making art and figuring out how to do it together, as a collective. We hope our art creates a magical moment in your day, and inspires you to think about the best parts of being human: our wishes, dreams, and love for each other.”

“Downtown is lit for the holidays,” said Director of The Blocks, Lucas Goodrich. “There are hundreds of events downtown and Emily Nicolosi’s sculptures will add to that vibrancy and make Gallivan Plaza the center for holiday magic.” 

Christmas is several weeks away, but a few anticipated presents will be unveiled this week! A diverse pipeline of restaurants are set to open--from quick fare to classic French--there is a concept for every taste. Savor the holidays and head downtown to experience something magical.  

Ryan Lowder’s Copper Common reopens December 1 after a renovation of the interior and with a new menu. It’s a bit of a head-scratcher as we keep asking ourselves what was wrong with the old space. However, knowing Lowder and his desire to frequently revitalize his enterprises, we know he won’t let us down. Just keep that C.O. Burger, please! (@coppercommon)

As reported, Tamarind, the bright and colorful Vietnamese restaurant owned by two downtown lawyers, is set to open December 2 across from the Eccles Theater. They’re offering healthy, quick and flavorful Pho from a family recipe. There have been some special preview nights, we know because we walked by like Charlie Brown, having not been invited. Not jilted, just excited-- Pho-real. (@tamarindslc)

Laurel opens December 4 and is set to be the most expensive restaurant ever built in Utah--yes, more than The Mayan (bonus points for remembering). Grand America has gutted their restaurant and imagined a modern brasserie. This stunning space is on a scale rarely accomplished in Utah and an outdoor patio is expected in the spring. (@laurelslc) 

On December 8 you’ll find us at the opening of Flanker Kitchen and Sporting Club at The Gateway. We’ve been teasing this location for a couple months and are excited for the Miss Piggy, Tiki-Pena, and Rendez Vous--cocktails created by the world-renowned mixologist Francesco Lafranconi. This guy hangs with everyone from Ferran Adria to Lionel Richie. So, we’ll consider ourselves in good company next week. (@flankerslc)

Shades Brewing expanded to downtown (actually on the same block as our office, so watch out). This boho chic location is a little hard to find unless you’re looking for it above Himalayan Kitchen at 366 South State Street. Shades Tap Room offers beer to go and is open daily 11am to 1 am. Have you tried the Plum? It’s the best sour made in Utah. (@shadestaproom) 

With a face made-for-tv, Bambara re-introduces us to Chef Jerry Pacheco. He’s ignited some of the most notable restaurants downtown, including Copper Onion, Pallet, and Avenues Bistro. While the blue cheese potato chips stay--thank God--expect a well-deserved overhaul of the menu as Pacheco leans-in to his Mexican heritage. (@bambaraslc)

Finally, Carson Kitchen unveiled a mouthwatering winter menu that we will be savoring soon. The 10 new dishes from chef/owner Cory Harwell, including a savory pork meatloaf and foie butter and jelly sound delightful. Our recommendation from past visits is to find yourself at the bar or exhibition kitchen and ask the mixologist or chefs to plie you with their talents. They’ll make you a believer. (@carsonkitchen)

“Let’s meet downtown for a drink” is the opening line in an endless number of stories about friendship, business ventures, and romantic partnerships. Tonight, downtown Salt Lake City bars are alive and buzzing with people beginning their next great story. Following are some of our favorite downtown sippers and the bars and restaurants serving them.

LONG TOM at ALIBI BAR & PLACE
Named for the moniker legendary baseball player Leroy Robert “Satchel” Paige gave to one of his pitches, Alibi Bar & Place’s (369 S. Main St.) Long Tom is a gin cocktail that, while seeming to have not much to do with baseball, tastes like the golden days of autumn in a glass. Made with Old Tom gin, Amaro Montenegro, Laird’s Applejack brandy, orange bitters and fresh orange zest.

HOT TODDY at BAR X
When the weather turns brisk, there’s no better warmer than the Hot Toddy at Bar X (155 E. 200 South). It begins with black tea brewed with baking spices and then embellished with fresh ginger, lemon and honey. The default booze addition is bourbon, of course, but why not be a little adventurous and try it with cognac, rye or even tequila?

BEET SANGRIA at ZEST KITCHEN & BAR
While many may not consider sangria a cocktail per se, when visiting the plant-based Zest Kitchen & Bar (275 S. 200 West), it makes sense to try something less boozy (And super delicious!) like the Beet Sangria, made with organic red wine, organic beet juice and fresh fruit.

 SUGAR & SPICE at VARLEY’S
Though those in the know often indulge in Varley’s (63 W. 100 South) signature Tangerine Lime Sour (Kettle One grapefruit vodka, rose, lime, citrus tea). Cool temps, however, have us dreaming of this bar’s Sugar & Spice, a comforting riff on wassail made with Hennessey, red wine, citrus and spices.

SHIPWRECK at THE VAULT
When the grey days of winter arrive in Salt Lake City, as they always do, you can find us enveloped in one of the canopy armchairs at The Vault (inside Hotel Monaco, 202 S. Main St), sipping a Shipwreck (Cruzan rum, Cyanar, St. Germain, Orgeat, lime) and dreaming of sunny skies, lapping surf and white sand beaches.

THE ROTISSERIE INN PUNCH at WHISKEY STREET
As you might guess, the beer, wine and cocktail menu at Whiskey Street (323 S. Main St) reads like a novel, with creative touches throughout. A nod to the building’s history as a 1930s-era French and Italian restaurant can be found in The Rotisserie Inn Punch, made with Bacardi Rum, raspberry liqueur, lemon, simple syrup, and prosecco.

BOOLEY HOUSE at WHITE HORSE SPIRITS & KITCHEN
Like its sister restaurants, the cocktail program at White Horse Spirits & Kitchen (325 Main St) is both innovative and extensive, offering more than enough to choose from right off the menu. We, however, can’t stop thinking about a drink the mixologists at White Horse concocted earlier this year to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day: the Booley House—a gingery, caramelly wonder made with Red Breast 12-year Irish Whiskey, ginger liqueur, sherry, Laird’s Applejack and black lemon bitters.

FIRST RODEO at BODEGA
Though Bodega (331 S. Main St) is best known as the portal to the subterranean restaurant, The Rest, this small but mighty bar has a following all its own, built largely on tequila. You can get right to it with a $3 shot or, for something to savor, order up a First Rodeo, made with tequila, lemongrass simple syrup, Honest John Bitters Co’s lemongrass cardamom bitters, jalapeño and Topo Chico.

SIGNATURE OLD FASHIONED at BOURBON HOUSE
As indicated by this watering hole’s moniker, the Signature Old Fashioned wins the popularity contest at Bourbon House’s (19 E. 200 South). There, along with the Fee Bros Barrel aged bitters, sugar, orange twist, Amarena Cherry, you can choose from three top-shelf spirits: Old Forester 128.6, WhistlePig 10-year 112.6 or High West Ruby Port Double Rye.

PATIO SPRITZERS at COPPER COMMON
Diversity is the name of the game at Copper Common (111 E. Broadway), where you can imbibe everything from an expertly crafted high ball to a White Claw. But where this popular bar excels, in particular, is with its Patio Spritzers. Choose from one of five on the menu or ask the bartender to create something completely unique. Then grab a seat outside and watch the world go by on Broadway.

 TEMPLE CITY TONIC at LAKE EFFECT / RABBIT HOLE
In an apparent homage to their Salt Lake City home, the mixologists at Lake Effect/Rabbit Hole (155 W. 200 South) present the beautiful and refreshing Temple City Tonic, which brings the classic gin and tonic to a new plane with Holystone cerulean gin, génépy, Scarlet Glow tea, lime, thyme, and Fever Tree tonic.

STOLI CUCUMBER MULE at LONDON BELLE
London Belle Supper Club (321 S. Main St.) is well known for its menu of reimagined classic pub food (Salt Lake Magazine named it a “best restaurant” in 2019.). But its moody and plush decor makes it an appealing destination for just drinks as well. We recommend choosing from the cocktail menu’s seven iterations of the classic Moscow Mule—one we’re particularly enamored with is the Stoli Cucumber Mule.

PINE SOUL at GOOD GRAMMAR
Against the backdrop of Gallivan Plaza and the creativity of local DJs, Good Grammar (69 E. Gallivan Ave) is the place for the fruity, earthy and unexpectedly fantastic mashup known as the Pine Soul—tequila, Zirbenz pine liqueur, Chartreuse yellow liqueur, lemon and pineapple.

BLACKBERRY BASIL at GRACIE’S
Sip one of Gracie’s (326 S. W. Temple) longstanding faves, the Blackberry Basil (Ogden’s Own Five Wives vodka; fresh blackberries, basil and lemon juice; ginger ale), while you drink in sweeping views of downtown and the mountains beyond from one of downtown’s most fabulous rooftop decks.

TWISTED OLD FASHIONED at TWIST BAR & BISTRO
While known for its killer weeknight drink specials and talented bring-down-the-house DJs on the weekends, Twist Bar & Bistro (32 Exchange Pl.) also boasts a sophisticated cocktail program. Case in point: the Twisted Old Fashioned, made with Maker’s 46 bourbon, Demerara syrup, chocolate bitters and orange zest.

HANZO STEEL at UNDER CURRENT BAR
This airy and beautifully renovated former auto dealership has been a go-to for well-crafted cocktails since it opened in 2015. Not surprisingly, the menu at Under Current Bar (270 S. 300 East) offers plenty to choose from, including Hanzo Steel. This elevated riff on an Old Fashioned is made with Japanese whiskey, rye Falernum, Swedish Punsch and coconut bitters, garnished with a ground coffee bean.

 INFLIGHT SMOKER at MORTAR & PESTLE
The hip and cozy Mortar & Pestle (152 E. 200 South), located within the intimate Edison Street alleyway, is well worth seeking out. M&P’s list of signature cocktails is creative and long, all of which are made with house-made syrups and locally sourced booze and bitters. One that scratches both the performance and gustatorial sweet spots is Inflight Smoker, an unexpected riff on a margarita or paloma made with mezcal, grapefruit-lime elixir, bitter orange liqueur, and Jamaican #2 Bitters.

BLING BLING at MARKET STREET GRILL & OYSTER BAR
Many may assume that a mimosa or Bloody Mary are among the most popular cocktails at the 41-year-old Market Street Grill & Oyster Bar (54 W. Market St), where brunch is an institution. Sure, those breakfast sippers are certainly high on the list, but it’s the Bling Bling, made with Tito’s vodka, fresh raspberries, simple syrup and a float of prosecco, that takes the cake.

MIDSOMMAR at POST OFFIE PLACE
Cocktail making is truly high art at Post Office Place (16 W. Market St), where bar manager Crystal Daniels thinks way outside the box to create unforgettable sippers like Midsommar: Roku Japanese gin, Kina L’Aéro D’or Aperitif (with an aroma of quince or a find marmalade), raspberry sour beer syrup and lemon.

LAVENDAR MARTINI at THE RED DOOR
When you’re craving a martini, head directly to The Red Door (57 W. 200 South). The delectable selection there includes everything from the classics to uber-creative options like the Martini L’Amour (pear vodka, elderflower liqueur, orange brandy, fresh lemon) or the boozy Three Drunken Men (Johnny Walker Red, Jim Beam, Jose Cuervo, house-made sweet and sour). Our top pick—one made seemingly specifically for girls’ night out—is the Lavender Martini (vanilla vodka, limoncello, crème de violette, lemon juice, house-made lavender simple syrup).

VERDE at SEABIRD
Before or after a Jazz Game, head over to the intimately friendly Seabird (7 S. Rio Grande St, The Gateway) for the Verde, a well-balanced amalgamation of earthiness and floral notes that makes whiskey sing. Made with rye whiskey, green Chartreuse, lime smoked rosemary and lavender simple syrup.

DIY COCKTAILS
Have a yearning to up your at-home cocktail game? Take an in-person cocktail class at Caputo’s (314 W. Broadway), stockists of an ample selection of bitters, mixers, garnishes, syrups, extracts, and more. Or go online for an evening of cocktail education and fun with the Salt Lake City-based Bitters Lab, offering three-session cocktail-making classes on a quarterly basis.

Ditch the chalky conversation candy hearts this Valentine's Day and head downtown where you'll find top-notch shopping and dining deals to enjoy with friends and loved ones! In addition to scoring some unique gifts and mouth-watering meals, you'll be showing love to our local downtown retailers, it's a win-win. Scroll down to browse downtown SLC's Valentine's Day offers. 

Blue Iguana SLC:

Valentine's Special - Paella for $15 per person. Offer valid from Feb 12th-Feb 15th.  Various drink specials. 

Caputo's Market & Deli:

-Ultimate Date Night - a Caputo's Online Intro to Chocolate class, or any of our other in-person or online classes.
-Downtown location will host The Petal Coop Grab n' Go Flower cart on Feb 13-14. Beautiful bouquets using fresh, local flowers - pick up your chocolate and your flowers in one stop!
-Utah Craft Chocolate Covered Strawberries - Caputo's in-house pastry chef is creating a limited-edition treat just for Valentine's Day - strawberries dipped in three kinds of chocolate, each from a different Utah craft chocolate maker: Solstice, Amano, and Ritual Chocolate. Each Caputo's location will offer the berries, Feb 12-14. 
-Special Valentine's Day-themed Artisan Support Pack starting this Friday, Feb 5 - artisan cheese, chocolate, and more to create the perfect date night in.
-Cheesemongers are always ready to help create the perfect cheese + charcuterie board for an intimate night in. Or, choose one of Caputo's gorgeous composed boards!
-Filled chocolate bonbons by Blue's Chocolates, using local chocolate maker Solstice Chocolate for the exterior.

Charlie Chow's: 

Free dessert with purchase of an entree. 

City Creek Center:

-Kendra Scott - All the Heart Eyes! From Hearts and Arrows to the stone of love, jewelry that will make her say “be mine”. Come shop the Valentine’s Day heart collection today! 
Kendra Scott + Children's Service Society: Supply Drive. Bring a donation to the Kendra Scott at City Creek Center & receive 20% off your entire purchase. See the list below for details.
Personal Items needed: toilet paper, paper towels, deodorant, chapstick, Kleenex, diapers, wipes, baby supplies, feminine hygiene products, toothbrush/paste, etc.

-Kay Jewelers -  25%  - 50% off the entire store. See store for details. February 4 – 15.

-L’OCCITANE - Free gift with purchase of $120 now through 2/16/21. Buy any fragrance from the woman’s line, and pair it with a lotion, receive FREE shower gel and hand cream   ($32 value), 2/5 – 2/13. See store for details

Morgan Jewelers - February 4 – February 27. Shop in-store and save up to 60% off on select merchandise and 25% off on Seiko watches!

Curry Up Now: 

Downtown location. The offer is a 25% discount for Valentine's Day total bill. Does not include alcohol. Must mention code "V14". Offer NOT available online.

Especially For You Flowers:

Stunning Roses, Mixed Valentine Arrangements, Custom Designed for Your Valentine. Order Early, We Deliver Valley Wide and Offer Curbside Service for Your Convenience. Romantic Flower Packages, Flowers, V-Chocolates Heart, Handwritten Valentine Card and Rose Petals. Call for Prices.

The Gateway:

-Bath and Body Works - Mix & Match Body Care: Buy 3, Get 2 Free. Or Buy 2, Get 1 Free all month. Valentines items and scents available now

-‘Bout Time Pub & Grub - Buy one meal, get one of equal or lessor value for free on Valentine’s Day

-Dave & Buster’s - Buy $20 and get $20 in gameplay on Valentine’s Day.

-Dreamscapes - Dine and Dream Special, February 14th only. $5 off each Dreamscapes ticket (up to 2 tickets) for every receipt from any Gateway restaurant.

-Fleming’s - Valentine's Day Lunch Menu February 13 - 14. Click here to see details.

-Gateway Aesthetic Institute and Laser Center - Fotona 4D laser facial - usual price $1500.  Valentines special $1299. Male (Gainswave) and Female (ThermiVa) rejuvenation 15% off - call for details.

-Gradient - Offering a "LOVE YOUR SKIN" package that includes skin consultation, clay mask, custom facial steamer, custom made toner, custom made facial oil. All for $55 vs. actual value of $75 (25% off). Offer valid from February 11-14.

-Mystery Escape Room - 20% off tickets with the code 'LOVE20' from February 10-16. Only valid for bookings with a minimum of four tickets

-MidiCi The Neapolitan Pizza Company - Couple's Special. Feb 12th - 14th. 2 pizzas or 2 calzones, 2 side salads and 2 soft drinks. Dine-In only. 20% off all Take-Out for the month of February.

-The Store Fine Foods Market & Deli - Selection of Valentine’s candy, cookies, etc. Heart-shaped Filet Mignon and other meat items.

-Tresor Jewelers - February 1st-February 15th, 40-50% off select items. Free small gift with any purchase. Free jewelry cleaning and inspection.

-Tucanos - February 13th – February 16th. Click here to see details. 

-Urban Arts Gallery - Valentine’s Day Art Sale, February 14th Only. 20% off all art 

-White Agent Bridal Boutique - Feb 1st – February 15th, 15% off select dresses. Free piece of jewelry with purchase of any dress.

Settebello Pizzeria:

Valentine's Day Special - Share an insalata, choose two pizzas from the menu, share a gelato - $40.

Stoneground Italian Kitchen:

Click here to view Stoneground's offer.

Takashi/Post Office Place: 

For the first time ever, Takashi will be open on Sunday!  That's right, this February 14, Takashi will be offering curbside take-out with some "lovely" specials available!  OR, diners over 21 may enjoy a romantic meal at Post Office Place, which in addition to Takashi's menu will feature some potent specials to help celebrate love. Advance orders for Takashi take-out are highly recommended.  (We had to cut off orders on New Year's Eve due to such high demand). Post Office Place will serve Takashi menu until 9:00, and then offer a limited menu until close.

More details to follow on Instagram:  @takashi_slc or @postslc

Winter Market at The Gateway:

In addition to the freshest produce, meats and cheeses in the State, you can pick out unique handmade gifts from local artisans at the Winter Market at The Gateway. The Art & Craft Market is located in the north end of The Gateway in the old Apple space near the water fountains.

Know of a downtown business that should be added to this list? E-mail us at

By now, most people have accepted the not-so-fun reality of curtailing large holiday gatherings due to COVID-19. But, there’s no reason festivity needs to be canceled altogether. In fact, most of downtown Salt Lake City remains not only open but abuzz with eclectic shopping, glittery outdoor holiday and public art displays and the diverse dining and bar scene downtown Salt Lake is known for. Following are several ways you can meet—and beat—the final challenge of 2020: getting into the holiday spirit.

Find The Perfect Present

Sure you can check off your holiday gift list by browsing Amazon—yawn—again. Or you can head downtown to shop dozens of locally owned and national retailers, all bedecked for the holidays. At City Creek Center you can check out the Macy’s handcrafted candy windows and the Magical Décor Holiday Tour; peer into the Contactless Storybook Lanterns; and discover local artists, whose work has been incorporated into dozens of shop window displays. Over at The Gateway, in addition to its eclectic resident stores, restaurants and movie theaters, this open-air shopping mall will host the Holiday Art & Craft Market as part of the Winter Farmers Market—where you can get your artisan-made holiday gifts and groceries—on Saturdays through December 19; the Winter Urban Flea Market, where you can browse hundreds of unique finds on December 13; and the Winter Magic Art Stroll, a self-guided audio tour of 14 shop window installations by local artists.

Stretch Your Gifting Budget

Make your holiday shopping budget go even further while helping out hundreds of downtown businesses at the same time with Downtown Dollars electronic gift cards. Here’s how it works: When you buy a $75 Downtown Dollars e-gift card, you’ll automatically receive an extra $25 in Bonus Bucks; buy a $50 Downtown Dollars e-gift card and you’ll get an extra $10 in Bonus Bucks. To redeem, you simply show the e-gift card code (sent to you via text or email for you to use or gift to someone else) at a Downtown Dollars participating business at the time of payment. It’s that simple.

Downtown Dollars e-gift cards are accepted at dozens of downtown Salt Lake’s coolest independent retailers, restaurants, gyms and bars, including White Horse Spirits & Kitchen, Whiskey Street, Diabolical Records, Post Office Place, Salt Lake Power Yoga and Takashi, to name just a few. Downtown Dollars e-gift cards, which never expire (though Bonus Bucks must be redeemed by May 21, 2021), are available for purchase through December 31, 2020.

Light It Up

This year downtown Salt Lake City’s well-known holiday light displays have been infused with a brand new and unexpected dose of artistic creativity. At the Gallivan Center Plaza, amid the traditional holiday tunes and millions of lights adorning 285-holiday evergreen trees, are a pair of art pieces that originally premiered at Burning Man 2019. Concepted and made by California Bay Area-artist Paige Tashner, the Purr Pods are a duo of large, welded metal, interactive cat sculptures that envelop participants in sonic vibrations “leaving them feeling revived,” Tashner says. Best yet, at night these kitties glow with enchanting, color-changing LED lights. The luminescent Koro Loco (“heart place” in Esperanto) is a huge three-dimensional heart formed with hundreds of dichroic plexiglass squares that dance with multi-colored reflections from the sun during the day, and spotlights at night. Salt Lake City artists Emily and Ian Nicolosi and Steve Wong created Koro Loco to “provide a space for reflection on the action of love.” Another must-see art installation on display downtown through the holidays is Aurora Borealis, by Utah artists Day Christensen and Brook Robertson, at the Eccles Theatre’s Main Street façade. (Hungry for more public art? Spend an evening exploring downtown’s more than 60 public art murals.)

Don't forget to share your downtown SLC holiday lights experience with us by posting a picture to Instagram and using #DowntownSLCLights. You'll be automatically entered to win $200 in Downtown Dollars! Winners will be announced on Instagram each week of December. 

Temple Square Goes Virtual

Viewing the Temple Square lights is, of course, one of Utah’s most beloved holiday traditions. And while Temple Square is indeed lit this season, due to an ongoing renovation, the lights there are viewable from surrounding roads and exterior city sidewalks only. A much more intimate alternative is tuning in for a virtual tour of the Temple Square Christmas lights, scheduled for live broadcast on ChurchofJesusChrist.org and on the Temple Square Facebook page on December 1 at 6 p.m. The tour is available for on-demand screenings after then.

Helping Those in Need

Lending a hand to those hit the hardest by this pandemic is a guaranteed way to feel the warm fuzzies of the holiday season. The Road Home offers multiple ways to help those in need over the holidays, including providing items to fill gift bags for shelter guests and donating new, unwrapped toys for its popular Candy Cane Corner. (This year, due to COVID-19, The Road Home is also looking for volunteers to shop for and deliver Candy Cane Corner toys to families.) Contactless ways to help include giving to the Shelter the Homeless’ campaign to raise $10 million, which when met, will be matched the Larry H. and Gail Miller Family Foundation. Or consider purchasing a gift or holiday tree from the Festival of Trees (benefiting Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital), celebrating its 50th anniversary this year with a virtual silent auction and holiday shopping, and a live broadcast of the tour of the trees on display inside the Vivant Arena on December 4.

Donating time, service and money during the holidays is undoubtedly admirable, but remember that the needs of these communities must be met all year long. And if you are planning a charitable drive, first contact the organization you are hoping to support before you get started. This way you’ll actually get them the items they need most, and they can prepare in advance for the influx of your generosity with appropriate staff to assist in distribution to those who need it most. 

Getting Around

Pay street parking is in effect downtown Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ($2 per hour for a max of two hours); on Saturdays your first two hours are free; and on Sundays, parking is free all day. You can also take public transportation into downtown via UTA'S Frontrunner, TRAX or bus system. Once downtown, TRAX and buses are free within the Free Fare Zone. (Masks and social distancing are mandatory on all UTA buses, trains and TRAX.) As of the end of November, all GREENBike bike share stations remain in service, providing a fun way to get around, especially if you plan to tour downtown’s public art. Downtown parking pro tip: the first two hours of parking at City Creek Center are free!

There is no denying that 2020 is dealing us an unusual holiday season. So, instead of focusing on what we can’t do, choose this year to bundle up, put on a mask and embrace the many ways of celebrating the holidays in downtown Salt Lake City.

Haven’t had time to complete your holiday shopping or just getting started? We’ve got the inside track for all of the holiday shopping procrastinators out there!

City Creek Center:

Find something for all of your friends and family at City Creek Center. Enjoy free two-hour parking while you browse over 100 local and national stores. Be sure to check out the brand new Bonobos store for all of the gentlemen in your life. See a full store list and sales going on at https://www.shopcitycreekcenter.com/stores/directory

The Gateway:

Home to several new exciting tenants like Dave & Busters and classics like G-Star and Bastille, The Gateway offers several unique shopping opportunities. Look no further than the new location of Salt & Honey Market! Featuring handmade arts, crafts, jewelry and more, Salt & Honey features goods from DIY’ers from across Utah. Not only are you picking up a thoughtful gift, but you’re also helping support local artists and creators. Learn more at http://shopthegateway.com/

Holiday Art & Craft Market at the Downtown SLC Winter Farmers Market:

Head down to the Winter Farmers Market at the Rio Grande Depot to find dozens of artisanal goods in addition to some tasty food and small-batch products. Saturday at the Rio Grande Train Depot from 10 AM - 2 PM during the last Holiday Art & Craft Market of the season.

Participating Vendors:
Ceramica Artistica ASV - https://www.facebook.com/CeramicaArtisticaASV/ 
Addley Craft - https://addley-craft.com/
Live Your Angle - http://liveyourangle.com/
Heidi Israelsen - https://www.hiceramics.com/
Sticks and Stones Design - https://www.sticksandstones.design/
Beaucoup de Bijoux, LLC - https://www.etsy.com/shop/beaucoupdebijoux
The Wild Seed - https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheWildSeedCo
Steel Design - https://www.facebook.com/utahart/
Laura Sommer Creative - https://www.laurasommerartist.com/
Velo City Bags - https://velocitybags.com/
Lazy Llama - https://www.llalpacawear.com/
Lance Olsen - Colorbox
Rex Burningham / Burning Bowls and Boards - http://www.learningturning.com/

Don’t forget your reusable bag! Help The Market reduce their carbon footprint by bringing your own cloth bag to shop with.

Broadway District:

Home to several notable downtown SLC businesses like Ken Sanders Books and The Green Ant, the Broadway District is a great option for thoughtful and unique gifts. You’ll also find the People’s Coffee, City Barbers, Jitterbug Antiques & Toys, Fellow Shop, Antoinette’s Jewelry, Boozetique and more. Consider this an artisanal mini-mall with gifts for all ages.

Gift Certificates to your favorite restaurants, bars and coffee shops:

Can’t think of what to give? Give the gift of food! Downtown SLC is home to dozens of amazing restaurants, bars and coffee shops. Rest assured, this is one gift you can be sure won’t be regifted.

The holidays are in full swing here in downtown SLC. From shopping and holiday sightseeing to dining and drinking at our top-notch restaurants and bars, there is no shortage of holiday cheer for all your friends and family! To keep every face merry and bright, we're here to offer a few tips on How to Holiday downtown this season.

Getting Around Downtown

With so much to do downtown, it may seem nearly impossible to see everything on your list (and stay warm while doing it). But never fear – Jingle Bus is here! Jingle Bus is a free, holiday-themed ride circulating between The Gateway, Temple Square, City Creek Center, Gallivan Plaza and Capitol Theatre. Downtown visitors and shoppers will find this free service especially useful for getting to-and-from downtown’s two malls, as well as enjoying the abundant holiday lights and storefront decorations.

Jingle Bus runs from 5 PM–10 PM, 7 days a week (except for Christmas Day) free of charge, courtesy of the SLC Downtown Alliance, City Creek Center, The Gateway and other generous sponsors. Check out a map of Jingle Bus stops here.

Parking Downtown  

Did you know downtown has over 55,000 on- and off-street parking spots? That means there are plenty of places to park if you are driving to get to downtown. There are several parking garages throughout the city with the most notable being City Creek Center, The Gateway, and the Regent Street Garage. Remember, on-street parking is free after 8 pm!

City Creek (50 South Main): Just south of Temple Square, this is downtown’s largest and most central parking garage. Entrances to City Creek Center can be accessed from West Temple, South Temple, 100 South and State Street. Parking is free for the first two hours and is $2 for every hour after. If you happen to be dining at City Creek Center, there are a handful of restaurants that can validate. City Creek Center has over 5,000 parking spaces and real-time signs indicating available spots for quick and easy navigation.  

Regent Street Garage (55 East 200 South): Just south of City Creek Center, the Regent Street Garage is accessible via both Regent Street, between 100 and 200 South between State and Main Street, or  Orpheum Avenue from State Street. The cost of parking is $2 per hour.

The Gateway (400 West 100 South): Hosting a multitude of events this holiday season, you’ll want to be sure to check out The Gateway! Their garage can be accessed from 100 South, 400 West and 200 South. With the first hour free, the cost of parking is $2 per hour thereafter.

*Keep in mind, there are a number of other parking garages and lots available around downtown with varying prices. Most average about $2-4 per hour, and some require proof of payment to be placed face-up, on the dash of your car.

Transit

Want to avoid a parking headache all together? The Salt Lake Valley has a plethora of Park-n-Ride TRAX Stations to help you ditch your car this winter. Check out a map of Park-n-Ride Stations here. Consider hopping on the train with the whole family and taking a leisurely ride into downtown. Don’t forget, UTA has a Free-Fare Zone so you can use TRAX and buses within the downtown area free of charge. See a map of the Free-Fare Zone here. See other UTA Schedules here.

Traditions Downtown

Every year downtown fills with holiday shoppers, art lovers and adventure seekers alike. If you’re looking for that something extra to build upon your downtown holiday traditions, check out a few of our favorite things:

Lights, Candy Art, Murals and the Last Hurrah!
You may be among the throngs that enjoy the dazzling lights and charming creches at Temple Square. After taking in the dazzling light display, hop over to view an assortment of intricate, holiday-themed candy creations at City Creek Center. Local artists have created beautiful candy dioramas in the Macy’s windows on Main Street just below South Temple.

Need more visuals? Take a tour of our favorite downtown murals and street art. You can guide yourself through the city using an Interactive Map found at https://theblocksslc.com/map/ and find the following works:

SLC Pepper by Jann Haworth - 250 S. 400 W.
The many murals at The Gateway - 400 W. 100 S.
Salt Palace Subway by Traci O’Very Covey, Chuck Landvatter, Evan Jed Memmott, Matt Monsoon, Jimmi Toro and Alexis Rose - 40 S. 200 W.
Utah Jazz mural by Trent Call - 100 S. Main Street
Ave Maria by El Mac and Retna and various murals - 160 E. 200 S. (go down the alleyway!)
Murals at Ken Sanders Rare Books - 268 S. 200 E.

Skip the Times Square ball-drop this New Year’s Eve and head down to The Gateway for Last Hurrah! This popular local celebration features live music, cultural performances, food, drinks and more. Last Hurrah is the largest NYE celebration in Utah and is free and open to the public from 8 p.m. - midnight.

Holiday Treasure Hunting

Up your gift-giving game this year and get your friends and family something made by a local artist or craftsperson! Check out these galleries for beautiful and meaningful gifts: Modern West Fine Art, Hope Gallery, Southam Gallery, God Hates Robots, Urban Arts Gallery, Michael Berry Gallery, Art Access and Art At The Main.

Galleries aren’t the only places where you can purchase artwork. You will find retailers across downtown with works from local artists.

Want to give the gift of performance instead? Tickets to a performance from any of our celebrated resident companies are sure to be a hit! Upcoming 2019 performances include:

Repertory Dance Theatre - Emerge, Jan. 4-5 / Voices, Apr. 11-13
Ririe-Woodbury Dance Co. - The Live Creature and Ethereal Things, Feb. 1-2 / Bloom, Apr. 18-20
Pygmalion Productions - Wait, Feb. 21-Mar. 9 / Sweetheart Come, May 2-19
Plan-B Theatre - An Evening With Two Awful Men, Feb. 21-Mar. 3 / ...Of Color, Mar. 28-Apr. 7
Ballet West - Swan Lake, Feb. 8-23 / Choreographic Festival, May 9-11
Utah Opera - Mozart’s The Magic Flute, Mar. 9-17 / Bellini’s Norma, May 4-6
Utah Symphony - Brahms’ Violin Concerto, Feb. 22-23 / Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, May 4-6