A CURATED CALENDAR FOR THE CURIOUS SLC EXPLORER
See full event listings at The Blocks Arts District

The Nutcracker, Temple Square lights, and Kurt Bestor… for Utahn’s they’re synonymous with the holidays. For 36 years, Kurt has been harkening the Yuletide-spirit for hundreds of thousands of fans.  See him at the Eccles, four shows, tickets start at $37.

Don’t FUR-get to bring your pet to City Creek Center from 5:30-7:30pm and get a photo with Santa! It will be PAW-some! Ruff-ervations recommended.

The Utah Symphony gives a behind-the-scenes peek at tonight’s show during a daytime dress rehearsal where you’ll hear acclaimed pianist Changyong Shin work out any kinks with the Orchestra. (Abravanell Hall, 10am, $15)

This year, the Utah legislature designated Ballet West's The Nutcracker as a Living Historic Landmark, the first such designation in the United States. Afterall, it is the longest running Nutcracker in the country and maybe the world, and some call it the very best version (The New York Times, included). (Capitol Theatre, $36)

Want to have breakfast with Santa? You’ve got options! Have a Ho-Ho-whole morning of fun with Old Saint Nick at Discovery Gateway, City Creek Center, and even Dave and Buster’s! That guy gets around! (Tickets required for each event.)

Stop shopping online where an algorithm is showing you what it thinks you like and adventure to the Downtown Farmers Market to find a craft, a piece of art, a homemade packaged good that is made with love by your neighbors! 10-2, north of the Olympic Fountain.

Pioneer Park is glowing this time of year and tonight and Sunday evening, check out the new Lights On event with tons of live music, food trucks, trivia contest, and chocolate and cheese tasting from Caputo’s Market! For the adults, Scion Cider will be selling their spirits. (Sat & Sun, 6-10pm, free)

Multi-talented artist Leslie Odom Jr. returns to the Eccles for one night only. He’s got a Tony, Grammy, Emmy and two noms for an Oscar and you can see him at the Eccles for just $45!

Aunt Sue in North Carolina, a Friend of This Week Downtown (FOTWD) recently said, "If I lived in Salt Lake, I'd be putting everything in that newsletter on my calendar." So tell us, dear fan, where will you be soaking in the spirit this week? Tell us: info@downtownslc.org

Controversial opinion: we’ve never liked falafel. We found it to be flavorless, brown, lukewarm, meh. Then, last week, we found (more on that in a moment) Shawarma Shack. We stayed in our lane, comfortable with the decision of  beef gyro platter, which was resplendent with flavors and colors. It was so tasty, we took up our dining companion’s offer to try the falafel. 

Oh, My! Bursting with flavors like cardamom, cumin, cilantro, onion, bound together by chickpeas that had been lightly fried into a fritter ball. We realized that we just had never had GOOD falafel! What a glorious discovery!

If food is the reward at Shawarma Shack, finding this tiny haunt is the adventure. It is at 268 south Main Street. No, not Vape on Main (downstairs), you’ll walk through Market on Main Street like you own the place (BTW, a handy bodega, if you haven’t been in), up the ramp you’ll find a postage stamp of a restaurant with just a few tables and three fellas slinging some of the most authentic, flavorful Mediterranean in town! Enjoy the discovery!

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