Happy Holidays!

Now is a great time to visit Bryce Canyon. The park is open year-round and this area is spectacular when glazed with snow. Lodging and activity rates are low Crowds — there aren't any crowds Ruby's Inn hosts the annual Bryce Canyon Winter Festival every Presidents Day weekend (Feb 14-16, 2004). The festival offers something for everyone! Cross country ski races! Archery clinic! Archery biathlon competition Free snowshoe tours! Free clinics in photography! Snow sculpture! Kids' events! Entertainment and more More information: info@rubysinn.com (435) 834-5341

We hope you take time to enjoy some of the singular beauties of this special season. Some of our favorites include:

	Large snowflakes falling in a silent forest
	Children squealing with delight as they reach the bottom of a ski run or tubing hill
	Sunlight gleaming off a frozen waterfall
	Flames dancing and crackling in a fireplace
	Strains of Silent Night, sung by carolers at the door or on the street corner
	A cozy hideaway escape from the bustle of the city, where you can enjoy quiet time with those you love

One of the largest and most impressive displays of Christmas lights in the world can be found in downtown Salt Lake City, on historic Temple Square and adjacent roadways and buildings. Temple Square offers free public events including a nativity, Christmas concerts and religious presentations on a daily basis.

Santa will be on the slopes at many Utah ski resorts during the week before Christmas. Check with each resort for exact times and locations. The snow has been exceptionally good this year and he'll squeeze in a few rides down the mountain between wish lists and photo ops.

The small community of Helper hosts an impressive Christmas Festival. It includes chili dinners, a silent auction and electric light parade on Dec. 5-6, and a fireworks display on Dec. 6.

The Christmas Festival of Lights is becoming a popular annual event at Tuacahn Center for the Arts. Tuacahn is set in a scenic red-rock canyon near St. George. The free festival offers a live nativity, holiday train ride, and thousands of beautiful holiday lights throughout the Tuacahn Canyon. The events continue through Dec. 27, open from 6:30 until 9 pm on Friday, Saturday, and Monday evenings. The nativity will perform at 7 and 8 pm.

Odyssey Dance Theatre's Joy to the World will be presented at Tuacahn Dec. 15 & 16. It is a spectacular Christmas dance concert featuring David Osmond, Jenny Frogley, Margo Watson, and Jericho Road.

Authentic Native American Arts and Crafts will be offered for sale at the Indian Walk In Center, 120 West 1300 South, Salt Lake City, on Dec. 13 & 14. There will also be special performances by Willie Tso both days at noon and 4 pm, and a Benefit Silent Art Auction Dec 12 from 6 pm to 10 pm. For info: 801-486-4877 Ext. 39.

Contest POWWOW Native American dancing will be held Dec 31 at the Salt Palace Convention Center, Room 251, in downtown Salt Lake City. For more information call Cal Nez at 801-533-9503.

Virtually all Utah communities will have New Years Eve activities and celebrations. Salt Lake City, Ogden and Provo will host extensive First Night activities with concerts, fireworks and other activities.

The Sundance Film Festival will be Jan 15-25 in Park City and Salt Lake City. Most pass packages are now sold out, but there are still a few options if you act quickly. Visit the festival website for details.

Now is the time to book national parks, whitewater and houseboat trips for next summer. Check out our trip packages and give us a call.

Check our comprehensive events listing for other activities.

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