Utah’s winter season is gaining a completely new attraction this year as the Utah State Fairgrounds prepares to host the Utah debut of Magical Lantern Nights, KUTV reported. The event brings a spectacular new holiday lantern experience to Salt Lake City, featuring immersive scenes, towering creations, and dinosaurs.
Organized by the producers of Houston’s Magical Winter Lights, the exhibition centers on enormous, intricately designed lantern displays that transform light, color, and imagination into walkable environments. Visitors encountering the displays will find enchanting characters and photo opportunities around nearly every corner.
Dates and Operating Hours at Utah State Fairgrounds
The seasonal attraction is scheduled to run from November 20, 2026, through January 10, 2027, at the Utah State Fairgrounds located in Salt Lake City, Utah. Operating hours are set for Sunday through Monday from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., while Friday and Saturday hours run from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. In addition, extended holiday hours will operate from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Performances and Creator Insights
Beyond the illuminated structures, the experience features live acrobatic performances and cultural demonstrations offering high-energy feats of balance and skill alongside centuries-old traditions. RoShelle Salinas discussed the new holiday addition during an appearance on Fresh Living.
Utah has an incredible appreciation for holiday traditions and light experiences, which is exactly why we’re so excited to bring something new to Salt Lake City,
said Yusi Cheng, creator of Magical Lantern Nights. Magical Lantern Nights combines the nostalgia of holiday lights with the artistry and scale of handcrafted lantern displays. We want guests to feel like they’ve stepped into a storybook.
