Lights on! Most cities in Salt Lake County plan lighting festivities for Christmas

With Christmas quickly approaching, the minds of many Salt Lake County residents are turned to preparing for the upcoming holiday. Shopping, food preparations and holiday parties may be among the top concerns.

However, what Christmas holiday would be complete without Christmas lights and a lighting ceremony? The Deseret Morning News collected information on each Salt Lake County city planning to have a Christmas lighting celebration, although a few were unavailable at press time. Here is a listing of each celebration.

Salt Lake City:

What: Downtown Lights On! celebration.

When: Friday, Nov. 24, 4-8 p.m.

Where: Macy's on Main, 15 S. Main, 5-7 p.m.; Lights On, Hallelujah! Gallivan Utah Center, 239 S. Main, 4-7 p.m.; Light Up the Night Concert, Olympic Legacy Plaza at The Gateway, 10 N. Rio Grande St., 7 p.m.

Details: This event combines three significant downtown venues: Macy's at the ZCMI Center, , the Gallivan Utah Center and The Gateway.

See the Christmas lights at Temple Square, shop the downtown merchants, greet Santa Claus, hear the "Blue Christmas" concert with a special guest and the Studio A Children's Choir, presented by Macy's. Macy's will also kick off the Angel Tree charitable-giving campaign with complimentary hot cider and cookies on Main Street, and an angel votive candleholder giveaway after the event in the Home department, located on the fourth floor, while supplies last.

Three local gospel choirs will be performing selections of holiday and other soulful songs on the Gallivan Utah Center stage. The ice rink will be open for skating with food for sale by Firehouse BBQ, as well as doughnuts, hot chocolate, coffee and popcorn.

At The Gateway, this year's concert will feature Jon Schmidt. Sing along with your favorite holiday carols and enjoy complimentary hot chocolate.

Murray:

What: Annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony

When: Saturday, Dec. 2, 6 p.m.

Where: Murray City Hall, 5025 S. State

Details: Santa Claus will light the Murray City Christmas tree and head into City Hall where children can sit on his lap to tell him their Christmas wish and receive a treat.

Of note: The display features between 10,000-15,000 lights and takes four to five days to set up. Planning for the event, put on by Murray Power, begins in August.

Sandy: