Source: Tuacahn Center for the Arts, “Christmas In The Canyon 2026” (no publication date listed; accessed Nov. 2, 2026). Dates are from Tuacahn’s official event calendar.
One of Ivins’ favorite holiday traditions is almost here. Tuacahn’s Christmas in the Canyon opens Friday, November 27, 2026, at the amphitheatre at 1100 Tuacahn Drive in Padre Canyon, and Tuacahn’s calendar lists select evenings through Wednesday, December 23.
What’s happening
- Live Nativity: Tuacahn describes a family-friendly retelling of the first Christmas in the Outdoor Amphitheatre, with live actors, costumes and live animals, “including camels, donkeys, and sheep.” It runs about 20 minutes, with show times at 7 and 8 p.m. Tickets are sold separately through Tuacahn.
- Santa Claus: Santa’s hours are listed as Monday through Saturday, 6 to 9 p.m.
- The Tuacahn Express: a roughly 7-minute train ride through the canyon’s holiday lights, with narration and music. Rides are $3 per person, run most nights from 6 to 9 p.m., and board first come, first served.
- Snow in the desert: Tuacahn says it “will snow on the plaza every 15 minutes.”
2026 dates
Tuacahn’s calendar lists Christmas in the Canyon and the Live Nativity on these nights: November 27 and 28; December 3, 4 and 5; December 8 through 12; December 14 through 19; and December 21, 22 and 23. Check Tuacahn’s page for exact times and tickets before you go, or call the box office at 800-746-9882.
Make it a night
Tuacahn suggests pairing the 7 p.m. Live Nativity with Holiday Inn indoors in the Hafen Theatre at 7:45 p.m. Evenings in the canyon get chilly in late November and December, and most of Christmas in the Canyon is outdoors, so bring a warm coat.
Why it matters for Ivins
Few towns get to walk through holiday lights beneath red rock cliffs just minutes from home. Christmas in the Canyon is one of those small-town traditions that brings neighbors, grandkids and visiting family together each year, and it’s part of what makes the season in Ivins feel special.
More from Ivins
- Tuacahn unveils its 2027 season
- Follow the Flag returns to Snow Canyon for Veterans Day week
- Things to do this week around Ivins and St. George
- All articles from The OwnUtah Journal
- Living in Ivins, Utah, Living in Kayenta and OwnUtah.com home
Merry Christmas from my family to yours.
— Robert Bolar, REALTOR®, Summit Sotheby's International Realty
801-737-3333 · Robert@OwnUtah.com