Every year Tuacahn’s Christmas in the Canyon event sets the majesty of the red rock cliffs aglow with thousands of twinkling lights, train rides, visits with Santa, and a live nativity performance that will touch the hearts of everyone.
Families, friends, church groups, and starry-eyed couples all find their way to this magical corner of the world, breathing in the cinnamon almond-scented air, and warming themselves by the fire while sipping a cup of cocoa.
“When we first started this years ago,” said Kevin Smith, Tuacahn CEO, “we wanted it to be that family tradition where people could come and remember the true meaning of Christmas, and we’re proud that it has become that.”
The 20-minute Live Nativity takes place in the Outdoor Amphitheatre and features a volunteer cast, live animals, fabulous music, and narration. It shows twice a night, with the first performance finishing in plenty of time for those in the audience who have tickets to the Broadway musical, White Christmas, to walk over to the Indoor Hafen Theatre.
For those who aren’t attending White Christmas, there is still plenty to enjoy with Christmas in the Canyon. On the Tuacahn plaza, you can listen to roaming carolers and warm your hands over a crackling fire while you wait your turn to share Christmas wishes with Santa Claus.
Plus, don’t miss a ride on the Tuacahn Express Train! This year it has gone through a total renovation with special upgrades, such as a multimedia caboose. “Our goal was to make it more than a train ride,” said Tuacahn’s Special Effects Supervisor, Matthew Monge. “It’s a chance to sit back and relax and let the magic of Christmas soak in with all the sparkling Christmas lights and fun holiday music.”
Holiday traditions bring families and loved ones closer together, and with all that the Christmas in the Canyon events have to offer, there’s something for everyone. “It’s such a unique setting in which to experience all the holiday season has to offer beneath the stars and twinkling lights at Tuacahn,” Smith said.
Christmas in the Canyon takes place now through Dec. 23 from 6-9pm. Tickets to the nativity and the train are available online at www.tuacahn.org. For more information call the box office at 435-652-3300.