By Lisa Larson

Beneath the thousands of twinkling lights each year at Tuacahn’s Christmas in the Canyon, there is an air of magic, of something being created that is equal in importance to the spirit of the season. It’s intangible, and not always immediately recognizable, but it’s as real as the sights and smells permeating the space beneath the majestic red rocks because in this place and time, individuals and families are creating memories and traditions.

For Sheree Davidson and her family, the tradition started 10 years ago. They had just moved from northern Utah where they had enjoyed a yearly sojourn to a live nativity in Alpine. They were looking for something to fill the gap in their holiday celebrations in Southern Utah when some friends introduced them to Christmas in the Canyon at Tuacahn.

“We loved it!” Davidson said. “There was just something about the lights, the train ride, the chance to see Santa and the overall atmosphere that was exactly what we needed. We’ve been going back every year.”

Among the lengthy list of things Davidson enjoys about the outdoor festivities at Tuacahn is the fact that there is something to appeal to everyone in her family, from grandparents to children, and even the teenagers.

“We have three kids ages 7, 13, and 17,” Davidson said. “Finding something that accommodates everyone can be difficult, but this is something everyone enjoys.”

The main draw for Davidson’s family, and for thousands of others each year, is the live nativity, taking place in Tuacahn’s renowned Outdoor Amphitheatre for two showings each night. Being able to witness the story of Christ’s birth unfold on a stage that matches the magnitude of this biblical tale is enough to leave even the most stoic patrons a little breathless at the sight.

“We have a paid production staff and directors to really bring out all that this space has to offer, but it’s the volunteer cast that really makes the difference in sharing this story each year,” Kevin Smith, Tuacahn CEO, said, reflecting on some of the precious moments of productions’ past.

“One year the shepherds were supposed to ‘come in haste’ as the narration says, but they weren’t there, because right at that moment we had a real sheep that was supposed to come on stage and she was going into labor at that exact moment,” Smith said. “They had the sheep’s birth right at the beginning of the nativity.”

Another year Smith said the cast featured volunteers from a local Presbyterian church. They didn’t have anyone in the group young enough to play the part of Joseph and Mary, so some of the church leadership who had planned on merely watching, had to fill the roles. The man playing Joseph was terrified to be on stage, but his hesitancy turned to tenderness as he, unsure of what to do in the moments after the Christ child’s birth, went over and gently picked up the baby doll and held it in his arms.

“No one told him to do that, but it worked so well and was so tender, we’ve kept that in the show,” Smith said.

For Davidson, her family loves seeing the live animals in the show year after year, and she is grateful for the tone the nativity sets as a reminder of why Christmas is celebrated at all.

“Sometimes we feel overly busy during the holidays, but these kinds of traditions bring us together,” Davidson said. “I think it’s important to have things that my children will remember, and Christmas in the Canyon is definitely one of those.”

In the 10 years since they first attended this Tuacahn event, the Davidsons have shared it with many of their friends and family, expanding so far as to bring their entire church group to see the live nativity as part of the church’s Christmas party the last two years.

“We’re bringing 250 people to see the show,” Davidson said. “It’s just a great way for us to share with our friends and neighbors a little piece of Christ this Christmas.”

In addition to the live nativity, Tuacahn’s Christmas in the Canyon features rides on the Tuacahn Express train, visits with Santa, unique gift options in Tuacahn’s Gift Gallery, musical performances on the plaza, and this year, there’s a good chance of seeing some snow, courtesy of the snow machines situated on the plaza.

“The snow really adds an atmospheric element to create winter,” said Jeff Miller, director of production at Tuacahn. “Since we’re in the desert, it’s such a novelty to have snow. We think people will really love it.”

The “snowfall” happens roughly every 15 minutes and is the same kind of “snow” used on stage in the 2024 production of Disney’s Frozen.

“It’s the perfect effect,” Smith said. “You’ll have the beauty and wonder of falling snow, but it won’t be overly cold. It’s the best of both worlds.”

Christmas in the Canyon continues each Monday through Saturday night from now through Dec. 23. The live nativity begins at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. each evening. Tickets are $5 per person. For more information go online to www.tuacahn.org or call the box office at 435-652-3300.