New spots to Shop, Dine, and Play in the Wasatch Back this season
There’s something special about watching a community grow. It’s always exciting when a new business opens in town, offering residents and visitors a new place to explore and new experiences to behold.
Whether it’s the quiet charm of a locally owned bookstore, the smell of fresh coffee drifting from a new café, or the buzz of a seasonal event that brings people together, these small businesses are what make Park City’s scene thrive.
These recent openings offer plenty of ways to shop, dine, and play. Check out a few standouts that are helping shape the evolving spirit of our community.
The Nutcracker
Ballet West | Nov. 28-Dec. 27
Ballet West’s historic Nutcracker production, first staged in 1944 by Ballet West’s founder Willam Christensen, is now designated as a Living Historic Landmark by the state of Utah — the first such designation for a ballet, the company said. Discover why this beloved classic, set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score performed live by the Ballet West Orchestra, has become synonymous with holiday tradition.
Snow Globe Art Stroll
Park City Main Street | Nov. 26-Jan. 5
While you’re walking up and down Main Street during the holidays this year, take time to appreciate this year’s batch of snow globes from local artists, facilitated by the Historic Park City Alliance. This year’s theme is “Winter Wonderland.” Artists will capture the spirit of the season with their own brand of inspired creativity. Each of the seven Snow Globes will feature a hidden silver snowflake inside for guests to find, along with a QR code display with access to artist information and a full map of the Snow Globe locations. Starting Nov. 28, head to Canyons Village to continue your stroll with six more art installations built inside retired Red Pine Gondola cars.
SkiJoring Utah
Heber City | Jan. 16-17
For a one-of-the-kind West experience, Utah SkiJoring in Heber City blends horses, skiing, snow and style all into one. The action packed competition involves a horse and rider who pull a skier — or snowboarder — through a course that includes gates, jumps and rings, the trio racing for cash and prizes based on the fastest times. Friday brings high-speed qualifiers; Saturday turns up the volume with finals-level intensity. The weekend is sure to host plenty of high-speed wipeouts and runaway horses, plus local vendors, entertaining announcers and warm spirits make this lively event well worth the trip to Park City’s neighboring city.
Home Free: Let Me Come Home Tour
Park City Performing Arts. | Fri., Dec. 5 | 7 p.m.
All-vocal country group Home Free will celebrate the season with their heartwarming holiday tour, Let Me Come Home — named after their original track from the brand-new 2024 holiday album, “Any Kind of Christmas.” Known for their jaw-dropping harmonies, signature country charm and a uniquely festive spirit, Home Free brings audiences a seasonal experience like no other. Featuring Rob Lundquist, Adam Rupp, Tim Foust, Adam Chance and new member Adam Bell-Bastien.
Folklore Bookshop
10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday | 49 N 200 W, Suite 101, Midway | folklorebookshop.com
Midway has seen plenty of new growth this year, from The Dainty Pear to Flower Bar Co., but one that stands out is Folklore bookshop. The business opened its doors this spring, bringing a whole new collection to the Main Street area, blending cozy decor with carefully curated reads. Folklore features both classics and contemporary works, but it also boasts an impressive children’s section and a wide array of gifts and trinkets that even non-readers will appreciate.
Chomp Donuts & Coffee
1612 W Ute Blvd Suite 118, Park City | chompdonuts.com
A refined twist on the beloved classic, Chomp Donuts & Coffee brings together casual sweet treat time and a fine-dining ethos to Kimball Junction. Created by a Michelin-trained chef, a trial attorney and a corporate sales professional, the team pairs high-quality ingredients with a process that turns delicious donuts into a crafted experience. The delectable bites offer a taste of nostalgia with an elevated touch.
Après House Co.
Events vary by season | apreshouseco.com
This business has swiftly risen in popularity among the Park City après lovers, formed to bring a modern, European-inspired après-ski culture to our mountain town. While it officially started in 2019, those days of a few gatherings have since grown to a full slate of year-round parties for the community. Organizers partner with “top venues and global brands to design experiences that connect locals, visitors, and tastemakers” from golden hour gatherings to high-energy events that showcase the mountain lifestyle.
