A Glowing Tradition: Christmas Lamb Day & Light-Up Springville

by Lori Collins

As the autumn leaves settle and the first frost kisses the Wasatch Mountains, Springville prepares to transform into a winter wonderland. While many cities have tree lightings, few possess the artistic soul and unique heritage of Springville’s holiday kick-off.

From the prestigious galleries of the museum to the twinkling lights of residential streets, here is how "Art City" celebrates the most wonderful time of the year in 2026.

### The Christmas Lamb Show: A Spiritual Tradition

While "Lamb Day" is famously a high-summer festival in nearby Fountain Green, Springville has its own sacred winter variation: the Annual Christmas Lamb Show at the Springville Museum of Art.

For over 40 years, this exhibition has invited young artists (grades K–10) from across Utah Valley to submit works that illustrate the "spirit of giving." You won't find many images of Santa here; instead, the galleries are filled with thoughtful, student-created art focused on spiritual themes and the story of the Christmas Lamb.

Opening Celebration: Saturday, December 5, 2026.
The Vibe: It is a heartwarming experience to walk through the galleries and see the holiday season through the eyes of children.

### Santa’s Grand Arrival & Tree Lighting

The official city celebration—the Holiday Festival & Santa Village—typically takes place during the first weekend of December at Civic Center Park.

Santa’s Grand Arrival: On Friday evening (December 4, 2026), watch for the flashing lights of a Springville fire truck as it escorts Santa to Main Street.
The Big Moment: Following Santa’s arrival, the community gathers for the lighting of the City Christmas Tree. In an instant, Civic Center Park is bathed in thousands of shimmering lights, officially launching the season.
Santa’s Village: Enjoy local food vendors, live holiday music on the main stage, and a visit to Santa’s house where every child receives a candy cane.

### Light-Up Springville: The Home Lighting Contest

The magic isn't contained just to the city park. The Annual Light-Up Springville contest turns the entire town into a drive-through gallery of holiday art.

Residents go all-out, competing for utility bill credits and, more importantly, neighborhood bragging rights. The city even provides an Official Light-Up Springville Map, allowing families to plan a cocoa-filled driving route to see the top-rated displays.

Nomination Period: Ends November 30, 2026.
Voting Period: December 3 – December 17, 2026.
Winners Announced: December 18, 2026.

### Plan Your Holiday Kick-Off

Civic Center Park: 50 South Main Street, Springville.
Museum of Art: 126 East 400 South, Springville.
Pro-Tip: Bring your own camera for photos with Santa! The lines can get long, but the festive atmosphere and local vendors make the wait feel like part of the celebration.