Make holiday memories at University Place
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- Kids and families line up to greet Santa and Mrs. Claus as they make a dramatic entrance by helicopter in the University Place parking lot, marking the official start of the holiday season.
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- Guests enjoy the dazzling light displays in The Orchard at University Place, which features a spectacular 30-foot Christmas tree and an abundance of festive outdoor lighting to create a magical atmosphere.
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- The true meaning of the season is recreated during the Live Nativity event in The Orchard, featuring real people and live animals in a scene put on in partnership with the Mountain View High School drama department.
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- Children gather for a special story time in the mall, where Mrs. Claus reads a book and is joined by special guests like princesses and other festive characters.
Kids and families line up to greet Santa and Mrs. Claus as they make a dramatic entrance by helicopter in the University Place parking lot, marking the official start of the holiday season.
This year, step away from online shopping and into the holiday magic at University Place shopping center in Orem, where Santa, dazzling lights and festive fun will be ongoing throughout December.
“We’ve packed the season with events so a trip to the mall becomes more than shopping — it becomes a chance to make lifelong memories,” said Cindy Nguyen, marketing director for University Place.
With Santa making regular visits, roaming Christmas carolers, a live Nativity, children’s story times and outdoor light displays, the entire family is sure to find something to enjoy. Kids can explore the indoor play area, or the whole family can walk through an outdoor lighting display — including a 30-foot Christmas tree — in The Orchard, a common area just north of the mall.
While you’re soaking in the holiday atmosphere, you can shop, grab a meal at one of a variety of sit-down and more casual restaurants, catch a movie at the Cinemark theater or dive into bowling, laser tag, bumper cars and more at The Rush Funplex. After it all, grab some dessert at one of the mall’s sweets providers.
If you’re looking to give back, the annual Light the World Giving Machines will operate Nov. 25 through Jan. 2 just outside Dillard’s, and a “giving tree” will be set up by RC Willey where visitors can select items to purchase for local Sub for Santa recipients.
Guests enjoy the dazzling light displays in The Orchard at University Place, which features a spectacular 30-foot Christmas tree and an abundance of festive outdoor lighting to create a magical atmosphere.
“Families can fill an entire day here,” Nguyen said. “The holiday season is full of wonder and enchantment, and there’s no better place to experience that than at University Place.”
Upcoming holiday events at University Place
Friday, Nov. 28, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
The true meaning of the season is recreated during the Live Nativity event in The Orchard, featuring real people and live animals in a scene put on in partnership with the Mountain View High School drama department.
Bundle up and come welcome Santa and Mrs. Claus as they arrive at University Place by helicopter! There will be snacks and live entertainment while we wait for Santa to land in the parking lot between Tucanos Brazilian Grill and The Cheesecake Factory. Santa is scheduled to arrive around 10 a.m., weather permitting.
Dec. 1-5, 8 to 11 a.m.
This will be the eighth year Quiet Santa has returned to University Place. Our Santa is specifically trained to visit and interact with kids who have sensory sensitivity, and each child gets a longer period with Santa alone before the shopping center opens to the public. Appointments are required; registration is available at universityplaceorem.com.
Santa and Friends
Children gather for a special story time in the mall, where Mrs. Claus reads a book and is joined by special guests like princesses and other festive characters.
Dec. 2, 9, 16 & 23, 5 to 7 p.m.
Come meet some of Santa’s friends at Santa’s Village, including superheroes, princesses, cartoons characters and even some villains from the dark side! Bring your camera; pictures with the characters are free.
Christmas Carolers
Dec. 3, 10 & 17, 6 to 8 p.m.
For the past six years, carolers have roamed the halls of University Place and created a festive environment for shoppers and diners. Come and enjoy the carolers on select Wednesday evenings in December.
Live Nativity
Monday, Dec. 8, 6 to 8 p.m.
The Live Nativity features real people and live animals recreating the evening when baby Jesus was born. This event is put on in partnership with the Mountain View High School drama department, whose students play the leading roles in the event.
Story Time with Mrs. Claus
Dec. 17, 18 & 19, 10 a.m.
Bring your little children and listen to a book read by Mrs. Claus. Each child will get a copy of the book read as a keepsake. Mrs. Claus will also lead the children in carols and has a special guest she’s invited this year! There will also be treats and a craft for your little ones. This event is by registration only; registration is available beginning Dec. 1 at universityplaceorem.com.
Lite Brite Nite
Monday, Dec. 15, 6 to 8 p.m.
Lite Brite Nite is a winter carnival that includes music, photos with the Grinch, face painting, balloon artists, an elf scavenger hunt, our changing color shapes, a life-size Lite Brite and treats.
New Year’s Photo Shoot
Dec. 29 through Jan. 3
Visit Center Court by the Customer Service desk and kick off the new year by grabbing a photo with your family or friends at our 2026 photo wall decorated with balloons, the year and lights!
