Cerca: December Calendar

Expect plenty of holiday events among the activities in Cerca country during December. Here's a look:

Through Dec. 23, Ivins, Utah: Christmas in the Canyon. A live Nativity, holiday music on the plaza, Old Salty Train rides, light show and a visit from Santa Claus. Thursday through Saturday evenings, except Dec. 3 when the center features the Tuacahn Christmas Concert. Tuacahn Center for the Arts (435) 652-3300. www.tuacahn.org.

Through Dec. 23, Ely: Polar Express. Head to the "North Pole" and visit with Santa Claus and his elves. On the way, there will be a reading of the children's classic "The Polar Express." Santa will present a silver bell to all believers. Cookies and hot chocolate will be available. Friday through Sunday and all of Christmas week. (866) 407-8326. www.nevadanorthernrailway.net.

Through Jan. 1, Prescott, Ariz.: "World's Largest Gingerbread Village." More than 100 locally constructed gingerbread houses are displayed in the lobby of the Prescott Resort. (800) 967-4637. www.prescottresort.com.

Through Jan. 31, Williams, Ariz.: The Polar Express. Listen to the children's classic "The Polar Express," by Chris Van Allsburg, while taking a magical journey to the "North Pole," where Santa and his reindeer will greet passengers. Hot chocolate and cookies will be available. Silver bells will be presented to children. (800) 843-8724. www.thetrain.com.

Thursday, Zion National Park, Utah: Thursday Trek. Join a field institute naturalist on hikes to view the geology, flora, fauna and cultural history of the park. Zion Canyon Field Institute. Reservations recommended. (800) 635-3959. www.zionpark.org.

Thursday through Saturday, St. George, Utah: Dickens Christmas Festival. Take a look at 19th-century England while strolling through village streets filled with Dickens characters, carolers, fortune-tellers, shops and vendors. (877) 856-6366. www.dixiecenter.com.

Friday and Saturday, Lake Havasu, Ariz.: 29th annual Boat Parade of Lights. More than 50 decorated boats will parade under the London Bridge Channel and tour the lake. The host is the London Bridge Yacht Club. (928) 453-3444. www.lhcboatparadeoflights.com.

Saturday, Prescott, Ariz.: 29th annual Christmas Parade and 57th annual Courthouse Lighting. One of the city's most popular annual events celebrates with a parade, a visit by Santa Claus and an evening lighting. Prescott Courthouse Plaza. Parade is at 1 p.m. and lighting at 6 p.m. (928) 777-1100. www.visit-prescott.com.

Saturday, Prescott, Ariz.: Frontier Christmas Open House. Costumed revelers, storytelling and period entertainment featuring carolers will be offered. Hot cider and cookies will be available. The event takes place immediately following the courthouse lighting. 6-9 p.m., Sharlot Hall Museum. (928) 445-3122. www.sharlot.org.

Friday through Sunday, Wickenburg, Ariz.: 23rd annual Cowboy Christmas Poets Gathering. Cowboy poets, singers and musicians will celebrate the Old West at various venues across town. (800) 942-5242. www.wickenburgchamber.com.

Saturday through Dec. 4 and Dec. 10-11, Kingman, Ariz.: Santa's Hualapai Wonderland. Visit Santa Claus and take a hayride and enjoy holiday treats. Hualapai Mountain Park. 2-6 p.m. (928) 681-5700. www.kingmantourism.org.

Dec. 5, Cedar City, Utah: Christmas at the Homestead. This evening program will feature candle dipping, paper-chain making, popcorn stringing, carolers and a visit by Santa Claus. Held at Frontier Homestead State Park Museum. (435) 586-9290. www.scenicsouthernutah.com.

Dec. 9-10, Zion National Park, Utah: Winter photography. Join photographer and field institute director Michael Plyler for this two-day workshop. Learn tips about composition, depth of field and camera equipment. Zion Canyon Field Institute. Reservations needed. (800) 635-3959. www.zionpark.org.

Saturday and Dec. 4 and Dec. 10-11: V&T Comstock Christmas Train. Travel the rails in Virginia City in a festively decorated and fully restored antique passenger car. Christmas music and hot chocolate and cider served by elves. (775) 847-0380. www.visitvirginiacitynv.com.

Dec. 16-18, Prescott, Ariz.: Elves Weekend Downtown. Carolers, musicians and elves can be found strolling around the downtown shopping and dining area of town. Special promotions and refreshments will be offered in some of the shops. Prescott Courthouse Plaza. (928) 445-2000. www.visit-prescott.com.

Dec. 31, Brian Head, Utah: Fireworks and Torchlight Parade. This New Year's celebration features skiers making their way down the slopes carrying a torchlight, followed by a fireworks display and party. Brian Head Resort. (435) 677-2035. www.scenicsouthernutah.com.