The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is finalizing preparations for their annual Christmas light display at Temple Square, set to illuminate the night starting this Friday, as the Church publicized earlier this week. The festive display, a long-standing tradition in the community, will come alive against the backdrop of the recently finished Main Street Plaza. According to ABC4, additional lights and nativity scenes will also adorn the Church Office Building Plaza and the area north of the Tabernacle.
Following a hiatus due to the pandemic, which saw the cancellation of the Tabernacle Choir concerts in 2020 and restricted visitor access in 2021, this year's display is being heralded as a significant return to form. Jay Warnick, ground services manager for the Church, told ABC4, "Everything that we do points to our Savior, that’s why we do what we do, it’s a magical time of year when lights are turned on." Although areas to the immediate north and south of the Salt Lake Temple and other historical buildings remain concealed behind construction barriers, the expansion of the light display comes as an invitation to the public to partake in the holiday spirit.
The renovations that began in 2019 have incrementally reopened parts of the Square, and this year's embellishments are expected to draw visitors in great numbers. Acknowledging those who cannot attend in person, the Church has made provisions to share specific events virtually. KUTV reports that several new areas will be available to guests including Main Street Plaza, Church Office Building Plaza, and the area immediately north of the Tabernacle.
However, some sections will remain off-limits due to ongoing renovations, such as the areas surrounding the Salt Lake Temple and several historical edifices including the Assembly Hall and the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. As detailed by The Salt Lake Tribune, despite these closures, the Church's efforts in expanding the Christmas light displays signify a concerted effort to spread joy during the holiday season, even in parts of Temple Square where renovations persist and welcome the local community and visitors alike to a festive experience rooted in their Christmas traditions.
