If you’re looking to plan a Thanksgiving weekend surrounded by beautiful scenery, sunny Southern Utah should be at the top of your list! With mild winter weather, endless opportunities for outdoor fun, and a wide variety of vacation rentals that fit the whole family, St. George, Utah is the perfect location for the Thanksgiving holiday. The St. George area offers everything you could need for an unforgettable holiday celebration, including Zion National Park, a plethora of other fun outdoor activities, family-friendly resorts, and more. Here are the top reasons to spend Thanksgiving in Southern Utah!
1. Perfect Weather
Unlike many parts of the country that dip below freezing and have snow in late November, St. George and the surrounding areas enjoy mild fall weather. In late November, daytime temperatures are usually between 60 - 70°F, with crisp nights dipping into the 30s and 40s. This makes it a great time of year to enjoy outdoor activities during the day, and cozy up around a fire pit at night.
2. Peaceful Atmosphere
The St. George area tends to have fewer visitors in late November compared to the busy summer and early fall months. This means less traffic, uncrowded trails, and shorter wait times at restaurants. Thanksgiving week tends to be a bit busier but still has a relaxed vibe as people gear up for the holiday.
3. Exploring Zion National Park
While Zion National Park is a popular destination year-round, the cooler weather and school schedules during the fall and early winter can result in fewer visitors. There is an uptick in visitors over Thanksgiving break, but if you time it right, you can enjoy the breathtaking beauty of Zion’s red rock cliffs and canyons or embark on iconic hikes like Angel’s Landing without the usual crowds. Horseback riding is another great activity offered at Zion - Canyon Trail Rides, the park's concessioner, offers 1-hour and 3-hour guided horse and mule rides along the Virgin River and Sandbench Trail. Or experience the thrill of canyoneering, where you can explore Zion’s stunning canyons for an unforgettable adventure. With comfortable temperatures and fewer people, you can take in the majestic scenery at your own pace.
Canyoneering, horseback riding, and jeep tours are all offered through East Zion Adventures. Our discount with them is "REDROCK10" for 10% off! Learn More
4. Outdoor Activities and Adventures
Thanksgiving and late November are an exceptional time of year to enjoy all the outdoor activities that Southern Utah has to offer. Here are just a few of the activities our guests love to enjoy this time of year!
Hiking: While Zion National Park should be on every visitor’s list, there are numerous great hiking trails close to St. George. Late November is a great time to check out Snow Canyon State Park and Red Cliffs National Conservation Area.
Biking: Mountain biking is very popular in Southern Utah, with singletrack ranging from beginner-friendly flow trails to rocky, technical descents.
Water Activities: Although the water may be a bit chilly for swimming, the temperatures can be ideal for boating or jet skiing on a nearby reservoir like Sand Hollow State Park.
Golfing: St. George is known for world-class Golf Courses where you can play surrounded by stunning red rock desert views and cool fall breezes.
5. Family-Friendly Activities
St. George and the nearby cities are full of attractions that are fun for the whole family. From wildlife to dinosaurs to a cchildren’s museum, there’s plenty for curious young minds to explore. Tonaquint Park has a nature center and expansive playground for kids to run around, while the Sand Hollow Aquatic Center offers indoor waterpark fun. And a family night out at Fiesta Fun Center has something for everyone, from go-karts to bowling.
6. Festive Holiday Events
If you like to start your Thanksgiving with a little exercise, the Turkey Trot in St. George is a festive, family-friendly event including a 5K or 1-mile fun run followed by a harvest festival with games, dancing, and pie-eating contests. Another option is the St. George Gobbler, which includes a 10K race for anyone looking for additional mileage before indulging in their holiday meal. The weekend after Thanksgiving also includes some festive kick-off events for the holiday season, including Christmas in the Canyon and Holiday Lights at Red Hills Desert Garden.
7. Benefits of Staying in a Vacation Rental for Thanksgiving
Spending Thanksgiving in a vacation rental allows you and your loved ones to have plenty of quality time together for the holiday, plus it’s typically a more cost-effective option versus renting multiple hotel rooms. All of our St. George vacation rentals have fully equipped kitchens, allowing you to prepare your own Thanksgiving meal and host a holiday gathering with all the comforts of home - another great benefit of staying in a vacation rental. And amenities like hot tubs, fire pits, outdoor spaces, and community pools will make the holiday even more memorable and fun for the whole group!
Red Rock Vacation Rentals has a wide variety of St. George area vacation rentals to choose from, plus we have over 100 homes that are perfect for large groups if you're traveling with other families and all want to stay together. The more the merrier when it comes to the holidays! Don't miss out on this opportunity to celebrate Thanksgiving in a unique and beautiful area like Southern Utah. Book your vacation rental for Thanksgiving and experience all that St. George has to offer for a memorable holiday weekend!
