Temple Square Lights

We were going to blog about our trip to Temple Square last night, but since the entire population of Utah was there, you probably don't won't to hear about it. Still, since someone actually reads our blog from Pakistan (there have been a few hits from there), I guess I'll tell you about it.

None of us had been to Temple Square during Christmas for at least the last 10 years so we didn't know what to expect. We hoped to see the Visitor's Center, take a carriage ride, and see the Christmas lights. We were prepared to pay for parking, which cost $6 on the lot west of the Conference Center. We also packed the boys' snow clothes after we nearly froze to death at the Alpine Nativity. From there, we walked to the Conference Center where the trees were all done up with lights. The boys liked the fountains and waterfalls, too, even in the winter.

Conference Center lights

We crossed the street to Temple Square past the bagpipe-playing Santa (go figure) and practically had to wedge ourselves through the gate. I have never seen an open-air place packed that tightly. The grounds were beautiful, though. They have a Nativity story read directly from the scriptures. Lights shine on the shepherds, the manager, and the wise men in the area between the North Visitor's Center and the Tabernacle.

The Nativity being lit up as scriptures are read.

Enjoying the lights on temple square

The Tabernacle was open, and the kids marveled at the organ. The best part, though, was the Assembly Hall. We climbed the steps and sat in the balcony to listen to the Salem High School Choir (actually, any choir would have been nice, but these kids were great!). The boys were entranced, or maybe just glad to be warming up. We listened to the entire 25 minute show.

Inside the Assembly hall--fabulous choir!

An Ensign worthy picture

The lines to the bathroom were an adventure in and of themselves, but I won't tell you about that here. The lines for a carriage ride outside the South Gate were even longer.

The highlight of this trip is east of the Temple Grounds. There are huge light trees in the plaza and a second Nativity. This one features baby Jesus in the middle of the reflecting pool surrounded by floating lights (Personally, I thought he looked a little shipwrecked, but to each his own).

Shipwrecked

Our favorite trees

Temple Square all lit up!

We liked this adventure, and in a way, it was fun to be around all those people. The price was right-- $6 for parking, and you might get lucky and find a free spot. We were sad we missed the Christus and the carriage ride, but we considered the night a success.