Christmas Celebrations on Temple Square 2025
To read more from Larry Richman, visit LDS 365.
Temple Square in Salt Lake City offers Christ-centered displays and free activities this Christmas season. While renovation continues on the historic Salt Lake Temple, many locations on Temple Square are open to guests.
Below is a schedule of events:
- Christmas Lights. Available at all open areas of Temple Square daily from 6:00-8:00 a.m. and 4:30-10:00 p.m. November 28, 2025, through January 1, 2026.
- Church History Museum. The Giving Machine display in the lobby is available Monday, Friday, and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Tuesday—Thursday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Auditorium features musical performances from community/school groups. The Drawing Room features free activities, including the Light the World tree and take-home Christmas crafts (luminaries from Mexico and parols from the Philippines).
- Conference Center. Christmas-themed large-form artwork throughout the plaza lobby Monday—Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Tours of the building are offered, except during events and closures.
- Tabernacle Choir Christmas Concert. December 11-13, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. in the Conference Center, featuring Tony Award-winning actress Stephanie J. Block and Broadway and television actor Sebastian Arcelus. Tickets are complimentary but required for entry. The random selection process is now over, but a standby line in the Tabernacle will open 90 minutes before each concert.
- Music and the Spoken Word. Live each Sunday at 9:30 a.m. in the Conference Center. Broadcast is 30 minutes long. Free to the public; no ticket required for entry. A special performance on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. in the Conference Center will feature a guest artist and highlight music from the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square’s Christmas concerts.
- Giving Machines. Kiosks hosted in 126 cities across 21 countries and on six continents. Locations in Salt Lake City include City Creek Center and the Church History Museum.
- Savior of the World Performance. November 20 through December 27, 2025, in the Conference Center Little Theater (excluding Sundays and Mondays). Matinees begin at 2:00 p.m. and evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are required for entry. All have been distributed, but a standby line will be available at a marked location inside the Conference Center Plaza level lobby near the west wall portrait gallery.
- Concerts and Nightly Performances. November 30 through December 23, 2025. Various times and locations throughout Temple Square featuring choirs sponsored by schools, missionary, and community organizations, as well as various string, flute, guitar,
No Christmas displays or events will be offered at the Church History Library or FamilySearch Library, but the buildings will remain open as usual.
Learn more in the article “Temple Square 2025: Christmas Celebrations Centered on the Light of Christ.”
See more information on Temple Square operating hours.
VIDEO: The First Christmas Story, Retold by Children
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has released the 2025 Light the World video, “The First Christmas Story, Retold by Children,” inviting people to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ by sharing His light with others.
The video features children reenacting and reciting the Nativity story found in Luke 2 interspersed between scenes from the Church’s 2019 video, “The Christ Child.”
2025 Light the World Invites All to Celebrate Jesus’s Birth
For the ninth year, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints invites all to remember and celebrate Christ’s birth during the Christmas season through acts of kindness. These include adding light to existing holiday traditions, watching the Christ Child video, and finding a Giving Machine to donate to.
The Church has a dedicated webpage for the 2025 Light the World resources. On that page, you can:
- Add Light to your Christmas traditions with an idea generator
- Download a list of ideas to add Jesus Christ’s light to your existing holiday traditions
- See ways to help a friend add light to their traditions
- Learn about Light the World’s giving machine kiosks, where you can donate items to people in need, like chickens, shoes, and clothes
- Watch The Christ Child video
- Find a Church near you to worship
- Learn more about the Church and meet with the missionaries
Celebrate the Birth of Jesus Christ by Helping Those in Need Around the World
The following is excerpted from the Church Newsroom. To read the full article, CLICK HERE.
Each Christmas season, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Light the World Giving Machine initiative offers a meaningful way to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ by helping those in need. Whether it’s beehives for a family in Kenya or a warm blanket for a child in your own city, these tangible gifts turn generosity into joy.
This December, Giving Machine kiosks will be hosted in 126 cities, in 21 countries and on six continents — including the first in South America. New international countries this year include Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Chile, El Salvador, Italy, Japan, Spain and Thailand.
Each customized machine is stocked with tangible items and services to help people in need — nearby or across the world — providing a meaningful and memorable way to show love and extend hope to individuals and families.
This year, more than 4,000 items will be available worldwide from over 500 local nonprofit organizations, including these twelve global participants:
- American Red Cross
- Care
- Church World Service
- Days for Girls International
- Lifting Hands International
- Mentors International
- Right to Play
- Special Olympics
- Splash
- UNHCR for USA
- UNICEF
- Water for Good
Instead of purchasing candy or snacks from a vending machine, people buy goods and services to support those in need. It’s a machine that enables a person to give — rather than receive. Items vary by city, but a typical machine includes food, clean water, clothing, shelter, healthcare, education support, hygiene kits, bedding, job and career training, and even livestock such as chickens, goats, pigs and beehives.
Tiffany Larson, CEO of Days for Girls International, was present for a media event at the Conference Center on Temple Square on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, where the season’s Giving Machine host cities were announced. She shared a story of a 15-year-old girl in Nepal who benefited from a Giving Machine gift of a feminine hygiene kit.
“These cards in the machine might just look like cards, but they’re giving back girls dignity and health and opportunity,” said Larson, whose organization alleviates period poverty for women.
Ana Peña of Mentors International’s leadership team shared a story of a woman in Nicaragua who started a business thanks to a Giving Machine gift of chickens.
“We have thousands of stories like that of families that have started businesses thanks to these gifts,” Peña said. “I have visited so many of them, and they’re so, so grateful for the initiative and the families that come out and buy these gifts for them.”
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints covers all operating costs, ensuring that 100% of each donation goes directly to the participating nonprofits. The Church does not receive any financial benefit from this initiative.
Young Women General President Emily Belle Freeman said Wednesday that her family has donated through Giving Machine kiosks every year since 2017. And every year they have donated chickens.
“It’s so fun to think about how what begins as a three-to-five-minute experience in front of one of these machines turned into a lifetime change for a family or even just one young woman,” President Freeman said. “That’s such an amazing and remarkable thing for all of us to be able to participate in.”
Sister Kristin M. Yee of the Relief Society General Presidency spoke of the importance of the many nonprofits the Church is serving with to make these good things happen.
“We have so many wonderful participating nonprofits that are part of this work,” Sister Yee said. “We are so grateful to work with them in this effort. There are many hands that are part of this. We cannot do this on our own. It’s only together that we can do this. Whether we’re a nonprofit or just an individual, we can have the opportunity to help and offer acts of kindness and help move goods to those in need.”
When donations are transferred to each nonprofit organization, the Church also provides an itemized list of purchases, ensuring that every donor’s gift is delivered. These organizations have 12 months to fulfill those orders. Nonprofits can use up to 10% of their Giving Machine receipts for overhead costs, but most choose to use much less or none.
Since 2017, nearly US$50 million has been donated through the Giving Machine initiative.
Elders Matthew S. Holland and W. Mark Bassett of the Seventy also shared thoughts at Wednesday’s event. Both emphasized that the Giving Machine initiative is grounded in Jesus Christ.
“In John 8:12 we read, ‘I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life,’” said Elder Holland, who serves as executive director of the Church Communication Department. “Jesus Christ is the Light of the World. When we focus our Christmas activities on Him and give gifts of love and service as He did, we fill the world with more light. As we share abundantly with others, we experience an abundance of light and joy in our hearts and homes. This is the true Christmas experience.”
“Jesus Christ is the Light of the World,” added Elder Bassett, who is executive director of the Church’s Missionary Department. “He has asked us, commanded us, pled with us to love one another. This is just one way that we can love our neighbors. Might we do so this Christmas season as we remember the birth of the Son of God, Jesus Christ.”
To read the full article on the Church Newsroom, CLICK HERE.
Jenny Oaks Baker Announces National Christmas Tour: “Joy to the World! A Sacred Celebration”
2025 edition produced by SoulFill Music Foundation, a new arts and faith-focused nonprofit.
Grammy-nominated and Billboard charting violinist Jenny Oaks Baker has announced plans to celebrate Christmas with audiences across the country with “Joy to the World! A Sacred Celebration.” The musical production blends artistry with what Baker and Christians worldwide believe is the true meaning of the season—the birth of Jesus Christ.
Produced by the SoulFill Music Foundation and sponsored by Black Desert Resort of St. George, Utah, the tour will visit 13 cities in Colorado, Texas, Utah, Idaho, Florida, Virginia, and California. Baker will be joined by her children—Family Four—along with internationally celebrated mezzo-soprano Angela Brower, and acclaimed baritone and narrator Preston Yates.
The Christmas tour reflects the mission of SoulFill, a nonprofit founded in 2025 to expand access to uplifting, faith-filled productions. With the support of financial donors and show sponsors, each concert will provide free or discounted tickets to underserved local individuals and families. In addition, family-friendly ticket pricing begins at $15, ensuring that Baker’s music can be experienced by audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
“It’s taken an incredible amount of work to build the foundation, but it is so rewarding to see lives changing through our initiatives,” said Katie Larsen, Executive Director of SoulFill Music Foundation. “We believe music can be a witness of Christ’s love—and everyone deserves to feel included in that.”
Baker and Larsen expressed gratitude that the internationally celebrated mezzo-soprano Angela Brower has joined the cast. “She brings a rare blend of elegance and compelling artistry to every note she sings,” Larsen said. “With performances from Wigmore Hall to Carnegie Hall, Angela has been hailed at the world’s leading opera houses and concert venues.”
The New York Times has described Brower as having a “plush, full sound, yet also youthful brightness.” Baker agrees and added that audiences will be especially inspired by Brower’s performances of “Beautiful Savior” and “Silent Night.”
Actor and baritone Preston Yates brings his talents to the show for the second year. “His rich, resonant tone carries both strength and serenity, and his performances are infused with a deep reverence for the sacred texts he sings,” Baker said. “Like last year, I am certain Preston will enjoy standing ovations for his performance of ‘O Holy Night.’ For the 2025 edition of the show, Yates also serves as narrator.
The production also features a script written by New York Times bestselling author Jason Wright, known for his novel “Christmas Jars.” The script celebrates Christ’s birth through songs and storytelling, encouraging crowds to become bolder witnesses of Jesus Christ.
Each show will also feature local performing groups—choirs, ballet dancers, and Irish dancers—who join the cast on stage, making each concert a unique celebration of community and Christmas traditions. “Joy to the World is about more than entertainment,” said Baker. “It’s about preparing hearts for Christmas, uniting families and communities through soul-filling music and dance, and celebrating the Savior of the World.”
This year’s production will also support the viral “Light the World” giving initiative by coordinating all shows with a Giving Machine location. “This is a very exciting opportunity for us because the mission of SoulFill is to unite communities through music,” Larsen said. “And I can’t think of a better cause to unite people. Together, we can all give to underserved communities during the holiday season.” Patrons at each concert will have the opportunity to learn more about the popular Giving Machines.
With performances scheduled in Denver, Houston, Orlando, Washington, D.C., Oakland, Salt Lake City, and more, “Joy to the World! A Sacred Celebration” aims to be a highlight of the 2025 holiday season. Baker promises audiences an inspiring evening of beloved carols, unique artistry, and a powerful celebration brought to life by world-class performers and local talent alike.
For tickets, full tour information, and performer biographies, visit JennyOaksBaker.com.
To learn more about SoulFill Music Foundation, visit SoulFillMusic.org.
Tour Dates, Cities, and Venues
December 1-2: DENVER, Colorado – Newman Center for the Performing Arts
December 4: STAFFORD, Texas – Stafford Centre
December 6: KLEIN, Texas – Klein Oak High School
December 8: ST. GEORGE, Utah – Dixie High School
December 9: PAYSON, Utah – Payson High School
December 12: LOGAN, Utah – Ellen Eccles High School
December 13: OGDEN, Utah – Fremont High School
December 15: REXBURG, Idaho – Madison Performing Art Center
December 17: LAKELAND, Florida – Polk Theatre
December 18: ORLANDO, Florida – Windermere High School
December 20: ARLINGTON, Virginia – Thomas Jefferson Community Theater
December 22: OAKLAND, California – Temple Hill Auditorium
December 23: SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Abravanel Hall
About Jenny Oaks Baker & Family Four
America’s Violinist™Jenny Oaks Baker is a Grammy-nominated, Billboard No. 1 performer and recording artist. Baker has performed as a soloist at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the Library of Congress, and as a guest soloist with The National, Jerusalem, Utah, and Pittsburgh Symphonies and the Tabernacle Choir on Temple Square. Baker has released 20 studio albums, which have sold nearly a million copies and consistently chart on Billboard. Her music videos have over 20 million views on YouTube. In her efforts to share the light of Christ with more of God’s children, Baker recently founded SoulFill Music Foundation to enable her faith-based productions, educational initiatives, and musical diplomacy endeavors to reach wider audiences and bring more communities together. Jenny, her husband Matthew, and their four musically accomplished children (Family Four) are from Salt Lake City, Utah.
Jenny Oaks Baker & Family Four have performed with orchestras throughout the United States, including the Utah Symphony, the Millennial Choirs and Orchestras, and the Tabernacle Choir & Orchestra at Temple Square. They have performed throughout the United States, Europe, Asia, and in Africa. Family Four is also featured on many popular music videos and productions. Their debut album, “Jenny Oaks Baker & Family Four,” hit Number 4 on the Classical and Classical Crossover Billboard Charts. Their Christmas album, Joy to the World, debuted at number 7 on the Billboard Charts.
Laura plays the violin and lives in Oregon with her husband, Caden Dickson, and their daughter Claire. Hannah received her Bachelor’s of Music in piano performance from The Royal Academy of Music, and is currently obtaining her Masters Degree in Repetiteurship from The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. She is married to Raef Erickson. Sarah is in her third year at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland studying cello performance. Matthew plays the classical and electric guitar and is currently serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Antofagasta, Chile.
Jenny and her children have been performing together as a family since each child started playing their instruments when they were between 3 and 4 years old. Their husband and father, Matt Baker, is a business executive and helps run the family’s musical productions.
For more information, visit jennyoaksbaker.com
Angela Brower
Praised by The New York Times for her “plush, full sound, yet also youthful brightness,” American mezzo-soprano Angela Brower is internationally recognized for her artistry on the world’s leading opera stages. A former member of the Bayerische Staatsoper ensemble, she has performed with major houses including the Opéra national de Paris, Wiener Staatsoper, Dutch National Opera, Royal Danish Theatre, and Staatsoper Hamburg. Her rich voice and artistry have established her as one of today’s leading mezzo-sopranos.
Preston Yates
Baritone Preston Yates performed the National Premieres of “The Count of Monte Cristo” as the Count, in “Zorro: The Musical” as Ramon, and in “The Redeemer: Music on the Life of Jesus the Christ” as Peter. He was also featured in a Broadway Records album for the new musical “Song of Solomon.” Additionally, Preston has been a featured soloist at David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center.
Jason Wright
Jason is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author. His work has appeared in hundreds of newspapers, magazines, and websites around the world, including The Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune, Forbes, Fox News, and in media outlets in Canada, Germany, India, Israel, Japan, and the UK. He has also been seen on CBS News, GMA, CNN, Fox News, and on dozens of local television programs across the country.
Jay Nygaard
Jay is a passionate, driven artist and advocate for the arts from Southern Utah. He is the Executive Director of Artistic Resource for Teachers and Students (A.R.T.S.) Inc. He is in his fourteenth season as a member of the Tuacahn Center for the Arts Orchestra,
and he is an active performer in numerous other groups and projects. In his free time, when he’s not composing, doodling, or chasing his dog around the house with a ukulele, he loves to work on the yard, watch movies, play games, and help his wife Tabitha with her art business: Last Chance Brass.
Cartoon: #LightTheFurnace
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Temple Square Vending Machines Raise Nearly Half a Million Dollars for Charity
The following was written by Tad Walch for the Deseret News. To read the full article, click here.
The LDS Church announced Friday that its Light the World initiative has raised nearly half a million dollars this month through charity vending machines temporarily installed on Temple Square.
All of the money raised will go to five charities represented in the machines at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building.
“As of today the machines have logged 23,899 transactions totaling $469,085 in donations,” said Daniel Woodruff, a spokesman for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
“I’d call it a big hit,” said Fredrick Anyanwu, associate vice president of resource development at CARE, which has been a partner of LDS Charities for more than 30 years and provides food aid, child nutrition, girls education, maternal health and microfinance programs and more in 84 countries.
Anyanwu said the machines helped connect people to the developing world, bringing them closer to the work being done overseas.
“These vending machines signify how a small amount of money will make a real, significant impact to a family overseas,” he said.
To read the full article, click here.
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