Sugar House is a neighborhood built on traditions such as the annual Sugar Days to the local farmers market. During the holiday season, the traditions continue from the wild—sledding down Sugar House Park’s hills—to the more serene that you can enjoy from the warmth of your vehicle. 

One such tradition is a drive along “Bible Street” in Sugar House. It runs along Blaine Avenue and has been a Christmas tradition for some 60 years. Homes along Blaine Avenue display signs with Bible verses about the nativity.

“It’s a unique way to read the Christmas story,” said Steve Jorgensen who grew up in Sugar House. “I always enjoyed the spirit that accompanies reading it, because that’s what Christmas is all about.” 

Each house has a biblical verse from Luke, Chapter 4. The signs are easy to read and are illuminated, so you can stay warm in your car while reading about the birth of Jesus Christ. 

“I liked taking turns reading different boards, especially when I was younger and just getting to the point where I could read,” Jorgensen recalled. 

Another street well known for its Christmas spirit is “Christmas Street,” just a few blocks away from Bible Street. A large sign lets you know you’re in the right place. Every house is decorated with lights and holiday decorations. 

“Visiting Christmas Street has been a tradition since I was a kid,” Danny De La Mare, a former Sugar House resident, said. “As a kid it was almost overwhelming to see so many decorations, lights and vehicles packed into such a small cul-de-sac.” 

De La Mare added that even after he moved out the house and started dating his wife, they have continued the tradition and still visit the street each winter. Now, they travel from Lindon and enjoy bringing their son up to Sugar House to see the lights.  

“Although it has changed over the years, and it’s just not as it used to be, I still enjoy visiting Christmas Street each year,” De La Mare said. 

Not to be forgotten in all this holiday tradition is Santa Claus. Every year, since 1947, Santa arrives in Sugar House, but not always via a sled pulled by reindeer. Sometime he arrives on more modern transport: a fire truck, helicopter or on the TRAX. When children visit Santa in his shack, they can get a photo with him. For those without kids, you can bring your well-mannered pets. 

There’s so much to do in Sugar House as the snow begins to fall and holiday lights adorn the homes. Take time to treat your family and yourself to one of these fun Sugar House traditions and put some magic in your holiday season.