100 under $100

Sunset, Dec, 1998 by Peter Fish

Holiday guests? From Salt Lake City to Santa Fe, here are the West's 100 best ways to entertain them

They can be as much fun as the fanfare of fa la las in "Deck the Halls" - and as daunting as hitting that high note on "O Holy Night." We speak of the annual migration of holiday guests from their hearth to yours. Sure, it's a wonderful thing to have all the cousins and nieces gathered around the tree, camped out on the convertible sofa, and giving you advice on the proper way to carve a turkey. But at some point, even the most generous and organized hosts may find themselves wondering how best to entertain a house full of guests.

We are here to help.

On these pages you'll find the 100 best things to do with your guests this month, in and around 10 of the West's largest cities. Some of the outings embrace the seasonal spirit. Others help you flee it, if that's the kind of mood you're in after the fourth trek to the mall. Each outing is terrifically enjoyable, and each costs less than $100 for two.

Follow us in merry measure, while we steer you to the best December bets around the West.

Salt Lake City

1 Into the Gateway. Utah Jazz fans heading to the Delta Center know to stop at Squatters Pub Brewery for a pregame burger and glass of Holiday Nut Brown Ale.

Salt Lake City's first brew pub is on the eastern edge of the reviving Gateway neighborhood. Three blocks south of the Delta Center, the once-gritty warehouse district is trying to go upscale with restaurants, galleries, and stores.

The still-emerging shopping scene justifies a walk down Pierpont Avenue and back up 200 South (both between 300 West and 400 West), but dining is the draw. Lakota Restaurant & Bar, a "private club" that charges drop-ins a $5 membership fee, is good for a pre- or postgame libation. And Tony Caputo's Market & Deli remains one of the city's best delis. Squatters Pub Brewery: 147 W. Broadway; (801) 363-2739. Lakota Restaurant & Bar: 380 West 200 South; 519-8300. Tony Caputo's Market & Deli: 308 West 300 South; 531-8669. Utah Jazz tickets from $5; 355-3865.

2 Nature in the city. Look for wildlife on 3 1/2 miles of paved and usually plowed road (it's closed to cars) up snowy City Creek Canyon Nature Preserve just above downtown. (801) 483-6705.

3 Put on your bonnet. The cider is hot, and it's the mid-1800s again at historic Old Deseret Village's Christmas candlelight tours. Dec. 7-12, 14-19; $8; (801) 584-8392.

4 Get buffaloed. They roam closer to the road when snow has been blowing at Antelope Island State Park in the Great Salt Lake. Bring binoculars, food, and hot coffee. $7 per vehicle; (801) 595-4030.

5 Temple square. The display of lights - 300,000 of them in all - may just be the best in the West; concerts and other events run nightly. (801) 240-2205.

6 Abravanel Hall. The Utah Symphony commands this 2,812-seat downtown gem with great acoustics. From $12; (801) 533-6683.

7 Luge, anyone? Preview the 2002 Olympics by riding the rocket sled ($27) or learning to ski jump ($30) at the Utah Winter Sports Park in Park City. (435) 658-4200.

8 Main Street, Park City. The mining camp turned resort is brilliantly decorated and has many holiday events. (800) 453-1360.

9 Blade running. Skate downtown at the Gallivan Utah Center's outdoor rink. (801) 596-2874.

10 To the slopes. Pack up skis and snowboards and hit one of the nine ski areas within an hour of downtown. (800) 754-8824 or www.skiutah.com. - Jeff Phillips

Denver Area

11 Really wild lights. Colored lights and animated sculptures dazzle at the Denver Zoo's Wildlights celebration. Other highlights: storytelling and visits from Santa. 5:30-9 P.M. Dec. 1-31; $5; (303) 376-4800.

12 Little engines that could. Turn your inner child loose in Caboose Hobbies, called the largest model train store in the world. 500 S. Broadway; (303) 777-6766.

13 No snacking. Check out the lavish 19th-century-style ginger-bread village at the Westin Hotel Tabor Center, or indulge in a hotel weekend shopping package (from $99). (303) 572-9100.

14 Train to ski. The scenery will knock your ski socks off on the weekend Ski Train to Winter Park Resort; $35 round trip from Union Station. (303) 296-4754.

15 Smooth ice. Skate your cares away at Evergreen Lake House in Evergreen. $2.50; (303) 512-9300.

16 Hoop it up. Watching the Denver Nuggets at McNichols Arena is one sure shot. From $10.50; (303) 830-8497.

17 Live steam. Climb aboard the Christmas choo-choo with Santa at the Colorado Railroad Museum near Golden. Dec. 5-6; $4; (800) 365-6263.

18 Hiss the villain. Scrooge, that is, in Ebenezer, the melodrama version of A Christmas Carol at Golden's Heritage square Music Hall. Buffet before the show. From $22.50; Nov. 12-Dec. 31; (303) 279-7800.

19 Skin-deep. Have a minifacial at the Oxford Aveda Salon & Spa next to the Oxford Hotel on 17th Street. From $45; (303) 628-5435.

20 Wallflowers welcome. Go two-stepping at the Grizzly Rose Saloon & Dance Emporium. Dance lessons free Wed, Fri, Sun; dinner for two about $20 plus cover charge for special concerts; (303) 295-1330.