Gardner Village: Christmas

 Gardner Village is a little strip mall in West Jordan that really leans into the holidays. They do really fun and cute decorations, scavenger hunts, and more. Witchfest was super fun, so I wanted to come back for Christmas. I just did a quick breeze through after my evening walk tonight to enjoy the decorations.

I don’t know what it is about this year, but we are just feeling extra.. festive. I guess after a couple rough years of pandemic, we’re now just like, lets see all the fun holiday things!

Quick Details:

Length: I did about a 6/10ths of a mile meander. But, whatever you decide to do.
Trail Type: Meander.
Difficulty: DR2. It is paved and pretty flat.
Elevation Gain: NA
Restroom: Several.
Dogs? Technically yes, but they aren’t allowed in any of the buildings, and they ask that you ensure they do not mess with the displays. Personally I would leave them home.
Other Info: Visiting the mall is free, but certain activities may cost money.

To Get Here:

From i15 take the 7200 S exit heading west. Take the first left onto 700 West. south towards 7800 S. Turn right. You will see Gardner Village on the right, just past the Trax bridge.

If using Trax: Take the Red Line to the Historic Gardner Station.

The Trail:

One of 3 little pedestrian covered bridges. I call this one the green/east one. I know I am super creative.

One of the many fun little elf displays.

Doing the 2025 Elf Scavenger Hunt, this looks like #2: Engaging in a feathery fight. Fun.

The green bridge again.

Fishing elf.

The red/west bridge. Or the Witching Bridge during Halloween.

Closer.

From the front.

Inside.

Across the pond to the green bridge.

At first I thought this might be #5: Hitting a black diamond slope, but with that sign I am leaning towards #6 Testing toys to find their favorites.

Or maybe the previous was 5 and this is 6. Actually, I think that is the case. They are both on the same porch only a few feet apart, so that is what I am going with.

One of the little alleys.

Cute barber shop elves.

Cute tree. This must be #8: Putting the finishing touches on the tree.

Chocolate Covered Wagon. They make good fudge.

It is located in the old historic Welby Train Station, which was moved here from the now defunct old town.

Scooters Hot Cocoa.

Chocolate Covered Wagon again.

Across the parking lot towards The Gathering Place.

Towards the water tower. I love that they have a giant Santa hat. Just like the giant witches hat they have for Witchfest.

Pretty lighted tree.

The big red barn which holds Down to Earth.

Hah! This one is fun.

Hannah’s Hattery.

More pretty lights down this little alley.

Fun decorations.

Sparky’s Tree Lot. One or both of the guys in the back must be #4: Scouting for the best tree.

These guys appear to be sorting Santa letters.

Next to the Clause’s mailbox.

This must be #7: Keeping the north poles safe.

The water tower again.

Fun sled display under the water tower.

Camping elf. I think this might be #3: Meeting for a sweet treat.

The big central tree. I wonder if they have named it.

Skating elves.

Outdoor lunch.

The water tower again.

Another pretty tree.

The ice skaters again.

Carolers.

The big central tree again.

Elf with reindeer.

Making a snowman.

Snowball fight.

The covered bridges again.

Mill Plaza.

Archibald’s Restaurant.

More pretty trees.

Classroom elves.

The code of elves.

Archibald’s again.

Kiss Contest. This must be #9: Showing off the best kiss.

Archibald’s again.

Swinging elf.

The red bridge.

Again.

This must be #10: Making some Christmas cookies.

Well, so far it looks like I missed #1 Painting a Christmas masterpiece. So I probably missed a couple more. We might have to come back.

The green bridge.

Again.

Inside.

The 3rd bridge which I didn't go to today is over by the west entrance. I refer to it as the canal bridge, since it goes over the North Jordan Canal. It is the least pretty of the 3. They also don’t tend to decorate it.

The Welby Train Station/Chocolate Covered Wagon again.

Well, that was another fun holiday adventure. again, I think it would be a little more magical with some snow, but the weather just doesn’t want that to happen this year. It was still lovely to enjoy the holiday lights, and the elf displays. Plus, I do like me a good scavenger hunt. Not a bad free activity. We might come back before the end of the month. 8 Squirrels.

As for difficulty, it is paved, and pretty flat. DR2.

Dogs are technically allowed, but not inside any buildings. I would just leave them home.