As winter begins to settle into the Salt Lake basin, and snow starts blanketing the mountains, Salt Lake City’s music scene is doing anything but slowing down. From holiday showcases overflowing with local talent to EDM goth nights and end-of-semester indie shows, December comes baring gifts.
Holiday shows
12 Bands of Christmas @ Urban Lounge
Dec. 12
The 12 Bands of Christmas brings a broad sweep of Utah’s indie soundscape to Urban Lounge, mixing jangly guitar pop, melodic alt-rock, lyrical hip-hop and high-energy punk textures into one marathon night. With artists ranging from the dreamy stylings of Roo Nostalgia, the driving rock of Queenadilla and the Salt Lake indie sound of Blue Rain Boots, the lineup highlights the eclectic, genre-blurring creativity shaping Salt Lake City’s local scene.
Honkey Tonkin’ Holidays @ The State Room
Dec. 12
Trigger & Slips, Kate LeDeuce, Highball Train
Dream of doing the two-step under the mistletoe? The State Room is presenting a honky-tonk holiday showcase, bringing together Trigger & Slips, Kate LeDeuce and Highball Train for a night of warm, Utah-grown Americana. Blending classic country twang, rootsy songwriting and foot-stomping barroom energy, the lineup leans into the timeless charm of Western holiday music. It’s perfect for people craving a festive night steeped in boots, flannel jackets and vintage swagger.
Velour Winter Battle of the Bands @ Velour Music Lounge
Dec. 8-13
Continuing their annual tradition, Velour Music Lounge in Provo is set to host 20 bands over five days for their Battle of the Bands. Starting on Dec. 8, the venue will present four bands each day until only two are left standing. The finale on Dec. 13 is sure to bring high-energy performances, fierce competition and a packed crowd cheering on their favorites. Spanning genres from punk and indie rock to funk and experimental, the lineup showcases Utah’s vibrant local music scene, giving emerging artists a chance to shine while fans experience a week of nonstop discovery, excitement and live music intensity.
Persona 749 New Year’s Eve show @ Kilby Court
Dec. 31
Ringing in the New Year in an electric fashion, Salt Lake locals Persona 749 are taking over Kilby Court with no remorse. Their brand of indie rock blends driving guitar hooks, addicting melodies and a steady command of the beat, creating a charged atmosphere that keeps the crowd moving from the first chord to the last. Fans can expect an energetic, immersive performance that perfectly sets the tone for 2026.
Local Non-Holiday Concerts
AUXO @ Kilby Court
Dec. 13
Fossil0000 and Crimcore opening
Playing on Dec. 13, AUXO is set to take over Kilby Court, with help from Fossil0000 and Crimcore. The three-act concert promises a night that blends experimental electronics, left-field pop and Salt Lake’s growing underground EDM scene into one packed room. AUXO brings their signature intensity to the venue, supported by Fossil0000’s distinct presence. Lending an industrial, EDM-leaning sound, Crimcore’s set is bound to shake the dust off the rafters. For fans looking to dive into something loud, fast and unforgettable as the semester wraps up, this bill turns a cold December night into a reason to move.
Bleacher Babe @ Kilby Court
Dec. 19
West Max and You Shall Know Our Velocity opening
Though it may be too cold to lay your head out the car window while your favorite indie songs play on the radio, Bleacher Babe plans to fill that yearning feeling with help from You Shall Know Our Velocity and West Max. You Shall Know Our Velocity flows between classic Americana folk and electronic ambient ballads to ensure an immersive experience for those in-person. West Max and Bleacher Babe bring the timeless energy of new wave and indie rock to the iconic stage of Kilby Court.
Muskies @ Kilby Court
Dec. 27
Coming to Kilby Court from their hometown of Ogden, Utah, Muskies’ headlining set follows opening performances from Mopsy and Half-Dive. The six-person alternative band stretches wide through genre and style. Some songs lead you to believe they are a full punk band, only to be gracefully interrupted by jazzy saxophone and keyboard runs.
Save Me From My Room Presents…
Primal Aggression, Jimmy H. Doolittle, Sutures, Bloodydeathpunch, Misbegotten, Amulet @ Black Lung Society
Jan. 2
Is attending a deathcore show on your New Year’s resolution? Well then look no further. Playing at the Black Lung Society in Ogden, Utah on Jan. 2, a deep lineup of death and metalcore bands from both Utah and California is kicking the year off with a nostalgic, unrelenting energy. Representing Utah are Primal Aggression, Misbegotten, bloodydeathpunch and Sutures. Amulet and Jimmy H. Doolittle hail from the Golden State. When asked about the show, Sutures vocalist Griffin Brown said, “It’s like a 2008 emo show in 2026.” Fans can expect a night that stays true to tradition while plunging headfirst into the new year.
Though the summer and fall festivals have come and gone, December offers no shortage of ways to tap into Utah’s live music landscape. No matter what your scene is, whether it’s the chaotic swarm of deathcore or the hazy synths of new wave, there’s a concert and a crowd waiting for you this holiday season.