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Temple Square’s Christmas lights just got a little more modern with projection technology

Since they were first switched on back in the 1960s under Church President David O. McKay, the Christmas lights on Temple Square have inspired thousands of visitors with the magic and beauty of Christmas.

This year, the lights are still on, even though some areas of Temple Square will remain unlit due to construction. And the Salt Lake Tabernacle is still open and features an illuminating new addition inside.

For the first time ever, an animated nativity will be projected on the ceiling of the Salt Lake Tabernacle. This new presentation, entitled “Peace on Earth,” uses shadow graphics, a narration of Luke 2, and music to tell the Christmas story in a kid-friendly way that the whole family can enjoy.

Showings of the nativity program began on Friday, November 26 and will continue daily every 15 minutes from 4:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. MST. The presentation lasts roughly four minutes, and showings alternate between Spanish and English. It will also be available in 8 other languages via headset.

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For those who are unable to see this new show in person, the images and audio tracks from the presentation are also available here so your family can recreate this fun Christmas story from your own home.

► You may also like: How to enjoy the magic of Christmas on Temple Square from home

Read more about the nativity projection on Newsroom.

Along with the projection and musical presentations in the Tabernacle, there are still plenty of lights and magic around Temple Square for families and visitors to enjoy. Here are a few photos of what the holiday decorations and lights on Temple Square look like this year.

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The Christmas lights on Temple Square
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The "Peace on Earth" animated nativity show being projected on the ceiling inside the Salt Lake Tabernacle
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The Christmas lights on Temple Square
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A beautifully decorated Christmas tree stands in the lobby of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building.
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The Christmas lights on Temple Square
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The Beehive House on Temple Square decorated for Christmas
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The Christmas lights on Temple Square
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The Church History Museum is decorated in charming lights and snowflakes on Temple Square.
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The Christmas lights on Temple Square
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The Christmas lights on Temple Square will turn on every night through January 1. See more photos on Newsroom, and learn more about COVID-19 protocols for attending events on Temple Square here.

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