There are lots of surprises in Sugar House this holiday season. UTA is rolling out its first modern streetcar line. The Sugar House Merchants Association has grown into a Chamber of Commerce, and Santa Claus has a grand new house.

On December 7, passengers will board the silver S-Line streetcar at seven stops between 200 West in South Salt Lake and McClelland Street in Sugar House. UTA is offering hot chocolate and family entertainment from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. that day at stations near 300 East and at Fairmont Park. The ride is free with a donation of food for the Utah Food Bank. Regular service will begin on Sunday morning, leaving Central Pointe Station at 20-minute intervals.

The Sugar House Chamber of Commerce is staging its own grand opening by hosting a Streetcar Celebration in the old Deseret Industries building at 2234 S. Highland Dr. from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with free hot drinks, games, giveaways, live performers, and retail booths with gift ideas for holiday shoppers.

From there, riders can catch a ride on the Jingle Bus to tour the historic business center and join in the festivities. Everyone will get a Winter Wonderland Bingo Card to be stamped at each participating business and also have a chance to choose the winner of the holiday window-decorating contest.

At Monument Plaza, Santa Claus will be hosting a housewarming party in his brand-new Sugar Shack, designed by Upwall Design Architects. The house was built by volunteers from R&O Construction and Okland Construction. After the holidays, the colorful little building will remain on the plaza to be used for other promotions and special events sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce. The reindeer barn is planned for next year!