Embark on an exciting holiday adventure in Ogden with our guide. Discover all the best festive happenings. For Ogden natives and holiday travelers, this guide ensures everyone enjoys the season's best.
Step into a winter wonderland with the Ogden Christmas Village, a beloved tradition featuring enchanting lights and festive displays. Enjoy an immersive experience as you hop on the Polar Express Train Ride, taking you on a magical journey to the North Pole. And definitely, don't forget the charming Gardner Village Elf Displays, which bring holiday spirit to life with whimsical elf scenes. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Ogden
See these and even more events listed below!Ogden Holiday Light Displays
Ogden Christmas Village
What to Expect:
Over 60 cottages transformed into a miniature Christmas village
Description:
Ogden's historic 25th Street transforms into a twinkling Christmas village each winter. Over 60 cottages line the street, each uniquely decorated and offering holiday treasures. Visitors can warm their hands with a steaming cup of cocoa while exploring the charming displays. This tradition began in 1962 when local merchants sought to attract shoppers downtown. Today, the village captivates both locals and tourists, showcasing Ogden's community spirit and creativity.
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Ogden Holiday Shows and Entertainment
The Nutcracker Ballet
What to Expect:
Local production featuring young dancers from the community
Description:
The timeless tale of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince comes to life on stage in Ogden. This local production showcases the talents of young dancers from the community, providing a platform for aspiring performers. The elaborate costumes and set designs transport audiences to a world of sugar plum fairies and toy soldiers. The Nutcracker has been performed in Ogden since 1955, making it a cherished holiday tradition for generations of families.
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Nearby Events
Polar Express Train Ride (Heber City)
What to Expect:
Immersive train ride experience based on the beloved children's book
Description:
The Heber Valley Railroad whisks passengers away on a journey to the North Pole. This immersive experience brings the beloved children's book to life, complete with hot chocolate service and a visit from Santa himself. The historic train, dating back to 1899, adds authenticity to the adventure. As you travel through the scenic Provo Canyon, the sound of sleigh bells fills the air. Children are encouraged to wear their pajamas, just like in the story.
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Gardner Village Elf Displays (West Jordan)
What to Expect:
Life-sized elf displays with interactive scavenger hunt
Description:
Gardner Village transforms into a whimsical elf haven during the holiday season. Life-sized elf displays pop up throughout the historic shopping district, each with its own unique personality and scene. Visitors can participate in an interactive scavenger hunt, searching for hidden elves among the shops. This charming tradition began in 2010 and has since become a beloved annual event. You'll find yourself smiling at the clever antics and creative costumes of these mischievous elves.
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Eve WinterFest (Salt Lake City)
What to Expect:
New Year's Eve celebration with multiple venues and activities
Description:
Salt Lake City's largest New Year's Eve celebration spans multiple venues and offers a diverse array of activities. From live music performances to art installations, EVE WinterFest caters to all ages and interests. The event showcases local talent and creativity, with many activities designed by Utah artists. Visitors can try their hand at ice sculpting or join a group dance lesson. This celebration began in 2009 as a way to bring the community together and highlight the city's cultural offerings.
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Luminaria at Thanksgiving Point (Lehi)
What to Expect:
Mile-long walking path with over 6,000 luminarias and light displays
Description:
Thanksgiving Point's Ashton Gardens transform into a glowing wonderland during Luminaria. A mile-long walking path winds through over 6,000 luminarias and elaborate light displays. The event features a 120-foot tree of lights, visible from miles away. Visitors can warm up in the s'more village or listen to live music performances. Luminaria began in 2016 and quickly became a cherished holiday tradition, drawing inspiration from similar events in the Southwest.
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Luminaria at Thanksgiving Point
ZooLights at Hogle Zoo (Salt Lake City)
What to Expect:
Animal-themed light displays and nighttime zoo experience
Description:
Hogle Zoo sparkles with millions of lights during its annual ZooLights event. Animal-themed light displays illuminate the pathways, creating a unique nighttime zoo experience. Visitors can spot real animals adapted to cooler temperatures, like the Amur tigers and snow leopards. The event began in 2007 and has since become a vital fundraiser for the zoo's conservation efforts. You'll have the opportunity to ride the Conservation Carousel, adorned with twinkling lights for the season.
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A Christmas Carol (Provo)
What to Expect:
Immersive theater experience with Victorian-era set design
Description:
Dickens' classic tale comes to life in this immersive theater experience in Provo. The production boasts intricate Victorian-era set designs and period-accurate costumes, transporting audiences to 19th century London. Actors interact with the audience, blurring the lines between stage and seats. This adaptation has been performed annually since 1984, making it one of Utah's longest-running holiday productions. Visitors can explore a pre-show exhibit featuring historical information about Dickens and Victorian Christmas traditions.
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Fantasy at the Bay (Willard)
What to Expect:
Drive-through light display along the shores of the Great Salt Lake
Description:
Fantasy at the Bay illuminates the shores of the Great Salt Lake with a dazzling drive-through light display. The unique setting allows visitors to enjoy the lights reflected on the water's surface, creating a stunning double vision effect. This event began in 2020 as a safe, socially-distanced holiday activity. Visitors can tune their car radios to a special station for synchronized holiday music as they drive through the twinkling scenes.
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Stroll Through the Lights at Layton Commons Park (Layton)
What to Expect:
Community-created light displays and decorations
Description:
Layton Commons Park transforms into a winter paradise during the annual Stroll Through the Lights event. What sets this display apart is its community-driven nature, with local businesses, organizations, and families contributing their own unique light displays and decorations. The tradition began in 1995 as a way to bring the community together during the holiday season. Visitors can vote for their favorite displays, adding a friendly competitive element to the festivities.
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Stroll Through the Lights at Layton Commons Park