All Aglow: Ogden’s Christmas Village
Ogden Is Home to One of America’s Best Holiday Light Displays
By feature writer Darren Nelson for My Local Utah
Start a new holiday tradition the whole family will love at Ogden City’s Christmas Village. Each year, Ogden’s Municipal Gardens transform into a glowing wonderland, with hundreds of thousands of lights sparkling across the trees and walkways. Charming, decorated cottages line the paths, adding to the cozy, festive atmosphere. It’s a bright, joyful celebration of the season, right in the heart of downtown.
Award-Winning Holiday Light Display
Recognized in 2024 by USA Today as one of America’s Best Holiday Light Displays, this event earned a top-three spot in the national readers’ poll. It’s a memorable, magical experience—one that ranks among the very best in the country—and is sure to become a family tradition or a date night to remember.
Times and Places
WHAT: Ogden’s Christmas Village
WHEN: Saturday, November 29, 2024 – Thursday, January 1, 2026
5 – 10 pm, Sunday through Thursday
5 pm – Midnight, Friday and Saturday
WHERE: Ogden Municipal Gardens, 353 E 25th Street
The Magical Village
At the heart of the dazzling light display is Christmas Village, home to more than sixty beautifully decorated cottages. Created and sponsored by members of the Ogden community, these charming structures transform the historic downtown into a magical reimagining of Santa’s North Pole.
This year’s theme, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Village,” will be showcased during the Holiday Electric Light Parade and featured on official merchandise. You’ll also see it woven throughout the village’s festive displays. As you explore the cottages, look for a special themed item hidden in each one—a fun challenge for all ages. And don’t forget to vote for your favorite decorated cottage at ChristmasVillage.OgdenCity.com.
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Fun for the Whole Family
Ogden’s Christmas Village is free to enjoy all season long, making it easy for families to return. Festivities take place daily, with live music and entertainment adding to the holiday cheer. Be sure to stop by the Hot Chocolate Booth and The Corner for warm treats; both are open every day throughout the event.
The Mini Polar Express Train, featuring a glow-in-the-dark Christmas Tunnel, is in the northwest corner of Municipal Gardens. This delightful ride operates Monday through Friday from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., and on Saturdays from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Visitors to Christmas Village can enjoy live entertainment and activities throughout the season, continuing through December 23. Performances are held on the Ogden Amphitheater stage, located within Municipal Gardens. For the latest schedule and updates, visit online or follow @OgdenAmphitheater on Facebook and Instagram.
Santa Claus & His Mrs.
What would Christmas Village be without Santa Claus? Luckily, we don’t have to find out! Santa and Mrs. Claus will be in the village every day through December 23. Santa welcomes visitors in his castle Monday through Friday from 6:00 to 9:00
Visit Santa’s Store
Located at the north entrance of Christmas Village, Santa’s Store offers a selection of gifts and souvenirs to celebrate the season and remember your visit. It’s the perfect place to pick up the official Christmas Village sweatshirt, a tree ornament, or another festive keepsake.
Proceeds from items sold at Christmas Village, including toys, stuffed animals, sweatshirts, posters, and more, help ensure that Santa and his magical village with twinkling lights continue to shine for years to come.
Breakfast with Santa
As part of Ogden’s Christmas Village, a special Breakfast with Santa will be held at Ogden Union Station on Saturday, December 13, 2025. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on hand to visit with children and share small gifts, while families enjoy breakfast, entertainment, and a variety of kid-friendly activities. Reservations are required, and tickets are available through Ogden City.
Light the World Giving Machine
The heart of Christmas is found in giving, and once again, Christmas Village is proud to host the “Light the World Giving Machine.” This unique vending machine lets you make a meaningful difference by purchasing real items that are donated to individuals and families in need. Rather than bringing something home, your gift goes directly to brighten someone else’s life.
The Giving Machine provides a simple, meaningful way to support charitable causes. Items range from $5 to $100 and cover a wide range of essential needs—from clothing, baby supplies, and hygiene products to meals, medical care, and even livestock like chickens—all of which go directly to families in need.
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The Opening Day Events
The Christmas Village is Ogden City’s most popular event of the year, and such a significant occasion deserves an unforgettable kickoff. There will be plenty of fun on opening day, so be sure to arrive early Saturday, November 30, and stay as long as you can! Here is what is planned:
The Santa Run, Holiday Electric Light Parade, and Christmas Village Opening Gala: The festivities for Christmas Village will begin on November 29 with the Santa Run, followed by the Holiday Electric Light Parade, the Opening Gala, and conclude with a lighted drone show above the Ogden Amphitheater.
Run, Santa, Run
Want to see a whole crowd of Santas sprinting down Washington Boulevard? Then you won’t want to miss this! The annual Santa Run is a memory-making event for all ages. The 5K begins at 4:30 p.m. near 22nd Street and Washington Boulevard, with every participant suited up as Santa. Runners travel south on the opposite side of traffic to 28th Street, then loop back to finish on Historic 25th Street. Along the way, Milk and Cookie Aid Stations—staffed by cheerful volunteer Elves—keep the fun (and the sugar) flowing. Music will fill the entire route, creating a lively holiday soundtrack. Click here for more information on participating in this fun holiday tradition.
Don’t forget your camera—the finish line photos are priceless!
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Opening Night
Immediately after the Santa Run, the Holiday Electric Light Parade steps off at 5:30 p.m. sharp. The procession moves from 22nd Street down Washington Boulevard to 27th Street. When it reaches Municipal Gardens, the Christmas Village opening ceremony begins—around 6:30 p.m.—as the crowd gathers in the amphitheater to celebrate.
The celebration is opened by the Mayor of Christmas Village, followed by parade award presentations. Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the parade’s Grand Marshal—courtesy of the Make-A-Wish Foundation—will then take the stage. With the Grand Marshal’s lighting of the village, the holiday season in downtown Ogden officially begins. Guests are invited to explore the illuminated displays, and the evening concludes with a spectacular drone light show.
Final Notes
Lighting Ceremony: The official lighting will take place during the Opening Gala on November 29, shortly after 6:30 p.m. Christmas Village will be open with lights on from 5:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday, beginning November 29, 2025, and continuing through January 1, 2026. The lights will turn off at 10:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and at midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
Parking can be found either on the street or in the Municipal Building parking lot (2549 Washington Blvd.) located off 26th Street.
With time off from work and school, the holiday season offers the perfect chance to slow down and savor the spirit of the festivities. Between gatherings, traditions, and cozy moments with family and friends, there’s plenty of room to celebrate together.
This year, Ogden City invites you to make its holiday events part of your seasonal traditions. Step into the enchantment of Christmas Village, where twinkling lights, festive displays, and joyful faces create a magical atmosphere sure to fill your heart with holiday cheer.
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