Ogden Christmas Village is a glowing spectacle in Utah, lighting up the downtown area every year with intricate displays and holiday lights.
The city is well-regarded for its scenic beauty, outdoor activities and winter festival, where children can visit Santa, enjoy free train rides, and even experience a fireworks show.
In this article, I’ll cover all the essentials, such as the unconfirmed 2024 dates, opening times, and what local specialties you can expect.
Christmas in Ogden is a special time, marked by a distinct cheer and warmth that permeates the entire city.
Despite the cold winter weather, the city remains lively, with residents and visitors enjoying activities, like skating on local rinks to drinking warm beverages in cosy cafes.
Ogden Christmas Village 2024
At the heart of the festive season in Ogden, the Christmas Village stands out with its distinctive features.
A remarkable characteristic is the individual cottages, each adopting a unique theme that transforms the downtown area into a picturesque tableau.
Children have the opportunity for a free visit with Santa, train rides, and a firework show, courtesy of donations that sustain this community event.
Additionally, Mrs. Claus provides guided tours specifically aimed at preschool-age children, and there are seasonal events like the Santa Run and Holiday Electric Light Parade to round out the experience.
Dates and Location
Ogden Christmas Village dates: 24th November 2024 to 1st January 2025 (unconfirmed).
Location: Municipal Gardens. 2549 Washington Boulevard.
Opening times: 10am to 9pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Admission: Free, no tickets required.
Santa Run: 24th November 2024 (unconfirmed) at 4:30pm at Washington Boulevard.
Holiday Electric Light Parade: 24th November 2024 (unconfirmed) at 5:30pm. Start at 22nd Street and ends at 27th Street on Washington Boulevard.
Christmas lights: Yes, switch on date: 24th November (unconfirmed) at 6:30pm. Lights are on from 5pm to midnight until New Year’s Day.
Santa: Yes. Monday to Friday: 6pm to 9pm. Saturday: 5pm to 9pm.
Mrs Claus: Yes. Guided tours for preschool age children. Tuesday to Friday: 10am to 3pm.
Ice skating: No.
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten free: Yes, but limited.
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes, dogs are allowed on a leash.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion.
Reason to visit: Free Santa visits, train rides, firework shows; donations sustain events; Mrs. Claus-guided preschool tours.
Specialities: Utah scones, fry sauce, apple beer; regional comfort foods adding unique local flavour.
Where to stay: Home2 Suites is a popular hotel, located near the Christmas Village.
Convenient Hotels
The area around downtown Ogden is an ideal place to stay for easy access to the Christmas Village. It’s close to the festivities and teems with a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
Consider staying at the Home2 Suites, as it gets great reviews and is well-located near the Christmas Village.
For those interested in exploring more holiday markets across the United States, I’ve prepared a guide showcasing some of the best in the country. It provides an overview of each market, highlighting their unique features and what you can expect when you visit.
Village Location Map
Christmas in Ogden
Local Specialties
Ogden’s Hot Chocolate: There’s something truly comforting about a steaming cup of hot chocolate, particularly during the festive season. The hot chocolate stalls in Ogden’s Christmas Village serve rich, creamy hot chocolate, often topped with a marshmallow for that extra sweetness. These hot drinks are warming and a festive treat that appeals to all ages.
Pretzels: Pretzels are a traditional Christmas market snack you can find at Ogden Christmas Village. These twisted treats are commonly enjoyed in a variety of flavours, from the classic salted version to ones dusted with cinnamon sugar. You can often find them freshly baked and wonderfully aromatic.
Artisanal Cheeses: If you’re interested in local produce, make a beeline for the stalls selling artisanal cheeses. Many of these are crafted in the Ogden area, highlighting the local farming community’s expertise. These cheeses make for perfect Christmas nibbles or gifts to take back home.
S’mores: Another local favourite at the Christmas Village in Ogden is the s’mores. The combination of melted marshmallow and chocolate sandwiched between two graham crackers is hard to resist. It’s a sweet, sticky treat that perfectly captures the cosy spirit of Christmas.
Roasted Chestnuts: Roasted chestnuts are a good option for those who prefer savoury treats. The vendors roast these on an open fire, filling the air with a comforting aroma. Chestnuts are a nutritious snack and are particularly popular during the Christmas season.
Vegan Doughnuts: For a plant-based sweet treat, try the vegan doughnuts. These are becoming increasingly popular and are a fantastic option for those following a vegan or plant-based diet. They come in a range of flavours, providing a sweet ending to a visit to the Christmas Village.
Mulled Wine: Finally, for a warming alcoholic beverage, look out for the stalls selling mulled wine. This traditional Christmas drink, typically red wine with various mulling spices and raisins, is served hot and a festive favourite. It’s a delicious way to warm up while exploring the Christmas Village.
Gifts and Stocking Fillers
Handcrafted Ornaments: A visit to Ogden Christmas Village wouldn’t be complete without picking up some handcrafted ornaments. These locally-made decorations can range from rustic wooden pieces to intricate glass baubles. They represent the craftsmanship of local artisans and can add a unique touch to your Christmas tree.
Local Honey Products: You can also find stalls selling honey products harvested from local beehives. These range from jars of honey to beeswax candles and skincare products. Not only do these make great gifts, but they also support local beekeepers.
Ogden-Themed Apparel: For those who want a wearable reminder of their visit, there are stalls selling Ogden-themed apparel. From t-shirts featuring local landmarks to winter hats and scarves, these items are a great way to remember your visit to the city.
Locally Made Ceramics: Ceramics are a classic gift choice, and in Ogden, you can find beautiful pieces made by local potters. From mugs perfect for that hot chocolate to ornate vases and bowls, these items showcase the talents of Ogden’s artisan community.
Christmas Village Souvenirs: For a keepsake that truly embodies the festive spirit, look out for the Christmas Village souvenirs. You can find a range of items, such as mugs, postcards, and even jigsaw puzzles, all featuring scenes from the Christmas Village. These souvenirs offer a lasting reminder of the festive joy experienced in Ogden.
The Visit Ogden website can serve as a valuable resource for those looking to explore Ogden beyond the Christmas Village, with detailed information on various activities and up-to-date event listings to help you get the most out of your visit.
Sustainability Tips
Consider these suggestions to ensure your Christmas visit to Ogden is as sustainable as possible:
Reduce Food Waste at the Markets: Be mindful of food waste when you’re enjoying the treats at the Christmas Village. Order only what you can comfortably consume, and remember that finishing your food doesn’t just reduce waste – it also lets you fully appreciate the hard work of the food vendors.
Consider Ethical Consumption: As you browse the Village Christmas stalls, consider each purchase. Are you likely to use the item, or could it end up in a cupboard collecting dust? Remember, every purchase has an environmental footprint, so buy only what you truly need.
Support Sustainable Diets: Opt for plant-based or vegetarian options at the Christmas market where possible. These food choices generally have a lower environmental impact than meat-based ones.
Use Sustainable Transport: Ogden has an efficient public transport system that can take you to all the city’s highlights. Consider using buses or trams instead of hiring a car or taking taxis. Not only does this reduce your carbon emissions, but it also gives you a real taste of local life in Ogden.
If you would like to leave a review of Ogden Xmas Village, comment below.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. This post contains affiliate links to hotels and tours in Ogden, Utah, United States. This means I get a small commission from any bookings at no extra cost to you.
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