Quick Takeaways:
- Ogden’s Christmas Village is nominated for USA Today’s Best Public Holiday Lights Display.
- The display competes with major attractions the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.
- Voting runs through Dec. 1, with Ogden currently in second place.
A Major National Honor for Ogden
Ogden’s Christmas Village is gaining national attention this year.
The beloved Utah tradition is a finalist in USA Today’s 10 BEST contest for “Best Public Holiday Lights Display.”
A Celebration With Deep Community Roots
USA Today praised the village as a free and family-friendly event.
The display features a Santa Run, a Holiday Electric Light Parade, and a fireworks ceremony.
Visitors can converse with Santa, explore the themed cottage, and enjoy the merry atmosphere. The village has a holiday basis for kin across Utah.
Facing Famous Competition Nationwide
Ogden’s display competes against 19 other holiday attractions across the country.
Nominees include Temple Square in Salt Lake City, the Wisconsin State Capitol tree diagram, and Indianapolis’s Circle of Lights.
The biggest rival is New York City’s iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.
Despite this, Ogden holds a strong position and ranked second as of Friday evening.
Community Effort Behind the Magic
Ogden City communications director Mike McBride said the display reflects dedicated teamwork.
He credited city staff and volunteers for producing a top-tier holiday experience each year.
New features are added annually to keep the event fresh and exciting. This twelve month is the homecoming of the Giving Machine, which allows visitors to donate to local and global causes.
A Historic Holiday Tradition
Now in its 63rd year, Christmas Village continues to grow. The 2024 show will feature close to one million lights and 57 themed cottages.
Key Appointment and Visitor Information
Christmas Village opens on Nov. 29 and runs through Jan. 1, 2026.
Hours are 5–10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 5 p.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
Residents can vote once per day in the USA Today competition until Dec. 1.
Each vote helps Ogden compete against some of the nation’s most famous holiday displays.