7 Essential Insider Secrets For Attending The Ogden Holiday Electric Light Parade & Christmas Village 2024
The holiday season in Northern Utah officially kicks off with one of the region's most spectacular and highly anticipated events: the Ogden Holiday Electric Light Parade and the grand opening of the Christmas Village. This year, the tradition continues with a dazzling display of lights, music, and festive cheer, promising an unforgettable experience for families and visitors. Mark your calendars, because this year’s celebration is set for Saturday, November 30, 2024, transforming downtown Ogden into a glowing winter wonderland and ushering in a month of holiday magic.
The 2024 event is expected to be bigger and brighter than ever, drawing thousands to Washington Boulevard to witness the illuminated floats and welcome Santa Claus to the Ogden Municipal Gardens. The combination of the Electric Light Parade, the pre-parade Santa Run, and the immediate lighting ceremony of the Christmas Village makes this a must-attend event, solidifying Ogden’s reputation as a premier holiday destination. Plan your trip now to secure the best viewing spots and enjoy the full range of activities.
All You Need to Know: Ogden Holiday Electric Light Parade & Christmas Village 2024 Fast Facts
To ensure you don't miss a single moment of the festivities, here are the essential details, straight from the latest announcements for the 2024 holiday season in Ogden, Utah.
- Official Date: Saturday, November 30, 2024.
- Parade Start Time: 5:30 PM sharp.
- Pre-Parade Event: The annual Santa Run begins at 4:30 PM.
- 2024 Parade Theme: "You Can Even Say It GLOWS."
- Overall Season Theme: "Rockin' Around the Christmas Village."
- Parade Route: Washington Boulevard, starting at 22nd Street and proceeding south to 27th Street (or 28th Street).
- Grand Finale: The parade concludes with the arrival of Santa Claus, followed by the official lighting ceremony of the Ogden Christmas Village at the Municipal Gardens (approx. 6:30 PM).
- Christmas Village Dates: November 30, 2024, through January 1, 2025.
1. Decoding the Dual Themes: 'GLOWS' and 'Rockin' Around'
For the 2024 season, Ogden has embraced two distinct, yet complementary, themes that guide the entire holiday experience. The official Holiday Electric Light Parade theme is "You Can Even Say It GLOWS." This theme puts a clear emphasis on the dazzling, creative use of lights and illumination, encouraging participants to maximize their electrical displays to truly light up Washington Boulevard. Floats will be judged on criteria like Best Use of Lights, Best Use of Theme, and the overall Grand Prize.
The second theme, "Rockin' Around the Christmas Village," is the motif for the spectacular Ogden Christmas Village itself. This theme sets the tone for the general atmosphere of the Municipal Gardens, which features over 60 miniature cottages, each sponsored and decorated by local businesses, organizations, and families. This seasonal theme promises a lively, nostalgic, and music-filled atmosphere throughout the month-long run of the Village.
2. The Full Opening Night Schedule: From Santa Run to the Lighting Ceremony
The Opening Night on November 30th is a multi-event gala that requires careful timing to enjoy all the components. The evening begins at 4:30 PM with the Santa Run, a festive, non-competitive race that precedes the main parade. This is a fantastic opportunity to see thousands of participants dressed in holiday attire, adding to the pre-parade excitement.
At 5:30 PM, the Holiday Electric Light Parade steps off from 22nd Street, proceeding down Washington Boulevard. This is the main attraction, featuring dozens of floats, marching bands, and community groups, all covered in thousands of twinkling lights. The parade’s climax is the arrival of Santa Claus, who signals the end of the procession.
Immediately following Santa's arrival—estimated to be around 6:30 PM—the focus shifts to the Ogden Municipal Gardens for the official lighting ceremony. This short but powerful ceremony illuminates the entire Christmas Village, transforming the park into a breathtaking, glowing landscape of holiday displays, officially opening the Village for the season.
3. Securing Your Spot: Best Viewing and Parking Logistics
Due to the immense popularity of the event, planning your arrival and securing a spot is critical for a stress-free experience. The entire parade route runs along Washington Boulevard, offering ample viewing space. However, the most coveted spots are typically near the Ogden Municipal Gardens (around 25th Street), as this location provides immediate access to the Christmas Village, the lighting ceremony, and the post-parade float display in front of the amphitheater.
Parking Tips:
- Free Parking: Look for free on-street parking in the blocks surrounding the Municipal Gardens. Additionally, there is a free parking lot on 26th Street between Washington Blvd and Grant Ave.
- Parking Structures: The parking structure near the Hilton Garden Inn/Marriott is a popular choice, though it may fill up quickly.
- Public Transit: Consider using public transportation. The OCX bus route has a stop on Washington Boulevard, midway between 24th and 25th Street, offering convenient access.
4. Road Closure Warning: Plan for Washington Boulevard Access
If you are driving, be aware that Washington Boulevard will be completely closed for the parade and the Santa Run. While official closure times can vary slightly, you should anticipate major traffic disruption and road closures along the route well before the Santa Run begins at 4:30 PM. For those setting up chairs or claiming a spot, arriving by 3:00 PM is highly recommended, as volunteers begin their duties around this time, indicating the start of logistical preparations.
5. The Historical Significance of the Ogden Christmas Village
The tradition of the Electric Light Parade and Christmas Village is not new; it is a deep-rooted part of Ogden's history. The very first Christmas Village and Parade opened on November 23, 1962. This long history makes the annual opening gala a cherished community event. The Village is a tribute to the North Pole, featuring a stunning array of miniature houses and displays that remain lit daily from 5:00 PM until the season concludes on January 1, 2025.
6. Don't Miss Santa's Schedule at the Village
While his arrival during the parade is a quick wave, Santa Claus stays in Ogden for the rest of the season. Visiting with Santa at the Christmas Village is a completely free activity, making it a budget-friendly option for families. His schedule is consistent throughout the month, ensuring everyone gets a chance to share their Christmas wishes:
- Weekdays (Monday - Friday): 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
- Saturdays: 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
- Note: Santa is typically not available on Sundays.
7. Topical Authority: Entities and Attractions to Explore
To deepen your experience and explore the topical authority of Ogden’s holiday season, consider these entities and attractions:
- The Ogden Municipal Gardens: The central hub for the Christmas Village and the lighting ceremony.
- The Amphitheater: Where the lighting ceremony takes place and where the winning parade floats are often displayed afterward.
- Union Station: A historic landmark nearby, often featuring its own holiday decorations.
- Historic 25th Street: Located just off the parade route, this street is a great place to find local dining and shopping before or after the parade.
- Weber State University (WSU): A major participant in the parade, often winning awards for their floats.
- Young Subaru: Another entity frequently recognized for its award-winning floats, particularly for "Best Use of Lights."
- Utah Transit Authority (UTA): Recognized for its participation and often winning awards like "Best Use of Theme."
The Ogden Holiday Electric Light Parade 2024 and the opening of the Christmas Village are the perfect way to kick off the holiday season. With the theme "You Can Even Say It GLOWS" guiding the stunning visual displays, and the logistical details now firmly in place, you can plan your visit to witness this spectacular, long-standing tradition in Northern Utah.
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