Ogden Christmas Village Lighting and Santa Parade

Review and photos by Noelle Graf
The Christmas Village is magical winter wonderland of twinkling lights and holiday spirit in the heart of downtown Ogden. The Christmas season kicks off here with the Electric Light Parade down Washington Blvd. (with Santa as the Grand Marshall), live music at the ampitheater, and a dazzling fireworks display. The festivities lead up to a brilliant explosion of color as Santa flips the switch to illuminate the Christmas Village and bring the holiday season to life.The annual lighting event and parade take place the Saturday after Thanksgiving, but you can visit the Christmas Village until the New Year. There are dozens of whimsical cottages (sponsored by local businesses), with themes ranging from Santa's Workshop, the Nutcracker, Hansel and Gretel, and Nightmare Before Christmas. There's even a replica of historic Union Station.
Kids and adults alike will enjoy strolling down Rudolph Way and Icicle Path, enjoying the Christmas music and peering into each festive Christmas house. Dress warmly and bring a thermos full of hot chocolate to make the magic even more enchanting.
Little ones can visit with Santa Monday through Saturday evenings, up until Christmas Eve. You can purchase photos or take your own. Tours with Mrs. Claus can also be arranged.
When: The Christmas Village cottages are lit each night from 5 p.m. to midnight until January 1.

Where: Historic 25th Street and Washington Blvd., Ogden

Cost: Admission is free

Contact: http://www.ogdencity.com, 801-629-8284

Noelle Graf is a freelance writer specializing in travel reviews and features about people, places, and things. Email noelle823@yahoo.com to inquire about writing, editing, blogging, and consulting services.

Holiday Lights at Thanksgiving Point

Review and photos by Noelle GrafA drive through the Holiday Lights at Thanksgiving Point offers more than one million twinkling Christmas lights and dozens of colorful characters along a winding, mile-long path. The 2009 display combines past favorites with new animated displays, and culminates with a beautiful nativity scene, reminding us that Christmas is more than just sparkling lights and Santa Claus.

The simple drive takes about fifteen minutes, and the dazzling displays will have your kids (and you) ooh-ing and aah-ing. If the weather permits, open your car windows a bit so you can hear--and sing along to--the Christmas carols. While there's no place to pull over for photos along the loop, you'll be driving slow enough to capture a few magic moments. Your $8 per car admission fee gets you one trip around.
Afterwards, visit Santa's reindeer at the Water Tower Plaza; my little one was convinced they were Dasher and Dancer. Then warm up with a hot chocolate (or forget the cold and enjoy a hot chocolate ice cream float) at the Ice Cream Shop. You can even finish up your last-minute holiday shopping at the Emporium or, if you haven't already, buy your Christmas tree.
Where: Electric Park, Thanksgiving Point, Lehi, UT
When: November 27-December 28, 2009. Closed Sundays and Christmas Day.
Hours: 6-10 p.m. but closes at 8 p.m.on Christmas Eve.
Cost: $8 per car
Contact: http://www.thanksgivingpoint.com/ for additional details

Noelle Graf is a freelance writer specializing in travel reviews and features about people, places, and things. Email her at noelle823@yahoo.com to inquire about writing, editing, blogging, and consulting services.