Northern Utah Living: 3 events to check out this week (Dec. 27-Jan. 4)
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- One of the cottages on display at Ogden’s Christmas Village, photographed on Dec. 3, 2024.
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- The Great Salt Lake as seen from Antelope Island, photographed April 21, 2023.
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Ryan Aston, Standard-Examiner
One of the cottages on display at Ogden's Christmas Village, photographed on Dec. 3, 2024.
The Jupiter steam locomotive passes through the Golden Spike National Historic Site during the Winter Steam Festival in 2017. Demonstrations with the historic engine regularly take place during the summer, but only happen for three days in the winter. The cold winter air creates more visible steam than during the warm summer days.
The full Northern Utah calendar of events is on L4, but here are three local events you should check out this week:
1. Christmas Village
Municipal Gardens, Ogden, Dec. 27-Jan. 2, 5-10 p.m.
Most people in the Ogden area probably already have the tradition of going downtown at some point during the season to see the Christmas Village but if you haven’t gotten to see it yet, this is a good year to go. The city website says: “Christmas Village will once again light up downtown Ogden opening November 29, 2025, and closing January 1, 2026. Christmas Village is free for all visitors. Lights are turned on daily at 5 p.m. They are turned off at 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and at midnight on Friday and Saturday. Lights are on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Years.”
For more information, go to ogdencity.gov.
2. First Day Hike 2026
Tim Vandenack, Standard-Examiner file photo
The Great Salt Lake as seen from Antelope Island, photographed April 21, 2023.
Antelope Island State Park, Syracuse, Jan. 1, 10 a.m.
From the park website: “Start 2026 with us! This year we will host THREE guided hikes to choose from for your annual First Day Hike tradition. Join us for one, or all three:
“10 a.m.: Meet at the Gravel Pit trailhead for an approximately 5-mile round-trip hike to the historic flight beacon at Beacon Knob.
“2 p.m.: Meet at the Buffalo Point trailhead for a 1 mile round-trip hike to amazing views of Great Salt Lake and the wildlife below.
“4 p.m.: Meet at Ladyfinger Point for an easy 1/2 mile round-trip adventure through the rocks. This is a great trail for young families.”
BENJAMIN ZACK/Standard-Examiner
The Jupiter steam locomotive passes through the Golden Spike National Historic Site during the Winter Steam Festival in 2017. Demonstrations with the historic engine regularly take place during the summer, but only happen for three days in the winter. The cold winter air creates more visible steam than during the warm summer days.
For more information, go to stateparks.utah.gov/parks/antelope-island.
3. Golden Spike Winter Steam Festival
Golden Spike National Historic Park, Promotory, Dec. 27-30, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
From the park’s website: “Visitors from near and far gather to experience the thrilling spectacle of a fully operational 1860s-era steam locomotive, filling the crisp winter air with steam and the nostalgic sounds of its bells and whistles. This year’s festival will feature the iconic Central Pacific Locomotive Jupiter, running throughout the day along the historic transcontinental railroad grade. Step back in time to experience the sights, sounds, and power of this Victorian-era marvel up close. Family-friendly fun includes cab tours, handcar rides, and exciting Junior Ranger activities–perfect for all ages to enjoy!”
For more information, go to nps.gov/gosp.
