This week, it was announced that Ogden’s Christmas Village finished second in USA Today’s 10BEST “Best Public Holiday Lights Display (2025)” contest. Last year, Christmas Village finished third in the same contest.

“Christmas Village in Ogden, Utah, is a beloved community offering that’s free to the public,” the site’s description reads. “Their opening day features a Santa Run and Holiday Electric Light Parade, as well as a ceremony with Santa and fireworks. Guests can visit the village anytime during the holiday season to take photos with Santa or simply bask in the magic.”

Ogden City Communications Director Mike McBride told the Standard-Examiner in an email Friday that it’s an honor to see Ogden’s traditions recognized nationwide.

“We’re thrilled to see Ogden’s Christmas Village recognized on a national stage for the second consecutive year,” he said. “This tradition has been shaped for decades by the care of our employees, the dedication of our Christmas Village Committee, and a community that genuinely loves this place. It reflects the deep sentiment people have for Christmas Village and the pride Ogden residents, and regional visitors, take in showing up for one another. We are very happy to be a city where memories and traditions are made.”

Christmas Village bested several large-scale displays in the top 10, including the Circle of Lights in Indianapolis, Holiday of Lights in West Palm Beach, Florida, and the Chickasha Festival of Light in Chickasha, Oklahoma. Only the Bentleyville “Tour of Lights” in Duluth, Minnesota, finished ahead of Ogden’s Christmas Village.

Though initially in the 20 options for readers to vote on, displays such as Temple Square in Salt Lake City and the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree in New York City finished outside of the top 10.

McBride said it says a lot that Ogden’s Christmas Village was able to hold its own against some larger and even more famous displays.

“It speaks volumes about the strength of this community,” he said. “Ogden’s display isn’t built on scale or spectacle but rather is built on connection, history, and a tradition that families have shared for generations. What started off as a simple parade has grown into a statehood tradition. To see our hometown display stand alongside some of the most iconic holiday destinations in the world is a testament to the heart of Ogden and the people who keep this tradition alive.”

He said Christmas Village’s personal touch makes it stand out against other large displays.

“Every cottage, every light strand, every detail is created, maintained, and cared for by people who genuinely love this tradition,” he said. “Ogden’s Christmas Village is programmed each night through December with live performances in the amphitheater, and that is truly unique to Ogden. Our employees work with extraordinary dedication, and the Christmas Village Committee volunteers year-round to ensure the experience feels magical. That authenticity is rooted in decades of shared memories and is what sets Ogden apart.”

Ogden Mayor Ben Nadolski told the Standard-Examiner that Christmas Village fits perfectly into Ogden and the Ogden Way.

“Christmas Village shows what happens when a community puts its heart into something meaningful,” he said. “Our employees care deeply about getting every detail right, and our Christmas Village Committee puts in year-round effort to keep this tradition strong. I’m grateful for their dedication and for a community that continues to embrace the spirit of the Ogden Way, working together, showing up for one another, and taking pride in the place we call home. Christmas Village is part of Ogden’s identity, and moments like this remind us just how special that is.”

Meanwhile, McBride said Ogden’s Christmas Village has seen a strong start to the 2025 season.

“We estimate that approximately 30,000 people came to the opening night to enjoy the electric light parade, the gala, and the fireworks display to celebrate the season,” he said. “Turnout has been steady, families are returning to their favorite traditions, and the feedback we’re hearing and seeing on social media has been overwhelmingly positive. The combination of good weather, new enhancements, and the familiar charm of the Village has made for a great start.”

For more information on Ogden’s Christmas Village, visit https://www.ogdencity.gov/452/Christmas-Village.