10 Reasons to Spend Christmas in Ogden Valley
Are you dreaming of a white Christmas? Celebrate the holidays in a traditional, less stressful way. From ice skating in the park, to a sleigh ride past reindeer to pick out your Christmas tree, and of course, the greatest snow on Earth, Ogden Valley blends classic family fun with modern amenities and relaxation.
Here’s our 10 Reasons to Spend Christmas in Ogden Valley:
1. Decorate a Real Christmas Tree from Bailey’s Tree Farm
Rather than driving your SUV to a slammed big box store or an insincere tree lot on blacktop meant for cars, climb aboard a straw bale seat for a horse drawn sleigh ride through the snow to choose your perfect tree. Sip hot cocoa while touring past reindeer with Bailey’s Sleigh Rides in Eden, Utah
Tree’s range from $40 – $120. Bailey’s also offers traditional Christmas wreaths for your front door. Make a date with Bailey’s for a tradition the whole family will remember. Call (801) 791-1545.
2. Ice Skating in Huntsville Park
Under an evening of fresh snowflakes falling from the sky in Huntsville Park, each December, volunteers form a premier outdoor skating rink. Groomed and maintained with a professional Zamboni, this pristine ice rink is a storybook setting for a winter pastime. Bring food or a hot beverage and relax under the covered pavilion.
$2 rental skates are available as well as ice rink group reservations. Located at 300 S 7400 E Huntsville.
3. Christmas Eve Celebration/Torch Light Parade at Snowbasin
Who doesn’t love a fun parade? Better yet, how about a Christmas Eve torchlight parade with fireworks at world class Snowbasin Resort!
This annual event is fun for the whole family and even includes a surprise visit from the jolly man in red where kids can have professional photos and last minute requests with Santa.
The light parade and firework festivities are free, but Snowbasin’s award winning chef’s are also serving up turkey, ham, or a beef dinner for $30. Tip: arrive early, as this popular event quickly becomes standing room only and reserving tables is not an option.
4. Christmas Village in Ogden
In 1961, Ogden began an annual tradition that remains today and has become Utah’s largest holiday celebration. Ogden’s Christmas Village, Light’s on Ceremony, and Christmas Parade includes 70 custom built and decorated cottages, nightly entertainment, and visits from Santa. Open from November 26 through January 1st.
The amphitheater concessions are open for you to warm up with warm food and beverages.
Choo choo! Hop aboard the Jupiter Trail for a ride through Christmas Village Friday, Saturday, and Monday nights from 6-9pm. Or jump on The Polar Express Train which travels through a tunnel featuring artwork done in glow-in-the-dark paint. The Polar Express Trail is located on the east side of the park near the Fallen Firefighters Memorial.
5. Christmas Dinner at Snowbasin
“He took the Who’s feast, he took the Who pudding, he took the roast beast. He cleaned out that ice box as quick as a flash. Why, the Grinch even took their last can of Who hash.” – Dr. Suess, How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Classic Christmas Dinner – Your choice of Oven Roasted Turkey, Brown Sugar Glazed Ham or Black Pepper Crusted Roast Beef served with mashed potatoes, gravy, corn bread stuffing and fresh vegetables. $30
Vegetarian Christmas Dinner – Maple and Brown Sugar Roasted Acorn Squash stuffed with quinoa, barley, craisins, and spinach served with mashed potatoes, gravy, corn bread stuffing and fresh vegetables. $30
Desserts – Spiced Christmas Cake with maple glaze; Hot Apple Crisp; Eggnog Cheesecake; Candy Cane Cupcakes. $4
6. Visit Temple Square
Those from Utah will tell you the lights at Temple Square are not to be missed! A short 30 minute drive from Ogden is the annual tradition of 35 acres that completely transform the day after Thanksgiving when all the Christmas lights are lit, and decorations and nativity scenes are on display.
In conjunction with the thousands of lights, free concerts and performances from schools, church choirs, and bands, perform daily. Plan to experience the world famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas Concert.
7. Christmas Movie Marathon
When you stay at Lakeside Resort Properties, you’ll have access to a library of all your Christmas favorites! Cuddle up on the couch by the fire with hot cocoa while the snow falls outside and laugh, cry, or sing along with Holiday classics!
8. Skiing. Which is a pretty big deal.
From steep chutes to powder pillows, perfect groomers, terrain parks and moguls, Ogden Valley resorts offer terrain for every type of skier and snowboarder. From the home of the 2002 Olympic Downhill at Snowbasin, to the now largest ski resort in the nation, Powder Mountain, family and budget friendly Nordic Valley, and cat skiing with Whisper Ridge, options on the greatest snow on Earth are endless.
9. Gingerbread & Home Made Sugar Cookie Kits
Stay in for the night and let your inner culinary artistry glow by baking cookies and decorating gingerbread houses. Or, trim the tree by the fire singing along to your favorite Christmas soundtrack. Sometimes a night in with family and friends is just as memorable as a night on the town.
Here’s a link to some really fun Gingerbread House ideas: http://sweetopia.net/2009/11/gingerbread-house-ideas/
Passed down from his grandmother, here’s a recipe from one of our employee’s.
Kyle’s Sugar Cookie Recipe:
- 6 Cups of Flour
- 2 Tsp of baking soda
- 1 Tsp of Salt
Swift together
- 1 Cup of shortening
- 1 Cup of Sugar
- 2 Eggs
- 1 Tsp of Vanilla
- 1 Cup of Sour Cream
Cream together
Add flour mixture gradualy to creamed mixture. Roll out on lightly floured board to 1/4 thickness cut with cookie cutters.
Bake at 350 for 7-10 Minutes. Let cool, and enjoy!
10. White Christmas
And finally, relax.
Private hot tub on the deck at Lakeside Resort Properties. Book your stay today!
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