Key Takeaways
- The year 2025 was significant for Ogden and surrounding towns, with major events and developments in the entertainment and culture scene.
- The region began preparing for the 2034 Winter Olympics and Paralympics, with the formation of steering committees and the announcement of the games’ branding.
- Lagoon Amusement Park introduced new rides and attractions, including The District and the Nutcracker, and divested itself of its zoo element.
- Local attractions such as Historic 25th Street, Snowbasin Resort, and Ogden’s Christmas Village received national recognition and accolades.
- The furry fandom community celebrated Anthro Weekend Utah, a three-day event that drew over 2,600 attendees and raised nearly $35,000 for a local pet rescue and adoption organization.
Introduction to 2025 in Ogden
The year 2025 was a significant one for Ogden and surrounding towns, with a wide range of events and developments that showcased the region’s vibrant entertainment and culture scene. From preparing to welcome the world to the region for the 2034 Winter Olympics and Paralympics to the evolution of the state’s largest amusement park, there was no shortage of exciting news and achievements. In this article, we will take a look back at some of the biggest entertainment stories of the year that was 2025.
Preparing for the 2034 Winter Olympics
In 2024, Salt Lake City was officially awarded the 2034 Winter Olympics and Paralympics, and in 2025, the region began laying the groundwork to make the Games a reality. This included the formation of steering committees in May, which incorporated members of the Ogden community, including Ogden Mayor Ben Nadolski, Kym Buttschardt, and Nolan Karras. The committees were tasked with planning and preparing for the games, which are expected to bring global attention, economic opportunity, and a chance to build a culture and legacy of sport in the region. In November, the branding of the 2034 Winter Olympics was announced, with the unveiling of a sculpture depicting "Utah 2034" at the Salt Lake City International Airport.
Lagoon Amusement Park Developments
Lagoon Amusement Park had a year of major changes in 2025, with the introduction of new rides and attractions, including The District and the Nutcracker. The park also divested itself of its zoo element, with animals being re-homed elsewhere. According to Lagoon spokesperson Adam Leishman, the decision to remove the park’s zoo elements was due to the realities of space and the need to evolve with the times. The park’s helicopter ride was also re-imagined as Rivets & Rotors, and the Carousel Candy store was reintroduced. The Nutcracker, a S&S Worldwide "Screamin’ Swing," is set to be completed and open to riders during the 2026 season.
National Recognition for Local Attractions
In 2025, several local attractions received national recognition and accolades. Historic 25th Street finished third in the Best Main Streets category of the USA Today 10BEST Reader’s Choice Awards, marking the second year in a row that the street has received this recognition. Snowbasin Resort placed first in the "Best Ski Resort in the U.S. and Canada" category, and Ogden’s Christmas Village took second place in the "Best Public Holiday Lights Display" contest. According to Visit Ogden Director of Marketing and Communications Taylor Hartman, these rankings are a point of pride for the community and demonstrate the region’s commitment to providing high-quality attractions and experiences.
Snowbasin Resort Milestone
Snowbasin Resort celebrated a major milestone in 2025, marking its 85th ski season. The resort made several big changes in anticipation of this milestone, including the implementation of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology and the replacement of the Becker chairlift. According to Snowbasin Resort Chief Operating Officer and General Manager Davy Ratchford, these upgrades will make the ticket-scanning experience easier and improve the overall guest experience. The resort is coming off an amazing year, having been ranked the No. 1 resort in America, and is excited to continue providing a high level of service to its guests.
Furry Fandom Community
The furry fandom community had a significant presence in Northern Utah in 2025, with the celebration of Anthro Weekend Utah (AWU) in August. The three-day event, which took on the pirate theme "Anchors AWU — Battle of the Barkaneers," drew over 2,600 attendees and raised nearly $35,000 for Nuzzles & Co Pet Rescue and Adoption of Park City. According to event cofounder Giga, the furry fandom community is welcoming to everybody and provides a safe space for people to express themselves and be accepted for who they are. AWU is set to return to Layton in 2026 with the theme "Mech vs. Kaiju, PAWSific Rim!"