The beloved annual tradition, Neville Cottage Christmas Village, opens its doors once again this year on November 29th, inviting visitors to immerse themselves into a festive wonderland. As the event quickly approaches, Ogden City is actively seeking volunteers to help bring the Light Parade to life, a highlight of the season that illuminates the community each year. With a flip of a switch at 6:30 pm, the spectacle will begin, showcasing 55 cottages bursting with Christmas cheer, according to an announcement posted on Ogden City's official website.
Scott and Kris Neville, the driving force behind one of the Christmas Village cottages, have been preparing to rock around the theme "Rocking Around Christmas Village" since January. They've relentlessly hunted through yard sales and estate sales to curate the perfect decorations for this year's exhibit. "We've been doing yard sales, estate sales, after Christmas clearance sales," Kris Neville told Ogden City. Their dedication to crafting joy for the local children is evident in their meticulous preparation and the delight they take in overhearing the wonder-filled reactions of young visitors.
Despite the bustling scene the Village presents each year, much of the effort invested by families and volunteers remains unseen. However, this behind-the-scenes dedication does not go unnoticed by the Nevilles, who take great pleasure in the resulting joy and warmth. "Take the time and let the kids really look in the cottages. Your kids will remember Christmas Village," Kris Neville reflected in a statement obtained by Ogden City.
In addition to the festive display, the Nevilles have a charitable tradition of distributing toy cars from the non-profit Tiny Tim’s Foundation to children around the world and to young visitors to the Village. These toy cars, almost reaching the 2 millionth car donated, are a symbol of the Nevilles' commitment to generosity during the holiday season. "Our grandkids love to come down and give the cars away to little kids," Kris Neville shared with Ogden City. The involvement of the entire Hooper neighborhood, where the Nevilles now reside, embodies this spirit of community and giving as neighbors contribute their skills to make the Village's magic possible.
The Neville Cottage Christmas Village is open to all without charge from November 29 through January 1. While volunteer slots for the cottages are filled, anyone looking to be part of this cherished event can still lend a hand at the Light Parade on November 29. For more details on volunteering, visit the City of Ogden's announcement page. The Nevilles’ testimony to the love and memories forged during the holiday season encourages visitors and locals alike to experience the joys of Christmas Village, a sentiment that is sure to resonate with many.
