As the holiday season blankets West Virginia in the glittering snow, the Mountain State transforms into a winter wonderland filled with festivities. From the opulent halls of The Greenbrier Resort to the dazzling Festival of Lights at Oglebay Resort, West Virginia offers a magical escape for every type of traveler. Whether you’re enjoying a horse-drawn carriage ride, admiring breathtaking light shows, or caroling to ‘Deck the Halls’, the state’s unique holiday activities promise to create cherished memories. Embrace the season’s joy with our guide to holiday magic in West Virginia!
Beginning with two top-rated West Virginia Resorts, let’s discover:
The Greenbrier Resort, West Virginia
Renowned as ‘America’s Resort’, The Greenbrier truly shines during the holiday season. Set against a backdrop of snow-covered hills, guests flock here throughout the winter to enjoy unique Christmas displays, horse-drawn carriage rides, ice skating, a festive tree lighting ceremony, seasonal wine tastings, and charming holiday shops. With thousands of twinkling lights and nearly 100 beautifully decorated trees, the resort’s holiday spirit is unmatched!
Photo Credit: West Virginia Department of Tourism
Oglebay Resort, West Virginia
Wheeling’s Oglebay Resort, home to a newly renovated lodge, spans over 2,000 acres of peaceful beauty and offers activities for every season. From interactive exhibits at the Good Zoo and the stunning Bissonnette Gardens to scenic horseback rides and a winter sports complex, there’s something for everyone. Oglebay’s Festival of Lights, a beloved holiday tradition since 1985, attracts over one million visitors each year. Spread across 300 acres, the winter-themed light displays are on view from November through December, making it one of the top Christmas light shows in the country and a must-see family-friendly event!
Photo Credit: West Virginia Department of Tourism
Next, let’s discover West Virginia’s magical winter activities that will make a perfect addition to your holiday bucket list!
Mountain Lights Festivals:
Celebration of Lights
November 25 – December 30, Fairmont
Head to Morris Park and add some festive music to your drive through the Celebrations of Lights for an extra touch of holiday cheer. On November 19, don’t miss Market in the Park, an open-air holiday market featuring vendors, crafters, and food trucks. It’s the perfect chance to stroll through the sparkling lights while enjoying some holiday shopping!
St. Albans Festival of Lights
November 25 – December 26, St. Albans
Come out to St. Albans City Park on November 23 for a special treat – a free hayride through the beautiful lights. Afterward, the Festival of Lights will be open nightly for drive-through viewing from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Escape the holiday rush and start a new tradition with your family this season!
Christmas in the Park
November 24 – December 31, Logan
This stunning display at Chief Logan State Park features over one million lights along a 2.5-mile drive through the park. The gift shop will be open, and hot chocolate will be available for an extra festive touch!
Holiday Festivities:
Fayetteville’s Gingerbread Festival
December 3, Fayetteville
Stroll the town of Fayetteville and experience celebrating the holidays with authentic small-town flair. Browse local shops as you take in the town transformed into a real-life candy land, with gingerbread decor galore. Enjoy cookie decorating, crafts, caroling, stories, face painting, hot cocoa, writing letters to Santa, and more! The day wraps up with a Christmas parade at 5 p.m., featuring Santa himself.
Christmas Village
December 2 – 3 & 9 – 10, Huntington
An incredible way to kick off the holiday season is with a trip to the Christmas Village at Heritage Farm Museum and Village. For a brief time, this open-air living history museum turns into a magical winter wonderland with lights, music, and special appearances from Santa, Frosty, and friends!
Bolivar Olde Tyme Christmas
December 2 – 4 & 10 – 11, Harpers Ferry
This long-lasting traditional Christmas celebration held at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is perfect for anyone in need of some extra excitement this season. During this celebration, the charming streets are beautifully decorated with holiday décor, which pairs perfectly with the many events such as wagon rides, historical tours, live entertainment, children’s activities, and shopping!
Bramwell Christmas Tour of Homes
December 14, Bramwell
Travel back in time with a look into a Victorian Christmas in the historic town of Bramwell! What used to be a prospering coal town and home to countless millionaires is now open for private tours. Walk the quaint brick streets and dine locally for the complete package of holiday magic!
One-Of-A-Kind Activities:
November 22 – December 24, Lewisburg
As one of West Virginia’s most walkable cities, Lewisburg is filled with boutique shops, eateries, entertainment, and arts – and from November 22nd to December 24th, Downtown Lewisburg hosts “The Magic of Christmas,” which transforms the city into a winter wonderland. Children and adults alike can enjoy festivities including carriage rides, visits from Santa Claus and his elves, live music performances, pop-up events, and a parade. Throughout the season, a Polar Express scavenger hunt will take place, shopping and dining hours will be extended, and the town will be decked with classic holiday décor and photo-ops.
Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad’s ‘North Pole Express’
December 1, December 6-8, and December 13-23, Romney
Each holiday season, the Potomac Eagle’s scenic train ride takes you through stunning West Virginia landscapes while friends and families create magical memories. Once aboard the North Pole Express, enjoy a 75-minute ride with Mrs. Claus’s famous milk and cookies, caroling, characters from ‘The Nutcracker’ dancing through the train cars, and listen to our unique tale of “Yes, West Virginia, There is a Santa Claus.” As the train approaches The North Pole, the scenery comes to life with thousands of Christmas lights and elves dancing among the trees as Santa boards the train to deliver a special gift for every child. Finally, The journey home from The North Pole ends with a visit to the Christmas Event Barn for an array of festivities for all ages including roasting s’mores and hot cocoa, a live petting farm, a nativity scene, crafts, writing letters to Santa, photo opportunities, and musical entertainment. First Class service is offered in beautifully restored vintage 1940s-1950s dining cars with lounge-style seating while standard service is offered in 1920s coach cars – both are perfect for families and groups!
From dazzling light displays to cozy carriage rides and rich holiday traditions, the Mountain State has everything you need to make this season unforgettable. Whether you’re exploring the holiday magic of Greenbrier, Oglebay, or one of the many holiday events across the state, you’re sure to create cherished memories that will last a lifetime. Make West Virginia your destination for holiday cheer this year!
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