11 top Mountain State traditions to start this holiday
Start new traditions in the Mountain State this holiday season.
Share Mountain State memories with folks you love most— decorating together, sitting side-by-side at the town Christmas parade (with hot cocoa of course!), heading to local shops to pick out the perfect gifts.
Try a new tradition you’ll treasure for years to come. Here are some of the season’s best in West Virginia:
Lights & Classic Cheer
1. Winter Festival of Lights
Wheeling
The Winter Festival of Lights at Oglebay Resort in Wheeling is one of the nation’s largest, spanning 300 acres along a 6-mile drive. The festival’s 90 displays include a 300-foot-long Rainbow Tunnel, Peanuts characters and Cinderella. 150 shimmering hanging baskets float overhead in the The Gardens of Light tour at the Mansion Museum, lighting your entry to the Christmas Tree Garden.
Even the Good Zoo gets into the spirit with a dazzling show of 40,000 LED lights choreographed to classic rock music like Led Zeppelin, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and more. New this season, a 70-foot-tall Welcome Tree at The Hilltop features thousands of dancing high-resolution lights soaring seven stories high. The light festival has been recognized by the American Bus Association as a top travel destination, and featured on the Travel Channel’s “Extreme Christmas Celebrations.”
2. Christmas Fantasy Light Show
Point Pleasant
Krodel Park’s annual drive-through Christmas Fantasy Light Show features unique animated light displays of seasonal favorites like Santa’s workshop, gingerbread men and angels, sprinkled with local folklore, like Point Pleasant’s famous Mothman. Discover new displays every year!
3. Holiday of Lights
Bluefield
Holiday of Lights, featuring more than 700,000 lights across 40 acres of Bluefield City Park, is one of the largest light shows in the 2 Virginias. Every year, they add new pieces, and even the legacy lights get an updated look. Plan around special events like a 5K race, hayrides with Santa, trolley rides through the park and more.
4. Celebration of Lights
Fairmont
At the Celebration of Lights drive through 1.3 miles of beautiful light displays in Morris Park and turn on some festive music for some holiday cheer. The Celebration of Lights features over 500 magical light displays. Bring some hot cocoa with you and experience the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season.
5. St. Albans Festival of Lights
St. Albans
Start the holiday season off right at the St. Albans Festival of Lights at St. Albans City Park. At the St. Albans Festival of Lights, children can visit with Santa and even get their picture taken with him. This is the perfect event to make a new family tradition and enjoy holiday cheer.
6. Christmas in the Park
Chief Logan State Park
Christmas in the Park showcases hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights on a 2 to 3-mile drive through Chief Logan State Park. Experience the charm of Almost Heaven’s cherished State Parks in a new light.
Historic Holidays
7. Colonial Christmas in 1771 at the Adam Stephen House
Martinsburg
Martinsburg dates well back into the colonial period, when we were part of the Old Dominion of Virginia colony. The home of Martinsburg’s founding father, General Adam Stephen, has been restored to its early republic state of the 1780s, and is open year-round for historical tours.
One of the best times of year to visit this stately limestone mansion is during the holidays. During the annual Colonial Christmas event the first 2 weekends of December, the Adam Stephen House will show visitors how the holidays were celebrated during the colonial days with period music, food, and decorations. Although donations are appreciated, admission is free.
8. Heritage Farm Way Back Weekend Christmas Village
Huntington
In the riverside city of Huntington, Heritage Farm is a museum and period-specific historical village that celebrates Appalachian heritage and history. Their “Way Back Weekends” are fun-filled extravaganzas of artisans, music, food and special museum tours. The first 2 weekends in December, it’s transformed into a cheerful Christmas village with a Holiday Market, live music, and of course, a visit from Santa Claus!
9. Annual Harpers Ferry Olde Tyme Christmas
Harpers Ferry
The small town of Harpers Ferry is one of the most history-rich places in West Virginia. For the holidays, the entire town comes alive with festivities. Streets are decorated, locals dress in period costumes of the 1860s, and 19th century folk music fills the chilly air. This event is also especially great for the kids, with puppet shows, storytelling and extended shopping hours throughout town.
10. Christmas at the Plantation
Parkersburg
Step back into days gone by as you walk through the festively adorned rooms of Henderson Hall. This special Christmas Tour offers all-access throughout the Hall, which will be filled with the sounds of live Christmas music. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and refreshments as you explore. Spaces are limited, so reserve your spot early.
11. Bramwell Christmas Historic Homes Tour
Bramwell
Bramwell was once home to more millionaires per capita than anywhere in the country, and its beautiful historic district is lined with mansions, a museum, banks and shops, all from the turn-of-the-century heyday of the coal boom. Every Christmas, costumed historical guides lead visitors on a tour of the town’s finest and best-preserved mansions, telling stories of wealthy aristocratic Christmases from this bygone era.
Your holiday memories are waiting!
This post was last updated on November 4, 2021