Adventure Advisory: Hometown Holidays
The Adventure Advisory, prepared and distributed by Wild, Wonderful West Virginia (GoToWV), highlights some of the many activities happening across the Mountain State. Additional listings are posted at wvtourism.com. Event organizers and promoters are encouraged to submit items electronically at wvtourism.com/partners.
Now – Jan. 3: Winter Festival of Lights, Oglebay Resort, Wheeling
800-624-6988; oglebay-resort.com/fol.htm
One of the nation’s largest holiday light shows, Oglebay’s Winter Festival of Lights covers more than 300 acres and is listed on the American Bus Association’s Top International Events. The light show runs from dark to 10 p.m. Sunday – Thursday and dark to 11 p.m. Friday – Saturday. Trolley tours are offered several times each night beginning at Wilson Lodge.
Nov. 16-21: Trees of Our Heritage, Blennerhassett Island State Park, Parkersburg
304-420-4800; blennerhassettislandstatepark.com
The Blennerhassett Museum is decorated for the holidays with Trees of Our Heritage. The Trees of our Heritage display includes multiple countries, regions, and themes. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday – Saturday and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $4 adults and $2 for youth ages 3-12.
Nov. 20-22: Christmas in November Craft Show, WesBanco Arena, Wheeling
304-233-7000; wesbancoarena.com
More than 175 vendors display a wide variety of homemade and handcrafted wares including jewelry, pottery, woodworks and more. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Nov. 20 – Dec. 31: Christmas Fantasy Light Show, Krodel Park, Point Pleasant
304-675-3844; mcdaadm@masoncounty.org; msppdir@pointpleasantwv.org; masoncountytourism.org
This annual drive-through light show at Krodel Park features unique animated light displays including Santa Claus, Santa’s workshop, gingerbread men, drummers, angels, the Mothman and many more. Free admission. Hours are 5:15 p.m. to 9:15 p.m.
Nov. 21 – Dec. 31: Holiday in the Parks, Parkersburg City Park and Southwood Park, Parkersburg
304-905-7242; merrittj@wesbanco.com
Drive through two Parkersburg city parks decorated for the season with colorful animated and stationary holiday themed displays. Free admission, but donations are appreciated. Carriage rides are available for a small fee on weekends beginning in mid-December.
Nov. 21: Tygart Lake Turkey Trot 5K, Tygart Lake State Park, Grafton
304-265-6144; tygartlake.com/events.htm
Be part of a Thanksgiving tradition: Run, waddle and trot your way through 3.1 miles of paved course at beautiful Tygart Lake State Park. A kids’ race will also take place. Pre-registration is required.
Nov. 21-22: Holly Jolly Christmas Craft Show, Event Center at Brushy Fork, Buckhannon
304-473-1400; info@visitbuckhannon.org/; visitbuckhannon.org/
Tackle your holiday shopping at this “one-stop shop” event featuring homemade and handmade goods. Activities for children include a meet and greet with “The Grinch,” face painting and balloon twisting. Concessions will be available. Hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Nov. 21-22: Lewisburg Holiday Festival, Downtown Lewisburg
888-702-1076; info@greenbrierwv.com; greenbrierwv.com/
Lewisburg’s annual holiday event offers a spirited weekend with live music, performances, delicious treats, carriage rides, holiday decorations and a visit by Santa.
Nov. 23 – Jan. 1: Winterfest at Cedar Lakes, Ripley
304-372-7860; info@cedarlakes.com; cedarlakes.com
This month-long holiday event features concerts and theater presented in a festive atmosphere of more than one million lights and computer-animated displays. During Winterfest, motel lodging rates are half-price at Cedar Lakes. Hours are 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Nov. 26: Shinnston Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk, Pike Street, Shinnston
717-259-6280; mariegastonscholarship@gmail.com; shinnstonturkeytrot.com
This course is a 3.1 mile loop beginning near the Shinnston Rail Trail head (Near Rite Aid and Auto Zone) on Pike Street. Walkers and runners will finish the 5K on the rail trail. The children’s Gobble Wobble will begin on the start line of the 5K at 8:50 a.m. Children will be divided according to age.
Nov. 26: Thanksgiving Day Dinner and Music, Stonewall Resort State Park, Roanoke
304-269-8880; stonewallresort.com/
A favorite tradition continues at Stonewall Resort – hosting Thanksgiving dinner. Dine in Stillwaters or, if a larger group, private dining is available. The ballroom is open with the Jenny Wilson Jazz Duo performing throughout the day. Thanksgiving dinner served 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Advance reservations are required.
Nov. 26 – Dec. 31: Christmas in the Park, Chief Logan State Park, Logan
304-792-7125; chiefloganstatepark.com
Enjoy the beautiful lights on this drive-through tour of the park. Chief Logan State Park becomes a winter wonderland as displays light up from dark to 10 p.m. each night. Admission is free, but donations are accepted.
Nov. 26 – Dec. 31: Holiday of Lights, Lotito City Park, Bluefield
304-327-2494; 304-327-2448: info@cityofbluefield.com; www.cityofbluefield.com
The City of Bluefield hosts one of the largest light shows in the two Virginias – more than 600,000 lights transformed into a showcase of holiday themes. Special events on weekends include visits from Santa, walking tours, and local choir performances. Hours are 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday –Thursday and 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday – Saturday.
Nov. 27: Charles Town Tree Lighting, Jefferson County Courthouse, Charles Town
304-724-9250;
Charles Town kicks off the shopping season by lighting a tree and downtown buildings. All are invited to participate and enjoy caroling, as well as a reading of “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” by Santa Claus. Start time is 7 p.m.
Nov. 27-28: Hometown Christmas Tree Lighting on the Square and Old Town Christmas Parade, Martinsburg
304-262-4200; mainstreetmartinsburg.com
Friday starts the season with the nostalgic downtown tree lighting. On Saturday, Martinburg’s annual parade – complete with bands, floats, fire trucks and more – will usher in Santa!
Nov. 27 – Dec. 20: American Mountain Theater Christmas Spectacular, Elkins
888-793-4379; info@americanmountaintheater.com; americanmountaintheater.com
American Mountain Theater’s hilarious Christmas comedy and musical selections from Christmas classics to contemporary favorites sets the stage for a magical night of holiday memories. Show times vary.
Nov. 27 – Dec. 20: Christmas in Shepherdstown, Shepherdstown
304-876-2786; svc@shepherdstown.info; shepherdstown.info
Enjoy a festive holiday celebration with a live nativity, lighting of the Christmas tree, bonfires, Christmas Parade, Santa, Victorian carolers, films, carriage rides, holiday shopping and more. Activities take place Friday through Sunday Nov. 27 to Dec. 20.
Nov. 27 – Dec. 27: 8th Annual Celebration of Lights, Morris Park, Fairmont
304-612-4818; celebrationoflightswv.com
Drive through 1.3 miles of glittering Christmas displays. Hours are 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday – Sunday. On Dec. 21-24, the light show will be open seven days a week. Special walker’s nights take place Monday Nov. 30 and Thursday, Dec. 10.
Nov. 28: 22nd Annual Holiday Historic Homes Tour, Fairmont
304-367-5398; marionhistorical@yahoo.com; marionhistorical.org
Tour 8 to 12 beautiful private historic sites open to the public for this annual self-guided tour. Most are decorated for the holidays and some feature live music and/or refreshments. Hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets are $14 in advance and $16 the day of the tour.
Nov. 28: Ranson Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, Ranson
304-724-3862; ransonwv.us
Activities include horse-drawn wagon rides and performances by area school groups. Children can get their photos made with Santa and Mrs. Claus, Frosty the Snowman or The Grinch and receive a small surprise. Hours are 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Nov. 28-29: Christmas Craft Shows, Buckhannon Middle School, Buckhannon
304-473-1400; info@visitbuckhannon.org; visitbuckhannon.org
The 33rd Annual Christmas Crafts Show will offer holiday shoppers a unique shopping experience featuring a wide variety of handmade and homemade wares. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Real. Excitement * Real. Family Time * Real. Mountain Flavor * Real. Adventure * Real. Fun * Real. Wild, Wonderful West Virginia. You can find it here. Call 800-CALL WVA or visit GoToWV.com. Share your Real. West Virginia stories on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram with #GoToWV and #RealWV.
This post was last updated on November 11, 2015