These 11 Winter Events Are Must-Sees in West Virginia

The winter season in the Mountain State is an amazing time of year when you can experience new and exciting things that you’ve been waiting to try since spring. This winter you can do just that thanks to the incredibly unique events that take place in West Virginia during the winter. From cultural events to festivals that will get you in the holiday spirit, don’t miss out on these must-see events around the state:

1. Get into the holiday spirit this season at the Ho Ho Ho-liday Handmade Market in Shepherdstown. The Ho Ho Ho-liday is the perfect place to find locally-made gifts and discover artful items such as fine art, pottery, home and garden décor, specialty foods, jewelry, wearables and accessories, sweet treats and more. The market is open each Saturday and Sunday during the month of December from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jefferson County is home to many incredible events during the winter season. Visit the Jefferson County Convention and Visitors Bureau and get started planning which fun and unique events you’re going to attend.

2. This winter, visit the incredible Bridgeport Farmers Market winter market, which is open the second Sunday of each month from November to April 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. inside the Bridgeport Conference Center. The Bridgeport Farmers Market provides fresh, healthy food and products and always brings together a talented group of West Virginia artisans, musicians, authors and chefs. Learn more about the charming town of Bridgeport it’s fun events at the Greater Bridgeport Convention and Visitors Bureau.

3. Head to Bluefield and experience one of the greatest light displays in West Virginia at the Holiday of Lights Festival. This festival lasts from Nov. 22 to Dec. 31 and includes a beautiful array of lights that cover 110 plus acres of parkland and provides a 1.5-mile drive through the park. This beautiful festival is one the whole family will love so much it’ll become a family tradition. For more information on this classic event, visit the Visit Southern West Virginia Convention and Visitors Bureau.

4. The West Virginia Music Festival is an entertaining festival that also has a great cause. The West Virginia Music Festivals mission is to lend a helping hand to musicians in need with a vision to further develop the music industry through education. A purchase of a wristband gets you unlimited access to all 7 plus venues and 40 plus live acts playing across downtown Lewisburg all within a four-block radius. This is a festival you won’t want to miss so make sure to check out Greenbrier County Convention and Visitors Bureau for all the latest information on this event and more in beautiful Greenbrier County.

5. The Mountain State is full of incredible ski resorts that are located throughout the state. These resorts put on unique and exciting events all through the winter season but two events we think you won’t want to miss out on are Snowshoe Mountain Resorts two West Virginia Ski Free Days on Dec. 9 and March 17. On these days Snowshoe gives out free lift tickets to all residents of West Virginia. All you need is a proof of residency, a ticket to ski and then you’re on your way to riding Snowshoes many amazing slopes. Visit the West Virginia Ski Areas Association to learn more about the incredible ski resorts in the state and their events and activities.

6. Bring in the new year the right way at Bling in 2019 in Hurricane. Bling in 2019 is a premier gala style event complete with food, drink, music, dancing and more with proceeds benefitting The Lead Group Foundation and The Friends of the Park Foundation. There will also be a live DJ rocking the dance floor with retro 70’s and 80’s beats all night long and too end the night there will be a balloon drop and champagne toast to 2019. If you want to bring in 2019 in the best way possible head to the Putnam County Convention and Visitors Bureau to find out more.

7. One of the states most classic Christmas events is Christmas at Henderson Hall in Williamstown. Henderson Hall will be decked out for the Christmas holidays beginning the week of Thanksgiving throughout the Christmas season until New Years Eve. Beautiful Henderson Hall is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places so if you’ve never seen it’s a must see especially during its Christmas time splendor. The Parkersburg area is full of amazing events that happen throughout the year for more information make sure to visit the Greater Parkersburg Convention and Visitors Bureau.

8. For a unique cultural event attend the Celtic Calling in Charleston March 1 – 3. Selected as a March 2019 Top 20 Event by Southeast Tourism Society, this gathering is a weekend full of music concerts, sessions, workshops, sports and cultural events. This is the perfect opportunity to explore the capital city during the winter as well as a great chance to experience Charleston in a new way. For the best ways to explore Charleston stop by the Charleston Convention and Visitors Bureau and they can guide you to the city’s hot spots.

9. Snowshoe Mountain Resort’s Homegrown Music Festival March 2 and 3 is a festival great for the whole family! The Homegrown Music Festival is a celebration of the region’s best musicians, artisans and local talent. At the festival you can enjoy live music, unique games and more all weekend long. Snowshoe also has incredible restaurants, lodging, outdoor activities, a spa and more so you’ll probably want to extend your stay once you get there.

10. If you are an avid skier or snowboarder, you won’t want to miss out on West Virginia Wednesday at Canaan Valley Resort. Canaan Valley Resort created this event to appreciate those who live in the Mountain State and invite them to ski or tube at Canaan Valley Resort on Wednesdays at a discounted rate. Exploring Canaan Valley and Tucker County is always fun so make sure to visit the Tucker County Convention and Visitors Bureau for all the tips on visiting this gorgeous area and experiencing its incredible events.

11. For an event perfect for the kids take them to Breakfast with Santa at Tamarack. At this event kids will be treated to a delicious breakfast buffet, treats, activities and most importantly a special appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus. Tamarack is hosting this event two times in December so there’s no excuse not get you and your kids tickets to this special event. Also, if you’re looking for other events to attend at Tamarack don’t worry throughout the year they host events like hands on pottery classes, film screenings, artist demonstrations and much more.

This post was last updated on March 17, 2022