With the arrival of the holiday season, night skies across West Virginia glow with twinkling lights. Some displays are long-standing traditions, welcoming new generations of families each year, while others are newer events quickly earning a place on the annual calendar. Whether enjoyed from the warmth of a car or explored on foot, these dazzling spectacles capture the joyful magic and festive spirit of the season. Here’s your guide to some of the state’s brightest events this year.
Salango Law Dirty Birds Light the Night
GoMart Ballpark in Charleston
Nov. 21 – Jan. 1 (Closed Christmas Day)
GoMart Ballpark in Charleston is set aglow with more than 2.5 million bulbs synchronized to the sounds of the holiday season during Light the Night, said to be the state’s biggest winter light festival. This interactive experience features eight immersive themed displays, along with carnival rides, games, ice skating, ice bumper cars, inflatables and photos with Santa. Last season, the event drew over 120,000 visitors from across the country and beyond. Single event tickets (general admission and all-inclusive) can be purchased online or at the gate.
Christmas Village
Heritage Farm Museum & Village in Huntington
Dec. 5, 6, 12-14
For five select evenings in December, Huntington’s Heritage Farm Museum & Village, the state’s first Smithsonian affiliate, holds its annual Christmas Village. Stroll amid festively trimmed buildings on the property, explore its museums, watch local artisans at work and enjoy special activities — a live nativity, wagon rides, photos with Santa and Frosty the Snowman, crafts with Mrs. Claus and much more. Purchase tickets online in advance, as this event does sell out.
Festival of Lights
Oglebay Park Resort in Wheeling
oglebay.com/calendar/celebrations/festival-of-lights
Nov. 6 – Jan. 4
The nationally recognized Festival of Lights at Oglebay Park Resort has been a time-honored tradition for nearly 40 years. The 6-mile, drive-through spectacle uses more than 1 million lights to make up over 100 scenes ranging from the 300-foot rainbow tunnel to a dinosaur display to Cinderella’s Castle. The Good Zoo, Oglebay Lodge, Levenson Shelter and other parts of the resort also offer family-friendly fun. Admission is free, but a donation of $30 is suggested.
Festival of Lights
St. Albans City Park in St. Albans
Nov. 29 – Dec. 26 (closed Dec. 24-25)
Each holiday season since 1988, St. Albans City Park has transformed into a shimmering wonderland. Those visiting the Festival of Lights will see a variety of light displays from traditional trains and angels to SpongeBob SquarePants. Before the drive-through dates start, there’s a walk-through night and a hayride evening for closer viewing. Donations of money or canned goods for local food pantries are accepted.
Holiday of Lights
Lotito City Park in Bluefield
Nov. 23 – Jan. 7
www.westvirginiaschristmascity.com
Bluefield, known as “West Virginia’s Christmas City,” has hosted its Holiday of Lights at Lotito City Park since 1996. Visitors can drive through this glittering wonderland of more than 1.5 million lights or stroll along a designated walking path. Highlights include a 40-foot inflatable Santa, a whimsical Candyland and visits from favorite characters like Frosty the Snowman, Santa and the Grinch. Guests can also shop at the Mistletoe Market for handmade gifts. Donations are welcome upon departure.
Celebration of Lights
Morris Park in Fairmont
Traditionally Nov. 29 – Dec. 29
Coordinated by the Rotary Club of South Fairmont and the Tygart Valley United Way, Fairmont’s Celebration of Lights is made up of more than 540 displays spread over a 1.3-mile drive through Morris Park. Wednesdays are designated “walker nights” when visitors are able to stroll through the park and see the lights up close. Last year, the Celebration of Lights raised $75,000 for the Tygart Valley United Way. Tickets are $10 per car or $5 per person on walker nights. Children under 12 are free.
Festival of Lights
Krodel Park in Point Pleasant
www.facebook.com/mainstreetpointpleasant
Traditionally Nov. 27 – Jan. 1
The Festival of Lights at Krodel Park in Point Pleasant offers a free, drive-through holiday experience that delights visitors of all ages. Featuring more than 100 custom seasonal displays made up of over 100,000 individual lights, the event transforms the park into a glowing celebration of the season. Alongside traditional holiday scenes, guests can spot a local favorite: Mothman. Admission is free, but donations are accepted.
Christmas in the Park
Chief Logan State Park in Logan
wvstateparks.com/parks/chief-logan-state-park
Traditionally Nov. 27 – Dec. 31
A southern West Virginia holiday tradition, Christmas in the Park at Chief Logan features hundreds of thousands of lights decorating a 2-mile stretch of country roadway and illuminating the park’s serene, forested landscape. But it’s more than just a drive-through — guests can stop for photos, explore festive spots like “Santa Land,” browse the gift shop, stay overnight in the lodge or cabins and even enjoy hayrides on select nights. Monetary donations are welcome.
Holiday in the Park
Parkersburg City Park in Parkersburg
Traditionally Nov. 23 – Dec. 31
Holiday in the Park is organized by a passionate group of volunteers committed to creating a magical holiday experience for the Parkersburg community. Each holiday season, Parkersburg City Park transforms into a sparkling winter wonderland for families and visitors to enjoy. From the twinkling arches to the beautifully lit trees, every detail is thoughtfully arranged to spark joy and bring people together during the most wonderful time of the year. Among the highlights is the annual coloring contest, where local kids showcase their creativity for a chance to win prizes. Donations are encouraged.
Winter Wonderland
Fayette County Park in Beckwith
Traditionally Dec. 1 – Dec. 28
Winter Wonderland at Fayette County Park in Beckwith is one of the area’s longest-running holiday celebrations. What began as the combined displays of two local families has blossomed into thousands of lights covering the majority of the park. You may even catch a glimpse of Santa Claus on your drive through the park. Admission is $5 per vehicle Monday-Thursday and $7 per vehicle on Friday and Saturday.
