Christmas Lights in West Virginia 2024-2025

The stunning mountain landscape of West Virginia provides a perfect backdrop for celebrating Christmas in Charleston and beyond. Alongside its natural beauty, the state features numerous large light displays that transform the region into a magical winter wonderland. West Virginia's premier resorts also offer a diverse array of winter-themed activities, enhancing the festive experience for all visitors.

Christmas at The Greenbrier, White Sulphur Springs (December 23–29, 2024)

Christmas is a truly enchanting time at The Greenbrier, America's Resort in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. The resort is renowned for its spectacular tree lighting, stunning mountain backdrop, and festive atmosphere that draws families from near and far. The highlight of the holiday season at The Greenbrier is the annual Gingerbread Ball, where families can create lasting memories. Children have the chance to meet and take photos with Santa in the Upper Lobby, while adults can enjoy the Christmas Cantata in The Greenbrier Chapel.

The resort offers a wide range of activities, including the TArt Alive Children's Painting Workshop, Puzzles & Board Games, a Scavenger Hunt, and a Christmas Cookie Decorating Workshop. Guests can also participate in the Family Tree Decorating Party, watch the "Yule Time in Sherwood Forest" Puppet Show in the Chesapeake Room, enjoy wine tastings, and attend the festive Jingle Bell Parade. Participation in these events requires reservations, and prices for workshops and dinners range from $40 to $125 per person.

Holiday in the Park at Parkersburg City Park (November 23–December 2024)

The Greater Parkersburg area offers a range of festive attractions, with the annual Holiday in the Park display being a standout event. Embrace the Christmas spirit with family and friends as you drive through City and Southwood Parks, which are lavishly decorated with animated and static light displays synchronized to festive music. Over eighty displays, funded by the city, businesses, and organizations, contribute to the enchanting experience.

The Christmas season in Parkersburg begins with a special lighting ceremony featuring Santa Claus, who hands out candy canes to children. The event includes live entertainment, holiday music, speeches from local dignitaries, and recognition of past supporters. Visitors can also enjoy rides on fire trucks provided by the Fire Department to view the lights and take part in horse-drawn wagon rides available throughout the season.

Winter Festival of Lights at Oglebay, Wheeling (November 7, 2024–January 5, 2025)

The Winter Festival of Lights at the famous Oglebay Resort is one of the largest holiday light shows not just in West Virginia, but in the whole country. Each year it draws more than one million visitors. Founded in 1985, the Winter Festival of Lights covers over 300 ac (120 ha) of twinkling lights over a 6-mi (10-km) drive-through. The best displays include animated Snowflake Tunnel, a Candy Cane Wreath, The Twelve Days of Christmas, and the huge Polyhedron Star. There are up to one hundred lighted attractions consisting of over one million LED lights.

Celebration of Lights at Morris Park, Fairmont (November 30–December 30, 2024)

Each winter, Fairmont, West Virginia, dazzles visitors with over 475 illuminated holiday displays. These festive decorations line the road around Morris Park on Pleasant Valley Road, creating a 1.3-mile (2-km) drive-through experience. The Celebration of Lights draws thousands of families eager to enjoy a magical evening and embrace the Christmas spirit.

In addition to the light displays, the event features several other attractions: the Market in the Park on November 23, the Reindeer 5K Run on December 10 for $35, Walkers Nights on December 4, 11, and 18 for those who wish to explore the displays on foot, and Glow Bowl IV Disc Golf. Admission is $10 per car, $30 per bus, and $5 per person on Walkers Nights (children under 12 are free).