By Katie Allie
These are my stories from the road and hard-won guidance from a thoughtful traveler. If I’m making you curious about getting lost and finding the good stuff in this great big world we all share, then I’m doing something right.
The Mountain State really puts on a show for Christmas—and what better proof do you need than the extensive list of Christmas-themed activities I’ve compiled below? Everywhere you look in West Virginia, there are community events to celebrate the season. Whether you want to tour historic homes and monuments in period garb, take a drive through light displays or have breakfast with Santa, I have you covered. For even more local holiday cheer, visit your local library to see what events they’re hosting. Check with individual websites for full details and pass the eggnog!
Arts & History in West Virginia
18th Century Christmas Tour at Pricketts Fort
marioncvb.com/event/18th-century-christmas-tour-3/
November 27 through December 3
Fairmont, WV
“Join us for an interpreter lead tour of the historic 18th century fort and the 19th century Job Prickett House. See how our ancestors celebrated this holy time of year as our interpretive staff takes you through many aspects of historical colonial Christmas celebrations.”
Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s The Ghosts of Christmas Eve
charlestonwv.com/event/2016/11/30/trans-siberian-orchestras–the-ghosts-of-christmas-eve.aspx
November 30
Charleston, WV
“Paul O’Neill launched a project in 1996 that over the past 20 years has become a critically-acclaimed, multi-platinum, musical powerhouse: Trans-Siberian Orchestra. The progressive rock group’s record-setting ‘rock theater’ tours sell out venues year after year and have cemented TSO’s status as a must-attend, multi-generational holiday tradition.”
Holiday Glow Bowl II
December 1
Fairmont, WV
“How many opportunities do you get to play disc golf among 200+ animated twinkling Christmas decorations? Here’s your chance! The Fairmont Flyers will host Holiday Bowl II at Morris Park to help raise funds for United Way of Marion County.”
Snow White by the River City Youth Ballet
charlestonwv.com/event/2016/12/2/22snow-white22.aspx
December 2 – Charleston Civic Center Little Theater
December 3 – 107 Koontz Avenue in Clendenin
“River City Youth Ballet, the official youth ballet of the state of West Virginia, will present this captivating ballet of a charming princess saved from the evil deeds of her wicked stepmother, the queen, by a group of adorable seven dwarfs. Featuring a cast of young dancers (and a few lucky adults), this ballet will please the entire family.”
Annual Victorian Christmas Home Tour & Tea
December 3-4
Parkersburg, WV
“Five historic homes decked out in Christmas finery are showcased in this tour of Parkersburg, West Virginia’s Julia-Ann Square Historic District. On Saturday, the tours will be escorted by guides in period attire, homeowners will share the history of their homes and guests will attend a lavish Victorian Tea as part of the $15 donation. On Sunday, the tour will be self-guided, and there will be no tea.”
ACC’s Feel the Love of Christmas at the Clay Center
December 4
Charleston, WV
“The Appalachian Children’s Chorus presents its 2016 Christmas Concert, ‘Feel the Love of Christmas’ dedicated to the memory of B.E. Taylor.”
Holiday Open House at the Craik-Patton House
charlestonwv.com/event/2016/12/4/holiday-open-house.aspx
December 4
Charleston, WV
“Hot cider and Christmas cheer! Visit the museum to see period decorations and a little bit of history too! Light refreshments provided.”
Moscow Ballet’s “Great Russian Nutcracker” at the WVU Creative Arts Center
www.tourmorgantown.com/events/moscow-ballets-great-russian-nutcracker/
December 7
Morgantown, WV
“Direct from Russia, experience the biggest holiday event of the year! Moscow Ballet, now in its 24th consecutive year touring North America, returns to the Creative Arts Center with the ‘Great Russian Nutcracker.’ Witness the exquisite artistry of this world-class company that numbers nearly 40 classically trained dancers and revel in the unmatched splendor of the breathtaking hand-painted sets and luxurious hand-made costumes.”
The Nutcracker Ballet at the Clay Center
December 9-10
Charleston, WV
“The exciting, full-length version of Tchaikovsky’s magical holiday masterpiece, The Nutcracker will again be presented with the wonderful live music of the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra!”
Bramwell Historic Home Tour at Christmas
www.bramwellwv.com/townevents.html
December 10
Bramwell, WV
Come take a peek inside some of Bramwell’s historic homes, all decked out for the holidays. No reservations required.
The Nutcracker: Land of the Suites
December 10-11
Morgantown, WV
“The Nutcracker: Land of the Suites is a whimsical adaptation of the classic holiday ballet, inspired by Duke Ellington’s ‘The Nutcracker Suite.’”
249th Army Band Winter Wonderland Concert
www.tourmorgantown.com/events/249th-army-band-winter-wonderland-concert/
December 11
Morgantown, WV
“The West Virginia Army National Guard’s 249th Army Band will perform nostalgic holiday classics and exciting new music as it celebrates the wild and wonderful winters of West Virginia.”
Light Up the Levee
December 15
Charleston, WV
Enjoy Christmas caroling by the river. The cost of admission is donated canned goods to benefit The Covenant House Food Pantry.
The Nutcracker Ballet at The Greenbrier
December 28
“An annual holiday tradition presented by Jerry Rose & The Beckley Dance Theatre.”
Holiday Train Rides
Oglebay Resort’s Holiday Train Rides for Kids
November 28 through January 1
Wheeling, WV
“Children will squeal in delight as they ride a holiday themed train. Weather permitting. Tickets available at the Christmas Shop.”
The Elf Limited
mountainrailwv.com/choose-a-train/the-elf-limited
November 30
December 1-4; 7-11
Cass, WV
Seats will sell quickly so book soon!
“Tumble aboard the Elf Limited amidst other gleeful elven hopefuls as the train rambles into the enchanted forests of Cass …”
Snowflake Express Train Ride with Santa at the South Side Depot
December 9-10
Petersburg, WV
Enjoy train rides, Christmas caroling with Shana Bowers and family, time with Santa and a chance to see the Festival of Lights. Free hot cocoa and cookies!
Lights Festivals
Oglebay Resort’s Winter Festival of Lights
November 28 through January 1
Wheeling, WV
“Since 1985 the Winter Festival of Lights has been delighting visitors of all ages! This annual holiday light show is one of the nation’s largest, covering more than 300 acres over a six-mile drive throughout the resort.”
Holiday in the Park: City Park & Southwood
November 28 through December 31
Parkersburg, WV
A holiday light drive-through display at two of the city parks decorated in celebration of the season with colorful animated and still holiday light displays, Holiday in the Park has free admission, but donations are appreciated.
Holiday of Lights
November 28 through December 31
Bluefield, WV
“The City of Bluefield, WV, welcomes you to one of the largest light shows in the two Virginias—The Holiday of Lights at Lotito City Park … This beautiful array of lights covers 110+ acres of parkland and provides a 1.5-mile drive through the park.”
Fairmont’s Celebration of Lights
November 28 through December 27 (closed Sunday, December 25)
Fairmont, WV
A fundraiser for the United Way of Marion County, you can drive through more than 320 sponsored displays “for your viewing enjoyment.”
Christmas in the Park at Chief Logan State Park
November 28 through December 31
Logan, WV
“In a wonderful white world of Christmas you’ll find one of West Virginia’s nicest light displays.”
Old Time Christmas at Welton Park “Festival of Lights”
December 9
Petersburg, WV
“Come enjoy a free evening of cookies, hot cocoa, beautiful lights, carolers, the PHS band and chorus and so much more! Come enjoy a trip around the park in a horse drawn sleigh, get your cookies and hot cocoa, listen to the wonderful music by all kinds of local talent and listen to a recitation of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’ by our West Virginia Commissioner of Agriculture Walt Helmick.”
Parties & Festivals
Appalachian Coal Town Christmas
www.beckley.org/underground-tour/general-information/appalachian-coal-town-christmas/
December 2-3
Beckley, WV
“Horse and wagon rides, marshmallow roast, caroling, special underground tours, special planetarium presentations and a Christmas craft.”
Christmas in Our Town
December 2
Barrackville, WV
“The Town of Barrackville transforms into Santaland with a craft fair, food vendors, a grand parade and fireworks.”
The Way Back Christmas Village at Heritage Farm
www.heritagefarmmuseum.com/events/
December 2-3; 9-10
Huntington, WV
“Celebrate the most wonderful time of year as the village will be transformed by community Christmas spirit! Holiday Market, live music and Santa Claus will bring plenty of joy for the entire family!”
Breakfast with Santa
www.tourmorgantown.com/events/breakfast-santa-2/
December 3
Kingwood, WV
“Menu includes breakfast potatoes, pancakes and waffles, French toast sticks, fresh fruit, biscuits and gravy, bacon, sausage, scrambled eggs and buckwheat cakes. Santa will arrive at 10 a.m. Please RSVP by calling 304-329-2220.”
Hinton’s Annual Christmas Bazaar and Parade
visitwv.com/event/hintons-annual-christmas-bazaar-and-parade/
December 3
Hinton, WV
“The City is excited to host this year’s annual bazaar at the newly restored Freight Depot and showcase this historical building as it was in its heyday; a bustling center of trade and commerce. The Bazaar will feature local entertainment as well as vendors selling arts and crafts, specialty food items and of course lots of items for those on your Christmas list. Admission into the bazaar is a non-perishable food item which will be donated to Loaves and Fishes food bank.”
Christmas at the Plantation
December 3, 10 & 17
Williamstown, WV
“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 to the sound of live Christmas music performed by Rick Poling. Hors d’oeuvres and libations will be served. Reservations are limited to 30 guests per evening.”
Buy Local: Artisan and Craft Bazaar
www.tourmorgantown.com/events/buy-local-artisan-craft-bazaar/
December 4
Morgantown, WV
“00Bagel and 123 Pleasant Street invite you to Brunch and Buy Local! Several local artisans will be on hand offering their locally made wares for your holiday convenience! Music, shopping and holiday cheer abound!”
“Souper Taste” of Christmas
www.tourmorgantown.com/events/souper-taste-christmas/
December 4
Kingwood, WV
“13 different types of assorted homemade soups and breads prepared by community donors as well as holiday wassail. Guests may sample four different soups and then have a full bowl of their favorite or a new choice. The McGrew House will also be beautifully decorated for the season and guests are welcome to visit all of our exhibits and Gift Shoppe while there.”
Jingle Bell Jam!
kindermusikwithpenni.kindermusik.com
December 5-10
Morgantown, WV
“It’s time for our annual Jingle Bell Jam! Celebrate the season with the lively sound of jingle bells and the laughter of families making music together! This one-off class brings the fun and joy of familiar songs, parachute play and imagination to our Kindermusik classroom! Children ages newborn to 5-years-old will enjoy playing age appropriate instruments while learning about music and movement in a supportive and loving environment.”
European Style Christmas Market
www.rowlesburg.info/christmas_market.php
December 10
Rowlesburg, WV
“You will find vendors galore with great Christmas gift items. There will be music and lots of food, Christmas decorations and crafts. The aroma of famous German Christmas stolen, cookies, decorated cakes and various candies will be filled in the Szilagyi Center. The Emporium Gift Shop and all the other museums will also be open. Outside the entrance visitors will encounter the irresistible smells of bratwurst and Gluewein, the traditional drink in water available for sample. What better way to get into the Christmas spirit with Preston County’s biggest Christmas celebration!”
Seventh Annual Friends of WVU Hospitals Festival of Trees & Santa’s Village
wvumedicine.org/news/article/friends-of-wvu-hospitals-announces-seventh-annual-holiday-event/
December 10-11
Morgantown, WV
“Families are invited to tour each station in the village and enjoy activities, food, music and shopping. Kids can have their photos taken with Santa, Mrs. Claus and Monti Bear.”
Christmas Parade
www.tourmorgantown.com/events/christmas-parade/
December 12
Morgantown, WV
“Come join us downtown for the Christmas parade!”
Feast of the Seven Fishes Festival
marioncvb.com/feastofthesevenfishes/
December 12
Fairmont, WV
Enjoy an Italian-themed Christmas street food festival with live entertainment, a homemade wine contest and more.
Breakfast with Santa
December 17
North Bend State Park in Cairo, WV
“Santa and Mrs. Claus will be stopping at North Bend State Park for breakfast on their way to the North Pole. Check in with the jolly old elf and have your picture taken.”
8th Annual Christmas at the Cabin
www.carlinsbatteryd.org/untitled1.html
December 19
Fort Boreman Park, WV
“Join Carlin’s Battery D for a celebration of the season at Fort Boreman Park. The civil war reenactment group will be dressed in traditional military clothing and will be enjoying caroling, coffee, cookies and fellowship with those who attend the event.”
Holiday Celebrations at Snowshoe Mountain Resort
www.snowshoemtn.com/things-to-do/events/holiday-celebrations
December 21 through January 1
Snowshoe, WV
“Here at 4,848 we have our own winter wonderland, so we get pretty excited about the holidays. We’ll be celebrating for more than ten days with holiday crafts, activities and a chance to meet Santa and friends on the slopes.”
Christmas Eve Gingerbread Ball at the Greenbrier
December 24
White Sulphur Springs, WV
“Featuring music for dancing, caricature and balloon artists and Mr. & Mrs. Santa Claus!” Reservations required.
Canaan Christmas Celebration
December 24-25
Canaan Valley, WV
“Enjoy the holidays with winter getaway to the mountains of West Virginia. Activities include a visit from Mrs. Claus and a reading of ‘Twas the night before Xmas’ as well as a visit from Santa himself on the 24th. Holiday buffets will be offered both December 24th and 25th.”
