By Megan Bevins
Christmas time in West Virginia is nothing short of mesmerizing. As the weather gets colder and snow starts to fall, locals begin to immerse themselves in the holiday spirit. With the help of Christmas villages and light shows, that spirit is brought to life.
From Charleston’s colorful and twinkling streets to the historic charm of Harpers Ferry, each community hosts its own unique festivities. At these celebrations, families gather to sip hot chocolate; explore festive, local markets; and view incredible light displays.
These events not only brighten the area but also promote connection within communities, bringing people together to share in timeless traditions. Whether it’s the vibrant lights of Oglebay’s Winter Festival or the nostalgic charm of a horse-drawn carriage ride in Harpers Ferry, Christmas in West Virginia offers a season filled with joy and warmth.
Charleston Christmas Village: Light the Night, Holly Jolly Brawley, Capitol Market
Starting in November, downtown Charleston transforms into a stunning winter wonderland, thanks to the work of three local organizations. Salango Law Dirty Birds Light the Night presented by GoMart, Holly Jolly Brawley run by the Downtown Charleston Association and the Holiday Village at Capitol Market all decorate the area with bright, colorful lights, tasty treats, family fun and Christmas cheer.
This year’s Light the Night event, held at the GoMart Ballpark, will run from November 15 to January 1. The event will feature more than 2.5 million choreographed Christmas lights and offer a wide range of activities, including rides, activities, shopping, food and ice skating. Light the Night’s hours of operation are Sunday to Thursday from 5-9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5-10 p.m.
The Holly Jolly Brawley festival, held at the City Center at Slack Plaza, is a two-day event and will take place on November 29 and 30. The event will run from noon to 8 p.m. on both days and feature an exciting schedule of live musical performances, a holiday market, a light show and a Kids Zone with Christmas-themed inflatables. For those who want to attend the event but need help getting there, the Holly Jolly Brawley Trolley will offer transportation to the City Center, Lee St. Triangle, GoMart Ballpark and Capitol Market.
Capitol Market will spend two December weekends offering guests a market experience re-vamped with twinkling lights and holiday themed goods. The Holiday Village will be held this year on December 6-7 and 13-14 from 6-9 p.m. It is themed after a European Christmas market, pulling inspiration from cities like Vienna and Prague. The markets will feature handcrafted goods and artisanal products as well as holiday ornaments and specialty foods all sold by local vendors. To further enhance the Christmas feel, the village will provide mulled wine, hot cocoa and baked goods at various food and drink stalls.
Heritage Farm
The Heritage Farm Museum and Village offers a festive experience for visitors of all ages. As the holiday season approaches, the village beams with light-trimmed buildings and cheerful Christmas music and is filled with activities that bring the magic of the North Pole to West Virginia.
The village is packed with holiday-themed activities, including a live nativity scene and charming wagon ride that takes guests on a journey through the village. Visitors can also explore the renowned Heritage Farm museums, where they can experience history in real time through the work of skilled artisans demonstrating their skills by making traditional crafts. The farm’s model trains are great for history lovers as well, as they are built to represent life in West Virginia in the early 1900s.
The village also hosts a craft-making station run by Mrs. Claus, offering children the chance to create their own Christmas keepsakes. And, of course, festivities include a visit from Santa to give every child a chance to share their holiday wish list.
The Christmas Village at Heritage Farm will be open to visitors on December 6, 7, 13, 14 and 15 from 5-9 p.m. The event is held at the Heritage Farm Museum in Huntington. There’s plenty to see and do, whether you’re here for Santa or just looking for a festive night out.
Harpers Ferry Olde Tyme Christmas Celebration
Harpers Ferry’s Olde Tyme Christmas Celebration is a unique Christmas village experience in Harpers Ferry, WV. The event’s 54th year begins on Friday, December 6, with the National Historical Park, sharing stories of how soldiers would have celebrated Christmas during the war, followed by the visitors caroling up High Street on their way to St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church for the tree-lighting and living nativity.
The village of Harpers Ferry lines the streets with twinkling lights, live garlands, old time decorations and holiday-themed storefront displays. Visitors can walk through the historic streets and take in the festive sights and sounds of Christmas as they did many years ago.
The Christmas village offers horse-drawn carriage rides and guided tours of historic sites to look deeper into Harpers Ferry’s rich heritage. Children can meet Santa Claus and his helpers, do crafts and participate in storytelling sessions. The event features concerts in St. Peter’s Church, local vendors offering seasonal treats and special performances to bring the holiday magic to life. Shops and eateries in the village provide special hours and festive offerings, perfect for holiday shopping and indulging in seasonal favorites.
Harpers Ferry’s Olde Tyme Christmas Celebration is more than just a holiday event; it’s an opportunity to step back in time, participate in long-standing Christmas traditions and create memories. Join the historic magic December 6-8 and 14-15.
