Thousands of glittering lights will illuminate the night during Oglebay’s annual Winter Festival of Lights Nov. 11, 2016 through Jan. 1, 2017.
“Guests will enjoy over 80 larger-than-life still and animated light displays,” said Steve Hilliard, Wheeling Park Commission President & CEO. “From The Twelve Days of Christmas to the animated LED Light Tunnel, this outing is sure to bring joy, laughter and a bit of magic to your holiday.”
For many years, the Winter Festival of Lights has been recognized as one of the nation’s largest light shows. Whether it’s already a part of your time-honored holiday custom or if this year will mark the start of a new tradition, the show offers fun for the entire family.
NEW ADDITION – CHRISTMAS AT CRISPIN
Holiday Shopping
In addition to Oglebay’s multiple shops located throughout the park, the new Christmas Shop at Crispin has a large selection of one-of-a-kind decorations, ornaments and holiday collectibles. The shop is located next to the Pine Room and will be open for the season, Nov. 11, 2016 through Jan. 1, 2017, Sunday through Thursday from 2-9 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from 2-10 p.m. A cozy fireplace adjacent to the shop offers delightful treats for sale.
Purchase a Fresh-Cut Christmas Tree
Find the perfect family Christmas tree at Oglebay’s tree lot this year. The Boy Scouts of America will sell freshly cut Christmas trees Nov. 25 through Dec. 23, 2016, Sunday through Thursday from 2-9 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from 2-10 p.m. in the parking lot of the Christmas Shop.
Holiday Train Rides for the Kids
All aboard! Children will squeal in delight as they ride a holiday themed train from 5-9 p.m. daily Nov. 10, 2016 through Jan. 1, 2017. Weather permitting. Tickets may be purchased at the Christmas Shop or the Pine Room.
Family Holiday Hay Rides
The combination of the crisp winter air and your family all cozied up together will be a holiday memory that will last a lifetime. Oglebay’s holiday hay rides transport passengers on an old fashioned hay ride daily from 5-9 p.m. Nov. 25 through Dec. 23, 2016, weather permitting. Tickets will be available at the Christmas Shop.
Straw Maze
Another fun activity for children is the holiday straw maze. This activity is free and open to the public Nov. 10, 2016 through Jan. 1, 2017 on Sunday through Thursday from 2-9 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from 2-10 p.m.
Pine Room – Festival of Trees
The Pine Room at Oglebay is transformed into a holiday wonderland with scores of trees, wreaths, centerpieces and swags, all decorated by area designers and available for purchase. All proceeds support Oglebay Institute’s programs and summer camp scholarships. Trees will be on display to the public Nov. 11-19, 2016. Tickets may be purchased at the Pine Room.
Pine Room – International Trees
Come view this collection of unique holiday displays created by local decorators. Each display represents a different culture or ethnic background. This exhibit is free and open to the public Dec. 1-31, 2016.
Gingerbread Houses, Entertainment & More
Family and friends will want to gather at the Club Room to begin their holiday adventures Nov. 11, 2016 through Jan. 1, 2017 on Sunday through Thursday from 2-9 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from 2-10 p.m. Special gingerbread house displays, winter family photo-ops, caroling and additional entertainment will be available throughout the Winter Festival of Lights event. Holiday snacks and treats will be available for purchase.
The Winter Festival of Lights was listed as one of the 10 Best Christmas Light Displays in the US according to AOL Travel. The show is also listed on the American Bus Association’s Top International Events, was named as a top 100 event by Eventcrazy.com and was recently listed as one of the top 200 events in the country by Discover America. The Festival of Lights was also featured on the Travel Channel’s Extreme Christmas Celebrations.
The Winter Festival of Lights began in 1985 and covers more than 300 acres over a six-mile drive throughout the resort. The event is viewable Sunday through Thursday until 10 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday until 11 p.m. A per-car donation is requested and is valid for the entire festival season. Trolley tours are offered several times each night beginning at Wilson Lodge.
Saturdays are the most popular nights to visit the light show, therefore long lines and extended wait times should be expected. Please visit us Sundays through Friday to avoid extended wait times.
Oglebay, and the Winter Festival of Lights, is located 4 miles from I-70 at Exit 2A. It is 60 miles from Pittsburgh via I-79 south and I-70 west; 120 miles from Columbus via I-70 east; and 150 miles from Cleveland via I-77 south and I-70 east.
Special Winter Festival of Lights overnight packages are available at Wilson Lodge. To book or get more information, please call 877-436-1797 or book online at www.oglebay-resort.com.
