Holiday Attractions in Wheeling, WV

Say what you will about the town of Wheeling, WV... They take the holidays seriously. Festivities can be enjoyed in the area from Halloween to Valentine's Day. The city has a long history of having some of the most detailed Christmas decorations in the state, often called "the City of Lights" by other West Virginians.

Wheeling, WV Fantasy in Lights Parade

Taking place the third week of November, the Fantasy in Lights parade brings together cheerleaders and bands from dozens of schools, regional celebrities, costumed characters, and a familiar bearded fat man together for an hours-long parade to celebrate the lighting of the snowflakes that adorn light poles throughout the city as well as the start of the Holiday season. Winding Up Market Street and down Main Street in downtown Wheeling, the parade route covers a mile of the downtown area. The crowd usually starts gathering around 4pm to try and grab a good spot. Some people even set out blankets and chairs in the early morning. Winter is in full swing that late in September, so dressing warmly is advised. There are plenty of vendors, several restaurants and pubs, and a 7-11 on Market Street to grab a drink or something to eat. Traffic is horrendous immediately after the parade. Expect about forty-five minutes to get out of the downtown area.

Festival of Lights at Oglebay Park

In the hills above the Woodsdale area of Wheeling sits the largest collection of outdoor Christmas light displays in the state. Started in 1985, the Festival of Lights encompasses 125 acres. Driver's enter the park's main entrance and follow a marked route to see depictions of The Twelve Days of Christmas and The Peanuts Gang. A donation is recommended, but those who are short on cash are still welcome to enjoy the show. A guided tour tape is available at the donation booths for a small charge. Expect to take about three hours to make it through the festival of lights as traffic is plentiful and moves very slow as the occupants of the car are busy looking at the lights. A full gas tank is a necessity as the park is somewhat secluded and not easy to get in or out of in the heavy season.

Pictures with Santa at the Ohio Valley Mall

Located 15 minutes away from Wheeling in St. Clairsville, OH the Ohio Valley Mall offers pictures with Santa from mid-November until the day before Christmas. Santa is ready to pose every day except Sunday from 11-8pm and on Sunday and Christmas Eve from 12-4pm. The line is almost never long, and taking the kids on the carousal located in the center of the mall can round out a magical, memory-making outing. Be warned, Santa leaves promptly on Christmas Eve. He has many places to be.