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West Virginia’s most popular winter festival is back and it’s bigger and better than ever! The Oglebay Festival of Lights debuted in 1985 and over the years it has grown into one of the largest light shows in the nation. The festival attracts more than one million visitors each year.
Each November the Oglebay Resort in Wheeling is transformed into a winter wonderland. The Oglebay Festival of Lights begins on November 9th and runs through January 1st. People drive hundreds of miles to enjoy this festive and beautiful event.
The Festival of Lights dazzles guests with over three hundred acres of twinkling Christmas lights. The displays include 90 lighted attractions that use over one million energy-efficient LED lights.
The Festival of Lights Also Includes the Good Zoo
The Christmas lights span the entire grounds of the resort including its Good Zoo, which will delight young and old with over 50 species, including 20 that are listed as rare or endangered. Species include cheetahs, lemurs, red pandas, and river otters. Take a half-mile train ride on the historic C.P. Huntington train. Be sure to visit the beautifully decorated Red Barn to enjoy the resort’s petting zoo. Kids will be delighted by petting the donkeys, goats, and llamas while being surrounded by beautiful Christmas lights.
This Year’s Festival is Offered in 3D!
This year you can enjoy the Festival of Lights in 3D. A new 3D Sleigh Ban package allows visitors to see the festival lights as never before! The package is sold in family 4 packs and comes with over $25 in coupons that can be used at the parks holiday attractions and shops.
Winter Carnival
Also new to this year’s event is the Winter Carnival held at the Levenson Shelter. The carnival includes family-oriented events and activities as well as delicious carnival-inspired treats.
The Festival of Lights also offers Family Wagon Rides daily from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wagon rides are $4.00 per person. The kids will love the free Corn Maze, which is also open daily from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Reindeer Encounter
One of the festival’s most popular events is the Reindeer Encounter! This unique event gives children 3 and up an up close and personal moment with Santa’s reindeer. The encounters take place daily from 1 pm to 5 pm. This event is
extremely popular. To ensure your children get this rare opportunity it is a good idea to reserve your spot by calling 304-243-4100.
Breakfast With Santa
Santa makes a special stop at the Wilson Lodge to have breakfast with the kids! This magical experience includes a Mountaineer Breakfast Buffet. Breakfast with Santa is scheduled on the following Saturdays, December 8th, 15th, and 22nd from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
How To Visit
There is no admission charge for the Oglebay Winter Festival of Lights, but donations are appreciated. Oglebay Resort is located in West Virginia, four 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.
