The Oglebay Winter Festival of Lights in Wheeling, West Virginia, is one of the most iconic and largest light shows of the United States. It features a million LED lights and 100 dazzling displays on a six-mile drive-through route and 300 acres of Oglebay resort. The festival astonishes everyone with its creativity and spirit who attend. The idea behind the festival was to bring more visitors to the Oglebay Resort during the slower winter months. But with the passage of time, it has evolved into a grand holiday celebration.
The Oglebay Winter Festival of Lights offers a breathtaking journey through a winter wonderland. Its drive-through experience leaves a memorable exposure for all. Traditional holiday icons and fairy tale characters catch our eyes and do not let us pass by indifferently. Both children and adults can enjoy this tour from the comfort of their own vehicles, playing festive music of their choice. However, the Oglebay Trolley also operates hourly to provide a cozy way to take in the sights while learning more about the festival’s history and highlights.
Major attractions of the Oglebay Winter Festival of Lights are:
Beyond the lights, the Oglebay Winter Festival of Lights hosts a variety of events and activities for fun and charity. They invite community to bridge some of the social and economic gaps. One of them is the Festival of Trees that call local businesses and organizations to decorate Christmas trees for charity purpose. The festival features gift shops, offering local artisan crafts and festive décor, and casual eateries to enjoy holidays shopping and meal.
In the Oglebay Winter Festival of Lights, you can enjoy an indoor zoo and educational exhibits. These activities would be delightful for families with young children. They provide opportunities for laughter and shared memories. At the moment, kids can meet Santa, interact with holiday-themed exhibits, and even enjoy a miniature train ride.
The Oglebay Festival of Lights partners with local schools, organizations, and artists who help design new displays and perform choirs. This collaboration fosters a sense of community involvement and pride. It is also a major economic driver for the Wheeling area. Local businesses see a significant boost in business during the festival months.