Discover West Virginia’s Top 14 Christmas Light Displays for 2025 That Will Spark Your Holiday Magic

Looking for the best Christmas lights in West Virginia for 2025? You’ve got plenty of festive choices.

All across the state, you’ll find holiday displays with family activities, scenic drives, and sights you won’t forget. Parks, city streets, and special events pop up for visitors every year.

There’s a light show for just about everyone, so planning a trip or a local outing is easy. These holiday traditions keep towns and communities glowing, and honestly, that warm, welcoming vibe is hard to beat in December.

1) Celebration Of Lights

Every December, Celebration Of Lights in Morris Park (Fairmont) lights up more than 1.3 miles of displays. You’ll drive past over 540 light scenes as you wind through the park.

Last year, more than 25,000 people showed up to see the lights. On Wednesday evenings, “Walker Nights” let you stroll right up to the displays—no cars allowed. Admission is $5 per person for Walker Nights, but kids under 12 get in free.

You’ll need to park at the Fairmont Federal Credit Union at the Gateway Connector. Shuttles take you from there into Morris Park, and volunteers will point you in the right direction. They don’t allow parking directly at the park during the event.

Organizers keep things moving with a one-way entrance and exit. You can only get in from the Kingmont or Pleasant Valley exits. When you leave, you’ll head toward the Gateway Connector. If you want to save time, grab advance tickets online for quicker entry.

Rating: 4.7 (55 reviews)
Location: Morris Park, Fairmont, WV 26554
Contact: (304) 278-4192
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby (Booking.com)	Website
Late November – December	Evenings (see site)	Morris Park, Fairmont, WV 26554	$5/person (walk nights) Under 12 free	Hotels in Fairmont, WV	celebrationoflightswv.com

2) St. Albans Festival of Lights

St. Albans turns magical during the holidays, thanks to one of West Virginia’s longest-running Christmas light displays. The St. Albans Festival of Lights has been lighting up the city park since 1988, pulling in families from all over.

From late November through December 26, you can drive through every night. The event kicks off with a walk-through night so you can see everything up close.

There’s also a night with free hayrides, which is always a hit. Most nights, though, you’ll drive through the display in St. Albans City Park and spot all sorts of lighted scenes.

They encourage donations—money or canned food—to help local charities. Community sponsors and local groups keep the festival running each year.

Rating: 4.5 (188 reviews)
Location: 931 Observatory Dr, St Albans, WV 25177
Contact: (304) 722-4625
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website Address
Nov 29 – Dec 26, 2025	6 PM – 9 PM nightly (closed Dec 24 & 25)	931 Observatory Dr, St Albans, WV 25177	Free, donations encouraged	Hotels in St. Albans, WV	https://www.salights.com/

3) Oglebay Park Resort

Oglebay Park Resort in Wheeling, WV, really comes alive in winter with its Festival of Lights. You’ll drive through miles of light displays that cover the whole park.

The event usually runs from November to early January. Oglebay offers more than just lights. You can book a room at the lodge or a cottage, visit a small zoo, play golf, or just relax at the spa.

Earl Oglebay left the park as a gift so everyone could enjoy the outdoors. The park runs as a non-profit, so donations help keep it going. Families and groups love coming for the lights and all the other holiday activities.

Rating: 4.4 (3933 reviews)
Location: 465 Lodge Dr, Wheeling, WV 26003
Contact: (304) 243-4000
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Nov–early Jan	Evenings, varies	465 Lodge Dr, Wheeling, WV 26003	Varies by event, entry for lights	View options	oglebay.com

4) Lewis Family Light Show

The Lewis Family Light Show in Ona, WV, is a holiday display that feels personal and welcoming. Every year, this family invites folks to their yard to see Christmas lights they’ve set up across the property.

Parking is easy and nearby. The lights look best after sunset, so plan to visit at night.

The show has classic Christmas scenes and a relaxed, walk-through vibe. Since it’s in a neighborhood, it’s usually quieter and less crowded than the big displays.

You won’t deal with crowds or loud events, so you can actually enjoy the lights at your own pace. Bring a warm coat, since you’ll be outside for most of your visit.

If you’re staying overnight, check hotels in Huntington or Barboursville—they’re not far away.

Rating: 4.8 (6 reviews)
Location: 2554 Grant Gardens Rd, Ona, WV 25545

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website Address
Not provided	Not provided	2554 Grant Gardens Rd, Ona, WV 25545	Free	Hotels in Huntington/Barboursville	Not provided

5) Lights on the Lake

Each year, the Mountain Lake Club near Harpers Ferry hosts Lights on the Lake. They transform the Lake Shannondale area with holiday light displays and themed experiences.

You’ll get to walk through the decorated grounds on select nights from late November through December. Parking is $5 per vehicle, so carpooling is a good idea since spaces are limited.

Tickets come in 15-minute time slots, and they ask you to arrive no more than 10 minutes early. You’ll check in at the entrance with your QR code.

The walk includes sand, gravel, and stairs, so wear comfy shoes and bundle up. Strollers and wheelchairs aren’t recommended because of the uneven ground. They hold the event rain or snow, unless the weather gets really bad.

If you need to change your ticket, there’s a “Ticket Lookup” tool online. For updates, check your email or the event’s social media.

Rating: 5 (9 reviews)
Location: 1329 Lakeside Dr, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425
Contact: (304) 270-6188
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Nov 30 – Dec 29, 2025	Timed entry slots	1329 Lakeside Dr, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425	Event ticket required, $5 parking	Hotels near Harpers Ferry on Booking.com	https://www.lightsonthelakewv.com/

6) Fayette County Park

Fayette County Park puts on several events throughout the year, and December is no exception. The park sits just a short drive from Fayetteville.

People love the family-friendly, clean, and laid-back atmosphere here. There’s an 18-hole disc golf course and two fishing ponds, so you might want to come early and spend the day.

The canteen serves snacks, drinks, and a few comforts during the season. The Recreation Hall, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, hosts gatherings and weddings.

They don’t allow pets or alcohol on the grounds, so keep that in mind. The park sits just 6 miles from Route 19, so it’s easy to get to by car.

Holiday lights and events attract local families who want a classic, quiet holiday evening.

Rating: 4.5 (205 reviews)
Location: 1268 Fayette County Park Rd, Fayetteville, WV 25840
Contact: (304) 574-1111
Website: Visit Website

7) Chief Logan State Park

Chief Logan State Park pulls in a big crowd every winter for its drive-thru holiday light show, “Christmas in the Park.” The event sets up in a sprawling, wooded spot in southern West Virginia, so you get a nice backdrop for all the lights.

You can just stay in your car, roll through at your own pace, and check out hundreds of displays.

The park covers 4,000 acres, and the paved roads make it super easy to drive around. Every year, you’ll spot animated and themed lights, plus they usually add a few surprises.

Families love this tradition, and it’s perfect if you want a peaceful drive with tons of color.

Chief Logan State Park doesn’t stop at holiday lights, either. You can hike, pop into the museum, or just soak up the scenery while you’re there.

If you’re thinking about staying overnight, Chief Logan Lodge sits close by and has a full-service restaurant.

Rating: 4.7 (1001 reviews)
Location: Chief Logan State Park, WV
Contact: (304) 792-7125
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
mid-November to Dec	Dusk to 10:00 pm	376 Little Buffalo Creek Rd, Logan, WV	Free	Chief Logan Lodge	chiefloganstatepark.com

8) Welton Park

If you want a quieter Christmas lights outing, Welton Park in Petersburg might be your spot. The park puts up holiday displays every year, and families seem to love it.

You can walk or drive around parts of the park to get a closer look at the lights.

You’ll find picnic tables and open fields, so it’s easy to linger and enjoy the vibe. The lights are spaced out, so you get a peaceful stroll instead of a packed crowd.

Parking’s free and usually a breeze. Since the park sits outside the town center, you won’t get stuck in traffic—great news for families or anyone dodging big crowds.

Rating: 4.7 (226 reviews)
Location: 1979 Petersburg Gap Hwy, Petersburg, WV 26847
Contact: (304) 257-1725

Dates	Times	Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Early Dec–Dec 31	Dusk–10:00pm	1979 Petersburg Gap Hwy, Petersburg	Free	Hotels in Petersburg – Booking.com	Not available

9) State Fair of West Virginia

You can swing by the State Fair of West Virginia for its yearly Christmas Barn Decorating Contest. Every season, people decorate barns all over the fairgrounds with lights and festive colors.

Local groups and individuals join in, so you’ll never see the same thing twice.

This contest gives the fairgrounds a real community vibe during the holidays. Barns light up with creative themes and holiday characters.

The fair shares updates and contest winners, so you can either follow along online or stop by in person.

Sometimes you’ll catch extra events happening alongside the displays. It’s a good idea to check the fair’s news page, since dates and schedules can shift each year.

Rating: 4.5 (1,656 reviews)
Location: 947 Maplewood Ave, Lewisburg, WV
Contact: (304) 645-1090
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website Address
December (check event page)	Varies (see schedule)	947 Maplewood Ave, Lewisburg, WV 24901	Usually free	Local hotels on Booking.com	http://statefairofwv.com/

10) Hovatter’s Wildlife Zoo

At Hovatter’s Wildlife Zoo, you get to see native and exotic animals all in one spot. The zoo houses over 30 species from around the globe, like tigers, leopards, lemurs, and even chimpanzees.

You might spot some new baby animals if you’re lucky, and honestly, they make for great photos.

The zoo’s been around for more than thirty years. They really put a focus on animal care and conservation.

They design most exhibits with sustainability in mind.

When Christmas rolls around, staff decorate the zoo with lights and festive displays. That adds a little extra magic to your animal visit.

Kids and adults both seem to enjoy these holiday activities, so it’s a solid pick for families.

You can call the zoo to check on opening hours and special events. They keep things fresh every season and are happy to answer questions.

Rating: 4.6 (1833 reviews)
Location: 291 Wagner Ln, Kingwood, WV 26537
Contact: (304) 329-3122
Website: Visit Website

Dates (2025)	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby (booking.com)	Website Address
From April 19th	Varies, call to confirm	291 Wagner Ln, Kingwood, WV 26537	Check website	Kingwood Inn, Modern Homestead Guest House	http://www.westvirginiazoo.com/

11) Oglebay Good Zoo

Oglebay Good Zoo brings you a holiday experience surrounded by animals and woods. You’ll see over 60 species, including some rare and endangered ones.

It’s actually the only zoo in West Virginia with AZA accreditation.

Every Christmas, the zoo joins the bigger Oglebay Festival of Lights. The whole park lights up, and the zoo adds its own themed displays and activities.

You can stroll along the paths, check out the animals, and enjoy seasonal decorations for all ages.

They sometimes run special programs and animal encounters in December. Keep an eye on the zoo’s website for details before you head out.

Tickets for special events might not be included with regular admission, so it’s smart to look over your options early.

Rating: 4.5 (1,186 reviews)
Location: 345 Zoo Cir, Wheeling, WV 26003
Contact: (304) 243-4100
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website Address
Mid-Nov–Early Jan*	Varies by day; check website	345 Zoo Cir, Wheeling, WV 26003	Admission fee	View hotels near Oglebay Good Zoo	https://oglebay.com/good-zoo/

*Check website for current dates and times.

12) Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad

You can catch the Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad for a memorable winter ride during the holidays. This historic train takes you through the West Virginia Potomac Highlands, and the views are honestly something else.

Every trip rolls past rivers, forests, and you might even spot bald eagles from your window.

The train offers a few different routes, but the one through Trough Canyon is a favorite. Guides hop on board and tell stories about the area’s history and wildlife.

Special Christmas rides pop up each year, with seasonal decorations, music, and sometimes Santa himself.

You get to pick your class—standard coach with snacks, or you can splurge for dining and enjoy meals on the train. Families like the comfy seats, the easy pace, and the chance to grab food depending on your ticket.

Rating: 4.5 (1211 reviews)
Location: 149 Eagle Dr, Romney, WV 26757
Contact: (304) 424-0736
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website Address
Select dates Nov-Dec 2025	Varies	149 Eagle Dr, Romney, WV 26757	From $74 per person	Booking.com Hotels – Romney, WV	potomaceagle.com

13) Whoville

Whoville in Mill Creek brings the Dr. Seuss classic to life. The main draw is a Christmas market with local vendors selling seasonal treats, crafts, and gifts.

They go all out with decorations—bright lights and characters inspired by the book.

This market is family-friendly, with activities for kids and photo spots scattered around. The walking path is easy, even on chilly nights.

Parking’s close and hassle-free.

The market usually starts in late November and runs through December. Dates and hours can shift, so check for updates before you go.

It’s easy to find by car, and the signs make it hard to miss.

Rating: 4.6 (29 reviews)
Location: Whoville, Mill Creek, WV 26280

Dates	Times	Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Late Nov–Dec	Varies	Whoville Rd, Mill Creek, WV	Check local info	See Hotels	N/A

14) Oglebay Winter Festival of Lights

The Oglebay Winter Festival of Lights kicks off on November 7, 2024, and keeps going strong until January 5, 2025. Every night, from dusk until midnight, the drive-through display lights up the night.

You’ll find more than 100 lighted attractions spread out along a six-mile route. Honestly, it’s a lot to take in—kind of magical, if you ask me.

If you want to avoid crowds, try visiting Monday through Wednesday, or show up between 5 and 6 pm. They suggest donating $30 per vehicle at the entrance.

That donation gets you a season pass and a rewards book packed with local coupons. Not a bad deal if you plan to come back or want to explore the area.

Looking for something a little different? You can hop on a guided trolley tour. Trolleys leave every hour from Wilson Lodge, starting at 5:30 pm and running until 9:30 pm.

Trolley tickets cost $20 per person on weekdays. On weekends and peak dates, the price goes up to $30.

Several displays play themed music as you drive by, which adds to the whole experience. The festival sits close to Wheeling, West Virginia, so it’s pretty easy to get there—just follow the signs off I-70.

Rating: 3.7 (100 reviews)
Location: Google Maps
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Nov 7, 2024 – Jan 5, 2025	Dusk–Midnight	700 Waddington Dr, Wheeling WV	$30 per vehicle*	See hotels on Booking.com	oglebay.com/lights-drive/
	Trolley: 5:30–9:30 pm		$20-$30 per person (trolley)

*Suggested donation per vehicle