This West Virginia town has one of the largest holiday light shows in the U.S.

Photo Credit: Molly Wolff Photography

Experience the “Friendly City” of Wheeling during the holidays. With a modest population 28,000, it’s also the site of one of the largest light shows in the United States.

Founded in 1985, the Oglebay Winter Festival of Lights has gained international acclaim for its dazzling drive-thru display featuring more than 1 million energy efficient LED lights. It’s been featured on the Travel Channel’s “Extreme Christmas Celebrations,” and its 300+ acres of twinkling lights have earned a spot on the American Bus Association’s Top International Events — just to name a few accolades.

One glimpse at the jaw-dropping display reveals why this light show is so popular. Motorists will encounter 90 lighted attractions along the six-mile drive through Oglebay Resort(link is external). The display features perennial favorites like the animated snowflake and rainbow tunnels, dinosaurs, Cinderella, Snoopy and Friends and a giant polyhedron star. New in 2020, experience the Winter Festival of Lights like never before as your favorite displays come to life through the magic of sound.

Inspired by the chameleons at Oglebay Good Zoo(link is external), the Christmas chameleon at Schenk Lake is made up of 450 lights and changes colors right before your eyes. The 24-foot-tall kaleidoscope Christmas tree at the Crispin Center consists of 1,800 LEDs and features animated gingerbread men and snowflakes that twirl up and down the display.

The Winter Festival of Lights opens in November and runs nightly through early-January. You can cruise through the light display in your own vehicle or hop aboard the trolley and leave the driving to someone else. Trolley tours depart Wilson Lodge hourly from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

While you’re there, don’t miss out on these other special holiday events and attractions at Oglebay.

Gardens of Light and Nativity Display

On the hilltop, the gleaming brick pathways at Bissonnette Gardens come alive with the glow of more than 150 lighted hanging baskets and thousands of glowing hyacinths. A Christmas Tree Garden lights the way to the Mansion Museum with its 13 period rooms decorated for the holidays.

Santa’s Reindeer Training School

Two young reindeer have just flown in from the North Pole to train at Oglebay Good Zoo as they prepare to guide Santa’s sleigh. Participants will meet Santa’s reindeer and the zookeepers who train them during this 30-minute animal encounter. Reservations required.

Light and Music Extravaganza at Oglebay Good Zoo

This nightly event at the zoo’s outdoor patio features more than 35,000 LED lights choreographed to your favorite holiday music.

Oglebay is a four-season resort. Amenities include spa services, golf, skiing and horseback riding.

When are you planning your trip?

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