Where to See the Best Holiday Lights in West Virginia
Nestled just a short drive from Charleston, the West Virginia State Capitol grounds in Charleston itself become a sparkling wonderland during the holiday season. The stately architecture of the Capitol, with its gleaming gold dome, is beautifully outlined in twinkling white lights that reflect off the nearby Kanawha River. Visitors can stroll the pedestrian paths winding through the landscaped gardens, soaking in the festive atmosphere amid carefully arranged light displays that highlight local flora. The combination of historic grandeur and vibrant illumination makes this spot uniquely charming, especially on crisp winter evenings when the chill sharpens the brilliance of the lights.
Heading north toward Morgantown, the Coopers Rock State Forest offers a different kind of holiday glow experience about 20 minutes east of the city. Though best known for its rugged overlooks and scenic hiking trails, during the winter months the forest’s pavilion and parking areas are often decorated with warm, natural light displays that complement the serene, snow-dusted landscape. After dark, visitors can enjoy short walks along the overlook trails like the popular Raven Rock Trail, where the quiet woodland setting lit by soft lanterns creates a peaceful, intimate holiday experience surrounded by ancient sandstone cliffs. This spot is perfect for those who want to blend light viewing with a bit of outdoor adventure.
In the eastern panhandle near Martinsburg, the Oglebay Resort in Wheeling, about a 45-minute drive north, is a renowned destination for spectacular holiday light shows. Its annual Winter Festival of Lights illuminates the sprawling park with millions of colorful bulbs arranged in themed displays, from traditional holiday motifs to imaginative scenes inspired by nature and local history. A leisurely driving tour or a stroll along the resort’s expansive paths reveals dazzling light tunnels, animated displays, and reflections in the resort’s lakes that make this a family-friendly destination. The resort’s combination of festive entertainment and picturesque surroundings makes it a standout in the northern part of the state.
Moving westward, the town of Lewisburg offers a cozy, small-town holiday charm about an hour southeast of Charleston. The historic district’s streets are lined with historic brick buildings draped in white lights and wreaths, creating a timeless, postcard-worthy scene. The local shops and galleries along Washington Street participate in the festive spirit, often with window displays and occasional holiday events. Visitors who time their visit during the early evening can enjoy the warm glow of streetlights mingling with holiday decorations, creating a welcoming atmosphere that captures the essence of Appalachian town life during the festive season.
Further south near Beckley, the Tamarack Artisan Center hosts a unique holiday celebration that blends handcrafted gifts with seasonal illumination. Located about 30 minutes from Beckley’s city center, Tamarack’s complex showcases the work of West Virginia artists and craftspeople, many of whom contribute to the holiday décor. The center is adorned with tasteful light displays that highlight the rustic wood and stone architecture, inviting visitors to browse for one-of-a-kind ornaments and gifts. Evening visits here feel intimate and creative, with the added pleasure of sampling regional foods and listening to live seasonal music performances that deepen the cultural experience.
For a more naturalistic holiday light experience, the Cranberry Glades Botanical Area, about an hour south of Lewisburg, offers a quieter approach to seasonal beauty. Though the glades themselves are a protected ecosystem and not lit artificially, the surrounding Cranberry Wilderness area hosts occasional holiday-themed hikes or gatherings where lanterns and candles softly light the trails. This high-elevation peat bog, with its evocative winter landscape of frosted evergreens and open wetlands, provides a magical setting for those who prefer subtle illumination combined with the tranquility of nature in winter. Clear, cold nights here often yield brilliant starry skies that enhance the overall enchantment.
Finally, in the northern city of Parkersburg, the Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park, accessible by a short riverboat ride from downtown, becomes quietly festive in the holiday season. The island’s mansion and grounds are decorated with period-appropriate holiday lighting, evoking the early 19th-century holiday traditions of the region. Evening tours of the mansion with candlelit rooms and subtle exterior lighting offer a glimpse into historic holiday celebrations, set against the backdrop of the Ohio River’s gentle reflections. This combination of history and holiday spirit makes for an evocative outing that educates as much as it delights.