Illustration of a santa visit scene (Festival of Lights)
Christmas Lights

Festival of Lights

Experience the magic of Oglebay's Festival of Lights, a premier holiday event in West Virginia. Millions of lights illuminate the park, offering a spectacular drive-through experience, enchanting Santa's Village, and festive fun at the zoo. Enjoy live entertainment, unique shopping, and delicious holiday dining for an unforgettable seasonal celebration.

What to Expect

Millions of lights in a drive-through and walk-through holiday spectacle.

Event Details

Duration

Nightly from dusk to midnight

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

Oglebay Park

Timed Entry

No

Featured Performers

  • Nutcracker performance

Organizer

Oglebay

Food & Drink

Festive dining, holiday-themed menus, seasonal treats, Breakfast with Santa, pop-up bar, food vendors.

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families, couples, holiday enthusiasts

Vibe

Festive, magical, enchanting

Energy Level

Moderate

Budget

$$

Photo Friendly

📷 📷 📷 📷 📷 (4/5)

Weather Sensitivity

Moderate (some outdoor activities may be affected by severe weather)

Location

Oglebay Park Resort
465 Lodge Drive
Wheeling, WV
26003

Know Before You Go

  • Tickets: $$
  • Parking: Information not explicitly detailed, but implied to be available at various attractions within the park.
  • Accessibility: https://oglebay.com/about/accessibility/
  • Pets: No pets allowed (service animals welcome)

Tips & Advice

  • To minimize wait times for the drive-through experience, plan your visit Monday through Wednesday, or arrive early between 5-6 PM.
  • Check the event schedule for nightly live music and the Nutcracker performance to plan your entertainment around.
  • Consider booking a 'Breakfast with Santa' for a special family dining experience.
  • Dress in layers for outdoor attractions like Santa's Village and The Hilltop, as temperatures can vary.
  • Explore the 'Christmas at the Zoo' for a unique blend of animal encounters and holiday light shows.

Special Events & Promotions

  • NEW SLEIGH Pop-Up Bar
  • Breakfast with Santa
  • 10+ Years of WesBanco Support

Quick Actions

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the operating hours for the Festival of Lights?

The drive-through light show operates nightly from dusk to midnight, including holidays. Specific hours for Santa's Village and other attractions may vary; check the event calendar for details.

Is there a cost to attend the Festival of Lights?

While the drive-through experience is a primary attraction, some activities within Santa's Village, such as ice skating and train rides, may have separate fees. Specific pricing for individual attractions is not detailed but is generally considered moderate.

Can I bring my pet to the Festival of Lights?

No pets are allowed at the Festival of Lights, though service animals are welcome.

What dining options are available during the festival?

Guests can enjoy festive nightly dining, holiday-themed menus, seasonal treats, and food vendors. 'Breakfast with Santa' is also offered.

Where can I find the most up-to-date event schedule?

The most current schedule for all events, including entertainment and special activities, can be found on Oglebay's main event calendar at oglebay.com/calendar.

Tags

holiday light displaysdrive through displaysSanta visitsfamily friendlyholiday entertainmentfestive foodholiday shoppingice skatingtrain ridesseasonal activities

More Christmas Events Near Wheeling

More Christmas Events near Wheeling

Open the map around Wheeling →

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Sep 20, 2026
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Christmas Events Near Me editorial team