easy
1-2 hours
Suitable for all fitness levels; primarily walking on paved and gravel paths
Discover the Festival of Lights at Oglebay Park, where miles of vibrant holiday light displays transform West Virginia's scenic park into a winter wonderland. Perfect for families and visitors of all ages, this seasonal event blends natural beauty with festive cheer just a short drive from Pittsburgh.
Ages 2+ • 1 Day • Transportation included!
1 Day
Beginning in 1985, the Festival of Lights in Oglebay, has grown into one of the nation’s largest holiday light shows, attracting more than one million visitors each year. Identified as one of the top light displays in the United States by countless travel companies and national publications, the Festival of Lights features three hundred acres of twinkling lights over a six-mile drive.
While in Oglebay, admire over 3,000 examples of Wheeling glass made from 1829-1939 including cut lead crystal, Victorian art glass, peachblow glass, pattern and depression glass, Northwood’s carnival glass, and many other glass examples showcasing Ohio Valley history including the largest piece of cut lead crystal ever made – The Sweeney Punch Bowl at the Glass Museum. Standing five feet tall and weighing 225 pounds, this remarkable piece of Victorian artistry is world renowned.
At the Mansion Museum we will explore 13 period rooms focusing on Wheeling’s earliest settlement through the opulent Edwardian era, plus the Wymer General Store and Sinclair Pharmacy collections; discover impressive collections of American furniture, china, silver, glass, pewter, toys, and textiles. The Mansion Museum was the first museum in West Virginia to be accredited by the American Association of Museums.
Our Tour will not miss the opportunity to visit downtown Wheeling and its Centre Market, home of Coleman’s famous fish sandwiches. The Victorian-era mall contains 2 shopping sections; 1 partition, built in 1853, is the oldest cast-iron market in America. Today, you’ll find eateries, antique shops, salons, bakeries and cafes.
The Festival comes alive after dark, so schedule your visit around sunset for the full experience.
Temperatures can drop significantly at night; dressing in layers keeps you comfortable while exploring.
Take advantage of shuttle services to avoid parking hassles and focus on enjoying the lights.
Capture the intricate light displays with a camera that performs well in low-light settings.
Oglebay Park was established in 1928 as a public park from the estate of Earl W. Oglebay, a key figure in American industry.
The festival supports sustainable practices by using energy-efficient LED lighting and encouraging responsible visitor behavior to protect the park’s natural environment.
Keeps you comfortable in the chilly evening air during the festival.
winter specific
Necessary for traversing several miles of walking paths smoothly.
winter specific
Essential extras to protect extremities from cold.
winter specific
Ideal for capturing vivid holiday lights and festive scenes.
winter specific