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Experience the Magic of Festival of Lights at Oglebay, West Virginia - Wheeling

Experience the Magic of Festival of Lights at Oglebay, West Virginia

Pittsburgheasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

1-2 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for all fitness levels; primarily walking on paved and gravel paths

Overview

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.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Festival of Lights, Oglebay, WV

Ages 2+ • 1 Day • Transportation included!

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About This Adventure

Festival of lights!

Duration

1 Day

About

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.

Tour Includes:

  • Round trip transportation from Clarksburgh or Morgantown, WV.
  • Admission ticket to Festival of Lights Dinner Show.
  • Guided Tour of Festival of Lights Drive Thru.
  • Shopping stop at Sarris Candies Chocolate Shop.

Adventure Tips

Plan for evening visits

The Festival comes alive after dark, so schedule your visit around sunset for the full experience.

Wear warm layers

Temperatures can drop significantly at night; dressing in layers keeps you comfortable while exploring.

Use provided transportation options

Take advantage of shuttle services to avoid parking hassles and focus on enjoying the lights.

Bring a camera with low-light capability

Capture the intricate light displays with a camera that performs well in low-light settings.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • White-tailed deer
  • Red-tailed hawks

History

Oglebay Park was established in 1928 as a public park from the estate of Earl W. Oglebay, a key figure in American industry.

Conservation

The festival supports sustainable practices by using energy-efficient LED lighting and encouraging responsible visitor behavior to protect the park’s natural environment.

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Adventure Hotspots in Wheeling

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Warm jacket

Essential

Keeps you comfortable in the chilly evening air during the festival.

winter specific

Comfortable walking shoes

Essential

Necessary for traversing several miles of walking paths smoothly.

winter specific

Hat and gloves

Essential

Essential extras to protect extremities from cold.

winter specific

Camera or smartphone with night mode

Ideal for capturing vivid holiday lights and festive scenes.

winter specific