Oglebay Winter Festival of Lights
The 1,700-acre Oglebay Resort and Conference Center is located in Wheeling, West Virginia. The resort, once the summer estate of rich Cleveland, Ohio, industrialist Earl W. Oglebay, has since been transformed into a world-class, four-season resort. This beautiful estate and a model farm were willed to the people of Wheeling by Mr. Oglebay in the late 1920’s.
The modern resort and conference center boasts luxury accommodations at the 271 room Wilson Lodge, as well as, cottages, estate houses, and premium cottages. Lodging to please every taste. Recreation abounds, including championship golf courses, a luxury spa, stables, the Good Zoo, the Mansion Museum (Mr. Oglebay’s summer home), a Glass Museum, an Environmental Center, an Artisan center, specialty shops, fine dining, tennis, walking paths and nature trails, gardens, skiing and snowboarding, swimming and more.
Each year for the winter holidays Oglebay sponsors the Winter Festival of Lights. It is a magical, sparkling winter wonderland of lights enjoyed by all ages. This annual holiday light show is one of the nation's largest, covering more than 300 acres over a six-mile drive throughout the resort. The Winter Festival of Lights is listed as one of the best Christmas light shows in the country. Something new is added every year. It is spectacular. 
Hours & Information
This year, the Winter Festival of Lights opens on November 7th and runs through January 5th. The light show is open Sunday through Thursday from dusk until 10:00 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday until 11:00 p.m. A per-car donation of $30.00 is requested and is valid for the entire festival season. Every $30 donor receives a 2024 Festival of Lights Vehicle Pass, valid throughout the holiday season, and the Oglebay Rewards Book containing more than $500 in time-sensitive, money-saving coupons.
Trolley tours are offered several times each night, beginning at Wilson Lodge—guided Trolley Tours. Enjoy the Festival of Lights 6-mile drive-through experience from the comfort of the Oglebay Trolley. Tours depart Wilson Lodge hourly from 5:30 – 9:30 pm.
Admission
Mon – Thur | $20 per person*
Fri – Sun | $30 per person
*$30 per person Nov 25-28 & Dec 23 – Jan 1
Tickets may be purchased up to 7 days in advance. Call 304-243-4000.
Location
Oglebay and its Winter Festival of Lights is located 4 miles from I-70 at Exit 2A. It is 60 miles from Pittsburgh via I-79 South and I-70 West, 120 miles from Columbus via I-70 East, and 150 miles from Cleveland via I-77 South and I-70 East. For more information, visit https://www.oglebay-resort.com/about.htm or call 1- 304-243-4000. You can download a Winter Carnival brochure of maps and attractions at https://oglebay.com/events/festival-of-lights/.
Related Articles
Editor's Picks Articles
Top Ten Articles
Previous Features
Site Map
Content copyright © 2023 by Hazel M. Freeman. All rights reserved.
This content was written by Hazel M. Freeman. If you wish to use this content in any manner, you need written permission. Contact Hazel M. Freeman for details.
