Festival of Lights

Drive-Through Experience

Nightly November 9, 2023 – January 7, 2024

Festival of Lights Hours

The dazzling drive-through experience is lit up nightly from dusk to midnight, including holidays, from November 9 – January 7. Enjoy reduced wait times when you visit Monday through Wednesday, and beat the rush when you arrive early between 5 – 6 pm.

Admission

To ensure the Festival of Lights continues to shine brightly for years to come, a donation of $30 per vehicle is suggested. Every $30 donor receives: 

2023 Festival of Lights Vehicle Pass valid throughout the holiday season

Oglebay Rewards Book containing more than $500 in time-sensitive money-saving coupons

Donations are accepted at the Welcome Booth, located at light display #29. Cash or credit card accepted.

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, November 9 – January 8.

Admission

Mon-Thur | $20 per person

Fri, Sat & Sun | $30 per person

Thanksgiving Day and Dec 22 – Jan 1 | $30 per person

Tickets may be purchased in advance. Call 877-436-1797.

2023 Highlights

Don’t miss these favorites on the Festival of Lights route including Wheeling’s iconic Suspension Bridge, a 70-foot tall Welcome Tree, and a larger-than-life winter globe at Schenk Lake.

Display #3: Suspension Bridge

Display #96: Welcome Tree

Display #24: Reflections on Schenk Lake

New this year — Lace up your skates for ice skating or take a stroll through the decorated tree trail and sip some hot chocolate at the Winter Carnival at Levenson Shelter. Then, indulge in delicious burgers, hot dogs, fries, malts, and more at Route 88 Burgers & Brew on Route 88.

Sounds of the Season

Listen to your favorite displays come to life through the magic of sound! Follow the music notes on the Festival of Lights route map to discover spectacular audio experiences:

Display #1: My True Love Gave To Me

Display #11: Zoo Light Tunnel

Display #22: Under The Big Top

Display #23: Rainbow Tunnel

Display #24: Reflections on Schenk Lake

Display #33: Dinosaur Park

Display #94: Life Size Nativity

Display #95: Welcome Tree/Gardens of Light

Display #97: Magical Mansion

Display #52: Cinderella Arriving at the Ball

Display #55: Snowflake Tunnel

Display #63: Jack-in-the-Box

Display #67: God Bless America

The Hilltop Attractions

Enhance your holiday experience with these must-do attractions at The Hilltop.

Welcome Tree

Don’t miss the 70-foot tall Welcome Tree featuring thousands of dancing high-resolution lights combining color, music, and animated imagery while soaring seven stories high into the night sky.

Magical Mansion Light Show

Prepare to be dazzled as the iconic Oglebay Mansion comes alive with an animated 5-minute light show choreographed to your favorite holiday hits.

Show runs nightly from dusk to midnight.

Lighted Selfie Stations

Snap a holiday photo at a variety of festive selfie stations as you explore the illuminated walking paths throughout The Hilltop. These jolly photos are perfect for holiday greeting cards, and much more.

Holidays at the Mansion

The Mansion Museum, previously the summer home of industrialist and philanthropist Earl W. Oglebay, is lavishly decorated for the holidays. Explore the Mansion’s 13 period rooms and enjoy the stunning displays. 

Gardens of Light

The ever-popular Gardens of Light features gleaming brick pathways aglow with holiday cheer. Stroll through the Bissonnette Gardens as you take in more than 150 twinkling hanging baskets, thousands of lighted flowers, and festive trees.

Nativity Display

Don’t miss the life-sized Nativity display, located next to Carriage House, featuring elaborate characters and costumes brought to life through an audio presentation of the nativity story. 

Winter Carnival

Experience the Winter Carnival at Levenson Shelter featuring a wonderland filled with family-friendly activities and delicious concessions.

Hours

Mon-Thur | 2 – 8 pm

Fri-Sun | 11 am – 9 pm

Thanksgiving Day | 5 – 9 pm

Christmas Eve | 11 am – 5 pm

Christmas Day | 5 – 9 pm

New Year’s Eve | 11 – 5 pm

New Year’s Day | 5 – 9 pm

Activities weather permitting

NEW! Ice Rink

Adults and children can glide into the holiday spirit on the synthetic ice rink at Levenson Shelter. Rental skates available. 

Admission

$12 per person

NEW! 32-Foot-Tall Climbing Wall

Guests must be 42″ tall and weigh at least 40 lbs and less than 250 lbs.  Closed-toe/heel shoes and appropriate clothing required.

Admission

$12 per person

NEW! Decorated Christmas Tree Trail

Kids' Snowflake Express Train

This festive, child-sized locomotive is suitable for kids 48″ and under.

Admission

$4 per person

Wagon Ride

Kids and adults alike will enjoy this wagon ride through the twinkling hillside to Reflections on Schenk Lake.

Admission

$10 per person

Operates Fri-Sun from 5 – 9 pm; Closed Christmas Eve & New Year’s Eve

Concession Stand

Warm up with delicious concessions, hot chocolate, fresh-made donuts and more.

Christmas at Oglebay Good Zoo

Get ready for a jolly good time with your furry friends at Oglebay Good Zoo. Admission includes access to select animal habitats, the Rockin’ Holiday Light Show on the Good Zoo’s outdoor patio, access to the holiday laser show, nightly Wish For Snow experience, and more!

Hours

Sun – Thur | 11 am – 8 pm

Fri & Sat | 11 am – 9 pm

Thanksgiving & New Year’s Day | 1 – 8 pm

Christmas Eve & New Year’s Eve | 11 am – 4 pm

Christmas Day | 3 – 8 pm

Outdoor animal habitats are viewable 11 am – 4 pm daily. Guests arriving after 4 pm will receive complimentary Good Zoo day passes valid for reentry during daytime operation from 11 am – 4 pm the following day

Admission

$13.95 | Adults (Ages 13+)

$9.95 | Children (Ages 3-12)

Free | Ages 2 & Under 

Santa Photos

That’s right, the big guy himself will be at Oglebay Good Zoo nightly from 6 – 8 pm to hear all your holiday wishes. Plus, guests receive one free digital photo with Good Zoo admission.

Rockin’ Holiday Light Show

Prepare to be amazed by this dazzling light show on the Good Zoo’s outdoor patio! This light show features 40,000 LED lights choreographed to the music of legends like Led Zeppelin, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and more.

Included with Good Zoo admission

Nightly "Wish for Snow" Celebration

The first snow of the holiday season is one of the most magical sights. Now you can relive the magic of the first snow every night of the week as our magical snowman puts on a dazzling display to remember. Don’t forget your camera!

Holiday Laser Show

Don’t miss a spectacular Holiday Laser Show at the Good Zoo’s Benedum Theater and Planetarium. This 16-minute show includes your favorite holiday jingles featuring music from Brad Paisley and B.E. Taylor. Show begins every hour.

Included with Good Zoo admission

Zebra S'mores

Warm up around the Good Zoo’s fire pit on the outdoor patio while making delicious s’mores with a zebra twist every Friday & Saturday from 4 – 8 pm

Holiday Shopping at the Good Zoo

Shop the Good Zoo’s Nature Express Gift Shop for a selection of educational toys, games, plush, apparel, and more! 

Hours

Sun – Thur | 11 am – 8  pm

Fri & Sat | 11 am – 9 pm

Holiday Entertainment

Holiday Dinner Shows

Sun – Thur | 5:30 – 7:30 pm

Nov 12 – 16, Nov 26 – 30, Dec 3 – 7, Dec 10 – 14

Enjoy a lively, heartwarming show featuring holiday songs, stories and sing-alongs with Sweet Lipzz Ensemble. Hear new arrangements of holiday classics and some tunes that will surely

become your old favorites. Don’t miss the ringing, singing and laughter that will put you in the happiest of holiday spirits!

Tickets

$59 | Adults

$49 | Children 12 & Under 

For tickets, call 877-436-1797.

Nightly Candy Cane Cordial

Nightly from 7 – 10 pm 

Live music offered Wednesday through Sunday

Gather around the fireplace in Hickman Lounge, located on the second floor at Wilson Lodge, for special holiday programming and complimentary refreshments.

The Nutcracker

December 22, 2023 | 7 – 9 pm 

Oglebay Institute’s Youth Ballet Company dances The Nutcracker on Oglebay’s main stage in Glessner Auditorium. Beautifully costumed dancers bring this magical story to life transporting you into a Christmas fantasy. You’ll marvel at the lavish set and revel in Tchaikovsky’s beloved score.

Tickets

$15 per person

PURCHASE TICKETS

Holiday Activities

Santa Photos

That’s right, the big guy himself will be at Oglebay Good Zoo nightly from 6 – 8 pm to hear all your holiday wishes. Plus, guests receive one free digital photo with Good Zoo admission.

Good Zoo admission required.

Elf Digital Scavenger Hunt

Grab your smartphone and get ready for a virtual scavenger hunt featuring seven stations located throughout Wilson Lodge. Unlock clues by scanning QR codes at each station for a chance to win weekly prizes! Scavenger hunt begins at Wilson Lodge Front Desk.

Story Time

Join a holiday character in the Elf Zone at Wilson Lodge as we read a Christmas story. Our characters will also be taking photos with the children as everyone enjoys a Christmas treat. Stick around afterwards for a holiday movie!

Holiday Name That Tune

That’s right, we are putting a little holiday spin on everyone’s favorite game, Name That Tune. Get ready for big smiles, laughter, and some of the best Christmas songs sure to fill your heart this holiday season!

Gingerbread House Decorating

What better way to make a memory than starting a family tradition of building your very own gingerbread house! 

Cost

$40 per kit

*Exclusive programming for Wilson Lodge guests. See weekly activity schedule for times. 

Breakfast with Santa

Oglebay Glessner Auditorium

December 3, 10 & 17 | 8 am & 10:30 am

Enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet in with your favorite jolly friend from the North Pole. Enjoy character meet and greets, music, and a magic show!

Pricing

$34.00 | Adults 

$19.95 | Children (4 – 11) 

$5.95 | Ages 3 & Under 

Reservations required. Call 304-243-4090.

Wheeling Park Breakfast with Santa

Wheeling Park White Palace

November 25 | 10:30 am 

Enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet in with your favorite jolly friend from the North Pole. Enjoy character meet and greets, music, and a magic show!

Plus receive a family coupon for same day entry to skate at Wheeling Park Ice Rink!

Pricing

$34.00 | Adults 

$19.95 | Children (4 – 11) 

$5.95 | Ages 3 & Under 

Reservations required. Call 304-243-4090.

Christmas Buffet

December 25

Seatings at 12:00, 2:00 & 4:00 pm

Leave the cooking to us this holiday season and enjoy a delicious, gourmet Christmas feast in Glessner Ballroom prepared by Oglebay’s Executive Chef.

Advance reservations highly recommended. Call 304-243-4090.

Magical Midweek Package

Starting at $199 per package

Stay dates available November 9 – December 21, 2023

Sunday – Thursday nights only

Package includes:

1-night Wilson Lodge accommodations

2023-24 Festival of Lights season pass

Mountaineer Breakfast Buffet

One commemorative ornament

Family 4-pack of 3D glasses

Access to holiday amenities including nightly entertainment, complimentary refreshments, and more!

BOOK NOW

Festival of Lights Package

Starting at $459 per package

Stay dates available November 9 – December 17, 2023

Friday – Sunday nights only

Package includes:

2-night Wilson Lodge accommodations 

2023-24 Festival of Lights season pass

Mountaineer Breakfast Buffet

One commemorative ornament

Family 4-pack of 3D glasses

Access to holiday amenities including nightly entertainment, complimentary refreshments, and more!

BOOK NOW

Date: November 9, 2023 – January 7, 2024

Location: Oglebay Resort, 465 Lodge Drive, Wheeling, WV 26003

Click here for more information.