When the weather gets colder and snow is on the horizon, we can't help thinking of our favorite holiday destinations in the Mountain State. Make your holiday celebrations extra magical this year by visiting the best Christmas towns in West Virginia. These towns have some of the best lights and festivities in the state!
1. Harpers Ferry
Harpers Ferry celebrates Christmas and history at the same time. The town hosts its annual Harpers Ferry & Bolivar Olde Tyme Christmas event on the first and second weekends of December. It features live entertainment, children’s activities, wagon rides, Santa and Mrs. Claus, and a holiday market. Come to Harpers Ferry if you're looking for things to do at Christmas in West Virginia. Visit the Harpers Ferry Old Tyme Christmas website for this year's schedule of events.
2. Ripley
Ripley at Christmas is a wondrous sight as it hosts several events throughout the month. Past events have included a Magic of Christmas event, the Ripley Christmas Parade, a craft weekend featuring three crafts you can make, and live performances of 'Miracle on 34th Street.' Head to the Ripley Convention & Visitors Center website for this year's calendar of upcoming events.
3. St. Albans
Each year the St. Albans Festival of Lights draws people to the City Park. It’s generally open through Christmas -- and truly, St. Albans at Christmas is quite magical! Read our previous coverage to learn more about the St. Albans Festival of Lights.
4. Helvetia
Each year the town of Helvetia celebrates with the Feast of Saint Nicholas, held on the Saturday closest to the 5th of December. The event features Swiss cookies, a potluck dinner, square dancing, and of course St. Nick himself. Visit the West Virginia Tourism website for details about the event, or the Helvetia community calendar.
5. Shepherdstown
From the day after Thanksgiving through the end of December, Shepherdstown hosts its annual holiday festival. True to the town’s form, they also threw in some history. There will be Civil War-era toy demonstrations and sales and ornament making plus carriage rides, a parade, Christmas caroling, and LOTS more. Don't forget to stop by the local shops to buy your holiday gifts! This is the perfect town for those looking for things to do at Christmas in West Virginia. Visit the Shepherdstown Visitors Center website and the Christmas in Shepherdstown Facebook page.
6. Huntington
Heritage Farm in Huntington is beautiful anytime and is a great place to visit during Christmas time. Typically the farm hosts its annual Christmas Village over the course of several weekends in December. The event showcases the state’s artisans who work in woodworking, spinning, creating soap, lotion, pottery, and blacksmithing. It’s a great time to find holiday gifts. Heritage Farm is located at 3300 Harvey Rd. Visit the Heritage Farm website and check out the calendar of events.
7. Bramwell
Bramwell celebrates Christmas with a holiday tour of its beautiful historic Victorian homes. The Bramwell Christmas Tour of Homes is held in the evening of the second Saturday of December, with all proceeds from ticket sales benefiting the Bramwell Theater Corporation.
8. Hurricane
Each year Hurricane celebrates with a parade down Main Street featuring local schools and organizations followed by a Christmas tree-lighting ceremony at the town’s gazebo. Visit the Hurricane West Virginia website for this year's schedule of events.
9. Wheeling
Oglebay Resort in Wheeling draws thousands of visitors each year with its dazzling Christmas light displays that will surely put you in the holiday spirit! This is one of the best places to spend Christmas in West Virginia.
10. White Sulphur Springs
White Sulphur Springs, and specifically The Greenbrier resort, is a beautiful place to visit during Christmas time. It offers winter sleigh rides, photos with Santa, Christmas lights viewing on a trolley, and other events during the holidays. Head to The Greenbrier website for a schedule of events.
11. Fairmont
Fairmont celebrates Italian style with its Feast of Seven Fishes, which is dedicated to preserving Italian-American food and culture. This traditional feast will feature Italian food, live music, and a street market. After that will be a Saturday Vigil Mass at St. Peter the Fisherman Church and also the Fairmont Christmas parade. Visit the Main Street Fairmont website for details on this year's celebration.
12. Charleston
The last on our list of the best Christmas towns in West Virginia is Charleston. Each year the state draws hundreds to the capitol in Charleston for carols by local bands and choirs and to see the state's Christmas tree light up. The city also hosts a Christmas parade that begins on Kanawha Boulevard. Head to the City of Charleston website and Charleston WV Convention & Visitors Bureau Facebook page for this year's event details.
Have you been to any of these best Christmas towns in West Virginia? How does your hometown celebrate Christmas?
For a dazzling way to brighten up your holiday season, try this road trip to the best Christmas lights in West Virginia.
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