on location: south ❖ isiting West Virginia during November and December has a genuine feeling of going home for the holidays. Almost every town and city invites you to share its own holiday festivities and hospitality. The Mountain State may be “Wild and Wonderful,” but during the holiday season it’s “Warm and Welcoming.” From parades and festivals to open houses, there is much to see, do and enjoy in West Virginia during the Christmas season. Whether travel
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dave bodle plans call for a day trip, a stopover or a multi-day tour, there are magnificent events just waiting for your group. Here are just a few to get you started: In Philippi the Christmas Celebration at Adaland Mansion begins Nov. 15 and continues through Dec. 31. Built in 1870 and authentically restored, this magnificent home and land reflect early West Virginia. The home, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is period-decorated for the season. Open house events and special period buffet dinners are available during the season.
Snowbound countryside and historic homes like Adaland Mansion highlight Christmastime tours in West Virginia.
West Virginia for the
Holidays
Festivities throughout the Mountain State make the season bright LeisureGroupTravel.com
Of course, what’s a Christmas season without dazzling light displays? Point Pleasant begins its Christmas Fantasy Light Show on Nov. 18, and it continues nightly through Dec. 31. On your drive through Krodel Park you’ll witness light displays such as Santa Claus and his workshop, a sternwheeler, 20-foot windmill and gingerbread men. New additions are added every year. A holiday parade gets the festivities started. Point Pleasant is also home to the WV State Farm Museum Holiday Light Festival. Throughout the prop-
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on location: south ❖ erty every tree, shrub and building is decorated. More than three million lights are used. Santa Claus appears nightly, with free hot chocolate and cookies for the kids. This drivethrough festival is from Dec. 9-19. The Winter Festival of Lights at Oglebay Resort & Conference Center in Wheeling (Nov. 11 to Jan. 8, 2012) is nationally renowned, has been designated an American Bus Association Top 100 Event and was listed as one of the 10 Best Christmas Light Displays in the U.S. by AOL Travel. It features more than 70 larger-thanlife light displays on more than 300 acres over a six-mile drive through the resort. Something new is added every year. Favorites from previous years include the animated “Snowflake Tunnel,” a display that wows visitors as they drive through dozens of twinkling snowflakes, and the massive “Polyhe-
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dron Star,” which is emblazoned with over 2,000 lights and stands on the highest hilltop in Oglebay. Also popular are several displays showing Snoopy and the Peanuts gang. The lighting of Welton Park’s Christmas Festival of Lights is Thanksgiving evening and the display will shine through Jan. 7, 2012. This drive-through exhibit features thousands of sparkling lights and intricate light displays. The ninth annual Yule Tea will be held Dec. 4 at Berkeley Castle in Berkeley Springs. There will be servings at 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. with limited tickets for each. On the first floor, almost untouched from its Victorian beginnings, guests stand and sit around the grand ballroom enjoying costumed Victorian carolers. Many guests pose for a photograph on the majestic stairway decorated for the season. The Yule Tea is a favorite of many Red Hat groups. In addition to sparkling lights and carolers, West Virginia theaters roll out the red carpet with holiday shows. West Virginia Public Theatre calls Morgantown’s Metropolitan Theatre home and always delivers a wonderful family-oriented show during the holiday season. Show goers have enjoyed a rotation that’s included Annie, A Christmas Carol and The Sound of Music. Charleston’s Norman L. Fagan West Virginia State Theater also offers holidayseason performances.
The Yule Tea at Berkeley Castle harks back to the Victorian era.
The American Mountain Theater in Elkins begins the annual Christmas Spectacular the Friday after Thanksgiving. The 2010 season saw additional shows added to the schedule. The show is eclectic, with traditional sacred songs along with secular, country and popular Christmas music. This year’s edition will be the biggest ever and begins on Nov. 25 and continues through Dec. 18. The Greenbrier Valley Theatre in Lewisburg is the State Professional Theatre of West Virginia. The holiday season performance of Oliver, based on the Charles Dickens novel Oliver Twist, begins Nov. 3 and continues through Dec. 3. The Winter Wonderettes holiday musical runs from Dec. 6-23. Offering numerous seasonal holiday events and world-class entertainment, West Virginia has the welcome mat rolled out for groups. The warmth and welcoming nature of the Mountain State will provide splendid memories for years to come. Get your planning started by calling Kathy Johnson at 800225-5982 or kathy.a.johnson2@wv.gov. (wvtourism.com) LGT Obtain West Virginia visitor guides and itineraries – and contact groupfriendly suppliers directly – at leisuregrouptravel.com/instant-info
ONLINE EXCLUSIVE For a look at holiday celebrations in Delaware, log on to http:// leisuregrouptravel.com/?p=23778.
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