14 Events that get you in the seasonal spirit

Join us for 2 whole months of heartwarming cheer, right here in Southern West Virginia.

 Thanksgiving

Carrot Cake – Cathedral Cafe

1. The Resort at Glade Springs                                                                                                                                                                  Glade Springs’ Thanksgiving buffet makes the holidays easy— and elegant. Waltz your way to the ballroom and help yourself to carving stations, steaming tureens and traditional desserts!

3. Cathedral Cafe                                                                                                                                                                                                 This Fayetteville mainstay sweetens the deal with its homemade pies, award-winning carrot cake and traditional cobbler. Remember to place your orders, though— Cathedral’s  desserts get snapped up! And buy extra cups of vanilla ice cream, too.

5. Smokey’s on the Gorge, Thanksgiving to Go                                                                                                                                  Place your order for a fully cooked turkey, prime rib or ham meal by Nov. 16! There are also gluten-free turkey and ham options for all your hungry guests. You even get to choose a Jack Daniel’s pecan pie or a sweet-potato-and-marshmallow pie!

 Christmas

 6. Country Craft Guild Show

Appalachian Coal Town Christmas

Nov. 5, Princeton – The Chuck Mathena Center puts shiny things on center stage. Scoop up glittery decorations, crafts and handmade gifts.

Nov. 23- Dec. 31, Bluefield – More than 700,000 Christmas lights will flicker throughout Lolito Park as darkness falls. It’s a spectacular show, and one of West Virginia’s biggest. Bring your family to the first display of the year, immediately after coffee and pumpkin pie.

Nov. 25-26, Dec. 2-3, Beckley – At Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine’s Appalachian Coal Town Christmas, the miners’ homes get gussied up for Christmas, and marshmallow roasts sweeten the air. Indulge in old-fashioned joys like caroling, horse-drawn carriages and warm fudge.

Dec. 2-3, 9-10 and 16-17, Daniels – Mrs. Claus has too many cookies— and she’s looking for hungry kids to help out! Meet her at The Resort at Glade Springs during Santa’s Christmas Adventure. While you and your family are there, meet elves and give ‘em a hand in the workshop. Rumor has it Santa himself will stop by for tea, too.

Dec. 3, Hinton – Cheerful displays, Christmas crafts and handmade delicacies are highlights at this old-time festival. The Victorian ambience of Hinton’s freight depot makes the perfect backdrop, too. Admission is free, just bring a non-perishable food item with you for the Loaves and Fishes charity.

Dec. 3, Princeton – Mrs. Claus and her band of elves are having a party, and you’re invited! Have breakfast with these merry characters, then meet Mr. S himself!

Dec. 9, Princeton – Elvis Presley’s coming to town! Blue Suede Christmas unleashes cherished classics you’ll instantly recognize, thanks to tribute artist Scot Bruce. He’ll have you crooning with the “King” before you can say “Here Comes Santa Claus.”

Dec. 10. Bramwell – Immerse yourself in 19th-century splendor during the Bramwell Christmas Home Tour. Explore the original coal baron mansions decked out for the season along Millionaire Row. In its golden age, this town was home to more millionaires per capita than anywhere else in the country.

Dec. 17, Pipestem – Hot chocolate, warm cookies and cozy stories— that’s Christmas magic, right there. For just 1 evening at Pipestem Spa & Event Center, a magical Winter Wonderland awaits kids of all ages. Wear PJs, decorate ornaments, eat pizza and tour Santa’s workshop. And who knows, maybe you’ll get to meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus!