Christmas events!

Christmas is coming to southern West Virginia! All month long, we’re celebrating with festivals, feasts, and maybe a visit or two from Santa. Join us!

Here are some of our favorite traditions:

Winter wonderlands

For many families, no Christmas is complete without silver lanes, candy canes, and elves— particularly the big, jolly kind.

Fayette County Park Winter Wonderland | Fayetteville

Dec. 1-31

Every Friday and weekend night, enjoy wagon rides, snacks, and hot drinks at Fayette County Park. Have your kids been good this year? Santa will visit the dining hall every Friday and Saturday until Dec. 23. But if your weekends are already packed, no worries. Festive lights and displays will festoon the park from now until Dec. 31.

Santa’s Christmas Adventure | Daniels

Dec. 9-10, 15-16

If you can’t make it to the North Pole, The Resort at Glade Springs isn’t a bad substitute. Elves will set up shop, Mrs. Claus will bake cookies, and lights and trees will make spirits bright. Best of all, kids can meet Mr. C himself.

Tickets for Santa’s Christmas Adventure are available online.

Ice skating, holiday lights, and visits from Santa | Fairlea

Dec. 12-Jan. 1

If you think the State Fair of West Virginia has long since gone into hibernation, think again. The agricultural pavilion will open for winter with decorations, skating, and visits from Santa Claus.

Happy golden days of yore

Tired of gimmicky sales and commercialization? Escape the hullabaloo and head to Southern West Virginia’s historic towns instead.

Bramwell Christmas Home Tour | Bramwell

Dec. 9

Famous for its Victorian mansions, this town has gems like gingerbread trim, copper roofs, and Gilded Age lamp posts. The Christmas Home Tour ups the ante. Explore coal baron estates and marvel at period furniture, gadgets, and artistry. Each participating house will have Christmas decor, too.

Tickets will be available for purchase at the Bramwell Presbyterian Church at 4 p.m. The cost includes refreshments and music.

Hometown Holiday Marketplace | Richwood

Dec. 9

Set against the backdrop of Richwood’s historic district, this jolly event makes Christmas shopping irresistible. Hunt for homemade treasures, browse local shops, and enjoy a hot meal. The marketplace will also have live music and a visit from Santa.

Feasts and treats

Christmas Cookie Decorating Workshop | Lansing

Dec. 15-16

Join Chef Steven at Adventures on the Gorge for this timeless Christmas tradition. He’ll bake assorted cookies and have frosting and sprinkles at the ready. Care to help him out?

Tickets are available online. Cost includes a dozen cookies per person.

Christmas Dinner to Go | Lansing

Dec. 18 (deadline)

Don’t want to cook? Adventures on the Gorge spares you the trouble with a home-cooked feast. All you have to do is choose your main course: roasted duck, honey-bourbon glazed ham, turkey, or prime rib. Now that’s a tough decision!

Place your order by Dec. 18 at the latest.

Crave even more Christmas magic? Find it here!