Holiday Events

Historic homes, heartwarming performances, New Year’s bashes— Southern WV is overflowing with holiday cheer.

Here are the top holiday events and experiences you should enjoy this season:

HOLIDAY EVENTS

Appalachian Coal Town Christmas

Dec. 5-6, Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine

Delve below the earth and explore West Virginia’s mining heritage, then come back up for a dazzling display of lights. Grab some sweets at the marshmallow roast, hop aboard the horse-drawn carriage, make your own ornament or enjoy jubilant caroling. Gift shops will also be open, featuring unique holiday gifts.

Santa’s Christmas Adventure

Dec. 5-7, Glade Springs Resort

Live the holiday fantasy in Santa’s Christmas Adventure! Write letters to santa, taste Mrs. Clause’s cookies, help the elves in the workshop, and even meet Santa himself at tea time.

Bramwell’s Christmas Historic Homes Tour

Dec. 13, Historic Bramwell

Once the home to the most millionaires per capita in the entire country, this coal boom town’s streets are still stuffed with elegant, towering mansions. Stroll Millionaire Row and explore the intricate detailings and unique history of each lavish home.

Fayetteville Holiday Art Show

Dec. 6, The Grove in Fayetteville

Browse the local artisan crafts of the New River Gorge. Enjoy refreshments and music as you browse unique gifts, traditional Appalachian crafts and other handcrafted works. You’ll find paintings, pottery, ornaments, jewelry and more.

HOLIDAY PERFORMANCES

Babes in Toyland

Dec. 5-21, Greenbrier Valley Theatre

Mother Goose’s famous characters come to life in Toyland, the classic musical adapted for the Greenbrier’s stage. Though their wedding is interrupted, our two heroes work with their friends and the toymaker to battle the devious Barnaby and escape together to the fantastical Toyland.

“A Christmas Carol” 

Dec. 11-13, Tamarack’s Gov Hulett C Smith Theatre

Dec. 18, Chuck Mathena Center

Enjoy the classic tale of holiday-hater Mr. Scrooge’s visit by the ghost of Christmas past, present and future. Will this grinch change his ways? Featuring traditional holiday carols.

New River Youth Symphony & Chorus Christmas Concert

Dec. 13, Historic Fayette Theater

Voices and musicians from across 5 counties come together to spread joy and recreate classic Christmas carols.

“You Better Watch Out”

Dec. 4-6, Historic Fayette Theater

When 2 new inn owners get snowed in, they discover that one of their guests has a mysterious secret. Have a chuckle at this heartwarming holiday tale.

NEW YEARS ACTIVITIES

Pipestem State Park

The New Year’s getaway at Pipestem includes an overnight stay, lavish buffet, dance and party favors. Dance out 2014 with the DJ, or sing it out with your own karaoke tune. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres through the evening, and a champagne toast at midnight. On the first day of the new year, join a First Day hike of Long Branch Lake in the afternoon.

Glade Springs State Park

The package for a New Year’s getaway to Glade Springs includes 3 days and 2 nights of accommodations, and breakfast served daily. On the big evening, 3 separate events will be held for you and your family: the New Year’s Eve Celebration in the ballroom, the Teen Bach for ages 13-18, and the Kid’s Bash for ages 4-12.

The adult celebration will have an open bar from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m., with a cash bar the rest of the evening, until the champagne toast at midnight. Live entertainment will be provided by The Stonestreet Band, and guests will all receive party favors. Teens will be able to enjoy basketball, bowling, appetizers and soda all evening, with favors for every guest. The children’s event will include dinner, games, movies, music and noisemakers.

Twin Falls Resort State Park

The New Year’s dinner/dance package at Twin Falls includes 1 or 2 nights lodging, plus admission to the dinner and dance event. A toast at midnight is also included, as well as evening refreshments.

Adventures on the Gorge

This lavish dinner and party from Smokey’s on the Gorge, one of Food Network’s “Best of” restaurants, features Carved prime rib & beef in horseradish cream, kahlua bacon chicken, lobster ravioli, seasonal vegetables and more. Americana folk-blues band The Company Stores will provide live music, and you can dance the night away until the New Year hits. You can get tickets to the dinner, just the party, or add on discounted lodging.

How will you be celebrating the holiday season?