Written by: Zachary Worstell (zdw001@marietta.edu)
December has begun and that means that one of the largest attractions for the holiday season is ready. Holiday light displays have all been set up, but which one’s are must see for those in the Mid-Ohio Valley. Depending on how far you are willing to drive, Columbus to Pittsburgh and Huntingdon all have great light displays. However, some local displays have outshined them and even won some awards.
This year, the City of Marietta alongside the Marietta-Washington County CVB and Marietta Main Street are proud to introduce a Marietta Tour of Lights. The Tour of Lights will be an attraction for both locals and tourists that will guide visitors throughout the beautiful city to view holiday displays created by residents at their homes. Marietta also has holiday lights in the Cisler Terrace Park at the corner of Seventh and Clifton Street. While this display is not a drive-thru guests can walk around the holiday display and festive trees.
On December 7th, Parkersburg will host their Christmas Parade at 2:00 p.m. and their Winterfest from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Parkersburg has their annual Holiday in the Park drive-thru at the Parkersburg City Park and the Southwood’s Park. These parks feature many holiday and cartoon characters such as SpongeBob, Shrek, and Lightning McQueen. The Vienna area will have a holiday light drive-thru at the Jackson Memorial Park which often features holiday and sea creature lights on the ponds.
Some other famous holiday light displays in the West Virginia area include the Point Pleasant Christmas Fantasy Light Show, the St. Albans Festival of Lights and the Winter Festival of Lights at Oglebay Park Resort.
About an hour away, Point Pleasant’s Krodel Park will have an animated holiday light display along the water until December 31st. Each year the show features treasured local folklore and culture within their displays. Guests young and old marvel over the breathtaking sternwheeler, the nationally recognized Mothman and a twenty-foot windmill.
The St. Albans Festival of Lights is about two hours away outside of Charleston. Guests can drive, take a free hayride through the park or take their own walking tour to get up close to the displays. This light show features familiar favorites like Snoopy, classic nativity scenes and a cherished visit with Santa to conclude the drive.
Lastly, the Winter Festival of Lights in Wheeling is a staple for those in the Appalachian region. It is one of the nation’s largest and most extravagant holiday light shows with over 90 attractions. The festival covers more than 300 acres over a 6-mile drive throughout the Oglebay Resort. Guests can take a heated, guided trolley tour while experiencing the magic of round-trip service from the destination of your choice. They can also enjoy their favorite classic Christmas songs, a delicious buffet and more.
In Ohio, some notable holiday displays include the Gallipolis City Park lights, the Cambridge Guernsey County Courthouse lights, the Holiday Trail of Lights in McArthur, and the North Pole in Nelsonville.
The Gallipolis in Lights last until January 1st and in 2022 won the Today Show’s Merriest Main Street award. While not a drive-thru parking is available and admission into the park is free 24/7. Locals describe the light show as a scene straight from a romantic Hallmark movie. Some guests are even lucky enough to see Santa riding in his sleigh.
Another walk thru experience is found in Cambridge’s Dickens Victorian Village. The front of the courthouse is light up every night. The animated light show features 36 animations and holiday tunes to set the mood throughout the night.
Outside of Athens, Ohio, the Lake Hope State Park has a Holiday Trail of Lights. McArthur’s light display last all December and the light display follows the walking trail, letting guests enjoy a festive walk whenever they please. It is free and open to the public and features unique displays against the beautiful natural scenery of the park.
To conclude, about an hour away is the North Pole Nelsonville takes place every year in the town’s public square. This event takes place on December 6th starting at 5:00 p.m. with the Christmas parade starting at the 1st Presbyterian Church. This one-night event kicks off all the holiday celebrations in Nelsonville, featuring caroling and the ceremonial fountain lighting at the Public Square. There is also the chance to visit Santa and explore the light displays.
