You already know how magical West Virginia can be in the wintertime, but if not, we'll help open your eyes. There are plenty of fun things to do in West Virginia in winter, but you may not have discovered the ideas we have featured below. Let's take a look at a few West Virginia winter activities you can put on your winter bucket list in West Virginia.
Holiday Events In West Virginia
Wintertime in West Virginia is a special time of year when holiday events, tree-lighting ceremonies, and Christmas light shows come to town. Here are a few ways to enjoy the holidays in West Virginia.
1. St. Albans Festival of Lights
- Location: St Albans, WV
- Popularity: As one of the longest-running drive-thru light shows in the area it can draw a crowd. But since you are driving in your own vehicle the number of visitors doesn't affect the ride.
- Price: Free. Non-perishable food donations are welcome to help support local nonprofit food banks.
2. Martinsburg Tree Lighting Ceremony
- Location: Martinsburg, WV
- Popularity: Tree lighting ceremonies are usually pretty busy since everyone is gathering around to get the best view.
- Price: Free.
3. Blennerhassett Hotel Festival of Trees
- Location: Parkersburg, WV
- Popularity: Since the Festival of Trees runs for a few weeks you have plenty of time to pick a day that works for you.
- Price: The event is always free, however, there are some ticketed events that support United Way. Enjoy a tree-trimming contest, charter breakfasts, and even a tree auction so you can take one of the magnificently decorated trees home with you.
4. Heritage Farm Christmas Village
- Location: Huntington, WV
- Popularity: This hidden gem is a delightful way to get a unique Christmas experience and get a historical view of what life was like in the 19th Century.
- Price: Adults 18-64 $17, Seniors 65+ $14, Youth 13-17 $12, Children 4-12 $10. Free admission for children three and under.
Christmas Towns In West Virginia
When the holiday season rolls around in winter, some towns come alive with holiday spirit. A Christmas Town can be a charming small town in the mountains or a big city that goes all out with festivities. Either way, these are some of the best Christmas towns to plan a getaway to in West Virginia.
5. Beckley
- Location: Beckley, WV
- Popularity: As bigger small towns go, Beckley is both a center of activity for Southern WV and a charming town with plenty of activities to enjoy around the holidays.
- Price: Tickets for the festival are $12.50 for adults and $10 per child.
6. Wheeling
- Location: Wheeling, WV
- Popularity: The Festival of Lights in Wheeling brings visitors from far and wide - millions of visitors each year, in fact.
- Price: Admission to the drive-thru light show is $30 per vehicle. Trolley tours are $20 per person Monday through Thursday and $30 per person Friday through Sunday.
7. Harpers Ferry
- Location: Harpers Ferry, WV
- Popularity: This historical celebration of Christmas is a fun and mostly free event if you are looking for cheap things to do in West Virginia in winter.
- Price: There is no entry fee for the Olde Tyme Christmas event, however, some ancillary events have a small fee, and the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park has a $15 per vehicle parking fee. There is a free shuttle once you are in.
8. White Sulphur Springs
- Location: White Sulphur Springs, WV
- Popularity: The Greenbrier Hotel is the place to be in West Virginia during Christmas time.
- Price: There are many free and paid events, classes, and ceremonies to enjoy at the Greenbrier. Room rates start at $359 per night.
Outdoor Activities
If you are looking for bucket list-worthy outdoor activities, West Virginia has got you covered. When the snow falls heavy and thick, break out the skis, snowshoes, sleds, snowmobiles, and snow pants, and get ready for some winter fun because winter in West Virginia is almost heaven for outdoor enthusiasts.
9. Ice Skating at Canaan Valley Resort
- Location: Davis, WV
- Popularity: One of the most popular outdoor ice skating rinks in West Virginia can be found at the Canaan Valley Resort.
- Price: A two-hour session costs $7 for adults and $5 for kids and seniors. Skate rental is only $3.
10. Snow Tubing at Coca-Cola Tube Park
- Location: Snowshoe, WV
- Popularity: Galactic Tubing is a fun and popular winter activity, and with eight lanes there is plenty of room for lots of quality rides.
- Price: Grab a family four-pack for $50 during the week or $75 on the weekends. A single ticket is 15 mid-week and $22 on weekends for anyone age 13-plus. Ages 4-12 are $15 on weekdays and $19 on weekends.
11. Skiing/Snowboarding at Winterplace Ski Resort
- Location: Ghent, WV
- Popularity: Winterplace is one of the most popular ski resorts in West Virginia since it is located right off Interstate 77.
- Price: All-day lift tickets are $80 for adults and $59 for children. There are discounted rates for multi-day passes. Evening skiing from 4 p.m. on is $49 for adults and $39 for children.
12. Zip lining at ACE Adventure Resort
- Location: Oak Hill, WV
- Popularity: If you are looking for the ultimate outdoor adventure this winter in West Virginia, check out this fun adventure park.
- Price: Adult rates start at $79 and Youth rates start at $49.50.
Winter Getaways
When the snow starts falling in West Virginia it's time for a road trip to enjoy the most beautiful parts of the state. Whether you rough it by camping in the gorgeous Blackwater Falls State Park in Tucker County surrounded by the Allegheny Mountains, or you go for something a little posher like a cool Bavarian Inn, we are sure you'll find the perfect romantic weekend getaway or family vacation.
13. Opossum Creek Snowy Cabin
- Location: Lansing, WV
- Popularity: Opossum Creek is a popular place to stay year-round, but you'll have a more quiet getaway in the wintertime.
- Price: Cabin rentals start at $220 per night with a minimum stay of two nights.
14. Berkeley Springs State Park
- Location: Berkley Springs, WV
- Popularity: As a warm weather destination the hot springs can get pretty busy, however, the Roman Bathhouse is only available as paid private sessions so you can enjoy some alone time in the relaxing hot healing waters.
- Price: Some of the outdoor springs are free to use, however, the main Roman Bathhouse is available for private sessions. The cost is $27 per half hour for the first adult with each additional adult being $17 per half hour. Seniors get a small discount on those rates. Children aged 6-12 are $11. Children ages 5 and under are $3.
15. Safari Lodge Hot Tub Getaway
- Location: Peterstown, WV
- Popularity: This little gem is your private oasis in Southern West Virginia that you'll want to keep as your very own secret.
- Price: $229 per night.
16. The Bavarian Inn
- Location: Shepherdstown, WV
- Popularity: As you might imagine this darling boutique inn can be quite popular around the holidays. Be sure to plan ahead if you want to book one of these adorable chalets.
- Price: Rates start at $160 per night.
Now that we have stoked the fire of your imagination, which of these fun things to do in West Virginia in winter do you plan on doing? Share your favorites with a comment.
There are some day trips in West Virginia that are even better in winter. Which ones, you ask? Try these six adventures you can take in WV that take on even more meaning in the wintertime.
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