Oglebay Festival of Lights 2022 Season

Festival of Lights Returns to Oglebay for Another Exciting Season.

For 37 years, Oglebay’s Festival of Lights has become an annual tradition for many families. Each year thousands flock to Oglebay for their Festival of Lights event. Parents and grandparents alike bring their families from near and far to share in their heartwarming memories filled with nostalgia. As you drive through the stunning historic grounds of Oglebay Park in West Virginia you will be in awe of the millions of twinkling lights.

“We have over 90 displays that span across six miles of roadway. We are preparing now for the 2022-23 season. It looks to be a really magical experience,” stated Bob Peckenpaugh, President & CEO of Wheeling Park Commission.

When you enter Oglebay’s “The Hilltop,” your lifetime of memories begins as you are greeted by a 70-foot Welcome Tree featuring thousands of lights that combine color, music, light, and animation. It rises seven stories into the stunning night sky allowing for an amazing photo opportunity. Once you have finished admiring the Welcome Tree, roll down the windows and allow all your senses to take in every moment of over 90 larger-than-life light displays.

The six-mile drive includes an array of sparkling tunnel lights as the music fills the park and filters into your vehicle. Watch as displays come to life through sound, motion, and lights that shine from bright to faint and so much more. Children will be wide-eyed and cheering as they see Cinderella in her carriage, dinosaurs roaring, and clowns juggling, to name a few. The fun is not just for the kids, but for everyone who is young at heart!

“Oglebay’s Festival of Lights is a holiday tradition that I look forward to every year,” said Christy Bennett, a visitor to the event. “My dad had a heart attack almost nine years ago and the lights bring joy and smiles to my family’s faces. We have been attending the festival since 2015 and my favorite part is seeing which new light displays are on the map every year. I look forward to enjoying time with my family and bringing in the Christmas season with music, lights, and fun.”

There is much anticipation for this year’s additions and redesign as Schenk Lake will have all new theming, including an illuminated globe on the lake, trees wrapped to resemble candy canes, and more.

The beautiful life-size Nativity scene will have a permanent home outside between the Carriage House and Farmhouse Sweets & Treats. The Good Zoo is bringing back its Rockin’ Holiday Light Show and Wish for Snow Experience, plus adding a special arctic express train ride through Dinosaur Forest, complete with hot chocolate and a special gift for children.

On the drive into Wilson Lodge, you will encounter a meteor shower of lights sure to bring brightness to one’s facial expression. And the holiday dinner show returns this year in Glessner Auditorium with a new production from the West Virginia Public Theatre.

Jolly Old St. Nick kicks this year’s festival off on November 10 by flipping the light switch illuminating the park. Oglebay’s Festival of Lights will run from dusk to dawn every day from November 10, 2022, to January 8, 2023.

Be sure to stop at the Mansion Museum during the day to tour what was once the home of Cleveland industrialist, Earl W. Oglebay in the 1900s and enjoy each room decorated lavishly for the holidays. In the evening watch the mansion come to life through choreographed holiday hits and animated lights.

Oglebay’s Festival of Lights is more than just a drive-through of animated lights and music. It is about families and friends coming together to share in the joy of the holiday season, creating memories, starting traditions, keeping traditions, and sharing laughter.

Your experience doesn’t have to stop at just a drive through the glowing grounds. There are special holiday lodging packages to ensure your visit is full.

Packages may include breakfast, entertainment, refreshments, gingerbread house decorating, elf hunts, and breakfast with Santa. There is a package sure to fit your needs.

To ensure the Festival of Lights shines brightly for years to come, a $30 donation per vehicle is suggested.

Every $30 donation will receive a new Oglebay rewards book with more than $500 in money-saving coupons and a pass valid through January 8, 2023.

For more information on the Festival of Lights and lodging visit www.oglebay.com.

Oglebay Festival of Lights 2022 Season