Entertainment/Culture - City of Lights
 Lose yourself in the City of Lights
Wheeling, West Virginia
It happens once each year...
Shoppers bustle form store to store, the smell of pine needles and hot cider fills the air, and the city of Wheeling is transformed into a winter wonderland. You are invited to join us this year, from November to January to see this City of Lights. Wheeling, West Virginia, is centrally located one hour southwest of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and two hours east of Columbus, Ohio.
Our city transformed
Magical displays line the streets of Wheeling. Carolers sing their festive holiday melodies and the city is ablaze with lights. Individual homes, small shops and large stores glow with the joy of the holiday season as they take part in one of the nation’s leading light shows.
Experience the magic as Wheeling becomes the City of Lights
 The city boasts over 60 displays in a celebration that, with the Oglebay Festival of Lights, the American Bus Association has recognized as one of the Top 50 Internationally Know Events in North America. Lighted trees and snowflakes lead motorists through this spectacular display of community and holiday spirit.
A brilliant festival that attracts over one million visitors each year.
Visitors marvel at the live animation proudly displayed on dozens of the buildings, each with it’s own unique way of reflecting individual artists. For example, AAA Insurance boasts a sparkling automobile display, complete with hundreds of lights, while Baskin-Robbins prefers… can you guess? A delicious looking ice cream cone!
Join us for the Annual Fantasy in Lights Parade
You’re invited to attend a fantastic parade that takes place
each year on the Friday before Thanksgiving. It will include floats,
marching bands and famous guests. More than 100,000 people attended
last year’s event, which was televised by CBS and NBC affiliates.
Celebrate the holidays Wheeling-style
A visit at this special time of year also provides the perfect opportunity to experience some of the city’s other exciting attractions.
- Stop by The Centre Market Square, where unique gift buying opportunities abound and where shopkeepers continue the age-old traditions of friendliness, quality, and value.
- See the West Virginia Independence Hall, where our state was born.
- Visit a selection of historic Victorian homes, dressed up in seasonal splendor.
- Browse The Artisan Center, a brand new Wheeling attraction.
- Fly to the moon in Wheeling Jesuit University’s Challenger Learning Center, a space flight simulator.
- Take in a holiday show at the historic Capitol Music Hall, home of Jamboree USA, America’s second oldest live country show.
- Laugh it up at Wheeling’s own Victoria Vaudeville Theater.
- Winning is just a play away at Wheeling Island Race Track & Gaming Center.
 The Wheeling City of Lights festival, now in its 19th year, is the pride of Wheeling. This spectacular two-month event has something for everyone. Come celebrate with us!
The City of Lights/Oglebay Festival of Lights program features:
- Our nation’s largest holiday light show
- More than two million lights
- Dozens of animated displays
- The Festival of Trees
- Christmas caroling
- The Christmas in November holiday arts and crafts show
- Extended holiday shopping hours
- Special activities that attract more than one million visitors each year
- Many exciting attractions and museums throughout the city
 Call for more information on holiday activities for the whole family
- The Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce 304-233-2575
- The Wheeling Convention & Visitors Bureau 1-800-828-3097
- Centre Market Square / Historic District 304-234-3878 or 304-233-2663
- Oglebay Resort 1-800-624-6988
- Victorian Home Tours 1-800-733-1870 or 304-232-5439
- *WV Independence Hall 304-238-1300
- WesBanco Arena 304-233-7000
- Wheeling Island Race Track & Gaming Center 1-800-445-9475 or 304-232-5050
- Capitol Music Hall Holiday Productions 1-800-624-5456 or 304-234-0050
- Victoria Vaudeville Theater 1-800-505-SING
| On-Going Activities |
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| Centre Market Square - Historic District |
304-234-3878 |
| Victorian Home Tours (Decorated for the Holidays) |
304-266-1600 |
| WV Independence Hall |
304-238-1300 |
| Wheeling Island Race Track & Gaming Center |
304-232-5050 |
| Holiday Productions at Capitol Music Hall |
800-624-5456 |
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