Festival photographs courtesy of Oglebay; used with permission. Hero photograph cropped to 16:9.
The hills above Wheeling are glowing again. Oglebay Park Resort's 42nd Annual Festival of Lights, presented by WesBanco, is underway now — and this season is the biggest transformation the show has ever seen.
After Light Up Night on Thursday, Nov. 5, when Santa and WesBanco representatives flipped the switch at 6:15 p.m. and fireworks lit the sky, the drive-through has been running nightly from dusk to midnight. The season continues through Jan. 3, 2027, including holidays.
Visitors can cruise a six-mile route across more than 300 acres packed with 100-plus illuminated displays. The festival typically draws 300,000 or more guests each year — a beloved Mountain State tradition that keeps families coming back.
This year, the Wheeling Park Commission is investing more than $2 million over two years, the largest single-year investment in the show's history. The focus is on walk-through experiences so guests want to return more than once.
"We're talking about a significant transformation," said Bob Peckenpaugh, Wheeling Park Commission President and CEO. The goal, he said, is getting people out of their cars to experience the magic up close.
New highlights include a 30-foot Frosty the Snowman, RGB lighting displays, animated Holiday Harmonizers with singing faces, and walk-through light tunnels between Farmhouse Sweets and Treats and the Mansion. A Legacy Loop honors past displays — many of them built in the metal shop at Wheeling Park High School.
On the hilltop, a 70-foot Welcome Tree syncs its lights to music. The Gardens of Light feature more than 150 illuminated hanging baskets, the Mansion Light Show dazzles outside, and 13 decorated rooms await inside the Mansion Museum.
Santa's Village has expanded across Levenson Shelter and Camp Russel, with a Christmas shop at Camp Russel, free photos with Santa, the Gingerbread Express Train, Starlight Sleigh Ride, ice skating, firepits and s'mores, and selfie stations.
At the Good Zoo, look for a new Holiday Snow Globe photo spot in December, the Rockin' Holiday Light Show with more than 40,000 lights, a Holiday Laser Show in the planetarium, and Reflections on Schenk Lake.
The NEW SLEIGH Holiday Pop-Up Bar in the Garden Bistro is open Nov. 6 through Jan. 2 — Sunday through Thursday 5–10 p.m., Friday and Saturday 5–11 p.m. — with cocktails, bites, and entertainment.
WesBanco is marking its 11th year as presenting sponsor. "We're proud to support this tradition for 11 years," said Matt Drahos, WesBanco Wheeling Market President.
Eriks Janelsins, Oglebay Foundation president and CEO, pointed to the deep community connection and the estimated 300,000 guests who make the pilgrimage each season.
A $30 donation earns a season pass plus a rewards book packed with 2027 Oglebay and Wheeling Park offers. For hours, tickets, and maps, visit oglebay.com/lights — then get out and enjoy the glow.