The following are the important things you should know if you plan to visit this amazing LED and energy-efficient light show. So, if you want to know more about it, then keep on reading and enjoy!
About Oglebay Lights
When it comes to twinkling fairy lights, one of the well-known feasts in the US is the Oglebay Festival of Lights. The main aim of the festival is to entertain the locals as well as the visitors. The festival provides several shows and other outstanding spots that everyone must see.
The festival was established in 1985. Since then, it continues to grow and become the largest blinking Christmas lights in the nation. From the start, it gradually gathers visitors from outside places. The twinkle lights surround over three hundred hectares of Oglebay Park. The place features more than a million twinkle lights trees. Also, the three hundred hectares house more than 90 lighted tourist attractions, which will surely amaze every guest who will visit the area.
Oglebay Lights Dates 2023-2024
Just like the other festivals, the Oglebay lights takes place every year. This year, the festival will happen from the 9th day of November 2023 to the 8th day of January 2024. The good thing about the festival is that you will enjoy the blinking lights from dusk till 11:00 pm.
If you liked Oglebay Lights, you may also want to visit these following festivals:
Oglebay Lights – Location
The exact location of the festival is at Oglebay 465 Lodge Dr. Wheeling, WV 26003, United States. The place isn’t hard to find. When you see some twinkling bright lights, you can say that you have already arrived at your destination.
On the other hand, if you don’t know the place, you may use the GPS on your mobile phone. Through this, you can find the exact place. This would help you a lot, especially if you took your own vehicle. If you don’t have a car, you may consider taking a cab. The driver will drop you at the exact area. Don’t worry. The transportation fee is at the minimum.
Festival Hours
Are you planning to experience the brightest and most colorful festival of lights in Oglebay? If so, one of the essential details you should know is the time when the place opens and closes. In terms of the festival hours, you may enter the place at 5 pm and exit at 11 pm.
If you visited the place to have a romantic date with your loved one, it would be best if you know one fine dining area. Don’t worry. The place is surrounded by nearby restaurants you may dine in. To save a few amounts, you may consider preparing your own food and eating it in your car. After all, what’s more, important is that you have enjoyed the festival with your loved ones.
Budget for the Oglebay Festival of Lights
Witnessing the beautiful festival of lights in Oglebay is for free, but to ensure the Festival of Lights continues for years to come, a donation of $30 per vehicle is suggested. Every $30 donor receives:
- 2023 Festival of Lights Vehicle Pass valid throughout the holiday season
- Oglebay Rewards Book containing more than $500 in money-saving coupons.
Another vital factor you need to consider when visiting the place is your budget. But this will really depend on you. If you love to check in a 5-star hotel and eat in luxurious restaurants, it would be best to bring an extra amount of money. On the other hand, if you are a local and takes your own car, you can bring enough money for your entrance fee.
The table below outlines two special holiday packages for the Festival of Lights at Oglebay in Wheeling, WV, detailing the price, dates, nights, inclusions, and important notes for each package. Enjoy a magical experience with accommodations and special amenities tailored to your festive getaway!
Holiday Overnight Packages at Oglebay, Wheeling, WV
| Package Name | Price | Dates | Nights | Includes | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Magical Midweek Package | Starting at $199 | November 9 – December 21, 2023 | Sun-Thurs | 1-night Wilson Lodge accommodations Festival of Lights season pass Breakfast Buffet Commemorative ornament 3D glasses Nightly entertainment, refreshments | Package rate tailored to double occupancy in Byrd Wing Rooms with available upgrades. Two-night minimum. Children’s accommodations are complimentary. Taxes, fees, and restrictions apply. |
| Festival of Lights Package | Starting at $459 | November 9 – December 17, 2023 | Fri-Sun | Package rate based on double occupancy in Byrd Wing Rooms. Upgrades and child accommodations are available. Taxes, fees, exclusions apply. | Package rate based on double occupancy in Byrd Wing Rooms. Upgrades and child accommodations are available. Taxes, fees, and exclusions apply. |
These packages have been thoughtfully crafted to provide an unforgettable experience during the Festival of Lights. Select the package that best suits your needs and join in this time-honored tradition! BOOK NOW
or you can see on the map more options:
The Weather – what to wear?
November to January have the best weather. When you plan to visit the area during December, you need to wear cozy clothes because of the cold breeze of the air. But in early January, you may wear a little lighter clothing. You can wear any type of clothing as long as you feel comfortable. Just do not wear very revealing clothes as the cold breeze won’t be good to your body.
Oglebay Festival of Lights Nearby Hotel
When you are a tourist, you usually want to spend at least three days or a week enjoying the beautiful view of the place. That’s why you need to check in some hotels. In that case, we got you covered. Below are the top three nearby hotels in Oglebay.
A 5-star hotel near Oglebay park is the Wilson Lodge. It features 258 rooms, an indoor pool, two dining rooms, fitness centers, sauna, Jacuzzi, and a lot more. They also have 54 large cottages, making it perfect for large families.
This is a one-of-a-kind hotel near Oglebay park. It features a fountain, lush greenery landscapes, and a beautiful garden. The hotel offers an indoor pool, steam showers, and more.
Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Wheeling at Highlands
This is a family-friendly hotel that offers several amenities, including a kitchenette, air conditioning, and a flat-screen TV. Rest assured that your whole stay in this hotel will become incredible because of the very accommodating staff to assist you.
Oglebay Festival of Lights Nearby Restaurants
If you didn’t prepare food, you might be looking for the best restaurants near Oglebay that you can dine in. Some of them are the following:
Glass Works Grill at Wilson Lodge
Overall, the restaurant is nice and offers tasty meals. They have outstanding glass artwork that will surely catch the attention of every guest. Their exterior design is superb. The restaurant follows strict safety protocols. So, it would be best to order your food earlier, and it will be delivered directly to your room.
Ihlenfeld
Another 4-star restaurant near Oglebay is Ihlenfeld. The restaurant offers Gluten0free, vegetarian-friendly, and American dishes. It is a spacious restaurant, which means that physical, social distancing will be followed strictly.
Oglebay Garden Bistro
The Oglebay Garden Bistro restaurant offers delicious American cuisines. One of the good things that this resto offers is that each of their meals is vegetarian-friendly. You may order meals for dinner and lunch. Rest assured that the money you pay for every meal you order will be worth it.
More things to do near by Oglebay lights
OgleBay Lights FAQ
How long does it take to drive through Oglebay lights?
Oglebay lights is identified as one of the best drive-through displays by many people, and companies display features 300 hundred acres of blinking lights over a six-mile drive. It can take 45min to one hour to go to the last and enjoy them.
How much is Oglebay festival of lights
The admission is free; however, to make sure the festival continues to shine yearly, the park asks for a donation of $30 per vehicle.
What time does Oglebay lights start?
The show runs nightly from dusk to midnight.
Where is Oglebay lights at?
Oglebay lights is located at 465 Lodge Dr, Wheeling, WV 26003, USA
How much is the donation for the Wheeling festival of lights at Oglebay?
To make sure the event continues to shine vibrantly for years to come, a donation of $30 for every car is suggested. Every $30 donor gets a 2023 Festival of Lights Vehicle Pass that is valid all through the holiday season.
Can I Smoke During the Festival?
Smoking is generally prohibited in designated areas, but there may be specific smoking areas. Check the official guidelines for detailed information.
What time do the Oglebay lights open?
The light is open from five in the afternoon.
How long do Oglebay lights last?
The Oglebay lights last for about a 2 months.
Where Can I Park During the Festival?
There are multiple parking areas around the resort, including both free and premium options. You may want to arrive early, as parking can fill up quickly.
When does the daily festival of lights start at Oglebay?
For the 2023 holiday season, the Oglebay Lights will start from November 9, 2023, to January 8, 2024.
Are dogs allowed at the Oglebay lights festival?
Oglebay lights festival is considered a dog-friendly festival. So, you can bring your pet with you to enjoy the beautiful scenery. However, just ensure to follow the rules and regulations imposed concerning bringing animals.
How long does it take to drive through the lights at Oglebay Park?
It will take about 45 minutes to one hour to drive through the lights at Oglebay Park.
What are the hours for the Oglebay festival of lights?
Monday through Thursday: 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Friday: Shows start at 5:00 PM until 11:00 PM Saturday: 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM
What do you do at the Festival of Lights?
What is more to activities like live entertainment, art displays as well as food vendors, the festival has added a Ferris wheel, train rides as well as a carousel to the family-friendly fun.
How many lights are at the festival of lights – Oglebay resort?
The stunning display includes about 100 lighted spectacles that boast energy-efficient, sparkling LED lights of over a million.
What is the date set for the Oglebay festival of lights in West Virginia?
The date set for the festival is November 9, 2023 – January 8, 2024.
Are There Food and Drink Options Available?
Yes, there are various dining options within the resort, ranging from casual eateries to fine dining establishments.
People Wrote About the Oglebay Festival of Lights
- This is one of the best festivals I’ve witnessed, at least in my 40 years of existence. It‘s a series of static displays, i drive from one to the next; it’s totally free; however, there is a toll booth asking for a donation; it is a request, not a demand.
- This is the best light show during the Holiday season anywhere in the states. Our family makes it a point to take part in this beautiful and amazing event each year. The way the lights are set up is really amazing. Kudos to the people behind this amazing project. Job well done!
- Every year it’s the tradition of our family to go witness the lights at Oglebay. It is a light show you drive through. There’s a donation fee; however, your pass is good for the season. Listen to the specific radio station for Christmas music. Well worth the donation!
- Last year, we took our kids for a weekend to take pleasure in the Oglebay festival of lights. The displays were amazing and breathtaking, and the zoo was exciting as well. The lodge was decorated everywhere for the forthcoming holiday. We ate at a sports bar, and we had a breakfast buffet. The whole experience was memorable, and we are planning to visit this year.
Last Year’s Oglebay Lights festival
Thanks for reading!
If you liked this festival you should also check out this:
Bentleyville Tour Of Lights
Virginia Beach Festival Of Lights
Hidalgo Festival Of Lights
Sources of information :
https://oglebay.com
