Oglebay Festival of Lights
Visitors drive through a 300-acre holiday light show featuring over 100 displays, with special light shows set to music and reflections across Schenk Lake. Guests can explore Santa's Village for ice skating, train rides, starlight sleigh rides, and photo opportunities with Santa. The resort also offers an illuminated hilltop walking path, holiday pop-up bars, seasonal shopping, and live nightly entertainment.
What to Expect
A six-mile holiday drive-through featuring over 100 dazzling light displays.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Oglebay Park
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Oglebay Park Resort
Food & Drink
Holiday dining includes festive nightly dining, Breakfast with Santa, holiday-themed menus, and seasonal treats; Santa's Village has festive bites, and SLEIGH offers seasonal sips.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and holiday-light enthusiasts
Vibe
Festive and family-friendly
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Hours: Drive-through light show: nightly from dusk to midnight, including holidays.
- Parking: Car wait times are shorter Monday through Wednesday; arriving early between 5–6 PM is suggested to beat the rush.
Tips & Advice
- Visit Monday through Wednesday for shorter car waits, and arrive early as suggested for the drive-through.
- Tune your radio to 1700 AM for synchronized light displays set to music during the drive.
- Reserve a guided trolley tour in advance; reservations open seven days ahead, and tours depart from Oglebay Lodge.
- Allow time to explore Santa’s Village, where activities include ice skating, train rides, Santa photos, and artisan shopping.
- If visiting Santa’s Village on a holiday, account for its different hours on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve.
Special Events & Promotions
- The new SLEIGH holiday pop-up bar is part of the Hilltop attractions.
- Guided trolley tours are a separately priced option and require reservations, which open seven days in advance.
- Santa’s Village has different hours on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
- Santa’s Village has different hours on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Festival of Lights suitable for children?
The event is for guests of all ages and includes family activities such as Santa photos, train rides, ice skating, and the Twinkle Trot walk.
What can I see during the drive-through?
The six-mile route crosses 300 acres and features more than 100 displays. Tune your radio to 1700 AM for synchronized light displays set to music.
What else is there to do, and is food available?
Santa’s Village has ice skating, train rides, a starlight sleigh ride, Santa photos, artisan shopping, festive bites, and holiday treats. The resort also offers holiday dining and seasonal treats.
Can I take a trolley tour instead of driving?
Guided trolley tours depart from Oglebay Lodge and require reservations. Reservations open seven days in advance.
Are there tips for avoiding a long wait in the car?
Car waits are shorter Monday through Wednesday, and arriving early is suggested. The drive-through runs nightly, including holidays.
More Christmas Events near Wheeling
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