West Virginia Vacation, Travel Tourism

The leaves are finished changing and have started to fall, the weather has gone from warm to cool, and the first few snowflakes have already fallen here in Southern West Virginia. It can only mean one thing – Christmas is coming!

Whether you want to enjoy a seasonal tour, go shopping, or just get away (or all of the above), you can find it all right here.

Step back in time and experience a classic small town Christmas celebration at the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine December 5th through the 7th. With lights and decorations amassed, carolers gathered, and hot cider steaming, visitors are sure to enjoy the 10th Annual Appalachian Coal Town Christmas and Light Festival. Horse-and-buggy rides and underground light tours will be offered during this holiday festivity. In addition, visitors may also attend the Annual Christmas Parade and a showing of The Nutcracker Ballet. Underground light tours continue on weekends through December. Call 304-256-1747 for more details about specific times, events, and vendors.

The Bramwell Christmas Tour of Homes is December 13th at 5 p.m. Bramwell was home to more than a dozen millionaire coal barons in the early 1900s. They lived in elegant mansions of the Victorian and Tudor styles. During the Christmas season, the residents of Bramwell invite you to their historically rich town to enjoy the beauty and grandeur of their neighborhoods. For more information, call 304-248-7114.

Most of us cannot think about Christmas without also thinking about shopping, and Southern West Virginia provides options for every kind of shopper. You will find unique shops, such as Tamarack, which is located just north of Beckley on Interstate 77. West Virginia artisans and vendors come together to sell authentic West Virginia-made goods. There are also several antique shops and art galleries as well two traditional shopping malls. Click on our shopping link under the Things To Do tab for more details.

Of course, you will also want to enjoy the snow during the winter season in the mountains of Southern West Virginia. Adventurous visitors may want to partake in skiing and tubing at Winterplace, while some may choose to stay warm by relaxing in a cabin.

Above all else, the Christmas season is a time for celebration. Southern West Virginia is the perfect place to begin. All-year beauty of our surroundings is a blessing for which residents are thankful. Winter is no exception. Join us to celebrate the beauty and excitement of the holidays.