A weekend spent in Greater Parkersburg this holiday season will prove to be a delightful escape for your family. It’s the perfect time to unplug and reconnect over memories that will last a lifetime.

Cozy into a plush seat at one of our historic theaters and enjoy a live musical or theatrical performance. “Ooh” and “Ahh” as you drive through not one but three unique holiday light displays at area parks. Marvel at the grandeur created by master craftsmen when you tour Victorian homes and sip tea in our historic homes. Shop our historic downtowns, popping into charming boutique shops to discover the perfect keepsakes to carry home.

So much to experience… West Virginia Weekends – Holiday Style!

A Christmas Story

Nine year old Ralphie Parker wants one thing for Christmas, and one thing only: An Official Red Ryder Range Model Carbine Action BB Gun. There’s only one problem: everyone else is convinced he’ll shoot his eye out! Undeterred, he begins his saga of convincing all the necessary players, including Santa Claus himself, that he needs that gun. Performances will take place at the Actors Guild of Parkersburg on November 23-25 and December 1, 2, 7 & 8.

Live! At the Smoot Theatre

The historic 1926 Smoot Theatre is bustling with activity this time of the year with extravagant musical performances such as A Hometown Christmas performed by the Smoot House Band on Nov. 30. The stage comes alive with holiday performances the entire family will remember year-after-year. Call the Smoot Theatre for tickets at 304-422-7529 or visit http://www.smoottheatre.com/.

Trees of Our Heritage

Visit the Blennerhassett Museum in downtown Parkersburg to view Trees of Our Heritage, a display of decorated Christmas trees from countries around the world. The display will continue until December 31. Admission is $4 for adults and $2 for children.

Celebration of Lights

Thousands of glittering lights are presented annually in celebration of the season at Parkersburg City Park, Southwood Park, and Civitan Park (Belpre, Ohio) now through Dec. 31. You’ll enjoy more than 225 animated and still Christmas light displays from the comfort of your car. From Santa Claus and his flying reindeer to dancing dinosaurs, this outing is sure to bring “oohs” and “ahhs” and become a family tradition.

Shop Local

Plan to shop local and purchase some of your holiday gifts from area merchants this year. To get started, checkout this brief list of unique shops in the region.

Historic Home Tours & More

An eclectic mix of Victorian era homes, dating back to the 1800s, will be open to the public for a rare glimpse into the past during the annual Julia-Ann Square Victorian Christmas Home Tour & Tea Dec. 1 & 2. Residents of West Virginia’s largest historic district will be decked out in their finest Victorian attire as they host a walking tour of several lavishly decorated homes followed by a tea. This year the event will expand to four days, with pre-tour festivities. New activities include a Sip & Savor Reception and carriage rides on Nov. 29. Then on Nov. 30 an Antique Show & Art Exhibit and Lamp Lighting Processional will take place. A Candlelight Tour of homes has been added on Dec. 1 (limited tickets). Don’t forget about the Sunday brunch on Dec. 2! To learn more, call 304-422-9861 or visit www.juliannsquare.org.

Christmas at the Plantation

Henderson Hall will be all decked out for the holidays beginning the week of Thanksgiving until New Years. If you have never seen historic Henderson Hall at Christmas, it is a must see. A special “Christmas Evening at the Plantation” will take place Dec. 6 with tour offering an all-access pass through the Hall. Live Christmas music will be provided by Mat Whitworth. Food and drink will be served. Admission is $25 per person. Tickets are limited. The historic home is located just one mile south of Williamstown on Old River Road (off WV 14). For more information or to make a reservation, call 304-375-2129 or visit http://hendersonhallwv.com/.

Come celebrate Christmas at The Castle in Marietta, Ohio. The Castle is decked out in all of its Christmas finery. Enjoy Victorian Christmas sweets, tea, and a tour with friends and family on Dec. 15 from 2-4 p.m. Reservations are required.  Cost is $15 per person.

Winterfest

Enjoy a new holiday tradition! Make plans to attend Winterfest 2018 on Dec. 1 in downtown Parkersburg. Experience the sights and sounds of the holiday season with friends and family during this special event. Several downtown businesses will be open, along with various downtown museums and attractions. www.downtownpkb.com

‘Twas The Night Before Christmas

Perfect for kids, Ken Ludwig’s ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas is a tale of a wild holiday adventure.  A mouse, an elf, and a spunky little girl (who just won’t take no for an answer) are on a quest to find out why Santa missed their house last year. Tickets are $8 per person, available only at the door. This production is being performed in collaboration with the Actors Guild of Parkersburg and WVU-P. Two performances will take place on Dec. 8 at 12 Noon and 2 p.m. at the Little Theatre (Room 1305) on the campus of WVU-P.

Visit with Santa

Santa Claus will be stopping by North Bend State Park for breakfast on Dec. 15 just before he makes his way back to the North Pole for the big night. He’s taking last minute requests and needs to find out just what all the little boys and girls want this year. Don’t forget to have your picture taken with old St. Nick! Call 304-643-2931 to learn more and to purchase breakfast tickets. www.northbendsp.com

New Year’s

Make plans to ring in 2019 at three unique venues – Blennerhassett Hotel, North Bend State Park, or Valley Gem Sternwheeler. Each location will celebrate with dinner and music. Overnight packages are available by contacting Blennerhassett Hotel at 800-262-2536, www.theblennerhassett.com or North Bend State Park Lodge at 304-294-2931, www.northbendsp.com. For the Valley Gem, call 740-373-7862, www.valleygemsternwheeler.com.

To learn more about these holiday events and more visit, www.GreaterParkersburg.com.