On Thursday, November 7, 2024, Oglebay kicks off the holiday season with Light Up Night, celebrating the 40th anniversary of its Festival of Lights, presented by WesBanco. This year, visitors can look forward to a spectacular first: a dazzling drone show, set to light up the sky for two nights only – Thursday, November 7 and Saturday, November 9!
This year, Santa Claus will join WesBanco Upper Ohio Valley Market President & Senior Commercial Banker of WesBanco David Klick for the official lighting ceremony. Following the countdown, Sky Elements – one of the world’s largest drone show companies and a finalist on this season’s America’s Got Talent – will dazzle the crowd with over a hundred synchronized drones. Set to popular holiday music, the drones will create stunning formations and vibrant holiday-themed visuals, making it a must-see event for families.
The Festival of Lights is a nationally recognized attraction that spans over 300 acres of Oglebay, showcasing one of the largest holiday light displays in the country. Visitors can enjoy over 100 lighted displays and more than a million twinkling lights on a six-mile drive through the park.
“WesBanco is proud to be the presenting sponsor of the 40th anniversary of Oglebay’s Festival of Lights. This beloved tradition has become a cornerstone of holiday celebrations for families across our region and beyond.,” said David Klick. “As a community-focused bank our vision is to make every community we serve a better place for people and businesses to thrive. So, we are honored to support an event that brings so much joy and showcases the beauty and community spirit of Oglebay for this milestone year, reflecting our commitment to enhancing the quality of life in the places we call home.”
Bob Peckenpaugh, President & CEO of the Wheeling Park Commission, invites everyone to experience the magic of the 40th anniversary. “This year is truly special. The addition of the first-ever drone show in the Ohio Valley makes it even more magical!”
Returning on Sunday, November 24, is the wildly popular Twinkle Trot 5K. Participants will walk or jog through a winter wonderland filled with sparkling lights, festive displays and holiday music starting at the Good Zoo. The registration fee is $25 ($30 after October 31), and those who sign up before November 15 will receive a souvenir t-shirt.
The Festival of Trees will return on Friday, November 15, showcasing over 30 creatively decorated trees at the historic Pine Room. This festive event runs from November 15 to November 23. Other highlights include the iconic 7-story Welcome Tree adorned with a special 40th anniversary star, candy cane displays dancing around Schenk Lake, and the Winter Carnival at Levenson Shelter with a synthetic ice rink, climbing wall, and Christmas tree trail. At the Oglebay Good Zoo, guests can take photos with Santa and enjoy the Rockin’ Holiday Light Show on the zoo’s outdoor patio or the Holiday Laser Show inside the Benedum Planetarium.
Additionally, Oglebay’s Holiday Dinner Show in Glessner Auditorium will provide heartwarming entertainment with holiday-inspired meals, songs, and stories on select dates in November and December. For information, call 304-243-4000.
The Festival of Lights will shine brightly every night from dusk until midnight through January 5, 2025.
For details on the drone show, Twinkle Trot 5K, Festival of Trees, and other exciting events during Festival of Lights, visit oglebay.com/lights.
