A Holiday Weekend Getaway To Mercer County

Last updated: December 5, 2022

The countdown to the holidays is on, which means snowy weekend getaways filled with your favorite seasonal events are on the horizon. Pack up and head to Mercer County for the most wonderful time of the year!

Holiday of Lights

When the sun goes down, the Holiday of Lights shine bright at Lotito City Park. Drive through the mesmerizing show of over 1.2 million Christmas lights and wonderful holiday scenes. Acres of glittery magic fill the 1.5-mile drive through the park. Displays include candy cane canopies, arches of stars and poinsettias; and new displays and sculptures are added to the collection every year, as well. While every night is a treat, different activities like holiday music, trolley and hayrides, and walk-through nights add to the charm. Experience the 26th anniversary of the Holiday of Lights until January 8, 2023. The lights are open from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

West Virginia Christmas City

The holiday fun doesn’t end with the Holiday of Lights Festival. Bluefield, West Virginia’s Christmas City, will be celebrating the holidays all month long with some memorable events! Mark your calendar for the Hometown Christmas Festival and Market on December 5-10. This family-friendly festival features local vendors, trolley rides, photos with Santa and more. Additionally, the market, located inside the Former Landmark Antique Mall, is the perfect place to finish up your holiday shopping. 

With ice skating, a Ferris wheel, an ugly Christmas sweater (and a dog costume) contest, live music and fireworks, there is a little something for everyone happening in our Christmas City! 

Bramwell House Tour 

Step back in time and experience a unique Mercer County tradition with the Bramwell Christmas Tour of Homes. On December 10, experience a Victorian holiday evening. Learn from costumed interpreters about the history of the town and enjoy Christmas entertainment like live period music and dazzling lights. Three homes and the masonic lodge will be open to the public this year. The homes will be opened from 5 to 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online or at the door. 

Once you’ve toured the exquisite homes, bundle up and take a stroll through this charming town — it is like walking in a Hallmark Christmas movie! Wander the brick streets of Millionaires Row, dine at local eateries and browse small businesses. Maps are available in town at both the Coal Heritage Trail Interpretation Center and the Corner Shop. Learn about the homes and how the storybook town of Bramwell came to be the Home of the Millionaires. 

Shop Local

While you are here, finish up your holiday shopping at some of the best businesses! From antique treasures and unusual finds to tasty treats and beautiful art, there is a local gift for everyone on your list here. Spend an afternoon browsing the small businesses lining the Mercer Street Grassroots District. Easily find gifts for everyone in your life, including the art lover, the craft beer connoisseur and even the bookworm! Plus, while you shop and check into venues, unlock entries into our Super Christmas Sweepstakes to win a variety of gift cards, a gift basket and a weekend trip to any West Virginia State Park! Learn more about the Mercer County Candy Cane Trail before you head out to our stores. 

Winter Adventures 

If you want to add some winter adventure to your holiday getaway, then you’ve come to the right place! Ride into a wonderful winter on the legendary Hatfield-McCoy Trail System. Our vast all-terrain trail network is open year-round and features more than 700 miles of off-road trails and an abundance of scenic mountain views. Or take in the seasonal sights at one of our three state parks — Camp Creek, Pinnacle Rock or Pipestem Resort — for a snowy hike.

Your holidays just got better. Plan your trip to Mercer County now. For more upcoming events to add to your itinerary, visit our calendar.