DESTINATIONS
Photo by Jessica Nuzzo
Submitted Photo
West Virginia ' s Christmas City
After being officially designated “ West Virginia ’ s Christmas City ” in 2021 , Bluefield continues to enhance the holiday experience with more activities , sights and sounds to make the city a must-see destination for holiday fun .
The push for the “ Christmas City ” designation began in 2020 , primarily based on the city ’ s Holiday of Lights . The display in Bluefield City Park , also known as Lotito Park , began in 1996 and has become one of the premier drive-through Christmas light extravaganzas in the region .
The popularity of the attraction , which opens on Thanksgiving and runs through New Year ’ s Eve , has grown each year with the addition of lights and other displays .
Marie Blackwell , Bluefield City Ambassador , said Holiday of Lights attracted more than 54,000 visitors in 2021 .
“ What began with a few scattered snowflakes ( in 1996 ) has grown to over 1.2 million lights and themed displays ,” she said .
And just as the lights have grown , so have the additional attractions .
Activities kick off Nov . 19 with the Holiday of Lights 5K followed by a full slate of events including the Nov . 21 lighting of the animated Christmas tree and the Nov . 24 official opening of the Holiday of Lights .
Santa will be on hand for the lighting of the tree , a 30-ft . tree replete with lights that change patterns to the beat of Christmas music .
And guests looking for a little adventure , can slip on a pair of skates and take a spin in the skating rink , which will be installed near the tree .
“ This will be a great addition to downtown ,” Bluefield Mayor Ron Martin said during the planning stages of the event .
“ Burn barrels ” will be set up around the rink , allowing visitors to warm up and create their own s ’ mores .
Visitors can enjoy the lights and skating rink through Jan . 8 , but a special Hometown Christmas Festival and Christmas Market is scheduled from Dec . 5-10 .
The special week-long events will feature local vendors , trolley rides and photos with Santa Claus .
New to the celebration this year is a Ferris wheel , from which guests can get a bird ’ s-eye view of the festivities .
Cecil Marson , city manager for the City of Bluefield , calls the Christmas activities , “ 40 days of magic in the city .”
Blackwell adds , “ The City of Bluefield invites you to come experience the magic of Christmas in West Virginia ’ s Christmas City .”
A full list of activities can be found at www . westvirginiaschristmascity . com .
34 ❖ SOUTH ❖ NOVEMBER - DECEMBER ' 22