Get all the feels of the season in these set-worthy settings.

written by Kaitlyn Eichelberger & Devin Lacy
When temperatures drop, people around the globe reach for the remote to find feel-good movies with loveable leads that are up to holiday hijinks. But more important than the protagonists are their settings: the stunning small towns the characters get to call home.
West Virginia is full of such places, small towns overflowing with charm and holiday spirit. From extravagant parades and light shows to beautifully decorated homes and festivals that allow you to step back in time, a walk through these picture-perfect places will warm the heart of the most stubborn scrooge.
It’s a Christmas village come to life.

We’ve all seen the movie: a small town where the holidays are anything but small. Twinkling red-green-blue lights line every frosted lane, and seasonal jingles drift from every corner. Many a hot cocoa is sipped, and cozying up to a crackling fireplace is an absolute must. A picture-perfect Christmas.
In West Virginia, there’s no need to dream—each year, the jolly residents of Elkins transform their small town into “A Merry Mountain Christmas.” The icing on the gingerbread? Every December, Mayor Jerry Marco dubs the city “Elfkins.” With hearty history, yuletide yummies, and enchanting events, Elfkins offers a choose-your-own-adventure of winter tales.
Stop by Byrd’s House of Donuts or TipTop for a warm drink and sweet treat, then explore this Christmas town teeming with West Virginian charms and festivities. Discover artisanal treasures at Delmonte Market or browse Elkins’ newest bookstore, Alexandria on Main. It wouldn’t be a West Virginia adventure without some wonderful time in the wild—experience nearby escapades like Canaan Valley Resort State Park or Snowshoe Mountain. Refuel at Smoke on the Water BBQ or The Forks Restaurant & Inn, then unwind at cozy lodgings like the historic Graceland Inn or scenic Cabins of Kelly Mountain. Tie a bow around your Hallmark-worthy holiday with a Mountain Rail winter train ride.
Whether you’re a year-round alpinist or a Christmas-read-and-cocoa enthusiast, unwrap the perfect seasonal experience in magical Elfkins.
The capital city shines brighter than ever in December.

Deck the halls and jingle those bells—Charleston is ready to celebrate the holiday season in festive style. Wasting no time, Holly Jolly Brawley helps residents and visitors shake off the turkey-induced haze of Thanksgiving and replace it with endless holiday cheer. Festivities typically include local art, a holiday light show, the lighting of the city’s Christmas tree, a visit from Santa, and so much more. If you miss out on the fun, don’t fret! The stunning decor stays up across downtown Charleston for the season, including more than 170 decorated trees, beautiful lights, and plenty of photo opportunities for your annual holiday cards.


You can’t go anywhere in December without seeing at least one house or storefront dressed to the nines in brilliant lights. But no one is doing it better—or bigger—than Charleston’s GoMart Ballpark. Salango Law Dirty Birds Light the Night boasts more than 2.5 million lights twinkling in time with holiday music and eight immersive displays. Last year’s event brought more than 120,000 visitors to Charleston from all across the country. But it’s not just the lights to enjoy: the holiday train, ice skating rink, and Ferris wheel will make a reappearance as guests welcome new rides and inflatables, ice bumper cars, a carousel, and more.
The annual Christmas Parade has been a Charleston tradition for decades, delighting generations of families with its dazzling floats, talented marching bands, and endless merriment. Each year introduces a new theme—this year, Neon Wonderland, a fun, colorful take on Christmas.
PHtographed by Kim Earl / Arts AMplified
Cozy Up In These Capital Places
Fife Street Brewing Say “Cheers!” to the holidays and coming new year when you crack open a cold one with friends at this Charleston brewery. Its rotating tap list is paired with a few staple house brews, something for everyone. fifestreetbrewing.com
Holiday Village at Capitol Market This European-style outdoor Christmas market is bursting at the seams with holiday joy. Find your favorite local vendors and products as well as beautiful handmade items perfect for giving. Grab a cup of mulled wine or a sweet treat to keep you warm as you shop. capitolmarket.net
The Nutcracker presented by Charleston Ballet and West Virginia Symphony Tchaikovsky’s Christmas classic is back at the Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences this winter. See Clara, the Nutcracker, and the Mouse King fly across the stage as the orchestra swells—a performance unlike any other in the area. theclaycenter.org
Rock City Cake Company Grab a delicious holiday-themed treat at Charleston’s most rockin’ bakery. Known for baked goods that look as good as they taste, Morgan Morrison and her team are sure to bring extra cheer to your celebrations. rockcitycakeco.com
Mercer County and its residents love Christmas enough to put the Whos of Whoville to shame.

Down in Bramwell, the Bramwell Theatre Corporation draws visitors from all over with its Christmas Tour of Homes. This beloved tradition is a chance to roam through the “Town of Millionaires” and tour a few of the historic homes decked out for the holidays. Stroll down the brick-paved streets and take in the magnificence of the mansions sitting along them, a picturesque holiday adventure fitting of a network special.
Over in West Virginia’s Christmas City, Bluefield hosts its Hometown Christmas Festival on Friday and Saturday evenings through December 21. Browse the wares of local vendors, snap that perfect holiday photo, or explore the Holiday of Lights—open each evening through January 5.
When the list for Santa is being made, tell him to meet you in Princeton! The two of you can explore the beautiful Mercer Street Grassroots District, decorated for the season and rife with unique shops, boutiques, and galleries to help you breeze through your holiday shopping.
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry
Bluefield Inn After a long day of exploration and merriment, let the sugar plums dance in your head at this local inn. Enjoy beautifully decorated historic rooms, a gourmet breakfast, and peaceful respite from life’s December chaos. bluefieldinn.com
CSC’s Candle Bakery The aroma flowing from these Strafford Drive doors isn’t the baked goods you expect—it might just be better. CSC’s creates elaborate and colorful handcrafted candles and wax melts that look as good as they smell, inspired by your favorite sweet treats. candlebakery.shop
Bramwell Corner Shop & Soda Fountain Don’t let the cooler temperatures keep you from stopping by this Bramwell institution. The shop uses an original soda fountain to create unique drinks and old-fashioned floats made with its homemade ice cream—the perfect sweet treat any time of the year! bramwellcornershop.com
Honeycomb Cafe This small-batch bakery has a wide selection of specialty drinks in addition to delectable baked goods and breakfast served all day long. It is the perfect place to fuel up for a day of exploring the town. @honeycombcafebramwell on FB
The Olde Tyme Christmas festival goes down in history for two fun-filled weekends in December.

A small town nestled at the union of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers and cradled at the heart of the Appalachian Trail, Harpers Ferry is a charming blend of nature and history. Every December, holiday spirit brings this riverside town to life with the lighting of a yule log, sparking a transformation into a classic Christmas village. For 54 years, this holiday tradition has welcomed locals and visitors alike to the Harpers Ferry Olde Tyme Christmas festival.
This winter, step onto the town’s quaint streets and into the past. Horse-drawn carriages clop along cobblestone lanes, townsfolk meander the streets in Victorian-era garb, and storefronts twinkle with lights and greenery—it doesn’t get more picture-perfect than this. From a 19th century ornament workshop to a live U.S. Army demonstration complete with historical weapons, the first two weekends in December are brimming with old-fashioned holiday activities. Don’t forget to visit the town’s well-loved Holiday Handmade Market and witness the magical Christmas parade and tree lighting.
Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or simply appreciate a good shopping spree with hot cocoa in hand, you can’t go wrong with Harpers Ferry. With its cozy charm and festive decor, this West Virginia town positively glows with Christmas magic. Truly a must-visit this holiday season.
Historically Fabulous Finds
Cozy up in a stone cottage straight from the pages of a storybook at Rockhaven B&B
or Stonehouse Bed & Breakfast, or find comfort in a quaint Victorian home at The
Angler’s Inn—all located in the vibrant Lower Town historic district.
Caffeinate or unwind with a warm drink and freshly baked treat at Best of West
Virginia–winner Bolivar Bread Bakery, or pair your refreshments with a gift shop
souvenir from Battle Grounds Bakery & Coffee.
Explore the expansive Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, with plenty of winter
sights, activities, and landmarks for the history lover and naturalist alike. Don’t take our
word for it—readers voted this park Best of West Virginia for its scenic views.
Treat yourself or pick up some last-minute gifts at Harpers Ferry’s uniquely West
Virginian shops. For the bookworm, try Harpers Ferry Park Association Bookshop. Tenfold
Fair Trade Collection and Tessoterica are your destinations for artisan goods. Finally,
indulge your inner the child at True Treats Historic Candy, a one-of-a-kind candy store
featuring a research-based curation of more than 500 historic teas and confections.
These communities are making holiday magic.

Charles Town and Ranson
Grand, holly-red bows, twinkling lights amidst spiraling garlands, and a gleaming snowflake perched atop it all. Was there ever a more postcard-worthy sight than the Charles Town Christmas Tree? Maybe the annual Charles Town and Ranson Christmas light contest, or even the Charles Town and Ranson Christmas parade—this yuletide celebration has run for eight decades. These historic Christmas towns know that the only thing better than the holidays is celebrating them together, and you’re invited to share the merriment.

Shepherdstown
Christmas in Shepherdstown kicks off with the snap of the Thanksgiving wishbone, and townsfolk and visitors alike wouldn’t want it any other way. The oldest town in West Virginia knows how to celebrate—a parade, a holiday market, yuletide tunes, artisanal treasures, seasonal treats, and historic charm are just a few gifts under Shepherdstown’s Town Tree.
READ MORE ARTICLES FROM WV LIVING’S WINTER 2024 ISSUE
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