Every year during the holiday season the State Fair of West Virginia puts on a light show. Patrons have the option of either walking or driving through the lit-up fairgrounds. An advantage of driving is the opportunity while looking at the lights to tune in to station 106.9 to listen to a seasonal soundtrack.

To maintain maximum Christmas spirit, sophomore Madilyn Gibson, who walked through the lights this year with her church community, prefers driving. “I would rather drive through than walk because [walking] was cold, and you can listen to music in the car.” Gibson enjoyed the Christmas trees, and especially the blue tunnel of lights, but wished there were some new displays instead of the same ones from last year.

The Christmas at the Fair schedule is not the same every year, but for the 2024 season the lights were open on Thursday through Sunday evenings December 5th-28th, from 5:30-8:30 PM. December 23 and 24 were special added dates.

Drive-through patrons entered at Gate 5, located on 219 North, & walk-through patrons parked in free parking lot, located on 219 South. At the end of the route the fair offered sweet treats for sale such as funnel cakes, deep-fried Oreos, hot cocoa, and coffee! “I love that they offer snacks and hot drinks at the end,” Gibson said, “but I wish they had all of that at the front so I can eat and drink while going through.”

This year the lights were sponsored by Lowe’s, Aviagen, The Meeting Place, SkyCamWV, Red Oak’s Shopping Center, Barbara Hamilton Ford, the Hamilton Family Foundation, Gayle Mason, CPA, Lost World Caverns, City National Bank, and United Sound & Electronics.

Christmas at the Fair is a great opportunity to create lasting memories with loved ones, surrounded by the joy of the Christmas lights!