ST. ALBANS, WV (LOOTPRESS) — The City of St. Albans is set to sparkle once again as the Parks & Recreation Department announces the return of the 37th Annual St. Albans Festival of Lights at City Park, one of West Virginia’s longest-running and most cherished holiday traditions.
This year’s celebration brings back the popular Santa House at Roadside Park, where families can meet Santa, snap photos, and share wish lists in a cozy, kid-friendly setting surrounded by festive holiday scenes.
For many across the Kanawha Valley, the Festival of Lights is more than an event — it’s a tradition. Whether it’s a drive through twinkling displays with hot cocoa in hand, a once-a-year Walk-Through Night where kids can explore their favorite light scenes up close, or a hayride through glowing displays, the event captures the simple magic of the season.
“Each year we work to keep this tradition fresh while preserving what families love about it,” said Mayor Scott James. “We invite our neighbors across the Kanawha Valley to make memories with us at City Park and visit Santa at Roadside Park.”
Kevin Pennington, St. Albans City Parks Superintendent, said crews have added new displays and expanded existing scenes. “Guests will notice fresh touches throughout the park — this tradition gets a little bigger and better every year,” Pennington said.
Festival of Lights Schedule
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Walk-Through Night (City Park, pedestrian-only): Tuesday, Nov. 25, 6–8 p.m. (Parking at St. Albans High School)
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Free Hayrides (City Park): Wednesday, Nov. 26, 6–8 p.m. (First come, first served; parking at the ball field)
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Opening Night (City Park): Friday, Nov. 28 – Thursday, Dec. 26, 6–9 p.m. (Closed Dec. 24–25)
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Santa House (Roadside Park): Nov. 28 – Dec. 23, 6–9 p.m. nightly
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Final Night (City Park): Friday, Dec. 26, 6–9 p.m.
Visitor Information
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Admission is free. Monetary or non-perishable food donations are welcomed, with all proceeds benefiting local food pantries and supporting the festival’s operation.
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Walk-Through Night is pedestrian-only; visitors are encouraged to dress warmly.
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Hayrides are open-air and operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
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The festival operates in most weather conditions; updates due to severe weather will be posted on the City of St. Albans website and social media.
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The drive-through format and Walk-Through Night are accessible for strollers and mobility devices, ensuring the event is welcoming for all ages and abilities.
Additional holiday activities at Roadside Park may be announced closer to the event. For updates, maps, and FAQs, visit salights.com or saparkswv.com, and follow the City of St. Albans on social media.
About the Festival
The St. Albans Festival of Lights is recognized as one of the longest-running Christmas light displays in West Virginia. The family-friendly drive-through event features handcrafted light scenes created and maintained by the St. Albans Parks & Recreation Department.
