Three holiday light displays near Point Pleasant, West Virginia, are attracting sightseers to one of the most scenic sections of the Ohio River valley.
Exhibits at Point Pleasant's Krodel Park, at the West Virginia Farm Museum, and at Gallipolis City Park in Gallipolis, Ohio, have become part of the circuit of displays favored for their variety.
All are open to the enjoyment of guests free of charge (though contributions are welcomed) and each has its own particular appeal, according to Dennis Bellamy, director of the Mason County Convention and Visitor Bureau.
All three will be open December 7-16 when the farm museum display is lighted, otherwise two displays at Krodel Park and Gallipolis will be lighted nightly through Dec. 31.
"The Krodel Park displays are animated, the lights at the state farm museum enhance the farm buildings and machinery there, and the lights at Gallipolis build on the park's outstanding historical character," Bellamy said.
"An evening's visit to all three has become a kind of annual pilgrimage for many people as it's only about an hour's drive from Charleston, Parkersburg, and Huntington," he said.
Christmas Fantasy Light Show
Krodel Park, Point Pleasant
6-9 p.m. nightly
November 19-December 31
Drive through Krodel Park with more than a million lights and 20 animated LED light displays.
(New displays are added throughout the season)
Gallipolis in Lights
Gallipolis City Park
Gallipolis, Ohio
Dusk until midnight nightly
November 21-December 31
Stroll through the historic park amid millions of lights, 216 community trees, and 1,800 lighted ornaments. Photo op sites and special events such as a live nativity are highlights.
W.Va. State Farm Museum Christmas Light Show
West Virginia State Farm Museum
1458 Fairground Road, Point Pleasant
6-9 p.m. nightly
December 7-16
Includes more than a million lights covering every cabin and machinery displayed. Santa is on hand for pictures, and free hot chocolate and cookies are available for kids nightly.
For more information, contact the Mason County Convention and Visitors Bureau.
