CHARLESTON, W.Va. –With Christmas three days away, families across the area are spending the final days before the holiday preparing meals while also finding time to be together.
Some families chose to spend part of their week at Light the Night at GoMart Ballpark in Charleston, which features a 2.5 million-light display, carnival rides, games, and more.
Taylor Connard of Gauley Bridge attended the festival Monday night with her family. She said the event offers a break from last-minute holiday preparations while giving her children a chance to make memories.
“Well, we have three kids so doing all the things, finishing up last minute, but you still want to keep the joy, so that’s why we come here, to see the lights and do things to bring joy and memories for them,” Connard said.
Charleston resident Marlene Solberg, who has attended the event since 2023, said the festival has become part of her family’s holiday routine.
“We’re spending time with family, making memories, and shopping for our Christmas family dinner, and just looking forward to spending quality time with family,” Solberg said.
Solberg said the light display is what keeps her family coming back each year.
“We don’t have a lot around here for Christmas to see, and so the lights are really just amazing,” Solberg said.
Another Charleston resident, Ursula Perry, said she and her family have also attended Light the Night since 2023. Perry said the event has become a tradition as they lead up to the holiday.
“It’s a tradition at this point, just to come on out and see the lights and let our daughter have all kinds of fun right before Christmas and it’s right in our backyard,” Perry said.
She her and her family spent all day Monday shopping before enjoying the festival.
Connard said events like Light the Night are a positive addition for Charleston and the surrounding area.
“I just think it’s great for Charleston and the surrounding area, it’s a little expensive, but it’s once a year so we do it,” she said.