8 Best West Virginia Towns For A Winter Getaway
Whether you like to spend your winter indoors warm by a fire, or out in the sparkly snow with wind whipping at your nose, West Virginia offers countless activities to help you embrace the season whichever way you prefer. Some of the state’s small towns provide cozy things to do, like viewing awe-inspiring light displays, sipping cozy seasonal beverages, and festive events that bring a smile to your face. For the adventurous folks, there are plenty of options, too, like snowboarding, skiing, and snowtubing down steep hills. West Virginia is overflowing with wintertime fun.
Davis
Calling all outdoor enthusiasts, Davis, West Virginia, is just for you. Located within a high-elevation mountain valley in the Allegheny Mountains, Davis is home to multiple ski runs and spots perfect for sledding and snowshoeing. Hit the slopes within Canaan Valley at the White Grass Touring Center. The well-maintained trails await you for epic cross-country skiing and snowshoeing adventures. After working up an appetite, you can head over to the on-site White Grass Cafe for a bite. For over 40 years, the establishment has served delicious soups, sandwiches, and enticing home-baked cookies. Additional ski slopes await you at Timberline Mountain, the premier ski area in West Virginia. With two chairlifts, two carpet lifts fit for beginners, and 22 trails, there is a diverse mix of options for every type of skier. Blackwater Falls State Park is another of Davis’ best places for winter activities. From mid-December to February, you can have fun with the family on a thrilling sled run.
Fayetteville
Explore the charming town of Fayetteville, West Virginia, for the ultimate holiday experience. Begin your stay with a stroll or drive through a magical Winter Wonderland of lights at Fayette County Park. Enjoy hot cocoa and goods from local food trucks, and during select dates in December, you can even meet the Grinch or Santa Claus. Next, immerse yourself in the spirit of Christmas at The Southside Junction Tap House Pop-Up Christmas Bar. Fully decked out in a canopy of garland, shimmering lights, and dazzling ornaments, the seasonal overlay and holiday cocktail menu provide a fun atmosphere for a night out with friends. Continue the merry and bright vibes with Christmas Brunch with Santa at the Gaines Estate. On December 20, 2025, you can sip on hot cocoa, partake in a culinary feast, and snap a picture with Mr. and Mrs. Claus to help you remember your incredible holiday.
Harper’s Ferry
A quaint 19th-century town, called Harper’s Ferry, is one of West Virginia’s best-kept secrets for winter entertainment. Harper’s Ferry, in the Blue Ridge Mountains, offers residents and visitors ample opportunities to explore the terrain. Snow Riders Snow Tubing Hill supplies nearly 900 feet of tubing fun, making it the longest tubing hill on the East Coast. Ascending the hill is super easy with the modern Magic Carpet conveyor lift, meaning you spend less time getting back to the top and more time sliding through the snow. Enjoy the breathtaking beauty of a snow-dusted landscape with a hike on the Murphy-Chambers Farm Trail. Ranked to be an easy to moderate difficulty level, the route takes 1 to 2 hours to traverse the fields and wooded ravines. Warm up with a cup of coffee by the wood-burning fireplace at the Appalachian Snail Market and Cafe, a joint cafe and grocery store. The fire keeps burning all winter long, creating the best atmosphere for a post or pre-winter hike or snowtubing excursion.
Wheeling
Some of the most exciting things to do during the winter months include playing in the snow and looking at twinkly lights. Head to Wheeling, West Virginia, for a remarkable winter season. Oglebay Park in Wheeling is one of the best places to enjoy all winter has to offer. Experience the magic of the holidays at Oglebay Park’s Festival of Lights. From December 9th, 2025, to January 4th, 2026, the park will illuminate millions of lights and festive displays, creating unforgettable memories for guests of all ages. The Oglebay Zoo also embraces the holiday season with photo opportunities with Santa, a Christmas light display, snowfall simulations, and more. The zoo is a great place to bring little ones. Go to the Winter Sports Complex for a thrilling skiing or snowboarding session. The complex is one of the best spots to spend December through February in the state. Take part in Winterfest on January 31, 2026. Oglebay’s annual winter event is a celebration for the whole family, offering fun activities like the Polar Plunge, dance party, and festive beverages.
Snowshoe
Snowshoe, West Virginia, is a winter escape right in the heart of the Allegheny Mountains. Full of exciting snow-filled activities like snowmobiling and snowtubing, Snowshoe is a great place for outdoorsy people who embrace the fresh powder. Best of all, many of Snowshoe's best excursions are right on Cheat Mountain. Discover the scenic beauty of Snowshoe via a snowmobile tour. Evening excursions are ideal for snowmobilers of all levels, with instructors available to map safe routes for newbies. Take the kids for a tubing expedition at the Coca-Cola Tubing Park, an exhilarating eight-lane snow tubing hill situated at Silver Creek. While daytime tubing adventures are a blast, the nighttime Galactic Snow Tubing sessions add an extra fun factor with neon lights lighting the path. If nighttime activities in the snow sound more like your speed, try night skiing at Silver Creek. Glide through the snow while the magic of the night sky sparkles from above. Refuel from your adventures at Arbuckle's Cabin. The cozy restaurant offers hearty bowls of chili, refreshing beers, and other excellent post-ski delights.
White Sulphur Springs
Whether hanging out with Santa Claus or hiking through a winter wonderland is your idea of an incredible winter getaway, White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, has you covered. White Sulphur Springs lies east of Lewisburg in the Allegheny Mountains. Most importantly, you can pack a whole weekend of fun without even leaving the town’s Greenbrier Resort. During select dates in December, you can spend the Weekend with Santa. Bring the little ones to take photos with Santa Claus and listen to holiday tales over milk and cookies. Get into the holiday spirit at Tidings and Tea, a cherished formal tea tradition appropriate for youth and adults. Taking place in the Greenbrier Resort’s historic Main Dining Room, the holiday tea includes memorable seasonal treats and beverages. Skate into the winter season with some ice skating at the resort’s state-of-the-art ice skating rink. Situated on the Rhododendron Patio, the rink provides impeccable views of the Front Entrance and fresh mountain air. Enjoy additional breathtaking scenery on the Greenbrier River Trail. Hike the 78-mile-long route and take in the gorgeous tranquility of a frozen West Virginia landscape.
Romney
Have a joyous holiday season in Romney, West Virginia. The small town is a hub for exciting experiences that leave a lasting impression. One of the most exciting aspects of the changing seasons is the arrival of limited-time food and beverage menus. Romney Brew Station features a Holiday and Winter Drink Menu, offering delights such as the Buddy the Elf, a maple-and-butterscotch latte that tastes as if it came straight from the North Pole. Special events provide another way to really get into the festive spirit. Romney’s downtown Holiday Crawl and Reindeer Games event on December 20, 2025, invites you to wear your favorite ugly sweater or holiday costume while playing games at each stop of the crawl for a chance to win a grand prize. The Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad changes up its typical train rides for the winter with a Holiday Trough ride. Decked out with cheerful decor and seasonal festive music filling the air, the passenger cars take guests on a 3-hour journey while they feast on fine dining.
Berkeley Springs
Take advantage of the relaxing spas and enjoy the holiday decorations adorning Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, this season. Berkeley Springs is an excellent place for people of all ages, with activities for couples, families, and individuals who simply want to relax. Falling snow is picturesque, but sometimes the decreasing temperature becomes too much. In Berkeley Springs, you can thaw from the chilly air with a dip in the mineral springs at Berkeley Springs State Park. The warm spring flows at a constant temperature of 74.3 degrees Fahrenheit, which means you really can take a break from the cold. Gear up for a cozy movie night at the Ice House Gallery Christmas Movie Wonderthon. Watch classic Christmas movies on the big screen while reminiscing about holidays past and looking forward to future celebrations. Step into a scene from The Nutcracker at the Berkeley Springs Castle on December 21, 2025. The historical building decked out in holiday decor comes to life while dancers from the Virginia Youth Ballet perform short vignettes from Tchaikovsky's masterpiece.
Have a blast this winter in West Virginia. Take to the slopes in Davis, Snowshoe, Harper's Ferry, or Wheeling. Take your loved ones on a themed train ride through the mountains, like the Durbin and Greenbrier Valley Railroad in Elkins or the Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad in Romney. Watch the Nutcracker unfold in a historic castle in Berkeley Springs or take in the holiday lights in Fayetteville. Go to White Sulphur Springs to indulge in a holiday high tea or have fun Christmas shopping in Thomas. Make some lifelong memories this winter in one of West Virginia's small towns.
