Luxury resorts and hotels in the Greater Pittsburgh Region are gearing up to offer guests magical holiday experiences. Two local favorites – Nemacolin in the Laurel Highlands of Western Pennsylvania and Oglebay in nearby West Virginia will once again dazzle with holiday light spectaculars.
Nemacolin and Oglebay provide immersive holiday experiences that go beyond typical hotel stays. They combine luxurious hotel accommodations with events and activities to spread holiday cheer and allow guests to fully embrace the spirit of the season.
A popular year-round getaway and special events destination, Nemacolin transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. The resort kicks off its festivities with the annual Light Up Nemacolin event, scheduled for 5 p.m. on Friday, November 29.
This annual tradition features a spectacular holiday lighting ceremony that illuminates the entire property in a breathtaking display of twinkling lights and festive décor. Guests can enjoy a meet-and-greet with Santa Claus himself, join in with carolers singing holiday favorites, or sip some hot chocolate while enjoying the jovial atmosphere.
For an extra dose of holiday cheer, Nemacolin offers Hardy’s Holiday Village, which features festive decorations and light displays, holiday themed activities and workshops, seasonal treats and beverages, plus the opportunity to do some early shopping for loved ones.
Oglebay Resort in Wheeling, WV is renowned for its annual Festival of Lights, a holiday tradition drawing guests from the tri-state area. The display includes miles of twinkling lights spread across the resort’s expansive grounds. Some of the decorations are set to holiday music. Guests can enjoy the themed light sculptures and animated displays from the comfort of their vehicles. Walking trails are available for those who prefer to take in the sights on foot.
Holiday packages are available for guests who wish to spend more time in the area or who have traveled a few hours to partake in the light display. The Festival of Lights Weekend stay is $229 per night and runs from November 8 through January 5, 2025. “The package includes comfortable accommodations, complimentary breakfast each morning of your stay, a Festival of Lights Season driving pass, an Oglebay Rewards Book, and a 40th anniversary commemorative Christmas ornament,” said Oglebay Marketing Director Wendy Kirker.
Guests who opt for the Santa and the North Pole package get all the same benefits as the Festival of Lights Weekend stay, plus a breakfast with Santa pass and holiday programming that includes a magic show, themed movies, and face painting, Kirker said. The price for this package is $295 per day for a family of four.
Families who want to avoid the weekend crowds at Oglebay can choose the Magical Midweek package from $199 a night, which is available Sunday through Thursday only. This package includes all the same amenities and features as the weekend getaway.
Looking for a more toned-down holiday experience? The Inn at Honey Run in Millersburg, OH is in the heart of Ohio’s Amish Country. Its breathtaking landscape and luxurious accommodations make this boutique resort an ideal getaway destination for couples interested in escaping the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.
What makes the inn a great place to spend some time at during the holidays is the serenity and beautiful countryside scenes, said Proprietor Jason Nies. “The Inn is decorated for Christmas, and sitting by a fire looking at the snow-covered hills while sipping some loose-leaf fresh tea allows our guests to let go of the stress of the season and just be.”
With more than 56 acres of stunning natural beauty, the inn offers guests the opportunity to hike through its picturesque trails or simply take in the serene views from the comfort of their rooms. Of all the amenities offered there, Nies said his guests like the hiking trails, board games, and bird feeders by every window the most. “We have several walking trails and our open-air art museum they can explore,” he said. “We also have a flock of sheep the guests can feed and enjoy.”
Dining at the inn is a highlight of any stay, Nies added. The on-site restaurant, Tarragon, features award-winning contemporary American cuisine. Guests can indulge in a four-course, European-style meal crafted from fresh, local ingredients.
The inn’s convenient location provides easy access to several local attractions to enhance a holiday getaway. Nearby towns such as Berlin, Millersburg, and Sugar Creek host holiday events for those who wish to venture out.
The Ohio Star Theater in Sugar Creek is performing a musical version of “A Christmas Carol” from November 30 through December 21. Millersburg’s Christmas in the Country event from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, December 14 at the Amish Country Theater features a blend of side-splitting Christmas comedy with heartwarming music suitable for all generations.
Couples who plan on visiting the inn and surrounding areas should be advised that Sundays are quiet days in the region. Most shops and restaurants are closed following Amish tradition. However, Nies said his guests can still get brunch or dinner at Tarragon. “There’s only one caveat: we can’t serve liquor on Sundays,” he advised.
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