This Christmas season, there's so much to do in the West Virginia Panhandle and adjoining areas! Here's some quick lists with info about our local parade, light shows, tubing, and even train rides! 

 LOCAL PARADE

🎄 The holidays are here, and it's one of our favorite times of year in Charles Town and Ranson!

Mark your calendars for the Charles Town/Ranson Christmas Parade on December 6th at 2 PM. This beloved tradition is an epic display of holiday spirit, community, and pure fun — complete with festive floats, marching bands, fire engines, and so much more.

New to the area? Grab your chairs and blankets, and settle in along the parade route for a front-row seat to the magic. And don't miss Santa's grand entrance atop United Bank around 1:45 PM!

At the Beall Team, we love seeing Washington Street — right in front of our office — come alive with holiday cheer. There's nothing quite like the joy and energy of this special day.

We hope to see you there! 🎅✨

TRAIN RIDES

North Pole Express - Romney, WV (Just over 1 hour away!)

Experience the magic at Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad! This 75-minute journey features:

• Storytelling

• Santa boards at the North Pole with gifts for every child

• Milk & Mrs. Claus' famous cookies

• Christmas Event Barn with activities, hot cocoa & s'mores

• Live animals & photo opportunities (at the Station)

📍 Romney, WV | 🎟️ Tickets available at potomaceagle.com

The Polar Express™ - Cumberland, MD (About 1.5 hours away)

Western Maryland Scenic Railroad brings the beloved story to life!

• 60-minute journey complete with hot chocolate & cookies

• Live reading of The Polar Express™

• Everyone receives a commemorative silver sleigh bell

• Santa greets passengers at the North Pole

• Wear your pajamas for the full experience!

📍 Cumberland, MD | 🎟️ Book at wmsr.com

 LIGHT SHOWS

Lights on the Lake - Harpers Ferry, WV (Less than 30 minutes!)

Right in your backyard! Over 500,000 lights on Lake Shannondale

• Walk-through event perfect for all ages

• Community Trees & themed displays

• Lakeside Bar & Grill open during the event

• Select nights Nov 29 - Dec 28

📍 Harpers Ferry, WV | 💵 Only $8 (ages 5+)

Harpers Ferry Light Show - Harpers Ferry, WV (Less than 30 minutes!)

Unforgettable seasonal experience at River Riders/Snow Riders in Harpers Ferry!

• Hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights illuminating themed displays

• Set on a mountain trail with glowing tunnels to sparkling trees and panoramic overlooks

• Family fun for everyone

• Select dates/times now - Jan. 4th

🎄Harpers Ferry, WV | 💰$9.99 ages 3+ | ❄️Snow Tubing Bundles available

Winter City Lights - Olney, MD (About 1.5 hours)

Over 1 MILLION twinkling lights across 18 acres!

• 1.5-mile enchanted trail through the woods

• 52-foot "dancing" Christmas tree with synchronized light show

• 33 bonfires, s'mores & hot chocolate

📍 Olney, MD | 💵 Tickets from $8-12

Christmas at Gaylord National - National Harbor, MD (About 1.5 hours)

An immersive winter wonderland experience!

• ICE! featuring The Polar Express™ - 2 million pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures

• Multi-level ice slides

• Spectacular atrium light shows

📍 National Harbor, MD | 🎟️ Through January 4