A Transformed Downtown, Ready to Shine
As Wheeling prepares to celebrate the 40th Fantasy in Lights Parade next year, there’s even more to look forward to—thanks to the exciting transformation of the city’s downtown! The ongoing Wheeling Streetscape Project, led by the West Virginia Department of Transportation, is bringing new life to Main and Market streets with wider sidewalks, ADA-compliant curb cuts, decorative brickwork, plants, trees, and traffic signals. These enhancements will provide a stunning backdrop for the parade, making the 2025 parade event even more magical.
– photo from the Eddie Martin/William O’Leary Collection of the Ohio County Public Library Archives.
Your Ideas Matter: Help Shape Wheeling back into The City of Lights!
The Fantasy in Lights Parade has been a beloved tradition since 1930, originally starting as the Wheeling Christmas Parade. Over the decades, it has grown in size and spirit, drawing thousands of spectators to celebrate the holiday season. The City of Lights Celebration, also known as the Winter Festival of Lights, began in Wheeling in 1985. The tradition started at Oglebay and spread throughout the city and prominent in Downtown. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the parade, and we want YOU to help make it the best one yet!
What type of holiday magic do you want to see in Wheeling next year? Whether it’s dazzling new light displays, creative floats, exciting performances, or activities, your voice matters! This is your chance to share your ideas and help shape the future of this beloved tradition. We want to hear from the community about what would make the 40th celebration even more unforgettable for you and your family.
So, don’t wait—let us know what you’re most excited to see!
Fill out the form here to share your thoughts and ideas!
As a thank you for sharing your thoughts, you’ll be entered into the “Your City of Lights Sweepstakes” to win a beautiful gift basket filled with local favorites from downtown Wheeling—perfect for kicking off the new year! Together, we’ll create a celebration that will shine even brighter as Wheeling continues to sparkle with holiday cheer!
Sweepstakes entries will close on January 1st, and the winner will be announced on January 2nd! Thank you for your participation! We can’t wait to hear from you!
