Sneaking a Peek at Christmas in Nature’s Mountain Playground with Our Holiday Preview
Michael Moore
For those of us living in the mountains of West Virginia winter can almost seem like a period of self-isolation. By the time the weather turns downright cold, we’ve already made the necessary preparations for what could be a long, cold winter. Firewood has been cut, stacked, and dried, pantry shelves are loaded up with extra food, and hopefully the ice scraper has finally been coaxed out from its summer nest under the front passenger seat of the car. When things turn really cold, most of our wintertime daily outings are a series of mini sprints from a warm house to a cold car or from a recently warmed car, across a cold parking lot, to the warmth of work or the store. And any outdoor conversations are usually limited to a brief inquiry in passing (remember, we’re sprinting), which inevitably winds up with someone asking, “Is it cold enough for you?”
But just prior to this comes a wonderful time of year. Yes, the weather has gotten noticeable cooler, but folks are still out and about, bundled against the weather but not racing to find shelter from the bitter, winter wind. There’s time to stop and talk; to visit with neighbors and friends. There’s a sense of preparation in the air but it’s not for the coming cold – it’s for Christmas. Christmas in West Virginia, simply put, is the best time of year I can think of. And what better place in the Mountain State to celebrate Christmas than Nature’s Mountain Playground? Now, we know Christmas can pull us all in multiple directions. Whether it’s visiting family and friends, social engagements, or that last-minute gift for Uncle Phil, the Christmas season keeps us hopping. And as important as those things are, we hope you also take some time to enjoy Christmas. To pause, if just for a minute, and reflect on what the season is really all about; to get out and enjoy the lights, the Christmas decorations and the fun this time of year brings. So, with that in mind, and keeping in the spirit of Santa’s affection for making lists, we would like to share our list of some of the holiday events taking place right here in Pocahontas County. We would love for you to come join us as we celebrate Christmas in Nature’s Mountain Playground.
Cass Christmas Weekend (December 2nd through 4th and December 9th through 11th)
You’re invited to join us in the historic town of Cass, West Virginia, starting Friday evening, December 2, for a visit with Santa. What better way to kick off the holiday season than a little quality time with the big guy himself? After that one-on-one time with Mr. Kringle, be sure to come back Saturday, December 3, to attend Santa’s Workshop at the Cass Community Center and then round out your visit that evening with the official tree lighting and decorating, more visits with Santa, and a Holiday Square Dance. And you definitely won’t want to miss an opportunity to have breakfast with Santa on Sunday morning, December 4.
Now, if you can’t make it to Cass that weekend, you’ll have a second chance on the weekend of December 9 through December 11. Starting things off on Friday, December 9, the Last Run Restaurant will host Holiday Trivia. Come on out and test your knowledge of all things Christmas. And don’t forget to pay Santa a visit as well. Saturday, December 10, be sure to check out the Cass Craft Market at the Cass Community Center and Christmas Carols at the Company Store. And if you missed Santa Friday night, don’t worry, he’ll be on hand all day Saturday. And finally, cap off the weekend with breakfast with Santa on Sunday morning, December 11. As far as Christmas vacations go, Cass makes the top of our “West Virginia Holidays” list every year. For further information and possible updates, check out the Cass Scenic Railroad State Park Facebook page.
Marlinton Christmas Parade and Craft Show (December 2nd )
Come join us in Marlinton for the annual Christmas Parade on Friday, December 2, at 7:00 p.m. Bundle the kids up and come join in the celebration as Marlinton shuts down our main street for lots of community-made floats, antique cars, fire trucks, and we even expect a visit from Santa himself. You’ll also want to get to town a little early to check out the Christmas Craft show at the Pocahontas County Opera House. Take some time to visit with our local artisans and find out what they’ve created for this holiday season; you’re bound to find a one-of-a-kind work of art. Doors open at 5:00 p.m.
Mountain State Cakes, Cookie Decorating Party (December 2nd and 4th)
Help Mountain State Cake, located in Dunmore, start a new holiday tradition as they kick-off their 1st annual Cookie Decorating Party. Be sure to RSVP by November 27th for the December 2nd party, or RSVP by December 6th for the December 11th party. Decorators can RSVP in-store, by messenger, or phone at 304-456-3176. The cost is $15.00 per adult and $10 per child 12 and under. All supplies are included, and you’ll even receive a surprise gift. Come out for some family fun and start a new holiday tradition.
Pocahontas County Farmer’s Market (December 2nd)
Come join us at Discovery Junction in Marlinton for a special Winter Market this holiday season. Selections will include locale handmade crafts, fresh produce, baked goods, as well as a variety of jams and jellies. Live music will be performed by Wyatt Turner. The market opens at 5:00 p.m. and runs until 8:00 p.m.
Green Bank PTO Holiday and Craft Show (December 10th)
Hosted by the Green Bank PTO, this Holiday and Craft show will be held at the Green Bank Elementary and Middle School located in Green Bank. Come out this holiday season and help support our schools and local artisans. There’s no doubt you’ll find a unique Christmas gift for that special someone.
Meet Santa at the Hillsboro Library (December 15th)
Get the kids, and their Christmas wish lists, and join us at the Hillsboro Library for their Meet Santa Holiday Supper. Running from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., this holiday event will feature a light supper, holiday treats, and an opportunity to tell Santa how good you’ve been this year. Those planning on attending are asked to register at hillsborolibraryfriends.net.
Snowshoe Mountain Resort Holiday Celebrations (December 22nd through December 24th)
If you like your Christmas festivities mixed in with some quality time on the slopes, then you’ve got to check out the Holiday Celebrations at Snowshoe Mountain Resort. Take the classic “sitting on Santa’s lap” photo up a notch this year and get your picture with Santa on the slopes! The big guy will be available for three days of photos on the powder: Tuesday, December 20th from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 21st from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., and Thursday, December 22nd from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. But the fun doesn’t end there. The celebrations continue with two nights of live music at The Bear’s Den; featuring Appalachian Jazz Project Thursday, December 22nd and a Sinatra Holiday Show Friday, December 23rd. Both shows start at 7:30 p.m. And to top off the Christmas merriment, join Snowshoe as they celebrate Santa’s arrival in The Village at 5:30 p.m., Saturday, December 24th.
Well, that’s our Christmas preview list. Check it twice, because we’re pretty confident you’re bound to find at least one special way to celebrate Christmas with us this year. Of all the holidays 2022 has to offer, there is always something a little extra special about Christmas. As I said, there’s a sense of preparation and anticipation in the air. It’s a wonderful time to bundle up and get out with friends and loved ones. To reflect on the greatest gift ever given and remember the true reason behind the season. So, whether you come for the Christmas trees, the Christmas music, or all the outdoor Christmas decorations that magically transforms our towns into a West Virginia Christmas town, we hope you choose to spend a little of your Christmas season here with us in Nature’s Mountain Playground. Merry Christmas everyone!