The Charleston Dirty Birds’ annual Light the Night event – billed as West Virginia’s biggest winter light festival – will open on Friday at GoMart Ballpark, 601 Morris St., Charleston. The festival runs through Jan. 3, giving residents more than a month of holiday entertainment.
Organizers have installed more than 2.5 million holiday lights that are choreographed to seasonal music. While the lights illuminate the baseball field, the venue will also host carnival rides, games, family activities, holiday shopping, food vendors and other festive attractions.
According to a news release, Andy Shea, owner and CEO of the Dirty Birds, said, “One of my favorite things about Light the Night is seeing kids bring their parents and grandparents back to show them their favorite parts of the ballpark.” The event is intended to serve as a community gathering place for families, businesses and visitors throughout the region.
Special programming includes a food‑drive night on Nov. 22, when attendees who bring three non‑perishable cans receive a free admission ticket. A “Chris” promotion on Dec. 3 offers free entry to anyone with that name who shows ID, honoring Kris Kringle. The festival also features a Hanukkah Celebration on Dec. 9 and a Christmas Celebration on Dec. 11.
Additional attractions listed in the release are a meet‑and‑greet with live reindeer, a book drive, a slime bar, a pajama party, dog‑friendly days, ice skating, ice bumper cars and a variety of food options. Half‑Price Mondays and other seasonal deals are scheduled throughout the run.
Festival organizers are running a “Guess the Glow” contest that asks participants to estimate the exact number of lights used. Submissions are accepted on the Dirty Birds website through Dec. 21. Winners will receive four season tickets to the Dirty Birds and all‑access passes to Light the Night 2027.
Tickets can be purchased online or at the ballpark for the duration of the festival. The event’s schedule and additional details are available on the Charleston Dirty Birds’ website.
What’s next: The festival continues daily through Jan. 3. Residents can attend any of the themed celebration days, participate in the food‑drive on Nov. 22, or submit a Guess the Glow entry by Dec. 21. Updates on special promotions and event times are posted on the team’s website.
Sources: wvgazettemail.com
