West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture & History

December is here and we welcome the holidays with special events and festive decorations. Come see the Great Hall of the Culture Center adorned in holiday decorations, including Christmas trees, nutcrackers, wreaths, and Santa’s sleigh. The Christmas trees are decked out with ornaments from past years’ student art ornament competitions, along with this year’s ornament theme, “Deck the Halls with Doggy Paws,” which consists of creations from students across the Mountain State. Another tree is decorated with submissions for the First Lady’s 2023 Artistree, a part of her Artist Series initiative. Join the Governor and First Lady on Tuesday, Dec. 5, at 6 p.m., for the annual Joyful Night celebration with the Christmas tree lighting in front of the State Capitol. There will be performances, complimentary refreshments, and more throughout the evening. The Shadyside Brass Quintet will perform a free holiday concert in the restored courtroom at West Virginia Independence Hall in Wheeling on Saturday, Dec. 9, at 2 p.m. Holiday favorites such as “I Saw Three Ships Come Sailing In,” “Christmas Time is Here,” “Hark the Herald Angels Sing,” and many others will be performed. Also, be sure and contact the State Historic Preservation Office this month to receive a free copy of the annual Historic Preservation calendar for 2024. This year’s theme is “Open to the Public.” Visit our sites all month long for lots of cheer and holiday inspiration. Keep warm and Happy Holidays!