RALEIGH COUNTY, WV (WOAY) – It’s been delighting visitors for more than two decades and now the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine and Youth Museum’s Appalachian Coal Town Christmas is back.
The beloved holiday tradition is a great way to kick off your holiday season. From ice skating to church caroling, an ornament workshop, and much more.
“You can go underground and take in the exhibit (‘How People Make Things’) at the Youth Museum, plus the workshop,” said City of Beckley Director of Parks & Recreation Leslie Gray Baker. “Just a lot of fun things to do here on the property. We’ll also have food and jewelry vendors.”
People return to Appalachian Coal Town Christmas year after year for nostalgia and a feeling of family.
“It’s just old-fashioned traditional Christmas for them,” Baker said. “It reminds them of Christmas at their grandmother’s house and maybe they’ve passed and bring in their kids.”
According to the director of parks and rec — for some, Christmas doesn’t start until they have an Exhibition Coal Mine hot chocolate and a piece of fudge.
“And the caroling in the church is so many people’s favorites. They don’t get to do that a whole lot” she said. “We pass out songbooks. We have a couple up there who sing and lead the carols. So it’s just a wonderful, magical time for all.”
The Exhibition Coal Mine and Youth Museum grounds twinkle with festive lights and decorations. You can enjoy Appalachian Coal Town Christmas on the weekend after Thanksgiving and the first weekend in December.
“Go underground and see Santa, visit the vendors, go to the Youth Museum, and just ice skate,” said Baker. “Have a wonderful time.”
If YOU WANT TO GO
When: November 30, December 6 and 7 | 5 – 9 pm
Where: 513 Ewart Ave, Beckley
How: $12.50/adults, $10/per child
