The autumn leaves are still vibrant, but the days are getting shorter and winter is on the way. Beat the winter blues in Randolph County, West Virginia with seasonal festivities, outdoor opportunities for the daring, and indoor activities for the whole family. Start planning your winter getaway now!

Warm up with West Virginia’s hottest dinner theater shows at Gandy Dancer Theatre. See an unforgettable show with seasoned singers and musicians, costumed dancers, comedians, and a holiday feast at the Mountain Memories Christmas Show. Or ring in the new year with the one-night-only New Year’s with Elvis. Their large venue is perfect for group getaways of any size. Enjoy local theater throughout the year at the Old Brick Playhouse or Davis & Elkins College.

During the first weekend in December, Randolph County transforms into a winter wonderland during the annual “Jingle All the Way” Christmas Parade in Elkins, and during Old Fashioned Christmas in Beverly where you can experience Christmas traditions across time and make your own crafts. You might even meet Santa! Enjoy elaborate Christmas light displays in Elkins and Mill Creek throughout the month of December. Find the perfect gift at one of our many holiday markets and bazaars like the Annual Holiday Artist Market at the Arts Center, Christmas Community Bazaar at the Phil Gainer Center, or any of our many local shops. Discover handmade art, vintage clothing, local delicacies, and much more. Watch our events calendar for updates on these annual events.

As West Virginia’s largest county, Randolph offers year-round outdoor recreation opportunities. This expansive public lands paradise is home to four seasons of fun for any interest, from rugged trails and backcountry camping to cozy cabins and scenic drives.

Elkins is home to the headquarters of the Monongahela National Forest which features nearly a million acres of land open for biking, fishing, camping, hunting, foraging, and more. Many of the Mon Forest’s top destinations are accessible year-round and located in Randolph County. “The Mon” allows cross-country skiing on many of its trails and roads, including those in Laurel Fork Wilderness, Otter Creek Wilderness, and Stuart Memorial Drive (FR 91) near Stuart Recreation Area and Bickle Knob observation tower. Though many forest roads aren’t maintained in winter—so travel with caution. Camp, hike, or fish in our Wilderness Areas or near West Virginia’s highest peak at Spruce Lake and Campground. Try some of the state’s best mountain biking at the Mower Basin Trails. Off-trail camping is allowed in most Wilderness Areas, while car and RV camping is free on a first-come, first-served basis in dispersed camping areas like Lower Glady, Stonecoal, and the Mower Tract.

Trout fishing is available year-round thanks to our pristine high elevation streams and our state’s frequent stocking programs. You can find rainbow, golden rainbow, brook, tiger, and brown trout. While most rivers and streams are stocked in later winter and early spring, some like the Shavers Fork and Elk River are stocked frequently in the fall as well. Local catches are served up seasonally at Ellie May’s Restaurant, Alpine Lodge and Restaurant, or Smoke on the Water.

Winter is the perfect time for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing on the Allegheny Highlands Trail. This 26-mile rail trail runs all the way from Elkins into neighboring Tucker County along a former railroad grade. Warm up in downtown Elkins with a fresh hot chocolate at any one of our cafes like TipTop or the Crossing, or with a local beer from our microbreweries like Fox Hops or the award-winning Big Timber. With a drive out of town you can find not one, but two distilleries! From Randolph County, you’re just an hour’s drive from some of the top downhill skiing destinations in the state.

Tired of the cold? Celebrate the end of winter during the one-of-a-kind Fasnacht festival in Helvetia. This unique Swiss-Appalachian tradition is known for its amusing and intricate handmade masks, parade by lantern light, square dance, and the ceremonial burning of “Old Man Winter”. Stop by anytime of the year to find locally made crafts and cheese at Swiss Roots, or take a short drive to Pickens to sample local wines at Heavenly Heritage Winery.

Enjoy modern amenities tucked away in a secluded spot with a variety of rental options from Czar Haus or The Trails at Files Creek. Delve into local history as you relax in any of our historic homes available to rent like Laura Jackson Arnold House or Laurel River Club B&B, or C.C.C. era cabins at Kumbrabow State Forest or Middle Mountain Cabins. If you don’t want to be far from the excitement of downtown Elkins there are familiar hotel options and the charming boutique Tygart Hotel. Wherever you choose, you can be sure to find a cozy place to enjoy the views while staying indoors or escape for easy access to outdoor recreation opportunities.

In Randolph County, West Virginia you can find solitude with a rural retreat, or enjoy unique festivities in our small towns that are big in history and culture. Start planning your winter getaway now!