Winter

When it's cold outside, there's still plenty of activity to be found in Beckley Raleigh County. One of the highlights of the year, the Appalachian Coal Town Christmas is a great way to ring in the season. Or, head out to Winterplace Ski Resort for some fun on the slopes. Then, get ready for a big night by visiting the Bridal, Prom, and Special Occasions Fair at the Tamarack. Between the snow and the starry nights, winter is the right time to head to an event in our part of southern West Virginia.

December

• December 4-6 - Annual Appalachian Coal Town Christmas & Light Festival at the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine. Experience December days and evenings packed with the sights, sounds, fragrances and flavors of an Appalachian Coal Town Christmas. Lighted tours of the entire exhibition area highlight this event that's become a holiday institution. This event is hosted by the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine and Youth Museum of Southern WV. Lighted tours continue on Friday and Saturday nights through December. Visit http://www.beckleymine.com for more details.
• December 5-6 - Christmas Concert at Appalachian Bible College. Come hear voices lifted in praise at this holiday concert in the ABC Auditorium. Enjoy all of your favorite Christmas carols and holiday gospel songs performed by the students. Visit http://www.abc.edu for more information.
• Winterplace Ski Resort Official Opening. There's pure fun to be had out on the slopes at Winterplace. They've got everything you need to ski, ride, or snowtube the day away. And don't stop there- Winterplace boasts the longest skiing day in the southeast when the lights come on for night skiing. Go to http://www.winterplace.com for all the details.

January

• January 1 - New Year's Day at Winterplace Ski Resort. Ring in the New Year with some serious fun at Winterplace. New Year's Day has some historically great conditions for riding and sliding, and there's no better way to celebrate the new year with friends and family. Check out the deals on lift/lesson/rental packages and head to the hill. Visit http://www.winterplace.com for details.
• Mountain State Classic Basketball Tournament at the Raleigh County Convention Center. High school and college teams compete for this annual hoops tradition. NAIA rivalries fire up at the college level, and the high schools are bringing their best games for this exciting event. Games are scheduled through February. Visit http://www.beckleyconventioncenter.com for a complete schedule.

February

• Women's Expo at the Raleigh County Convention Center. This event caters to every aspect of modern women's lives, highlighting everything from health care organizations to local shopping stops, with more than 100 vendors in attendance. The expo is an opportunity for women and community businesses to meet and discuss all manner of topics. Go to the Convention Center website at http://www.raleighcoarmory.com for a complete schedule.
• Bridal, Prom, and Special Occasions Fair at the Tamarack. Only Tamarack could host this celebration of fashion and fun. This is a must-see event for women of all ages. Dresses, floral arrangements, and much more are exhibited by numerous different vendors. Visit http://www.tamarackwv.com for more information.