Photos by Scott McCloskey Santa Claus kicks off the 35th annual Winter Festival of Lights at Oglebay Park Thursday evening by throwing the official switch to begin this year’s festival.

WHEELING — It isn’t just about the lights and sights of Christmas at Oglebay Park this year — it’s also about the “sounds of the season.”

Oglebay Park kicked off its 35th annual Winter Festival of Lights with the theme “Sounds Of The Season” on Thursday night with the traditional lighting of Christmas displays at the park. Santa made an early trip to Wheeling to flip the ceremonial switch.

Those arriving for the festivities at Wilson Lodge were welcomed by a performance of holiday tunes by the West Liberty Brass Octet, playing from the balcony above the entrance to the lodge.

“This year, we’re highlighting the power of music,” said Eriks Janelsins, Oglebay Foundation president and CEO.

Speakers have been placed alongside 12 of the most popular displays at the park. As visitors drive past a “Peanuts” display, they hear tunes from the Charlie Brown Christmas special. As they pass the lighted dinosaurs, “Jurassic Park” music plays. There’s patriotic music heard near the American flag display.

Of course, the “Twelve Days of Christmas” display is accompanied by the sounds of the well-known Christmas carol.

Also new this year is an animated “Magical Mansion” light show outside the Oglebay Mansion.

Santa has set up a workshop at the Good Zoo, where he will be available each weeknight to hear holiday wishes from children. He also will be operating “Santa’s Reindeer Training School” there, and youngsters can go there to meet the reindeer that could be bringing their presents in future years.

Oglebay officials expressed thanks for what was a very successful summer season at the park during the time of COVID-19.

Wheeling Park Commission President David Lindelow said the Garden Bistro was especially popular in recent months, and it will remain open as the “Ice Lounge” during the holiday season. The menu there now features holiday sweets and eats ranging from s’mores to gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches.

Lindelow said Oglebay has had “a tremendous year” so far in terms of visitors, and that the Good Zoo has had its best year so far.

“We are so grateful we had the year that we had,'” he said. “We’re hopeful this is going to continue for the festival of lights.

“What a wonderful time to come to the park, drive around and experience all the neat things we have here.”

The Winter Festival of Lights features 90 displays over a 6-mile drive through the resort. The lights will be on each night through Jan. 10.