The City of Wheeling will kick off the winter season Wednesday, Nov. 18, with its annual Winter on the Plaza celebration, featuring Santa’s arrival, the lighting of a new Christmas tree, free ice skating and an evening of festive entertainment and family activities.

The event will take place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Plaza on Market, 1053 Market Street. This year’s celebration will feature a new 20-foot Christmas tree and luminaries lining the Plaza, both provided by Wheeling Heritage through a T-Mobile Hometown Grant. The City is grateful for Wheeling Heritage’s contributions, which will help create a festive holiday atmosphere for the community.

And if the extended weather forecast holds true, attendees may even enjoy a little winter magic, with a 100 percent chance of snow predicted for the evening!

One of this year’s new attractions is a free synthetic ice skating rink, which will open to the public at 4 p.m. and remain available until 8 p.m. All other festivities will begin at 5:30 p.m.

“Winter on the Plaza is a wonderful opportunity to bring our community together and celebrate the beginning of the holiday season,” said Mayor Denny Magruder. “We are especially excited to introduce the new synthetic ice rink this year and to unveil our beautiful new Christmas tree and luminaries. We appreciate Wheeling Heritage and its support in making these additions possible. We invite families to come downtown, enjoy the activities, visit with Santa and share in the holiday spirit.”

At 6:15 p.m., Mayor Magruder will welcome attendees before Santa makes his grand entrance with assistance from the Wheeling Fire Department. Santa will then help officially light the new Christmas tree, marking the highlight of the evening. Children will also have an opportunity to share their holiday wishes with Santa before he returns to the North Pole.

In addition to the synthetic ice rink, the evening will offer a variety of free activities and entertainment for children and families, including an inflatable slide, face painting, autographs with members of the Wheeling Nailers, an interactive activity with Robert and Libby Strong from the SMART Centre, cookie decorating with Wheeling Recreation and letters to Santa with the Junior League.

Community organizations and local businesses also will help make the evening special by offering activities, refreshments and information. WVU Medicine will have an informational table, while Esoterica will share Facts About Wheeling stickers. Avenue Eats will provide cookies, and The Bridge will serve hot chocolate. WesBanco Arena will offer ticket discounts and Waterfront Hall also will be participating.

Food trucks Everything Chili and So Nuts for Donuts will be on site. Local vendors and organizations also will offer items for sale, including Fabio's pepperoni rolls, Dunya's Cake Pops, Shay's Sweets, Vocelli's soup and candy bars sold by the Ohio Valley Jokers youth softball team.

With something for all ages, Winter on the Plaza offers an opportunity to enjoy an evening downtown, celebrate the season and make holiday memories with family and friends.