The following information is from the Travel Berkeley Springs office:

Berkeley Springs is dressed up for the holidays and is acting out as well -- literally.

The big event this weekend is "Christmas Vignettes" at the Ice House -- four performances of five mini-pays about Christmas plus luscious desserts. Each evening, there will be a different opening act performed by a local music group including the Victorian Carolers, Sleepy Creek Children's Choir and Springs Chamber Ensemble. Showtimes are 7:30pm on Thursday Friday and Saturday and 2pm on Sunday. Tickets are going to be hard to get so call now and make a reservation -- 304-258-2300.

If you come with teenagers who are not interested in a holiday play, drop them off at the Star Theatre showing "New Moon," this weekend, the second film of the popular "Twilight Saga." Showtimes are 8pm, Friday, Saturday and Sunday and the fabulous popcorn with real butter can be bought to go.

Dancers should head out to the Troubadour on Saturday starting at 9pm to hear Road House. And while you are trying to decide on which of the Saturday night events to attend stop at LaLuna Gallery and Wine Bar for their monthly wine tasting from 3pm to 5pm featuring the variety Cabernet Sauvignon.

One of the most special holiday reasons to come visit this weekend is to pick out your own Christmas tree from one of several tree farms. In fact, for the most comprehensive of experiences is to STAY at the place your tree lives and that's what you can do at Sleepy Creek Tree Farm B&B. There are also local trees available at street stands or you can find them at Timber Ridge Tree Farm. Then you go out and visit the shops in town for original, handmade or antique ornaments for your special tree. There are at least a half dozen shops with ornaments from crystal angels at Jules to hand painted tiny gourds at the Ice House Gallery to fabric tidbits at Acorn and Oaks. While you visiting the shops, don't forget to check them out for stocking and big gifts as well. The Vintage Kitchen has Fiesta Ware on sale and stays open late on Friday night. Speaking of BIG gifts, check out the array of motorcycles, four-wheelers and all the needed supplies for these toys at Ridersville Cycle just south of town. You'll be amazed at both the amount of stuff and the incredibly low prices.

Lunch in the midst of shopping is a treat not to be denied and Berkeley Springs has multiple choices mixed in among the shops from the antique surroundings of the Country Inn and Ambrae House to light fare at Creekside Creamery and Fairfax Coffee House to sushi at Rose Cafe to filling soups, sandwiches and salads at the famed Tari's Cafe or Maria's Garden. If you are here on Thursday Temptations Cafe is having a Meowy Christmas and a portion of all the day’s proceeds will go to the Humane Society. There are other options as well so check the dining list. If spectacular winter scenery is what you want to accompany your lunch, head out of town a couple miles to Panorama at the Peak and hundreds of miles of mountains and rivers. Highlawn Inn has their Victorian Christmas silver service dinner on Saturday night. All these places and more are available for tasty dinners also as well as Lot 12 Public House. One dinner experience you may want to try is a fabulous new menu in the West Virginia Room at the Country Inn.

This may be the last weekend you can get away with indulging yourself before the holidays which are all about -- other people. So, take advantage of Berkeley Springs being the self indulgent capital of West Virginia when spas are what does it for you. And how could they not. Trained professionals loosening your muscles, buffing your nails, unkinking your feet, smoothing your face and skin -- and so much more. Check the spa list. Everyone is open and ready to smooth, buff and polish you this weekend. Combining all the fabulous services at a half dozen locations adds up to a spa menu ranging from invigorating steams and sugar scrubs to acupuncture and a couple dozen types of massage. And if you cannot allow yourself to indulge now, get a gift certificate and slip it into your own stocking as a gift from Santa.

Now that hunting season is over, you can also find some peace and solitude on forested trails in Cacapon State Park, Sleepy Creek or along the C&O Canal.

Finally, we want you to stay the weekend. There are so many places to relax with fabulous breakfasts, in-room whirlpool tubs, amazing views, spectacular holiday decorations and so much more. Check the list, Pick one.

All in all, Berkeley Springs is THE perfect pre-holiday getaway where the shopping is easy, the food outstanding and people working to soothe your stress. Come now and get a gift certificate to surprise yourself with an after-holiday trip as well.