Updated on November 12, 2024 by Julie McCool
Meadowlark Gardens Winter Walk of Lights is a beautiful walk-through garden trail decorated with thousands of sparkling lights, perfect for a fun holiday outing in Northern Virginia. The half-mile walk features outdoor themes and animated displays along a paved, wheelchair and stroller-accessible trail.
Meadowlark's Winter Walk is one of the best holiday light displays near Washington DC for family fun or a romantic night out. Even when the weather is chilly, it's fun to bundle up and experience this lovely holiday lights display.
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The 2024 Winter Walk of Lights is open from November 8 to January 5. One of the first professional holiday displays to open each year, it provides a nice companion to the drive-through light show at Bull Run.
Looking for more great holiday shows in Northern Virginia? The DC Winter Lantern Festival returns to Tysons Virginia on November 1, 2024.
What is the Winter Walk of Lights?
The Winter Walk of Lights is an outdoor walk-through holiday light display at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna Virginia. Guests follow a half-mile, paved trail surrounded by beautiful light displays. The one-way trail makes it easy to see and enjoy all of the lights in the garden.
Many of the Winter Walk of Lights displays feature flowers, insects, and wildlife in keeping with the garden location. The popular wheelchair-accessible trail attracts visitors of every age who return every year for this holiday favorite.
We first visited Meadowlark Botanical Gardens Winter Walk of Lights in 2014, and it's been on our list for holiday lights fun ever since. There are new additions every year, and old favorites return.
In 2024, walk-up tickets are only available from the NOVA Parks Ticket website for non-prime nights from November 8 to December 5 and January 1-5. Even then, online purchase is highly recommended as availability is limited.
From December 6-31, you must buy tickets online to see the show. Your timed ticket ensures that you'll have a parking space and are guaranteed entry.
What You'll Find on the Winter Walk of Lights Trail
The walk begins in the Meadowlark Gardens Visitor Center where you'll check in or purchase tickets. If you have children in your group, pick up a Light Search activity sheet and give your kids a fun extra challenge.
Once you enter the grounds, visitors follow a set path along paved walkways that wind between displays. You can walk at your own pace and spend as long as you want at each display.
A short distance from the entry, visit the Sips & Sparkles shop to buy light-up necklaces and other sparkly goods. The shop also sells hot chocolate and coffee (with optional Bailey's or schnapps for adults).
The ADA-compliant, paved trail is a wheelchair and stroller-friendly destination. You will have to navigate some gentle hills on the half-mile walk.
Favorite Light Displays at Winter Walk of Lights
A Fairy Garden full of lights and fairies joined the show in 2019 and we heard kids squeal with delight at the new display.
Meadowlark goes all out with sparkly decorations. The large, extensively light-wrapped trees set an impressive backdrop for the smaller displays. You'll also see traditional holiday scenes sprinkled among the outdoor themes.
Many of the light displays follow a garden and woods theme appropriate to one of the DC area's most beautiful gardens. In fact, garden staff design many of the custom-built displays. The giant koi and plants in the Lotus Pond echo the real koi in the pond by the gazebo.
Birds, butterflies, bears and other woodland creatures play by the paths while plants and flowers “grow” in the fields.
Photo Spots at the Winter Walk
Meadowlark has set up several places to take unique holiday photos. There are several benches circled with lights and backdrops perfect for a group shot. Others, like this pretty butterfly along the trail, are ideal for solo pics.
Near the trail's end, a huge sleigh backed by colorful trees is big enough for the whole family.
There are charming animated displays throughout. Bees flit around a hive in the flower garden. A squirrel shakes his tail in a tree. A hummingbird lights on a flower and flies away. Fish and frogs jump in a light-filled stream.
At the bottom of the hill, near the pond, stop to watch the Lakeside Lights animated display set to holiday music. Benches here offer a spot to rest and you can see lights on the gazebo across the pond.
One of the most popular spots in the garden is a bit past the pond. Here, a garden of interactive Step Lights is a real kid-pleaser. The bright flowers change colors as kids (and adults too) step on them.
Light tunnels are always fun and Meadowlark has added several new tunnels over the years. This colorful tunnel surrounded by giant mushrooms and flowers caught our eye.
Near the Meadowlark Visitor Center
Near the walk's end, stop at the S'mores Shack to buy a s'mores kit then roast your marshmallows at the fire pit. Beyond the pit, a last colorful pathway leads you out of the exhibit.
Families are in the majority when we visit, but we also see several couples (like us) enjoying the show. We highly recommend the Winter Walk of Lights, even if you don't have little ones in tow.
Meadowlark Gardens Holiday Tips and Logistics
- The 2024 Winter Walk of Lights is open nightly, including major holidays, from November 8 to January 5.
- Hours are 5:30 to 10:00 pm, with the last admission at 9:15, November 8-December 5. Hours are 5:00 – 10:00 during peak weeks (Dec 6-Jan 5).
- Timed entry tickets are required for prime nights but are recommended for all nights. Purchase online or at the door from Nov 8-Dec 5 and Jan 1-5. Purchase online only Dec 6-31. Capacity is limited so buy your ticket in advance to guarantee a spot.
- 2024 tickets are $18.00/$23.00 online/at the door during non-peak weeks. Tickets are $22 during peak weeks (Dec 6-31) and must be purchased online. Children 2 and under are free.
- The Winter Walk of Lights is open nightly including Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's.
- The Walk of Lights is open rain or shine, except in extreme weather. Tickets can not be refunded, but they are transferable to a different date.
- Special Pup Nights allow you to share the fun and capture great holiday photos with your furry friend. Pets are not permitted, except for service animals, on other nights.
- Designated nights offer discounts for seniors, kids 2-12, teachers, and more.
- There are restrooms and a gift shop in the Visitor Center which you can visit before your walk.
- Find more information on the Meadowlark Gardens event website.
Plan more holiday season fun in Northern Virginia with our holiday guides:
- Holiday Lights in the Northern Virginia Area
- 12 Holiday Favorites from Northern Virginia Experts
- Fun Holiday Markets in Northern Virginia and the DC Region
- Returning in 2024: DC Winter Lantern Festival in Tysons Virginia
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