Winter Walk of Lights

RULES

Safety continues to be our priority. Please read following the safety guidelines and rules below.

• SAFETY FIRST - Please stay on the pathways at all times. Many light displays have electrical cords and support wires so please do not walk near or around displays.
• Adults are responsible for keeping children safely on trails. Trails are stroller-friendly.
• Please refrain from touching, climbing, or hanging on any displays or cords.
• If you see something unsafe, please let staff know immediately.
• Please watch for pedestrians, especially children when driving through our parking lots.
• For patron safety, the circular drive in front of the Visitor Center is closed to vehicles during the Winter Walk of Lights. Please use this area to line up for admission. Do not line up in the parking lot area.
• With the exception of designated Pup Nights (November 10, 17, 18, and 25, December 9, 10, 29, and 30, 2025, and January 2 and 4, 2026), only service dogs are permitted at the Winter Walk of Lights.
• FOOD AND BEVERAGES. Outside food and beverages are not permitted.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

• DRESS FOR THE WEATHER. The Winter Walk of Lights’ more than ½-mile pathway winds through the gardens and is completely outdoors. Weather-appropriate outerwear and comfortable shoes are the key to a great visit.
• RAIN OR SNOW OR SHINE. The event is open rain or snow or shine (moonshine). Tickets are not refundable so it’s important to keep an eye on the weather forecast. Customers may REBOOK (transfer) their tickets to another night, but this must occur before 2 PM on the ticket’s admission date/time. Please note that ticket rebooking can only be done online. New this year—you can now rebook your entire order in one transaction!  If severe weather event occurs at our site and NOVA Parks cancels a night of Winter Walk of Lights, ticket costs will be refunded. Ticket fees are not refundable.
  Rebooking Instructions
• A SAFE PLACE TO LINE UP. During the Winter Walk of Lights, the roadway immediately in front of the Visitor Center building is blocked off to provide a safe place for our guests to line up.
• RESTROOMS are available in the Visitor Center and portable toilets are located at the halfway point of the Winter Walk.
• SAFETY: Please stay on the pathways at all times. Many light displays have electrical cords and support wires so please do not walk near or around displays. Please refrain from touching, climbing, or hanging on any displays or cords. If you see something unsafe, please let staff know immediately.
• GREAT PHOTOS: Winter Walk is a beautiful place to take pictures! Bring your camera and capture memories! Be sure to tag us and post your photos on social media! Please stay on the paths for your safety. Portrait photography is not permitted.
• STAY INFORMED. Learn about severe weather closings—LIKE Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights Facebook and follow us on Meadowlark's Winter Walk of Lights Instagram.
• SPECIAL EVENTS & DISCOUNT NIGHT information is available under the Promotions tab.
• DRIVE, WALK, SKATE INTO THE HOLIDAYS. NOVA Parks has a trio of winter special events: Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights is a beautiful walk-through winter light show, Bull Run Festival of Lights is a fantastic drive-through light show, and we are so proud of our newest event Ice & Lights at Cameron Run Regional Park! Be sure to visit all 3!

Can I get a refund for my Winter Walk of Lights ticket?

No. All Winter Walk of Lights tickets are final sale. They are not refundable. Prior to 2 pm on the date of the ticket, a ticket may be rebooked to another date or entry time online.
Rebooking Instructions

Can I transfer (rebook) my tickets to another date or time?

Prior to 2 p.m. on the date of the ticket date, a ticket may be rebooked to another date or entry time online. 
Rebooking Instructions

I have questions about my online ticket buying experience.  Who do I reach out to? 

For questions, inquiries, or issues around exchanging your tickets, please contact the support team.

Where do I enter my coupon/promo code when purchasing tickets online?

After you select the date and time of your ticket, you may enter PROMO CODE on the right hand side in the cart. The discounted ticket price will now be visible. Coupons are not accepted on site. If your promo code comes up as an error, please check the dates that the discount is valid.     

Are tickets sold on site?

For a better price and to guarantee availability, purchase your tickets online. A limited number of tickets are sold on site from November 7-December 4, 2025, and January 1-4, 2026. NO ONSITE TICKETS ARE SOLD DURING PEAK SEASON (December 5-31, 2025).

Can I arrive earlier/later than my ticket time?

Please arrive at your ticket time. Guests should not expect to be admitted prior to their tickets’ entry time or 30 minutes past the entry time. Exception is the 9:15pm ticket time as admission ends at 9:30pm to give patrons enough time to enjoy the lights before lights-out at 10pm.

Is my time at the Winter Walk of Lights limited?

While online tickets for the Winter Walk of Lights are for a specific entrance time, the walk itself is self-guided. Each visitor can move through the one-way pathway at an individual’s own pace. The Winter Walk of Lights closes nightly at 10pm.

Is the Winter Walk of Lights open on holidays?

Yes, Winter Walk of Lights is open nightly from November 7, 2025, through January 4, 2026. This includes Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day. To avoid sell-outs, buy your tickets early.

How long is the Winter Walk trail?

The Winter Walk of Lights trail is 0.6 mile long. This one-way, asphalt trail that is ADA accessible and stroller friendly.

How long does the Winter Walk of Lights take?

Please plan for 30-90 minutes, depending on your pace and stops. Enjoy photo ops, interactive displays, the Lakeside Lights animated to 5 songs, and the Fun Search activity. Take breaks for hot beverages (including adult beverages), pretzels, and make-your-own s’mores at the cozy fire pit.

Do I need a map for the Winter Walk of Lights?

No. The pathway is a one-way designated trail. Simply follow the paved trail and signs.

Can any part of the Winter Walk of Lights be viewed by a vehicle, bicycle or scooter?

The Winter Walk of Lights is an outdoor event designed exclusively for pedestrians. There are no indoor sections or areas that can be viewed by vehicle, bicycle, or scooter. Vehicles, bicycles, and scooters are not permitted.

Is the Winter Walk of Lights wheelchair accessible and stroller friendly?

Yes. The trail is ADA accessible. Bringing strollers is highly recommended, not just for convenience, but for safety—keeping little ones on the trail ensures they stay away from light displays and any potential hazards. Staying on the trail is key to enjoying the event safely and comfortably.

Are wheelchairs available?

Yes. Two complimentary wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis. They are frequently used and cannot be reserved.

Do you have a room or area for birthday cake and gifts?

While the Winter Walk is a popular birthday activity, we do not have a small room or area for cake and gift. Parents will often buy s`mores kits and have the kids roast marshmallows at the end of the Winter Walk instead of cake. The Atrium at Meadowlark is a terrific venue for large social gathering

Do I need to pay for parking?

No. Parking is free. We encourage guests to carpool since parking is limited.

Where is the best place to meet up with others to enjoy the Winter Walk together?

In front of the Visitor Center is a good meetup spot, especially when the entry road is closed to vehicular traffic. Congregating in the Visitor Center is not permitted.