The return of the Winter Walk of Lights is just around the corner, opening next week.
Starting November 11, 2026, the Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna, Virginia, will once again transform into a glowing outdoor wonderland.
With tickets already on sale, the popular holiday tradition is ready to welcome tens of thousands of visitors this season.
This annual display turns the garden into a spectacular nighttime destination, offering a festive escape just outside Washington, D.C.
The outdoor event runs through January 3, 2027, giving visitors plenty of time to experience the magic.
A half-mile trail of interactive lights and s’mores
Visitors can expect to explore a dazzling, roughly half-mile trail that winds through the natural landscape.
The paved route features glowing flowers, oversized displays, and interactive lights set to holiday music.
Because the path is fully paved, it is both wheelchair-accessible and stroller-friendly, making it an easy outing for all ages.
Along the illuminated path, guests can take a break to warm up with seasonal treats. You can grab a warm drink or stop to roast marshmallows for s’mores.
Exploring the full trail typically takes around 30 to 90 minutes, depending on your pace and how many festive photo ops you stop for.
Timed-entry tickets and planning ahead
Because this Meadowlark Botanical Gardens event draws such a massive crowd every year, organizers strongly recommend securing your spot early.
The event operates on a timed-entry system, and weekends or dates closer to Christmas are known to sell out quickly.
Online tickets start at around $19 per person for dates between November 11 and December 3, which offers a slight discount for early birds.
If you wait to purchase tickets at the door, the price increases to $24.
The event is entirely outdoors, so be sure to dress for the winter weather. While parking on-site is free, spaces are limited, so arriving on time for your reserved slot is essential.
How to visit
- đź“Ť Where: Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, Vienna, VA
- 📅 When: November 11, 2026 – January 3, 2027
- đź•’ Hours: Opening hours start at 5:30 p.m. in November
- 💰 Price: Online tickets start at $19 (Nov 11–Dec 3); $24 at the door
- 🎟️ Tickets: Timed-entry, available via the NoVa Parks website
- đźš— Parking: Free on-site, but limited spaces
