Winter Walk of Lights at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens

The Light Walk That Works with a Stroller

Meadowlark's Winter Walk of Lights opens Wednesday, November 11, and it's open every night through January 3. This is the 15th season. The trail is 0.6 miles, one way and paved, and NOVA Parks actually recommends strollers, which is rare for a light show. Plan on 30 to 90 minutes depending on how many stops your kids make.

Tickets are timed, and the price depends on the date. From November 11 to December 3 and again January 1 to 3, it's $19 online or $24 at the door, plus tax and fees. From December 4 to 31 tickets are sold online only, nothing at the door, and the price goes up a little (NOVA Parks lists $23 on one page and $24 on another). You have to show up at your ticket time, and you can't get in more than 30 minutes late. Tickets aren't refundable, but you can rebook online until 2pm on your ticket date.

Kids like the Lakeside Lights, which are animated to five songs, the interactive displays and the Fun Search activity. Halfway through there's a fire pit with make-your-own s'mores, hot drinks and pretzels, and outside food isn't allowed. Restrooms are in the Visitor Center at the start, and there are portable toilets halfway along the trail. It's open rain, snow or shine.

Parent Tips 💡

• ✓Go before December 4. It's cheaper and you can still buy at the door.
• ✓Bring the stroller. The trail is paved and NOVA Parks recommends strollers.
• ✓Be on time. Entry is timed and you can't get in more than 30 minutes late.
• ✓Use the Visitor Center restroom. It's at the start. The next option is portable toilets halfway.
• ✓Save room for s'mores. There's a fire pit with make-your-own s'mores halfway through.

Questions Parents Ask

When does Winter Walk of Lights 2026 open?

It opens November 11, 2026 and runs nightly through January 3, 2027 at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna, VA.

How much are Winter Walk of Lights tickets?

From November 11 to December 3 and January 1 to 3, tickets are $19 online or $24 at the door, plus tax and fees. From December 4 to 31 they're sold online only and cost a little more.

Is Meadowlark's light show stroller friendly?

Yes. The 0.6-mile trail is paved, one way and ADA accessible, and NOVA Parks recommends strollers.

How long does Winter Walk of Lights take?

Plan on 30 to 90 minutes.