Winter is a magical season here in Virginia. While the days might be colder and darker, there are plenty of outdoor activities that can be enjoyed during Christmas in Virginia. One of them is the annual Winter Walk of Lights hosted by Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna, Virginia. Under the glow of the night sky and countless lights, visitors of all ages can revel in the magic of the season at one of the best holiday light displays in Virginia. So purchase your tickets in advance, bundle up, and prepare to be dazzled. Let’s take a closer look at Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights in Virginia.

Have you ever visited Meadowlark Botanical Gardens during the wintertime? If not, you're missing out on acres upon acres of meandering trails, thoughtful exhibits, and a much-needed breath of fresh air.
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens / Facebook
That's even true at night! Each year, the garden hosts the annual Winter Walk of Lights, and it's every bit as magical as the name implies. Between Thanksgiving and the New Year, the garden is temporarily transformed into an illuminated wonderland.
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens / Facebook
So what exactly can you look forward to? In short, the walk is a half-mile route completely surrounded by dazzling LED lights and animations.
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens / Facebook
The Winter Walk of Lights is a paved, one-way path that is wheelchair and stroller-friendly.

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Despite being a relatively short walk, visitors will want to take their time noticing each corner of the light show. The care and detail that go into setting up the displays are incredible!
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens / Facebook
You and your family will love noticing all of the garden-related animations and decor set up throughout the park. From wildlife to flowers, mushrooms, and even some fish, the effect is both whimsical and magical.
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens / Facebook
And while Northern Virginia can notoriously be chilly during winter evenings, bundling up and walking arm-in-arm with your loved ones is half the fun.
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens / Facebook
Plus, you can always buy some hot chocolate or cider to keep your hands warm while you walk.

Get a close-up look at this magnificent light display:

Have you ever experienced Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights? If so, we’d love to hear all about it! If not, get yourself to Vienna, Virginia, and see it in person! For more information, be sure to visit the Meadowlark Botanical Gardens website or follow them on Facebook. For more dazzling displays, check out these drive-thru Christmas lights in Virginia.

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More to Explore

Christmastime in Virginia

Will Suphan | October 24, 2023

What are Virginia’s most festive Christmas towns?

Virginia's most festive Christmas towns include:

  • Williamsburg
  • Virginia Beach

Virginia’s beautiful and charming towns become truly impressive during the holiday season when they become aglow with Christmas cheer. Williamsburg, VA isn’t just home to Busch Gardens, but the town itself becomes a magical destination with detailed lights and decorations that honor local history. Several colonial re-enactments take place and there are parades and other events all season long. For a coastal Christmas, check out Virginia Beach, VA where you can sail with Santa at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, visit the Christmas Market for amazing shopping, and enjoy several other festive events you won’t want to miss.

Learn more about Virginia's most festive Christmas towns. 

What are the best Christmas light displays in Virginia?

The best Christmas light displays in Virginia include:

  • Illuminate Light Show
  • Natural Tunnels

While Busch Gardens is the best of all in the state, there are quite a few honorable mention light displays well worth seeing! The charming town of Doswell has a drive-through lights display set to music known as the Illuminate Light Show. Several hundreds of thousands of lights adorn an 80’ tunnel and majestic trees that are 50 feet tall! In Duffield, there’s a natural wonder known as Natural Tunnels which becomes a magical wonderland as it is decorated with sparkling lights that can be enjoyed from a chairlift, many of them animated. 

Find out more about the best Christmas light displays in Virginia. 

What are the best winter festivals in Virginia?

The best winter festivals in Virginia include:

  • Oysters & Oldies
  • A Franklin County Christmas

Virginia becomes so much fun during the holidays with so many wonderful events in which we can take part. Virginia is famous for its Chesapeake Oysters, and here, they’re a Christmas tradition at Oysters & Oldies in Heathsville where you can enjoy old-fashioned Christmas tunes while you slurp down this local delicacy. In Rocky Mount, there’s an annual event called A Franklin County Christmas where the Biggest Little Christmas Parade takes place downtown, which is itself decked out in holiday lights. The local pies and pastries should not be missed!

Discover more about the best winter festivals in Virginia. 

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Featured Addresses
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Ct, Vienna, VA 22182, USA