# Meadowlark's Winter Walk of Lights

> Event for families in the Washington–Arlington–Alexandria area (DC / VA / MD / WV). Times are Eastern Time.

- When: Nov 11 – Jan 3 · 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM
- Where: Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Ct, Vienna, VA 22182
- Ages: All ages (children 2 and under free; half-mile loop is paved and stroller-friendly)
- Price: Online tickets $19–$24 (plus processing fees); gate tickets $24 (when available; peak Dec 4–31 online only). Children 2 and under free.
- Organizer: NOVA Parks (Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority)
- Official page: https://www.novaparks.com/events/winter-walk-of-lights
- Last checked: Wed, Nov 4

Source: Grassy Knees is a directory of real family events, places and programs for kids across major U.S. metro areas, where every listing is researched from the organizer’s own page and shows the date we last checked it. https://grassyknees.com covers 42 metro areas as of Nov 11, 2026, with more added regularly. About: https://grassyknees.com/about
Freshness: listings are re-checked on a daily research run (latest check 2026-11-10), and new events are added as organizers post them. Sell-outs, weather cancellations and time changes show up on the live page first: https://grassyknees.com/washington-dc/activities/meadowlark-s-winter-walk-of-lights--listing-260b5adf081e80ce055c9e66

## About

Nestled across the rolling hills of Vienna, Virginia, Meadowlark's Winter Walk of Lights is one of Northern Virginia's most enchanting family holiday traditions. Over 500,000 sparkling LED lights illuminate a peaceful half-mile paved trail that winds through formal gardens, past glowing botanical displays, across a shimmering bridge, and around serene illuminated lakes. Whimsical animated nature displays depict blooming flower arches, fluttering dragonflies, leaping deer, swimming carp, and a monumental animated fountain of light.

At the conclusion of the gentle stroll, families gather at outdoor campfire pits to roast marshmallows and construct gooey s'mores from kits available for purchase. The Garden Cafe and warm drink stands serve hot cider, gourmet hot chocolate, and holiday pastries. The entire trail is paved and ADA compliant, making it exceptionally easy for double strollers and grandparents alike. Timed-entry tickets must be purchased in advance online, as prime December evening slots routinely sell out weeks early.

## Similar picks in Washington, DC

- [Nightly Holiday Tree Light Show at National Harbor](https://grassyknees.com/washington-dc/activities/nightly-holiday-tree-light-show-at-national-harbor--listing-afbb0b4590dda564ac48b133) — Nov 7 – Jan 3 · National Harbor Plaza (the Belvedere), Waterfront District · All ages · checked Oct 27. From November 7, 2026 through January 3, 2027, National Harbor's 60-foot RGB holiday tree on the Belvedere above National Harbor Plaza comes to life every night in a short light…
- [Bull Run Festival of Lights & Holiday Village](https://grassyknees.com/washington-dc/activities/bull-run-festival-of-lights-and-holiday-village--listing-5c547d83da16621b13afa6ec) — Nov 14 – Jan 3 · 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM · Bull Run Regional Park, Centreville · All ages · From $30 · checked Nov 4. The Bull Run Festival of Lights delivers a premier 2.5-mile drive-through holiday light spectacular through the wooded expanse of Bull Run Regional Park in Centreville. Families…
- [Watkins Regional Park Winter Festival of Lights](https://grassyknees.com/washington-dc/activities/watkins-regional-park-winter-festival-of-lights--listing-31ae123ed34491bacf494204) — Nov 27 – Jan 1 · 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM · Watkins Regional Park, Upper Marlboro · All ages · From $20 · checked Nov 4. Celebrating its landmark 40th anniversary season in 2026, the Winter Festival of Lights at Watkins Regional Park in Upper Marlboro is Prince George's County's signature holiday…
- [Winter City Lights](https://grassyknees.com/washington-dc/activities/winter-city-lights--listing-d2daa823c3ea748c61581f66) — Nov 27 – Dec 28 · 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM · Fishermen's Country Club Grounds, Olney · All ages · From $20 · checked Nov 4. Ranked among the largest walk-through holiday light spectacles in the mid-Atlantic, Winter City Lights spreads across 18 wooded acres in Olney, Maryland. The centerpiece of the…
- [Brookside Gardens: Garden of Lights](https://grassyknees.com/washington-dc/activities/brookside-gardens-garden-of-lights--listing-269a1ef54327017c3d279baa) — Nov 20 – Jan 3 · 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM · Brookside Gardens, Wheaton · All ages · From $13.99 · checked Nov 4. For over a quarter century, Brookside Gardens' Garden of Lights has illuminated the winter nights of Montgomery County, transforming 50 acres of botanical wonder into an ethereal…
- [Garden of Lights 2026–27](https://grassyknees.com/washington-dc/activities/garden-of-lights-2026-27--listing-e753d32ad7ddb47c11960f30) — Nov 20 – Jan 3 · 5:00 PM · Brookside Gardens, Wheaton · All ages · From $13.99 · checked Oct 28. Walk a half-mile paved illuminated trail featuring plants, insects, animals and seasonal displays.

## More for families

- [Things to do with kids in Vienna, VA](https://grassyknees.com/washington-dc/towns/vienna-va) (Markdown: https://grassyknees.com/washington-dc/towns/vienna-va.md)
- [Things to do with kids in Fairfax County, VA](https://grassyknees.com/washington-dc/counties/fairfax-county-va) (Markdown: https://grassyknees.com/washington-dc/counties/fairfax-county-va.md)
- [Christmas lights and holiday events for kids in Washington, DC](https://grassyknees.com/washington-dc/christmas) (Markdown: https://grassyknees.com/washington-dc/christmas.md)
- [Things to do with kids in Washington, DC — November 2026](https://grassyknees.com/washington-dc/events/2026-11) (Markdown: https://grassyknees.com/washington-dc/events/2026-11.md)
- [This weekend in Washington, DC](https://grassyknees.com/washington-dc/this-weekend) (Markdown: https://grassyknees.com/washington-dc/this-weekend.md)
- [Things to do with kids in Washington, DC](https://grassyknees.com/washington-dc) (Markdown: https://grassyknees.com/washington-dc.md)
