Illustration of a light display scene (Boar's Head Resort Winter Wander Trail of Lights)
Christmas Lights

Boar's Head Resort Winter Wander Trail of Lights

Visitors take an illuminated lakeside stroll around Heritage Lake surrounded by thousands of festive lights blanketing the rolling landscape. Displays along the path include dynamic motion light tunnels, illuminated sycamore and oak trees along Lattice Lane, and the musical light show at Glistening Grove. The trail concludes at a market featuring fire pits, food trucks, and drinks.

What to Expect

Half-mile illuminated lakeside walking trail circling Heritage Lake.

Event Details

Duration

Typically 30–45 minutes to see the whole display; guests often spend a couple of hours at Winter Wander.

Ages

All ages

Timed Entry

Yes

Organizer

Boar's Head Resort

Food & Drink

Food trucks and tents offer food and drinks along the trail, and the market at the end has additional food and drink options.

Get Tickets

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families and friends who enjoy outdoor holiday lights

Vibe

Festive and magical

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

High

Location

Boar's Head Resort
200 Ednam Drive, Charlottesville, VA 22903
Charlottesville, VA
22903

Know Before You Go

  • Parking: Free parking is available in lots near the resort. Staff direct guests to a lot; a drop-off is available for guests who cannot walk from the parking lot to Winter Wander.
  • Accessibility: The outdoor hard-surface walking trail accommodates most wheelchairs and strollers, and an elevator inside the resort provides access to the event level.
  • Pets: Dogs are invited on SPCA Nights.

Tips & Advice

  • Buy tickets online as early as you can, because most nights are expected to sell out and no tickets are sold at the entrance once they do.
  • Arrive within the 30-minute entry window on your ticket, because you won't be let in outside it unless you have Winter Wander+ or a stay package.
  • Bring a credit card or Apple Pay, because Winter Wander is cashless and that's how you pay for food, drinks and gifts inside.
  • If you want dinner at the Mill Room beside the trail, book ahead, because reservations are required on Winter Wander nights.
  • To change dates, transfer your tickets online by the night before your visit, since there's no change fee but same-day transfers aren't allowed.

Special Events & Promotions

  • SPCA Nights, November 13–15 and January 1–2: bring your dog.
  • Elevation Illumination Drone Show on December 21.
  • New Year's Eve Fireworks on December 31.
  • Winter Wander+ ticket (extra cost): skip the 30-minute entry window, plus a free drink, priority check-in and a light-up necklace.
  • New this season: brighter Glistening Grove with new songs, a lit sycamore joining the oak on Lattice Lane, and motion lights in the main tunnel.

Quick Actions

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should we allow?

Seeing the whole trail takes about 30 to 45 minutes. After that there's a market with gifts, food and drinks, and plenty of people stay a couple of hours.

What is there to eat and drink?

Food trucks and tents along the trail serve food and drinks for adults and kids. At the end, the Frost & Fire Bar in The Market has drinks and there are s'mores at the fire pits. Outside food and drinks aren't allowed, and the venue is cashless.

What should we wear?

Dress for the weather, since nearly all of it is outside. Wear comfortable walking shoes or boots for the half-mile trail. If you get cold, The Market at the end has plenty of fire pits.

Is Santa there?

Yes, from opening night through Christmas Eve. Photos cost extra, and personal photos aren't allowed.

Where do we check in?

Follow the signs for ticketing. The main entrance is right next to the Mill Room Restaurant, behind the main hotel.

Tags

holiday light displaysfamily friendlyseasonal activitieswinter activitieslight displaysanimated displayssynchronized lightscommunity celebrationholiday traditionfestive atmosphere

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Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Oct 20, 2026
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Christmas Events Near Me editorial team