Meadowlark Botanical Gardens Winter Walk of Lights
Visitors take a self-guided evening stroll along a paved garden trail illuminated by lighted trees and nature-themed holiday displays. Along the way, guests can view the Lakeside Lights animated to music, participate in interactive displays and a Fun Search activity, and roast marshmallows for s'mores by the fire pit. Warm beverages, including hot chocolate and adult drinks, are available to enjoy during the walk.
What to Expect
A paved botanical garden trail illuminated with themed, animated holiday light displays.
Event Details
Duration
Plan for 30–90 minutes.
Ages
All ages
Organizer
NOVA Parks
Food & Drink
Enjoy hot beverages with or without spirits, try the new chilled Amaretto Snow Globe, or roast marshmallows for s’mores.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and holiday-light fans
Vibe
Festive and enchanting
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
$$
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: November 11-December 3, 2026: online $19, at the door $24. December 4-December 31, 2026: online $24; tickets must be purchased online and no at-the-door tickets will be sold. January 1-3, 2027: online $19, at the door $24. Prices do not include applicable tax and transaction fees.
- Hours: November 11-December 3, 2026: 5:30-10:00 pm; December 4, 2026-January 3, 2027: 5:00-10:00 pm. Admission ends at 9:30 pm.
- Parking: Parking is free, but limited; carpooling is encouraged.
- Accessibility: The 0.6-mile paved asphalt trail is ADA accessible, and two complimentary wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Pets: Only service dogs are permitted except on designated Pup Nights.
Tips & Advice
- Buy tickets online for a better price and guaranteed entry, and remember there are no door sales from December 4 through December 31.
- Arrive at your ticket time, because guests aren't admitted early or more than 30 minutes after their entry time.
- Carpool if you can, because parking at the gardens is free but limited.
- Dress warmly, because the whole half-mile trail is outdoors, and you'll want to linger at the fire pit roasting s'mores.
- Leave outside snacks and drinks at home, since they aren't allowed, and buy hot drinks and pretzels along the trail.
Special Events & Promotions
- Designated Pup Nights welcome dogs on the walk.
- New this year: the chilled Amaretto Snow Globe drink.
- A limited-edition 2026 holiday ornament is for sale.
- From December 4 to December 31, tickets are sold online only, with no tickets at the door.
- Buying online gets a better price than paying at the door.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the trail wheelchair and stroller friendly?
Yes. The half-mile paved trail is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
Can I bring my dog?
Only service dogs are allowed, except on designated Pup Nights.
What food and drinks are there?
Hot drinks are sold with or without spirits, along with the new chilled Amaretto Snow Globe and pretzels. You can make your own s'mores at the fire pit. Outside food and drinks are not allowed.
How long should we allow?
Plan on 30 to 90 minutes to walk the trail.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The walk runs rain, snow or shine. Tickets are nonrefundable, but you can rebook online before the cutoff on your admission date. If NOVA Parks cancels a night for severe weather, ticket costs are refunded but fees are not.
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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.