Winter Walk of Lights 2016 Underway Now in Vienna

VIENNA, VA -- Looking to plan some fun during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend and get out with the whole family? The Winter Walk of Lights opened last at Meadowlark Gardens in Vienna and will continue through (Thanksgiving, Christmas and News Year’s too) Sunday, Jan. 8. The walk of lights runs daily from 5:30 to 10 p.m. (last tickets sold at 9:30 p.m.). Last year, the Winter Walk of Lights received 75,000 visitors.

The park is located at 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna (see map below).

The lowest tickets prices can be found at novaparks.ticketfly.com. Online tickets are sold with specific entrance times so that the flow of visitors can be better managed and to provide ample (free) parking. For weekends, holidays and the last two weeks in December, it's a good idea to purchase tickets online well in advance to guarantee your admission. Some times and entire days may sell out both online and on site at Meadowlark.

Save even more using the promo code PRIME16 for $2 off online ticket purchases on Mondays through Thursdays, through Dec. 8 (excluding Thanksgiving).

Snowflake Shoppe

Festive light-up jewelry, hats, wands, and wings: That's a sampling of what you'll find at the Snowflake Shoppe in the Visitor Center, offering many fun ways to illuminate yourself for the light walk. Looking for a great gift idea? You can also purchase a gift of a Meadowlark Gardens membership along with a Winter Walk of Lights Ornament.

See the 2016 ornament here:

Light refreshments

Looking to warm up before or after your walk? Stop by Light Refreshments by the fire on the Garden Plaza at Meadowlark. Offering a variety of fireside favorites, Light Refreshments also accepts credit cards. Warm up with hot chocolate, coffee or hot cider. A winter walk favorite is the s'mores kit. Other items on the menu include popcorn, marshmallows, Gatorade, water and milk.

Special events

Meet a friend amphibian on Nature Nights, create a holiday decoration on Craft Night or take a photo for your family holiday card on Funny Photo Nights. Fun Photo Night will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 23, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. You bring the smiles and your camera; Meadowlark will provide the props and a staff member to take your photo. This activity is free to visitors of the Winter Walk of Lights.

First responder, teacher and military appreciation nights
As a special thank you, these professionals will receive free admission with one paying guest on their appreciation nights.

Dear Santa...

The children’s area next to the Visitor Center fireplace is ready with notepaper, crayons, and a special mailbox that will make sure your holiday wishes get to Santa.

PHOTO of Winter Walk of Lights by William B. Folson courtesy of NoVA Parks

Location of Meadowlark Gardens (Google maps):