Winter Wander light display — Buy Tickets Online View Pricing & Dates

Boar's Head Resort

Winter Wander Trail of Lights

presented by

Select Nights: November 26 - January 30

The beauty of light and the whimsy of nature intertwine harmoniously at the Boar's Head Resort Winter Wander presented by UVA Health. Experience the nature of our rolling landscape during this illuminated lakeside stroll as an extraordinary palette of colorful illuminations blanket the natural surroundings for a magical show of lights like no other.

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What is Winter Wander?

The Winter Wander is a combined cinder and grass trail that circles nearly one-half mile around Heritage Lake behind the main hotel at Boar’s Head Resort. Guests will experience multiple Instagram-worthy moments as thousands of festive lights illuminate the rolling landscape. With an “easy” trail rating, the trail is truly built for all walks of life and can even handle most larger-wheeled strollers.

Location and Parking

The Winter Wander is staged behind the main hotel at Boar’s Head Resort. For driving directions, use: 200 Ednam Drive, Charlottesville, VA 22903. Parking for the Winter Wander is free, and one of our smiling staff members will be on location to direct you to a nearby parking space or you can view the parking map online. We look forward to seeing you at our Charlottesville holiday lights experience!

Santa Pictures through December 24

All children are encouraged to bring a bright smile and a lot of cheer because this will be your opportunity to share your list and get your picture professionally taken with Santa. Assorted portrait packages will be printed on site and will be available for purchase (along with a digital download) from Tod Cohen Photography. Please note: no personal photographs, including cell phones, are permitted.

Santa with kids

Book Your Stay Package

Guests who book this package will receive luxurious accommodations, tickets for each night to the Winter Wander trail of lights and an exclusive Winter Wander keepsake. Ask about our premium rooms when booking that allow guests to view the entire light show from the cozy comfort of their own balcony.

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The Market - Food, Drinks & Merchandise

Your journey will end in the historic Hearth Lounge with a family-friendly nightcap around a roaring fireplace. Warm your body with an assortment of winter-worthy food and drink options as you take time to explore vendor booths that complement your walking tour. Step outside to enjoy the ambience of our patio where you’ll find a toasty outdoor fire pit as you bask in the reflections that twinkle across the lakeside waters.

Plan for the Weather

The entire first half-mile of your wander is outside, so please dress appropriately. This is a rain, snow or shine event. Winter Wander will close only for extreme inclement weather, and any closures will be posted to our resort Facebook page.

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Walking Distance & Trail

The entire Winter Wander loop around Heritage Lake is approximately one half of a mile in total distance. With a combined cinder or grass surface, the trail is relatively flat and will accommodate strollers with larger wheels. Traditional wheelchairs may be a challenge on this surface. Although the trail is not rugged, we do recommend wearing a comfortable pair of walking shoes. Boar’s Head is a pet-friendly resort, but pets are not permitted to walk the trail during the event.

Groups of 20 or More

If you are looking to make Winter Wander a group outing for your workplace or large group, we’d like to assist. Alongside ticket discounts for large groups, we also have services available for meeting space, group dining and more. Contact our group sales department for more information.

Email us for more information or call (434) 972-2227.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The 2021/2022 season marks the inaugural year for the Boar's Head Resort Winter Wander, so this is a new experience for all of us. To learn more about the logistics, location and all the fun you'll have during your wander, view our "frequently asked questions" page.

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Thanks to Z95.1 & NBC29

Boar’s Head Resort is proud to have NBC 29 and Z95.1 as the official media sponsors for Winter Wander.

Z95.1 picks you up with today’s variety at home, at work or in the car. As one of C'ville's finest stations, Z95.1 features artists like Post Malone, Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Adele, Journey and Michael Jackson. Join them in the mornings for Impossible Trivia at 7:35 a.m.

Coming soon, NBC29 will have a live weather camera showing the Winter Wander trail so everyone can watch the installation and see the actual lights once the show starts.

Z95.1 – Listen Online | View NBC 29 Website

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