Winter Wander

Select Nights: Nov. 18, 2022 - Jan. 8, 2023

The beauty of light and the whimsy of nature intertwine harmoniously at the Boar's Head Resort Winter Wander Trail of Lights. 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.

Christmas in July Stay Packages

Our most affordable Winter Wander overnight stay package of the year can be obtained during our Christmas in July promotion. Receive unlimited access to the event and an exclusive Winter Wander keepsake.

Book a Stay Package

Christmas in July Preorder Ticket Sale

From July 25 - Aug. 5, our Christmas in July promotion has the season’s best ticket prices with an offer of $5 off each ticket. Get prime time tickets for as low as $15 for adults and $10 for kids. Value night tickets are as low as $10 for adults and $5 for kids. Preorder now for the lowest prices of the year.

New for the 2022 season, a limited number of season passes will be sold allowing you and your family to enjoy Winter Wander multiple nights for one great price.

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What is Winter Wander?

The Winter Wander is a predominantly hard-surface 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, this unique pathway is truly built for all walks of life.

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!

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.

View Stay Packages

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.

Visit Santa's Mill

The jolly one himself takes time off from his toy making to visit the Winter Wander Trail of Lights each evening until 9 p.m. through Dec. 24. Stop by Santa's Mill in The Market to pass along your wish. Santa visits are complimentary, but there is an additional fee for photos with Santa and Mrs. Clause.

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 and relatively flat. The trail has been upgraded since our first year and is an outdoor hard-packed surface that is compatible with most strollers and wheel chairs. 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. Only legally registered service animals (not comfort animals) are permitted. Although, your K-9 companion isn't totally out of luck. Check our nightly featured events for our annual SPCA weekend when all dogs are welcome to sniff and stroll the trail.

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.

View Group Package

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.

MORE INFORMATION

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.

Z95.1 – Listen Online | View NBC 29 Website