Northern Virginia’s 2026 Holiday Lights: Three Ways to Plan Your Visit

Cover: Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna, photographed May 2012; an archival daytime view, not the 2026 light display. Photo: Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0. Original image used unchanged.

Tickets are now on sale for NOVA Parks’ three 2026 holiday light experiences, according to the operator’s event pages checked October 14. The outings begin in November. Choose the format first: a drive in Centreville, a garden walk in Vienna, or an outdoor winter village in Alexandria.

Bull Run: a drive-through evening

The Festival of Lights is scheduled November 14, 2026–January 3, 2027. Its route is 2.5 miles. The official page lists advance online vehicle tickets at $30–$45 depending on date, before taxes and transaction fees. Confirm the vehicle category and final checkout total.

Meadowlark: a paved garden walk

Winter Walk of Lights opens November 11 on a half-mile trail described as wheelchair and stroller accessible. Online admission is listed at $19 for November 11–December 3, before applicable taxes and fees. For December dates, confirm the current price in the official booking calendar before paying. The season continues through January 3, 2027. Check the ticket calendar for your date.

Cameron Run: Bright Nights

Bright Nights runs November 14–January 3, with weekends-only operation November 14–22. Announced additions include lighted mini golf, a scavenger hunt and a giant maze. Listed admission is $9 online or $12 on site, before tax and fees.

Before booking Meadowlark

For December 4–31, the official ticket-information page says tickets must be purchased online; no at-the-door tickets will be sold. Book for the date you actually intend to attend, and read the current change and cancellation terms before checkout.

Choose around your group

Compare the total for everyone attending: vehicle and individual prices are different units. Add optional activities, food and fees to your budget. For walking visits, consider footwear, mobility needs and time outdoors. Check the selected date and current weather and rebooking policies before buying.

Five useful FAQs

Are the lights open in October?

No. Tickets are on sale now, but the experiences begin in November.

Which option is drive-through?

Bull Run in Centreville.

Which offers a paved walking trail?

Meadowlark describes its half-mile route as wheelchair and stroller accessible.

Are the listed prices the total?

No. Applicable taxes and transaction fees are additional.

Where should I confirm availability?

Use the official ticket site and the individual event page; a published season does not guarantee a specific time is available.

Official sources

• https://www.novaparks.com/nova-parks-lights
• https://www.novaparks.com/events/bull-run-festival-of-lights
• https://www.novaparks.com/events/winter-walk-of-lights
• https://www.novaparks.com/events/bright-nights
• https://tickets.novaparks.com/
• Meadowlark ticket information

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About Chris Colgan

Chris is a lifelong Northern Virginian with more than two decades of real estate experience. He leads the Chris Colgan Team at Real Broker, LLC, powered by PLACE, helping buyers and sellers compare neighborhoods and plan their next move.

Chris Colgan
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