An illuminated garden path by a pond at dusk, with glowing lotus-like lights along the walkway and bare trees silhouetted against a purple-blue sky.

What to Expect

The Winter Wander Trail presented by UVA Encompass Health

The beauty of light and the whimsy of nature intertwine harmoniously during your stroll through the Winter Wander Trail of Lights at Boar's Head Resort. Behold the magic of nature 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. Look no further for the most spectacular of Charlottesville Christmas activities.

A dark night shows a large heart-shaped display of purple and blue lights in the sky, with people watching and a woman in the foreground.
A group of four people taking a selfie near a tall, decorated Christmas tree at an outdoor holiday park, with festive lights and a wooden entrance.

Thanks to our Sponsors

This years trail is presented by UVA Encompass Health and travels more than one-half mile around Heritage Lake and Firefly Pond offering wonderful reflections of the light displays. The soundtrack and familiar voices you hear throughout the trails is created in partnership with Z95.1 and Charlottesville Radio Group.

This experiential walking tour is an adventure that's easily enjoyed and shared by all walks of life. Keep scrolling to discover what lies ahead in this magical journey.

Buy Tickets Online View the Trail Map

Twilight park with a pond, glowing frog and flower light sculptures along a path, trees silhouettes, calm water reflecting the scene.

New for 2025 - Glistening Grove!

Glistening Grove has arrived! Though a small sample of the full show, the glimmer of lights on Firefly Pond is an enchanting sight. Director of Special Events Kevin Thurman unveils the attraction and speaks on his excitement for this year's Winter Wander:

A night scene shows a person in foreground watching a large heart-shaped display of colorful lights in the sky.

Drone Shows are Back!

Look to the skies for Elevation Illumination - a jaw-dropping 200-drone spectacle lighting up the night on Nov. 15 & 16 and Dec. 17 & 18 (weather permitting). There will be two shows per night at 6 and 8 p.m.