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Boar's Head Resort
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Insider’s Guide to Winter Wander at Boar’s Head Resort
See What’s New for 2023
Back for its third year, Winter Wander is a family-friendly event with plentiful illuminations, seasonal fare, and more.
Held November 17, 2023, to January 6, 2024, this half-mile hiking path features abundant illuminated light displays sure to enthrall visitors of all ages. Guests are encouraged to come hungry as there are food vendors along the trail and The Mill Room is accepting reservations. After completing the trail, stop at a fire pit and make some s’mores or relax while sipping on an age-appropriate beverage. Reserve your Winter Wander tickets here.
When planning your visit, consider booking an overnight stay and request a balcony room overlooking the light show. Overnight guests receive unlimited access to Winter Wander without being restricted to a particular ticket time along with an exclusive Winter Wander keepsake.
Activities & Refreshments
Artificial Ice Skating
New this year, lace up your skates and get ready to glide on a massive 40x50 synthetic ice rink! Even when the temperatures don’t drop below freezing, the ice rink is ready and waiting to show you a fun time. Made from unique plastic polymer, this synthetic rink encapsulates the feeling of skating on a frozen body of water. Activated through the touch of your ice skate's blade, a lubricating spray generates just as a thin layer of water would on frozen ice. Purchase skate rentals or bring your own! View skating admission fees on the Winter Wander website.
Santa’s Mill
Located inside the market, Santa’s Mill is where visitors can get a photo with Santa nightly until 9 p.m. from Nov 17 - Dec 24.
The Market
Gather for family-friendly beverages, explore vendor booths, enjoy seasonal bites, and relax around the outdoor fire pit on the patio just outside of Hearth Lounge.
The Mill Room
The Mill Room is a AAA, 4-diamond restaurant at Boar’s Head Resort. Book a reservation and enjoy a delicious and elegant dinner before or after meandering through the light displays.
Winter Wander Trail
The Welcome Tree
Begin your Winter Wander experience by walking through the 35-foot, illuminated holiday tree, the Welcome Tree, and enter into a world of wonder.
Dogwood Alley
Dogwood Alley received an upgrade this year with larger lanterns for even better photo opportunities while paying respect to the American Dogwood, Virginia’s state flower, and tree.
Trout House
A historic building where people would net a fish for their own dinner before bringing it to the resort’s restaurant, Trout House is a brightly illuminated feature along the path.
Firefly Grove
Large-scale fireflies are surrounded by pins of light that appear to float over the grass at Firefly Grove, bringing a sense of childhood wonder to your wander.
Big Boar Ridge
As you trek farther down the trail you will come across a large mamma and papa boar looking for their piglets at Big Boar Ridge.
Serenity Way
Follow the illuminations to Serenity Way, where trees are bathed in colorful lights creating a picturesque scene with even more lights and motion than last year!
Lattice Lane
Be sure to stop and admire the 100-foot tree at Lattice Lane, covered from root to treetop in a sprawling, colorful glow.
Sun Kissed Meadow
Grab your camera and stop at this designated photo spot to take immersive photos in front of the field of glowing plants.
Starry Night Sky
Gaze up at the twinkling lights dripping down from the tree canopy and immerse yourself in this art-inspired section of the trail.
Flower Garden
Marking the middle of the trail, the Flower Garden features jumbo flowers that illuminate your path.
Fountain of Dreams
Marvel at this display that mimics fountains of water shooting toward the sky with tons of light and motion.
Finale Field
Following the path, wander into massive tunnels. Pause here for photos filled with colorful lights- perfect for selfies or family shots. The tunnels take you to the trail’s breathtaking final destination, a field filled with color-changing lights.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the 2023 Winter Wander?
Winter Wander 2023 takes place on select nights from November 17, 2023, to January 6, 2024.
How much are tickets to Winter Wander and why is it a timed entry?
Ticket prices are subject to change and begin at $20 for adults and $10 for children ages 4-12. Entry to Winter Wander typically begins at 4:30 p.m. and runs through 9 p.m. with peak hours from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., however, times may vary depending on the day of the week. To secure the best pricing, attend during non-peak hours before Christmas.
Timed entry ensures all guests have an enjoyable experience with fantastic views. Visitors must enter during their 30-minute entry window unless they are overnight package guests.
What should I wear to Winter Wander?
Winter Wander is outdoors so please dress for the weather. Comfortable walking shoes and warm clothes are highly encouraged.
How do I get to Winter Wander?
This event takes place behind the main hotel at Boar’s Head Resort. The address is 200 Ednam Drive, Charlottesville, VA 22903. Parking is available for free and a smiling staff member will be on hand to direct you to a nearby spot.
Are pets allowed?
The only time when pets are permitted is during opening weekend, November 17-19, 2023. For everyone’s safety, pets are not allowed at any other time, however, registered service dogs are always permitted.
Is the path wheelchair and stroller accessible?
Yes! The trail has been upgraded since the first year and is a hard-packed surface that is compatible with most strollers and wheelchairs.
Make sure you don't miss out on the fun – reserve your tickets today!
*This blog post is sponsored by Boar's Head Resort