The Winter Wander Trail: Where Festive Lights Spark Love and Charity
In the heart of Charlottesville, the Winter Wander Trail of Lights at the Boar’s Head Resort has become more than just a holiday attraction; it’s a place where love stories begin. Over the past five years, this enchanting event has witnessed over 25 engagements, becoming a beloved tradition in the local holiday season. Additionally, it has successfully raised more than $50,000 for six local charities.
Launched in 2021, the Winter Wander Trail was created with a straightforward intention by Kevin Thurman, the Boar’s Head director of special events. The aim was to provide Central Virginians with a fun holiday experience while boosting tourism during the quieter winter months.
“The overall desire to bring Winter Wander to Charlottesville was to add to the collection of events in Charlottesville … a reason for people to come visit Central Virginia,” Thurman stated.
The event quickly surpassed expectations. Thurman vividly recalls the excitement of the opening night, the Friday following Thanksgiving in 2021.
“We were sold out that night, and we’d never done one of these before,” he explained. “It was very much figuring out what was going to happen, how it was going to go and how it would be received.”
Since its inception, the experience has grown, featuring new scenes, additional lights, and live entertainment each year. In 2024, the Winter Wander introduced a spectacular drone show, which will illuminate the night sky once more on December 17 and 22, weather permitting. Each evening will host two shows at 6 and 8 p.m.
The latest attraction, the Glistening Grove, enhances the magic by surrounding Firefly Pond with 700 luminaries, each standing 5½ feet tall. The display includes 200,000 light pixels synchronized to music in an engaging 15-minute show.
The romantic ambiance of Winter Wander has made it a favored spot for proposals, with more than 25 couples getting engaged along the trail. Thurman notes that every proposal has been met with a resounding “yes.”
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