To ensure everyone has a great experience tickets should be purchased online.
Gates open nightly at 5:30pm, unless otherwise noted. Most nights, gates close at 8:30pm and lights turn off at 9:00pm. Final entry is 30 minutes after the final timeslot of the night.
On Christmas Eve, the last timeslot is 7:00pm, so gates close at 7:30pm that night.
Hours are subject to change, check for nightly notices.
Yes. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome at Lights on the Lake. Owners must be prepared to clean up after their pets.
Yes. The Mountain Lake Club Lakeside Bar & Grill is open each evening of the event, unless otherwise noted, and features a full-service bar and restaurant. Two hot chocolate stands are also available along the trail, one at the beginning and one at the end; the stand at the end offers s'mores kits. Join us for dinner at the Lakeside Bar & Grill before or after the event. Check the MLC pages for hours.
Operations are subject to change. Christmas Eve has a limited menu.
This event is fully outside, except for the Lakeside Bar & Grill, located at the end of the light trail.
Parking is available at the Mountain Lake Club, but limited. Parking is $5 per vehicle. We highly encourage carpooling when possible.
This event is great for the whole family.
We recommend dressing warmly in layers and wearing comfortable, weather-appropriate footwear, since the event is outdoors. Please leave outside food, alcohol, and drones at home. Service animals are always welcome; other pets should be well-behaved and leashed.
Please note that the main path includes sand, gravel, and stairs, and is not suitable for wheelchairs, scooters, or strollers.
Yes. You can transfer tickets using the Manage My Tickets button.
Keep an eye on our social media and your email for weather-related updates. We are a rain or shine event and will attempt to stay open as long as it is safe to do so.
$8 for guests ages 5 and up, $4 for ages 3–4, free for children under 2. Parking is $5 per vehicle.
VIP Fire Pit — $250: Your own private fire pit surrounded by Adirondack chairs. Includes admission for up to 6 guests, exclusive fire pit access, unlimited walkthroughs, a premium s'mores kit, hot chocolate for each guest, and a dedicated VIP attendant. Only 2 fire pits available per night.
VIP Igloo — $300: A cozy, heated private igloo — the newest way to experience Lights on the Lake. Includes admission for up to 8 guests, exclusive igloo access, unlimited walkthroughs, a premium snack kit, hot chocolate for each guest, and a dedicated VIP attendant.
VIP Lounge — $350: A private, heated lounge and deck overlooking the lake. Includes admission for up to 6 guests, exclusive fire pit access, unlimited walkthroughs, a premium s'mores kit, hot chocolate for each guest, and a dedicated VIP attendant.
About 35 minutes, making it an easy evening trip from Northern Virginia.
About 30 minutes, one of the closest major cities to the event.
About 40 minutes.
About 25 minutes.
Charles Town is about 11 minutes away, and Shepherdstown is about 25 minutes, both an easy drive for Eastern Panhandle locals or visitors.
About 1 hour 15 minutes, a manageable day trip or evening outing from the DC area.
Most guests take 30-45 minutes on the trail, but its completely at your own pace.
The main path includes sand, gravel, and stairs, so strollers may require some carrying.
Card and cash are accepted for food purchases.
Visit early in the season, on a week night, or choose one of our later timeslots to avoid the crowds.
