Bristol Prepares for Festive Cheer with Return of Food City Speedway In Lights

Bristol Lights Up with the Food City Speedway In Lights!

As the holiday season approaches, the vibrant city of Bristol is set to welcome back a beloved festive tradition—the Food City Speedway in Lights presented by TVA! A partnership announcement made today between the organizers and Food City has sparked excitement for this year’s event, which promises to bring even more joy to the local community. Mark your calendars, as the dazzling display will officially kick off on Friday, November 15, running through Sunday, January 4, 2025.

Holiday Magic Awaits

This year marks the 28th season of spreading holiday cheer across the Appalachian Highlands Region. With over 3 million lights illuminating more than 300 displays, visitors can traverse a spectacular five-mile route that winds through the beautiful grounds of Bristol Motor Speedway and adjacent Bristol Dragway. The journey culminates in a delightful lap around the iconic half-mile track, creating everlasting memories for families and friends.

A Major Fundraiser for Local Children

Endless smiles and laughter will fill the air, as this enchanting light show is also a significant fundraiser for the Bristol Chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities (SCC). Since its inception back in 1997, the event has raised an impressive $20 million for nearly 100 local children’s organizations across an 18-county area in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. Everyone involved works tirelessly—from staff to dedicated volunteers—to bring this holiday wonderland to life!

Exciting Partnerships and Attractions

The partnership with Food City marks a new chapter for the Speedway In Lights. Claudia Byrd, executive director of the Bristol Chapter, expressed her gratitude for Food City’s involvement, stating, “We are so proud and thankful to make this announcement that our friends at Food City are going to sign on as our new entitlement partner moving forward.” This exciting collaboration is opening the door for a host of new attractions this season.

Food City has a long-standing history with Bristol Motorsports, proudly sponsoring various racing events for over three decades. The supermarket chain’s President and CEO, Steve Smith, reflected, “Speedway In Lights is such a treasured event in our community that has passed the Christmas spirit along to visitors from all across the United States and from around the world.”

Returning Favorites and New Features

Families can expect to see many of the cherished displays that have become seasonal staples, such as The Twelve Days of Christmas, Ripley’s Sea of Illumination, Mycroft Signs Race to Space, and more. Excitingly, this year features new dynamic light displays as well as returning favorites like the stunning Candelabra and the merry Nativity Scene presented by Visit My Smokies.

Guests will also have the chance to stop at the Appalachian-themed HSN Christmas Village, where fun awaits! Roasting marshmallows, visiting Santa, and exploring local crafts are just a few of the festive activities to enjoy.

Planning Your Visit

The light show runs nightly from 6 to 10 p.m., even on special holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. The admission prices will vary depending on the night. Prices start at $20 and can go up to $35. Be sure to check out the Food City Speedway In Lights webpage for exact pricing and potential discounts.

For larger groups, options are available like vans for $85 and buses for $150. If you’re eager to avoid long lines, the Fast Lane option is also up for grabs at $75 on select nights.

Don’t Miss the Ice Rink Fun!

After enjoying the lights, guests can visit the Tri-Cities Airport Ice Rink, returning to Bristol Motor Speedway beginning November 14. Perfect for ice-skating enthusiasts, the rink promises more fun until January 12.

A Community Celebration

With support from local media partners and numerous sponsors, the Lights celebration encourages quality time for families. From special themed nights to the excitement leading up to the event, it is bound to be a special season filled with the warmth of community spirit. Let’s gather, create cherished memories, and experience the awe of the Food City Speedway In Lights together!