Christmas Cheer Shines Bright in Bristol with Speedway in Lights
BRISTOL, Tenn. — The holiday season is officially in full swing here in Bristol, and what better way to celebrate than by driving through the dazzling Food City Speedway in Lights at the iconic Bristol Motor Speedway? With its spectacular display of over 3 million holiday lights across a cozy five-mile route, this beloved tradition has been lighting up the area every evening through January 4.
A Family Tradition
Since kicking off on November 15, the Speedway in Lights has continued to draw in families, with more than 40,000 vehicles expected to roll through this season. This joyful journey takes visitors through stunning light displays, including the charming Appalachian country-themed Home Shopping Network Christmas Village and the enchanting Barter Theatre Santa Hut. Each evening, guests can bask in the glow of festive decorations and have the chance to drive on the actual racing track.
Santa’s Safari and More Festivities!
Not only can families drive through incredible light displays like the Santa’s Safari, but they can also experience the joy of roasting marshmallows around a cozy campfire. The Christmas Village is alive with excitement, featuring crafts from local vendors and plenty of photo opportunities. The village even welcomes an impressive average of 26,000 children each year to meet the jolly man in red, Santa Claus. In fact, the record for the most visits in a single night hit 1,225 back in 2015!
New Attractions
This year brings new thrills with additions like the fun-filled Bristol Turbo Slide and the SnowMazing, a gigantic inflatable maze that kids are loving. As Betsy Holleman, the senior manager of events, pointed out, these new attractions have quickly become favorites in the infield fun zone, much to the delight of children visiting the Christmas Village.
Returning Favorites
While new features add an extra sparkle, many beloved attractions are back, such as The Twelve Days of Christmas, Ripley’s Sea of Illumination, and even the festive Victorian Village. Inside the Last Great Colosseum, visitors can groove to the stunning Symphony in Lights, which twinkles with over 300,000 lights synchronized to delightful holiday tunes. The whole display is a sight to behold and certainly adds to the overall magic of the event.
Pricing and Practical Info
Visiting the Speedway in Lights comes with a new pricing structure this year, ranging from $20 to $35 for cars depending on the day. For larger groups, vans are priced at $85, while a bus will set you back $150. And if you’re looking to skip the lines, check out The Fast Lane presented by Citi, which offers a quicker entrance on busy nights for just $75.
Help Make a Difference
It’s worth noting that every dollar spent at the Speedway in Lights goes directly to the Bristol chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities. This organization aims to provide support for various local children’s initiatives in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. Since its inception back in 1997, they’ve given away over $21 million to help children, with more than $1 million distributed this year alone!
A Bit of History
Reflecting on its humble beginnings when it started as the Fantasy of Lights, the event has grown immensely popular since its first public reveal back on November 21, 1997. At that time, the entry fee was a mere $5 per car—and who would’ve thought that it would lead to the vibrant display of lights we enjoy today?
So, why not grab your family, hop in the car, and take a trip to Bristol Motor Speedway for a magical night of lights? With a mix of new attractions and cherished traditions, the Speedway in Lights is sure to create lasting memories this holiday season!
