Speedway In Lights
Bristol Gears Up for Christmas Festivities
Story by Kathy Denes
Ready to take a lap around “The World’s Fastest Half-Mile” illuminated by 3,000,000 Christmas lights? For the 29th year, Tennessee’s Bristol Motor Speedway and Dragway is inviting the public to come celebrate the season.
The route of the 4-mile-long Food City Speedway in Lights, powered by TVA, starts at Bristol Dragway, entered off Highway 394. About midway through, drivers enter the iconic “Last Great Colosseum” and circle its half-mile concrete oval. After taking that memorable lap, guests can park inside the track and treat the family to the Christmas Village, presented by HSN.
The display of Speedway In Lights sponsor Food City brightens up a section of the route.
The Christmas Village, adorned in holiday decor, includes Santa’s Hut, where kids get the chance to meet the jolliest old elf. There are also carnival rides, vendors offering Christmas crafts and treats, a tubing slide, and a snow maze.
After enjoying all the village has to offer, guests will get back in their vehicles and continue the drive, which concludes at the Dragway entrance.
Ice, Ice, Baby!
Finishing the drive doesn’t have to mean it’s time to leave the speedway, though. Adding to the holiday sparkle is the Tri-Cities Airport Ice Rink at Bristol Motor Speedway, presented by Stateline Services and touted as the region’s best and longest-standing ice rink. Visitors can enjoy skating daily from Thursday, November 20, through Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. Admission is $12 for guests who bring their own skates or $15 for those who need to rent them.
The 120-by-60-foot ice rink is covered by a tent at the speedway’s North Entrance. Promotional nights and special events are offered, such as College Nights at the Ice Rink. On Tuesdays, students who present their valid college IDs at the ticket booth will get a free skate rental.
A Light For Children
Proceeds from the Speedway In Lights and affiliated events benefit Bristol Speedway Children’s Charities, which funds agencies that have helped thousands of children. The charity was founded in 1996 when Bristol Speedway became part of Speedway Motorsports, which has a Speedway Children’s Charities chapter at each of its 11 racing venues.
Claudia Byrd, the executive director of the Bristol chapter, was charged with coming up with a signature fundraising event. Inspired by her family’s tradition of enjoying holiday light displays in her hometown, Claudia suggested the speedway present a Christmas lights show. It quickly got the green light from track owner Bruton Smith. To date, thanks to the Christmas event and others throughout the year, the charity has distributed nearly $20,000,000.
“Speedway In Lights is not only the flagship fundraiser for Speedway Children’s Charities but a tradition for so many in the Tri-Cities region,” says Betsy Holleman, the charity’s senior manager for development and events. “The event has accounted for a third of our annual budget for over 25 years. It’s an opportunity to bring family out for an evening of Christmas fun, while supporting kids in our area.”
Fast Facts
Speedway In Lights begins on Friday, November 21, and continues daily from 6 through 10 p.m. into the new year, concluding on Saturday, January 3.
Prices for cars range between $25 to $35. Vans are $85, and buses are $150. Visitors can take advantage of Fast Lane presented by Citi, a speedy $75 option that provides a shorter wait time on select nights when traffic lines get long.