The Pinnacle Speedway in Lights powered by TVA, a holiday light spectacular that serves as one of the primary annual fundraisers for the Bristol Chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities, returns for a 24th season on Friday, Nov. 13.
Long hailed as the premier holiday display in the Appalachian Highlands Region, The Pinnacle Speedway in Lights powered by TVA spreads across a four-mile route illuminated by more than 2 million lights among 250 displays. A trip through the light show sends guests down historic Bristol Dragway and all throughout the property, culminating with a lap around the iconic Bristol Motor Speedway half-mile oval.
“What began as a simple signature fundraising event has evolved into a tradition-rich holiday treat for thousands of visitors each year,” said Claudia Byrd, executive director of the Bristol chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities, which raises money for child focused agencies in the surrounding 18-county region.
“The Pinnacle Speedway in Lights provides an opportunity to get together with loved ones for an evening of amplifying the holiday spirit,” Byrd continued. “While enjoying a tour of the amazing lights, our guests are simultaneously providing significant help for kids in need throughout the 18 counties in the Appalachian Highlands Region.”
The Pinnacle Speedway In Lights route offers many popular displays, including the fan-favorite Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies Sea of Illumination, the festive Ballad Health Hospital display, Mycroft Signs Race to Space, Santa Vision, The Dueling Dragsters, Symphony in Lights, NASCAR Pit Stop, The Twelve Days of Christmas, Dinosaur Village and Ripley's Penguin Playhouse.
At the end of the route, guests can visit the popular Christmas Village. Located in the infield of the legendary oval, the Christmas Village allows guests to take advantage of photo opportunities in front of several special holiday displays, roast marshmallows over an open fire, shop with many local vendors and check out some great arts and crafts. This area will have a slightly different feel this year, with specific in and out routing for guests to encourage a socially-distanced experience. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 protocols, the carnival rides and visits with Santa will not be available in the village this year. All guests in the Christmas Village will be required to wear masks.
After touring the Pinnacle Speedway in Lights route, guests are encouraged to go ice skating at BMS in the Tri-Cities Airport Ice Rink presented by HVAC. The Ice Rink, available by advance registration, will have a reduced capacity of skaters each night due to social distancing protocols. Admission is $12 per skater Monday-Thursday, and $15 per skater Friday-Sunday. The Ice Rink is open from Thursday, Nov. 12 until Sunday, Jan. 10. The Ice Rink will be closed on Mondays from Nov. 16-Dec. 14. Hours of operation vary from day to day, so guests should review the schedule in advance by clicking here.
The Pinnacle Speedway in Lights runs through Saturday, Jan. 2. The event costs $20 for cars from Sunday through Thursday and $25 on Friday and Saturday nights. For larger groups, vans are $50 and buses are $125. Visitors can take advantage of the Jingle Bell Lane presented by Citi (fast pass), a speedy $50 option which provides a shorter wait time on select nights when traffic lines get long.
For more information about the Pinnacle Speedway In Lights powered by TVA, please click here. For more information about the BMS chapter of Speedway Children's Charities, please click here.