With the holiday season right around the corner, a familiar tradition will be returning to East Tennessee. Bristol Motor Speedway announced that its seasonal Christmas light show will begin on Nov. 13. The event will last until Jan. 2.
This year marks the 24th season that this event has occurred. A long standing tradition for both the East Tennessee and Virginia region, the event draws many people to see the night illuminated with festive lights. More than 2 million lights will be scattered throughout the speedway.
Traditionally, the event includes a drive around the speedway and activities in the infield, “The Christmas Village”.
The Christmas Village usually consisted of food booths, areas for shopping and even small rides for children. A big event of the Christmas Village is visiting Santa Claus who sets up shop there every year. Families can visit and have their photo taken with good old St. Nick.
However, the current pandemic has not left the longstanding event untouched. COVID-19 regulations have been implemented to ensure the safety of the guests and even St. Nick will be practicing social distancing this year. Claudia Byrd, director of the Bristol Chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities, comments on the situation.
“Unfortunately, we don’t think it is safe to have a Santa with children sitting on Santa’s lap, and that is something that we will miss, but still there will be great opportunities with really fun things to see and do,” said Byrd to WJHL.
The Christmas Village will still be operational, however. Aside from an absent Santa Claus, the carnival rides will also be excluded this year as well. But, other festivities will continue.
Roasting marshmallows, the arts and crafts areas and other food vendors will still be present in the village. COVID-19 regulations will be implemented such as designated areas for guests to enter and exit from. Face masks will be required to attend the village.
The ice rink that also accompanies the light show will be available this year as well. Limited numbers of guests will be enforced and reservation will need to be made online in order to attend.
Headline photo: The World’s Last Great Colosseum will still be hosting its annual Christmas light show powered by TVA. Photo courtesy of Johnson City Press.