It’s the time of the year when everyone is overtaken by the holiday spirit. Christmas trees are being decorated. Campus is filled with staff and students adorned in sweaters and Santa hats. Christmas lights keep campus shining under the moon, and most importantly, Bristol Motor Speedway in Lights has returned.
Speedway in Lights opened Nov. 17 and does not close until Jan. 6. For only $15 Sunday through Thursday and $20 Friday through Saturday, holiday-lovers can drive through millions of brilliant light displays, visit the Christmas Village and begin a holiday tradition. Bristol Motor Speedway is a great place to celebrate the end of finals and the upcoming holidays.
“I go every year usually at the end of finals, even in high-school,” said ETSU student Ashley Putnam. “It gets me in the spirit and ready for winter break. It’s my end-of-semester tradition and celebration with my family.”
Not everyone can be with family during the holiday season, but Bristol Motor Speedway can help provide a wonderful holiday season for visitors. Speedway in Lights is open even on major holidays.
If the price is what’s keeping you from a could-be holiday tradition, discounts are offered Sunday through Thursday by nightly sponsors.
Some more holiday fun is available at an extra cost. In the Christmas Village, several sweet treats, carnival rides and photographs with Santa are available for purchase. Located at the Speedway is the only ice skating rink within 90 minutes of the Tri-Cities. It is is only five dollars per skater and two dollars to rent skates.
Alternative ride experiences are also available to visitors. The BMS Express is a school bus transformed into a local Polar Express. Santa’s Speedway Sleigh is an open air tram ride complete with blankets and a tram tour guide through the lights. A ride on the BMS Express is $10 per person, and a seat on Santa’s sleigh is available for $8 per person.
This is a holiday experience that you don’t want to miss. If you don’t believe me, take ETSU student Ashley Putnam’s word for it.
“The first time I went, there were these two exchange students that I talked to. They had never seen anything like it, and neither had I,” said Putnam. “Their minds were blown, I think, and not just because they tried their first s’mores that night in the Christmas Village.”
