With Thanksgiving and finals quickly approaching, students are looking ahead toward the holidays and the time they will be spending at home.
After the semester finishes Dec. 10, students will have over a month of time to spend soaking in the time off. Although the pandemic has shifted how students would normally celebrate winter break, areas around the Tri-Cities are still working to have events with some being virtual or socially distanced.
Per tradition, many Tri-Cities residents are familiar with the Bristol Motor Speedway’s “Pinnacle Speedway in Lights”. This year will offer more lights and visitors can even do their own lap around the concrete oval. The light show will run every day from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., ending on Jan. 2.
The Tri-Cities Airport Ice Rink at Bristol Motor Speedway will also be open through Jan. 2, but with expected advanced booking. There will be limited capacity and requirements to wear masks and maintain social distancing. If interested in visiting either of these attractions, visit bristolmotorspeedway.com for more information.
In the spirit of Christmas, Tweetsie Railroad will be hosting their own weekend celebrations in Blowing Rock, North Carolina, which is less than two hours away from Johnson City. Tweetsie offers train rides around the park along with amusement rides and outdoor activities. Tweetsie’s website promotes that face masks are required over the age of 5, and they have implemented strict cleaning protocols to ensure cleanliness and safety for the rides.
A new twist on the holiday celebration is the Celtic Christmas Party on Dec. 11, starting at 5 p.m. From the Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site, the Appalachian Highland Celts will be hosting a night of social gathering, featuring some traditional Celtic food and Celtic-style holiday tunes. The event is free and open to the public.
In giving back, Capone’s will have its Tunes for Tykes toy drive and fundraiser Dec. 12 at 6 p.m. Their musical lineup features Daniel Davis of Folk Soul Revival, 49 Winchester, Kentucky Ruckus and others. The money raised will go to benefit patients and families of Blue Mountain Therapy. Tickets are $20 and are encouraged to be purchased online given the limited capacity.
JRH Brewing will resume Open Mic Night on Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. People of all ages are welcome, and it is noted to be pet-friendly. A sign-up sheet will be placed out an hour before the event, and participants will be asked to pick a 10 to 15 minute time slot. Social distancing and masks while ordering will be enforced, and there will be a physical barrier between the performer and audience.
An online alternative to setting the seasonal mood would be virtually attending the Kingsport Ballet’s Nutcracker. Partnering with the Niswonger Performing Arts Center, Kingsport Ballet will have a livestream set up for Dec. 18 at 7 p.m. For those interested in attending, call 423-378-3967 or email kingsportballet@gmail.com for more information.
Outside of these events, there is a focus to prioritize physical and mental health. Even if that means taking a break from normally going out during the holidays, arranging virtual meetings with friends to play games like Among Us or watching a movie on Netflix or Disney+ with a loved one. Safety is the main priority of holiday festivities in 2020.
You must be logged in to post a comment.