Visit Knoxville announces the return of Tour de Lights in partnership with Bike Walk Knoxville, taking place Saturday, December 14, 2024, 3:30-7:30 p.m. at the Knoxville Civic Auditorium and Coliseum. See schedule of events below.
This free family-friendly event will feature the annual holiday bike ride along with a Holiday Market & Expo at Mary Costa Plaza at the Knoxville Civic Auditorium and Coliseum. The ride begins at 5:30 p.m., inviting participants of all ages to embrace the holiday spirit by decorating themselves and their bikes in creative, festive themes.
The Holiday Market & Expo returns again this year to add to the festive atmosphere, taking place from 3:30 – 7:30 p.m. Attendees can enjoy holiday treats from local vendors, such as marshmallow roasting, hot chocolate and beer for purchase, and food trucks including Alebrijes Mexican Cuisine, Ronchini’s Paninis, and Your Sugar Therapy. Tour de Lights will also include a costume contest, a special visit from Santa at Peppermint Village and much more.
Participants must register separately for the Tour de Lights Ride and the Costume Contest. Both registrations can be found on the event website at tourdelightsknox.com.
Costume contest Rules: Pre-registration is required. See all details at tourdelightsknox.com.
Registering for the ride offers the chance to win a mountain bike courtesy of the Appalachian Mountain Bike Club.
Register for Tour de Lights here: tourdelightsknox.com
“We found great success hosting Tour de Lights at Mary Costa Plaza last year, and we’re looking forward to this year’s event,” said Kim Bumpas, president of Visit Knoxville. “This location and route allow us to provide an excellent experience pre- and post-ride – the perfect place for this annual holiday favorite.”
“We’re excited to continue our partnership with Visit Knoxville to host Tour de Lights,” said Lindsey Kimble, executive director of Bike Walk Knoxville. “This iconic event is beloved by so many in Knoxville and beyond, and our efforts are rewarded year after year with the joy that it brings.”
Schedule of Events
- 3:30 – 7:30 – Holiday Market & Expo and Peppermint Village
- 3:30 – 6 – Appearance & Photos with Santa at Peppermint Village (nominal fee for photo)
- 4:15 – Costume Contest Judging**
- 5:30 – Ride Starts*
- 5:45 – 7 – Stage Performances
- 7:15 – Appalachian Mountain Bike Club (AMBC) Mountain Bike Drawing*
- 7:20 – Costume Contest Winners Announced**
* Ride & AMBC Mountain Bike Contest: Must register for the bike ride for a chance to win a new mountain bike in the AMBC drawing. Each registration (whether individual or group) counts as one entry, and duplicate entries will not be accepted. Must be present at 7:15 p.m. for the drawing.
** Costume Contest: Participants will be judged on their creativity for a chance to win prizes from local businesses. Please note that registration for the contest is separate from the ride registration and does not enter participants for the AMBC mountain bike drawing. Must be present at 7:20 p.m. for the announcement.
Information for this article from Visit Knoxville.
