Dollywood's Light The Way 5K
Participants take part in a nighttime chip-timed run during the Smoky Mountain Christmas festival. The course starts off-park along the tram road before guiding runners through the theme park surrounded by over six million holiday lights. All finishers receive a commemorative medal upon crossing the finish line.
What to Expect
Nighttime run surrounded by Dollywood's six million Christmas lights.
Event Details
Ages
All ages (strollers not allowed)
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
HFE Share It Forward, Inc.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Runners who enjoy festive nighttime events
Vibe
Festive and active
Energy Level
High
Budget
$$$
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Registration is $50 until June 1 and $55 from June 2 through November 13. – Get tickets
- Hours: The 5K begins at 11 p.m. Friday; the course is cleared by 12:30 a.m. The 1 Mile Fun Walk listing shows 11:20 p.m.–12:30 a.m.
- Accessibility: Strollers are strictly not allowed on the course.
Tips & Advice
- The in-person 5K and Fun Walk are marked sold out; choose a listed virtual option if you still want to participate.
- If you may not finish the 5K within 90 minutes without stopping, choose the 1-mile Fun Walk.
- Leave strollers at home because they are not allowed anywhere along the 5K race course.
- If you receive an award, stay to collect it in person; awards will not be mailed.
- Dress in warm layers for the nighttime outdoor run, as the route uses Dollywood's tram road and continues through the park.
Special Events & Promotions
- New for 2026: the Knoxville Track Club runs and chip-times the race
- Virtual 5K and virtual 1 Mile Fun Walk options, sold separately and still open
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still sign up?
The in-person 5K and the 1 Mile Fun Walk are both full. Sign-up is still open for the virtual 5K and the virtual 1 Mile Fun Walk.
What is the course like?
More than half the course is off-park. Runners start on Dollywood's tram road, then finish through the park's 6 million Christmas lights. The Knoxville Track Club chip-times the race.
What if I can't run a 5K in 90 minutes?
If you can't finish in 90 minutes without stopping, the organizers strongly recommend the 1-mile Fun Walk instead.
Can I bring a stroller?
No. Strollers are not allowed.
What do finishers get?
Every 2026 participant gets a commemorative medal at the finish line. Awards go to the top three finishers overall and the top three men and women. You must be there to collect an award, because awards are not mailed.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.