What is Tour de Lights?
Tour de Lights is a signature holiday event presented by Visit Knoxville and Bike Walk Knoxville!
Prepare to immerse yourself in holiday joy with Tour de Lights, the fantastic, free, and family-friendly holiday celebration and bike ride presented by Visit Knoxville and Bike Walk Knoxville. Tour de Lights serves as a unifying celebration, engaging neighborhoods, local businesses, and the community, who gather to bask in the festive atmosphere. We encourage all participants to get into the holiday spirit by decorating themselves and their bikes.
How many years has Tour de Lights been taking place?
2026 marks the 20th year of Tour de Lights in Knoxville! 2019 was Bike Walk Knoxville's first time hosting the event in collaboration with Visit Knoxville.
Do I need to register for the ride?
To be entered to win a full bike service package (labor only, cost of parts not included) from Two Bikes, be sure to register for the ride. If you are registering as a group in the costume contest, please be aware that only one registration can be entered per group (no duplicates are allowed). Stay tuned for the registration link!
Is there a fee to participate in Tour de Lights?
Participating in the Tour de Lights ride is completely free! However, if you'd like to purchase food and drink from the businesses located outside of Covenant Health Park there will be a cost associated.
Do I need to dress up to participate?
No. Costumes and decorations are not required, but highly encouraged! If you plan to dress up, you can enter to win fun prizes through our costume contest!
To participate in the contest, you MUST register online by 3:15 PM Saturday, December 12th. Stay tuned for the registration link!
I don't ride fast — is this for me?
Tour de Lights is not a race or a competition. The ride has been thoughtfully crafted to accommodate participants of all ages and cycling skill levels, even those who are towing children in trailers. We will travel at an average speed below 8 mph, which is generally a comfortable pace for most casual riders and an easy pace for experienced cyclists. Should you find that you can’t keep up with the group, you can leave the ride at any time and join us back at Covenant Health Park for post-ride fun.
Is there a minimum age for the ride?
Your child's ability to participate depends on their proficiency with biking. Some 5-year-olds can easily handle the five-mile ride, while there are 10-year-olds who may struggle. If your child has never ridden on the street, or has never ridden five miles (on greenways, for example), this is not the time to try it. Make sure to review the route ahead of time, as it includes some hills. If you aren’t sure if this event is right for your child, try a practice ride of similar distance. We want everyone to be comfortable and have fun at Tour de Lights!
If your child doesn't have strong bike handling skills, they can participate in a trailer or on a tag-a-long/trail-a-bike. With over 1,000 people cycling together, crowded streets pose a safety risk when kids have difficulty controlling their bikes and might unexpectedly swerve.
It cannot be stressed enough that children must be able to pay attention to those around them and follow instructions from their guardians, particularly in a crowded and dimly lit environment. Make sure your child knows the importance of staying close to you!
What time should I arrive?
We invite everyone to enjoy holiday offerings at Covenant Health Park which begin at 3:30 pm. If you plan to join us only for the bike ride, we will begin lining up at the start line at 5:30 pm and the ride will start at 6:00 pm. Please be sure to allow enough time to find parking (if you are driving), unload your bike, put your gear and helmet on, and get to the staging area on Stadium way before the ride begins.
Where should I park?
Parking will be available at several locations! You can find parking for a fee at the lot across from Covenant Health Park under the James White Parkway Bridge, as well as the lots around the stadium. Downtown parking garages may be less crowded and are a short ride to Covenant Health Park! For parking options, please consult the Visit Knoxville Downtown Parking Map.
I need a bike for the ride! Where can I rent one?
There are several places in Knoxville to rent bicycles! Check out this guide from Visit Knoxville and Legacy Parks for more information.
Do I need to wear a helmet?
Children under age 16 are required to wear a helmet by law. We strongly encourage riders of all ages to wear helmets, for their own safety and to set a positive example for younger riders.
Do I need a headlight?
By law, your bicycle must be fitted with a front white headlight and a red rear reflector/light to ensure safe riding in low-light conditions. It's important to note that Tour de Lights will conclude after sunset, making these lighting requirements especially vital for the event.
What happens if it rains?
Come rain or shine, Tour de Lights is on! However, in the event of severe weather, please reference our social media for comprehensive updates. Our primary concern is to guarantee a safe environment for all participants to relish the ride.
What NOT to bring:
- No outside food and beverage
- Large backpacks (all bags are subject to search)
- Flammable or explosive items of any kind
- Glass bottles or containers
If you have additional questions, please contact Bike Walk Knoxville Executive Director at [email protected].