The free holiday bike ride is set for Dec. 12 at Covenant Health Park, featuring festive activities, a costume contest and a five-mile ride through downtown Knoxville.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (Smokies.LIVE Events Center) — A popular holiday tradition is returning to Knoxville with a new starting location and route for 2026.
Visit Knoxville, in partnership with Bike Walk Knoxville, announced the return of Tour de Lights on Saturday, Dec. 12, at Covenant Health Park.
The free, family-friendly celebration will run from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m., with a group bicycle ride beginning at 6 p.m. Participants will travel approximately five miles through Knoxville’s Old City, historic Fourth and Gill neighborhood and downtown.
Riders are encouraged to dress in holiday attire and decorate their bicycles. Those who prefer to stay off the bikes can enjoy the festivities and cheer on participants along the route.
Activities at Covenant Health Park will include holiday music, firepits, marshmallow roasting, children’s activities and a mailbox for letters to Santa. Hot chocolate, beer and spirits will be available for purchase, and local eateries at the ballpark will be open.
The event also will feature a holiday costume contest with three categories: Most Creative Bike, Best Themed Group and Most Festive Helmet.
Participants must register online by 3:15 p.m. Dec. 12, to enter the contest. Onsite costume contest registration will not be available. Judging begins at 5 p.m., with winners announced at 7:15 p.m.
Individual and group registrations also include one entry into a prize drawing for a chance to win one year of bicycle service from Two Bikes, valued at up to $1,000 in labor. The winner must be present for the 7:15 p.m. drawing.
Tour de Lights participants also will receive free admission to the Smokies Winter Wonderland Light Show at Covenant Health Park, which opens at 7:30 p.m. that evening.
Visit Knoxville President Kim Bumpas said the event has become a treasured holiday tradition that brings the community together.
Organizers said the new location and route will provide a fresh experience while continuing the event’s focus on community, cycling and holiday fun.
Rider registration is encouraged, and participants can find details about the ride and costume contest at Visit Knoxville’s Tour de Lights website.
The Old City Market’s holiday edition will take place Sunday, Dec. 13, at Covenant Health Park. The Maker Market will not be part of Tour de Lights in 2026.
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