KNOXVILLE, TN (November 5, 2025) – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Visit Knoxville is pleased to announce the return of community favorite Tour de Lights in partnership with Bike Walk Knoxville, taking place December 13, 2025. This free family-friendly event will feature the annual holiday bike ride along with a Holiday Market at Mary Costa Plaza at the Knoxville Civic Auditorium and Coliseum. The ride begins at 5:30pm, inviting participants of all ages to embrace the holiday spirit by decorating themselves and their bikes in creative, festive themes.
Returning for its third year, the Holiday Market will add to the festive atmosphere, taking place from 3:30pm to 7:30pm. With local vendors, marshmallow roasting, hot chocolate and beer for purchase, and food trucks including Alebrijes Mexican Cuisine, Ronchini’s Paninis, and Your Sugar Therapy, attendees can enjoy various holiday treats. Tour de Lights will also include a costume contest. The Peppermint Village will feature face painting and balloon creations by Twisted Whimsies and more. Take advantage of the complimentary and secure Bike Valet while enjoying the pre-and post-ride festivities.
For 2025, both the Tour de Lights Ride and Costume Contest registrations are in one place. Another component of this year’s event is that registration includes a chance to win one year of free service up to $1,000 (labor only, no parts) to be used within one year on an unlimited number of bikes, courtesy of Two Bikes.
Register for Tour de Lights here: https://www.visitknoxville.com/tour-de-lights/
“The success of hosting Tour de Lights at Mary Costa Plaza last year continues, and we’re excited to bring this event back for 2025,” said Kim Bumpas, President of Visit Knoxville. “We received so much positive feedback on all the components that make this a fun event for everyone.”
“We’re excited to continue our partnership with Visit Knoxville to host Tour de Lights,” said Lindsey Kimble, Executive Director of Bike Walk Knoxville. “We’re committed to a safe and fun event that brings so much joy to the community.”
Schedule of Events
• 3:30pm – 7:30pm – Holiday Market and Peppermint Village
• 4:15pm – Costume Contest Judging**
• 5:30pm – Ride Starts*
• 5:45pm – 7:00pm – Stage Performances
• 7:15pm – Prize Drawing*
• 7:20pm – Costume Contest Winners Announced**
*Prize Drawing: Must register for the bike ride for a chance to win one year of free service up to $1,000 (labor only, no parts) to be used within one year on an unlimited number of bikes, courtesy of Two Bikes. Each registration (whether individual or group) counts as ONE entry, and duplicate entries will not be accepted. Must be present at 7:15pm for the drawing.
**Costume Contest: Participants will be judged on their creativity for a chance to win prizes from local businesses. Must be present at 7:20pm for the announcement.
2025 Costume Contest Categories:
• Most Creative Bike
• Best Themed Group (2–6 participants)
• Most Festive Helmet
Contest Rules:
• Check-in by 4:00pm behind the stage at Mary Costa Plaza (MUST be in costume upon check-in).
• Costume judging begins at 4:15pm (Categories will be judged one at a time).
• Ride begins at 5:30pm.
• Winners will be announced after the ride on the stage. You must be present to win.
• No onsite registrations will be accepted for the Costume Contest. Pre-registration is required.
Safety Information
It is the goal of Visit Knoxville and Bike Walk Knoxville for everyone to be safe and have fun while participating in the Tour de Lights bike ride. There are some challenges that go along with riding with over a thousand other bicyclists. Please check out safety tips here.
Road Closures and Parking Information
Tour de Lights participants are recommended to park in the A or B garages at the Knoxville Civic Auditorium and Coliseum. Parking in these garages will be $10, card only. Please note there are other events taking place around this time including the Nativity Pageant of Knoxville at 3pm at the Coliseum and the Oak Ridge Academy of Dance Holiday Spectacular at 7pm at the Auditorium, so plan accordingly. Closure on Eastbound Howard Baker Jr. Drive at Hall of Fame Drive to Hill Avenue starting at 4pm.
More information can be found here: https://www.visitknoxville.com/tour-de-lights/
Additional FAQs can be found here: https://www.bwknox.org/tdlfaq
Media: click here for route map.
ABOUT VISIT KNOXVILLE
Visit Knoxville (Knoxville Convention and Visitors Bureau) is the official CVB for the City of Knoxville and Knox County. Visit Knoxville is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, private company that works together with the community, business leaders and local and state government to further develop Knoxville as a premier leisure, meetings and travel destination. Tourism is the second highest grossing industry in the state of Tennessee. Knoxville/Knox County annually produces over $1 billion in travel spending. For more information, visit visitknoxville.com and follow on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
ABOUT BIKE WALK KNOXVILLE
Bike Walk Knoxville works to make the Knoxville region a better place to bike and walk for people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving as the active transportation subject matter expert to the Knoxville region. Our signature annual events include Tour de Lights and Open Streets Knoxville. To learn more, visit bwknox.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
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Kristen Combs
Director of Communications
Visit Knoxville
865.306.4341
kcombs@knoxville.org
