If you’re on your way to Bristol for the holidays, you’re in for a treat because there’s a sleigh full of fun in your future!

Bristol has plenty to keep you busy, whether you like to chill and take it easy or prefer a bit more action. To make it easy for you to plan your outings, we’ve made our very own Christmas List of the Top 17 Winter Wonderland Hotspots for Your Visit to Bristol.

The Pinnacle Speedway In Lights – This is one of Bristol’s proudest and longest-running traditions. The region’s premier holiday light show features a four-mile trek around Bristol Motor Speedway and Dragway. You’ll enjoy 3 million lights, dozens of animated light displays, a drive around the BMS oval, and a visit to Christmas Village in the infield. Best of all? Proceeds benefit Bristol Speedway Children’s Charities, which raises funds for kids’ agencies in the region. The show runs nightly through Jan. 7, 2023.

Tri-Cities Airport Ice Rink at Bristol Motor Speedway – If you want to grab some time on the ice, Bristol Motor Speedway is the place to be! Kids and adults of all ages love the chance to do a little skating on one of the only rinks in the region. You can bring your own skates or rent a pair and then show off your moves. The rink is open daily through Jan. 15! 

The Pinnacle – If you need to finish your Christmas shopping, there’s no place like the region’s largest retail experience. Not only can you shop and dine at The Pinnacle, which is loaded with dozens of shopping and dining options, but you can also enjoy Just Jump’s trampoline experience or enjoy a movie at Pinnacle 12 by Marquee Cinemas, which features two 71-foot Marquee Extreme Cinemas with Dolby Atmos sound and wonderfully comfortable recliners!

Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro – Bring the kids and enjoy the magic of the holidays at Bass Pro at The Pinnacle. Now through Christmas, kids can get a free photo with Santa and mail their letters to Santa. There are also free giveaways while supplies last, and families can enjoy the store’s wonderful aquariums and wildlife displays

Winter Wonderland in Historic Downtown Bristol – Downtown Bristol is a wonderful place to spend some time – especially during the holidays! Be sure to venture downtown to check out a new Bristol holiday tradition, which features dozens of brightly decorated lighted trees, holiday lights, and a Christmas Selfie Station at the Country Music Mural.

Paramount Theater – This multi-use performing arts center features music, dance, comedy, film, theater, and family entertainment. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the beautifully restored theater opened in 1931. Shows coming up during the holidays include Elf – The Musical, Good King Wenceslas (play), Chris Isaak, The Nutcracker, Mark Chesnutt, and Morgan Wade. 

L.C. King Mfg. – This incredible company was established in 1913 and still operates out of its original factory in Downtown Bristol. The family-owned operation, founded by Landon Clayton King, who also created the “Pointer Brand,” is now run by his great-grandson Jack King, the fourth generation of Kings to head up the business. The company makes clothes – jeans, shirts, coats, bags, hats, etc. – designed to last, and there’s a store on the premises, so you do your holiday shopping!

Kil’n Time – This is one of the largest paint-your-own pottery studios in the South and the perfect place for kids, young and old, to create wonderful gifts that have a personal touch. They offer a selection of ready-to-paint ceramics, as well as fused glass, mosaics, and weekly classes. Holidays classes include Fused Glass Ornaments, Gingerbread House Canvas Class, Snowman Kid’s Class, Red Nosed Reindeer Class, and many others!

Theatre Bristol – Theatre Bristol, originally established in 1965, is a community theatre focused on reaching children performers and audiences. During the holidays, you can enjoy “Elf – The Musical” at The Paramount on Nov. 11-13 and Nov. 18-20.

Bristol Ballet – The Bristol Ballet, established in 1948, will have three performances of The Nutcracker coming up on Dec. 3, Dec. 9, and Dec. 10.

South Holston Dam – An excursion to South Holston Lake and Dam is a must for some of the best views in Tennessee and Virginia. The earth and rockfill dam spans 1,600 feet across the South Fork Holston River, is 285 feet high, and affords visitors an incredible view of the lake and valley, making for a tremendous photo opportunity. The lake sits on the edge of the Appalachian Mountains and is bordered by Cherokee National Forest, covering 7,589 acres.

Steele Creek Park Nature Center – If you’re looking for a great indoor “outdoor” activity, the Nature Center offers up a lot of fun. The two-story, 8,000-foot educational facility, which showcases the natural history and beauty of the Southern Appalachians, houses live animals and educational displays. Guided hikes and educational programs are offered year-round.