Dollywood's Light The Way 5k 2026

Dollywood's Light The Way 5K is a nighttime 5K in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, run through the park's Christmas lights during the Smoky Mountain Christmas festival. The race begins near Dollywood's toll booths on Dollywood Parks Boulevard, offering runners a route after dark integrated with the theme park's holiday display, with millions of lights surrounding them as they approach the finish. The course follows Dollywood's tram road initially, with over half of the route situated outside the park, before directing runners back through the Christmas lights to conclude the race. The course has been re-certified, participants must be clear by 12:30 a.m., and individuals uncertain of finishing the 5K within 90 minutes are directed to the 1-mile Fun Walk. It appeals to runners seeking a festive 5K rather than a typical road race, along with walkers and families extending a Dollywood holiday weekend.