Frequently Asked Questions

Strollers

Runners are not permitted to push strollers. For small children, please use a carrier.

Pets

Pets are not permitted at Light the Way 5K.

Route

For the 2026 Light the Way 5K, the event course was re-certified to provide the best race experience. The race start location next to Dollywood’s toll booths allowed for a more streamlined course route; more than half of the course for this year's race again will be off-park, first utilizing Dollywood's tram road and then concluding the race through Dollywood's 6 million Christmas lights. The course will be cleared of all participants at 12:30am. If you are not sure that you can complete the 5K in 90 minutes without stopping , we highly recommend that you register for the 1-mile Fun Walk.

Registration

Online registration is highly encouraged for Light the Way 5K as the race is limited to 2,000 participants. Race day registration will take place from 12 noon to 9 p.m. at Dollywood’s Splash Country. There are no refunds or transfers on race registrations. A completed race waiver is required as part of your registration.

Pricing

Until June 1: $50

June 2-November 13: $55

Packet Pickup
Information Coming Soon

· Once registration closes at 9:00 p.m. at Splash Country, NO registrations will be taken in person or via the Light the Way 5K website.

There will be NO PACKET PICK-UP at Dollywood’s front gate prior to race.

Parking

The race begins at 11 p.m. If you come to the park the day of the race before Dollywood closes at 9 p.m., there will be a charge for parking.

If Dollywood is still open when you arrive, do not park in a designated disabled parking space.

If you would like to come early and enjoy all that Dollywood’s award-winning Smoky Mountain Christmas festival has to offer, please visit www.dollywood.com for information on pricing and admission tickets.

About the Race

The race will begin Toll Booths. Volunteers will be on hand to help direct you. There will be no bag check-in at the race.

Runners will begin at the Toll Booths utilizing Dollywood’s tram road and then concluding the race through Dollywood’s 6 million Christmas lights. If the six million holiday lights aren’t enough, runners will receive a red blinking nose in honor of our favorite reindeer! Refreshments will be served post-race for race participants. Participants are welcome to wear a fun seasonal costume if they so choose.

Questions? Email info@keepsevierbeautiful.org