As the winter season descends upon us, Tennessee lights up, quite literally, with an array of holiday experiences that sparkle across the state. From the high-speed thrills of Bristol’s Speedway In Lights to the quaint charm of the "Let it Glow" light show at Union City's Discovery Park of America, there's no shortage of twinkling festivities to get into the holiday spirit this year.

Making a lap around the "World's Fastest Half-Mile," the Speedway In Lights boasts a four-mile spectacle, lit up from Nov. 15 to Jan. 4. Visiting families and individuals can take advantage of the FAST LANE ticket option to avoid long lines, offering guests the quickest access to the front of the line.

For those with a sweet tooth, downtown Johnson City transforms into a Candy Land Christmas until Jan. 5, featuring more than one million lights and 180 decorated trees. Not to be missed, the Grand Tree Lighting takes place on Nov. 30, officially kicking off the seasonal joy. Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Christmas in Pigeon Forge, embedding over six million lights within its theme park, blends festive cheer with the thrills of its renowned rides. Families might also be interested in the Tennessee Playcation Kid’s Guide, an initiative sparked by Dolly Parton herself to ignite creativity during the holiday escape.

In Chattanooga, Enchanted Garden of Light invites guests to wander through a bedazzling experience atop Lookout Mountain, featuring the newly opened Carter Cliffs, where visiting Santa is a must. Meanwhile, Knoxville's Holidays On Ice, running from Nov. 29 to Jan. 5, invites skaters to glide through a winter fantasy under thematic nights.

Further enriching the state's holiday allure is the Christmas On The Cumberland in Clarksville, which adorns McGregor Park with over a million lights, right by the scenic Riverwalk. Just as enchanting, the Cheekwood Estate in Nashville welcomes visitors to its 10th annual Holiday LIGHTS event, where over a million lights guide a magical path through the gardens.

Another major attraction, The Dancing Lights of Christmas in Lebanon, dazzles with a 2.5-mile route of synchronized lights, music, and a Santa's Village complete with carnival rides. For a more relaxed experience, aim for a weekday visit, when crowds tend to thin out and visitors can enjoy a leisurely drive full of festive tunes and illuminated sights.

Memphis doesn't fall short on festivities either, with the Memphis Zoo's Zoo Lights, open until Jan. 4, transforming the grounds into a seasonally spectacular sight. The adjacent Memphis Botanical Gardens also invites families and visitors to witness their Holiday Wonders for a touch of extra merriment.

To close out the season's offerings, Discovery Park of America's “Let it Glow” light show charms with a marriage of drive-thru and walk-thru light displays, open until Dec. 30. For those hoping to capture the holiday moment, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on hand for photos on several select dates.

Guided by initiatives like these, the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development continues to enhance the state's reputation as a dynamic holiday destination. Through captivating visual displays and enchanting experiences, Tennessee invites holidaymakers from near and far to create new traditions and memories amid its festive glow.