Illustration of skaters on a frozen woodland pond with a bonfire on the bank and lanterns in the trees (Bright Lights 5K and Fun Run)
Other Christmas Activities

Bright Lights 5K and Fun Run

Participants run or walk a 5K or a one-mile fun run along illuminated garden pathways, paved roads, and natural trails. Registration includes access to a sneak peek after-party to view the holiday light displays before they open to the general public. Finishers receive a custom ornament for the fun run or a finisher medal for the 5K.

Wed, Nov 25, 2026

Website / Tickets

See more other Christmas activities near Belmont

Illustration of two skaters in red coats and knitted hats on a small ice rink beside a snowman, trees and a glowing hut (Rock Hill Ice Sculptures) Rock Hill Ice Sculptures Rock Hill · 17 mi Illustration of a knitted family in hats and mittens in a snowy street with a snowman and glowing string lights (Christmas Town U.S.A.®) Christmas Town U.S.A.® McAdenville · 6 mi Illustration of skaters on a frozen woodland pond with a bonfire on the bank and lanterns in the trees (Winter at Whitewater) Winter at Whitewater Charlotte · 8 mi Illustration of skaters on an outdoor plaza rink ringed with lights and a child holding a penguin skate aid (Birkdale on Ice) Birkdale on Ice Huntersville · 22 mi Illustration of a dog in a scarf sitting on Santa's knee for a photo while its owner laughs (Indian Land Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting) Indian Land Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting Indian Land · 19 mi Illustration of Santa reading a storybook to children sitting on cushions beside a decorated tree (Christmas in Cramerton) Christmas in Cramerton Cramerton · 5 mi

Plan Your Visit

Tickets

5K: $60.25 Early Bird Registration (Oct 6–Oct 26), $65.55 Regular Registration (Oct 27–Nov 22), and $70.85 Last Chance Pricing (Nov 23–Nov 25). 1-ish Mile Fun Run: $33.75 Early Bird Registration (Oct 6–Oct 26), $39.05 Regular Registration (Oct 27–Nov 22), and $44.35 Last Chance Pricing (Nov 23–Nov 25). Children 2 and under are free; all others wishing to enter the Holiday Lights sneak peek after party must register for the 5K or 1 Mile Fun Run. Registration includes a race bib, a custom ornament for the 1 Mile or a finisher medal for the 5K, a chance at a custom top 3 race medal, and free entry to the lights display sneak peek party.

Hours

Packet pickup: Tue Nov 24 at 4:00 PM and Wed Nov 25 at 4:00 PM; entry gates close at 5:50 PM and reopen at 6:20 PM; 5K starts at 6:00 PM; 1-ish Mile Fun Run starts at 6:45 PM; 5K awards and the sneak peek after party are at 7:00 PM; Garden closes at 9:00 PM.

Ages

All ages (children 2 and under are free)

Accessibility

The multi-surface course covers paved roads, natural trails, and garden pathways, and is not stroller-friendly though manageable with a running or hiking stroller.

Location

See it and nearby events on the map
Daniel Stowe Conservancy · 6500 South New Hope Road, Belmont, NC 28012 Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 ⚪ (4/5)

Best For

Families and casual runners

Vibe

Festive and active

Energy Level

High

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

High

Tips & Advice

  • Register for either the 5K or Fun Run if you want to attend the lights-display sneak peek party; children aged two and under are free.
  • Choose the 5K for a finisher medal or the Fun Run for a custom ornament.
  • Use a running or hiking stroller if needed; the course is not stroller-friendly and includes trails and garden pathways.
  • Pick up your race packet at the available pickup session before the event or on event day.
  • Consider Refund Protection when registering, since refunds are otherwise unavailable and weather conditions may lead to changes or cancellation.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Children aged two and under enter free; everyone else must register for the 5K or Fun Run to attend the lights sneak-peek after-party.
  • Early-bird registration is offered for both the 5K and the Fun Run.
  • The November 25 race includes entry to a Holidays at the Garden sneak-peek after-party before the display opens to the public.
  • The 5K and one-mile Fun Run have separate starts; registration is available for either distance.
  • 5K registration includes a finisher medal; Fun Run registration includes a custom ornament.

Links & Contact

Website / Tickets Contact

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can participants choose between different distances?

Yes. Registration is available for the 5K or the roughly one-mile Fun Run; participants can run or walk.

What does registration include?

Registration includes a race bib, a custom ornament for the Fun Run or a finisher medal for the 5K, a chance at a top-three race medal, and entry to the lights-display sneak peek party.

Can children attend the after-party without registering?

Children aged two and under are free. Everyone else who wants to enter the sneak peek party must register for the 5K or Fun Run.

Is the course suitable for strollers?

The course is not stroller-friendly, but it can be done with a running or hiking stroller. It uses paved roads, natural trails, and garden pathways.

What happens if conditions are unfavorable, and are refunds available?

Race management may cancel or modify the event because of unfavorable conditions. Refunds are not available unless you enrolled in the Refund Protection Program; cancellations due to Acts of God are not refundable.

Browse Christmas in Gastonia

Illustration of felt figures in red hats and sweaters sharing mugs of cocoa at a small table near decorated trees Parties16 events Illustration of a house and yard glowing with string lights beside a snowman at dusk Lights9 events Illustration of a snowy holiday market stall with snowmen in knit hats and scarves, pine trees and glowing string lights Markets15 events Illustration of felt snowman figures in red scarves and hats on a small snowy stage with red curtains and Christmas trees Shows20 events Illustration of a snowy town square with a lit Christmas tree, families in scarves and a snowman Unique & Unusual33 events MapNearby

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

✏️ Suggest a correction to this listing

Contributors & Updates

Event details verified: