Rocket City Trash Pandas vs Columbus Clingstones (Home game)
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Lace up your running shoes for a truly enchanting holiday tradition at the Huntsville Botanical Garden. The Galaxy of Lights 5K Race offers families a rare chance to experience the garden's spectacular light displays on foot before the driving tour opens for the season. Runners of all ages and abilities will wind through 3.1 miles of glittering holiday scenes, creating memories under thousands of twinkling lights that transform the garden into a winter wonderland. The race takes place Monday, November 30, 2026, with two start waves at 6:00 and 6:30 p.m. departing from Grisham Pavilion. The mostly paved course includes a few short gravel sections, making it accessible for confident young runners and walking families alike. Registration closes November 25 at 10:00 p.m., and costs are available through the garden's website. After crossing the finish line, participants can refuel with complimentary refreshments in the Nichols Arbor while comparing their favorite light displays. Plan to arrive early so spectators can grab snacks near the pavilion starting at 5:30 p.m. and claim good cheering spots along the route. Note that strollers, pets, and bikes aren't permitted on the timed course for safety reasons, though younger children who prefer a shorter distance can check out the separate 3K Fun Run option. For families with elementary-aged kids and up who are comfortable with a 5K distance, this is a festive way to stay active during the holiday season while enjoying one of North Alabama's most beloved light shows from a unique perspective.
Kick off the holiday season with a jog through twinkling wonder at the Galaxy of Lights 3k Fun Run. This un-timed event offers families a rare chance to experience the Huntsville Botanical Garden's beloved light display on foot before it opens to car traffic. The 1.8-mile course winds beneath thousands of sparkling holiday lights, transforming a typical evening run into a festive adventure that's perfect for runners of all levels — or anyone who simply wants to stroll through the illuminated winter wonderland at their own pace. The fun run takes place Tuesday, December 1, 2026, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Grisham Pavilion on Bob Wallace Avenue. Registration is required and closes November 25 at 10:00 p.m. Central Time. The course is mostly paved with occasional gravel sections, and strollers are welcome for families with little ones. Children age 3 and up need their own registration to participate and receive the commemorative t-shirt, though younger siblings can tag along unregistered. After crossing the finish line, registered participants can refuel with complimentary refreshments inside the Nichols Arbor. Plan to arrive early if you're bringing spectators — friends and family can cheer from designated areas and purchase refreshments starting at 5:30 p.m. near the pavilion, though only registered runners will access the light trail itself. Note that pets, headphones, and non-registered walkers aren't permitted on the course. All registrations are final and non-refundable, so double-check your family's availability before signing up for this magical pre-season preview of Galaxy of Lights.